New Personal Best

sooner_ed · 19-Feb-05, 05:29 PM

Just thought I would share a milestone.
For those who don't know me, I run in addition to my bodybuilding. I'm preparing for the half-marathon in Oklahoma City in April.
Before last week, I was running and lifting six days a week. Given the physical demands of my new job, I am now lifting three days a week and running three days a week--lifting Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays--running Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays--resting Sunday.
In preparation for the half-marathon, I run a long training run with my running club on Saturdays. My previous long run had been 10 miles. And I have done that only once in the last 17-1/2 years, just about three weeks ago. Today, I was able to run 16 miles

Did it in two hours and 40 minutes, which puts me, given that pace, at finishing a full marathon in four hours, but definitely reaching my short term goal of running a half-marathon in under two hours

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Whether it's bodybuilding or running, there is nothing like establishing new personal bests, is there?
With my new weightlifting equipment, within the last two weeks, I have established new personal bests with the bench press and now running. Having the proper equipment is crucial in our quest to be the best in what we do. Although I'm on the lower end of strength, at least I have room to grow now. I didn't start weightlifting until one year ago (March 1st, 2004) so I bought a little cheap bench that maxed at 160 pounds. I've now worked my way up to a 300 pound olympic barbell set. Hopefully in the next couple of years or so, I will be up there with you big guys!! For my bench, I'm now lifting 165 pounds two sets of 12 reps. Perhaps it's time to move on to 170 even if it's only one set, ya think?

And by the way, a quick question:

I've heard this and am assuming this is a benchmark of sorts. I've heard people say if you can lift your bodyweight, you're doing good. Is that a good benchmark? I weigh 168 and am lifting 165 for two sets of 10. So am I on target?

Well, given the last couple of weeks, I'm feeling pretty good about my progress and just wanted to share it with my good friends here at DiscussFitness.
So for those of you just starting out and looking for a little motivation or just need to know if it can be done, just take a look at my progress pics and see what I looked like at this time a year ago. I couldn't even run one mile without stopping and walking at this time a year ago and started benching 80 pounds with one set of 10. A year later I'm 55 pounds lighter, benching 165 with two sets of 10 and running 16 miles. I don't say all of that to brag. I just want those of you who are just beginning or wondering if you can do it, that it is possible. Just have a plan and stick to the plan. With hard work and dedication, you CAN make it happen

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Lift2Live · 19-Feb-05, 05:55 PM

First off, congratulations on the new best! I give runners alot of credit. It's hard stuff and I can't stand it. lol

Quote:

I've heard this and am assuming this is a benchmark of sorts. I've heard people say if you can lift your bodyweight, you're doing good. Is that a good benchmark? I weigh 168 and am lifting 165 for two sets of 10. So am I on target?

Secondly yes, I think you are doing well. I think the benching of a persons bodyweight is a decent goal. I think if you were to go for a max lift, you would far surpass even that. I am sure you could press 205 up for a few reps if properly warmed up and so on. Either way, keep adding the weight up and congrats again!

sooner_ed · 19-Feb-05, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lift2Live

I am sure you could press 205 up for a few reps if properly warmed up

I did try that last week. I lifted 205 for one rep. I maybe could have done 210 for one rep but decided to be happy with 205. May try it again in a couple of weeks and see what happens.

**Lady C** · 19-Feb-05, 07:00 PM

I actually did my most by mistake last week. I thought I loaded 25lb plates and loaded 35lb plates instead. I ended up lifting 125 instead of 115 for 3 sets of 2. So test yourself once and awhile to see if you can do more.

**cursor** · 19-Feb-05, 07:11 PM

... or put the plates on the bar with eyes closed ...

Lift2Live · 20-Feb-05, 12:15 AM

That's the funny thing. I've had brain spasms in the gym and loaded more on the bar than I thought and lifted it as easily as the weight I was "supposed" to have on there. The mental aspect of lifting truly is powerfull.

CF-OC_gal · 20-Feb-05, 12:01 PM

Congratulations Ed!

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I've been working at running for a year and a half and I still cannot ever see myself completing a mile without stopping.

As far as weights go I have to load up with smaller plates because I see the big ones on the bar and I think, "Who do I think I am, I can't do that!" Especially with squats. I'll never squat 2 x 45 + the bar, but I could probably reach 2x25lbs +2 x 10lbs + 4 x 5 lbs+ 2 x 2.5 lbs

abarlament · 20-Feb-05, 02:41 PM

That's the way to put one foot in front of the other, great job. Do you ever think about forced road marches when you are jogging? I know when I do, it makes running with no gear on much easier.

sooner_ed · 19-Mar-05, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sooner_ed

Perhaps it's time to move on to 170 even if it's only one set, ya think?

I'm quite surprised. For the purpose of running a half-marathon 10 pounds lighter, I quit taking creatine hoping to lose the water weight I gained from having taken it. I would much rather run the half at 159 rather than 170.
In the month since I wrote this post, my bench has gone up from 160 to 180. I'm thinking to myself "self, twenty pounds in a month isn't half bad."
Tomorrow I will be attempting a new personal best with running by running 20 miles. My current best is 16 miles.
It feels really good setting new personal bests. I guess that's what this lifestyle is all about, isn't it. My short-term goal is to bench 200. Given the fact I've gained 20 pounds in the last month, anyone have any speculation as to how long it will be before I can bench 200 (my definition of benching is one set of 10 reps)? When I do bench 200, then I will really think I have accomplished something. I know there are many of you out there who can bench 200 in your sleep. Hopefully one day I will be one among you who can.
I just looked up my progress. March 1st of 2004, I benched 80 pounds. In 55 weeks, I have gained 100 pounds. hhmmm...not bad I guess.
I'm learning that patience is a virtue when it comes to wanting to bench like the big boys!! It takes time.
The adventure continues...!!!

wbens · 20-Mar-05, 02:05 AM

Way to go Ed. I set a personal best for my self this week, no where near your 16 miles but for me it was a huge boost of confidence. Maybe one day I'll get to where you are. Again way to go and congratulations.

William

sooner_ed · 20-Mar-05, 02:59 PM

Thanks William.
Well, it's Sunday now. I finished the 20 miles. Wow...what an experience.
William, just keep it up. It's all about commitment and perserverance. Just keep taking those baby steps, enjoy the small successes and the big successes will follow. The confidence is what it's all about. Keep up the good work!