Do 100 sit-ups daily for 100 consecutive days

Done! Yay... I guess.

I suppose it was worth it, marginally. The results were not what I expected. I mean, I know that doing a few sit-ups every day isn’t going to burn off pounds and pounds of fat, but I kind of expected to see something, like, maybe I could cinch my belt one notch tighter. I can’t say that there’s anything to actually “show” for all this effort. I’m as flabby and fat as I was when I started.

At the beginning I could barely get through ten without stopping. By the end I can (usually) get through all of ‘em. I guess that’s something. At the beginning my mid-section was so weak I couldn’t keep my back straight enough to do more than a few push-ups. Now I can hold my back straight, so I can get started on adding some push-ups to my routine. Oh boy.

A number of other people ended up adopting this goal… some of whom finished before I did, because I slacked off and had to start over… and they seem to be finding it worthwhile, so that’s a good thing.

It never did get “easy” to do the sit-ups. Even after 100 days, I can’t say I feel like it’s a “habit.” I still have to force myself to make the effort.

But for what it’s worth, which doesn’t seem to be much, it’s done. So as I said above: Yay... I guess.

Next goal: 100 push-ups for 100 consecutive days… while continuing with the sit-ups.

Day 99 done.

I was talking to one of the freshman cheerleaders from Waipahu High School the other day - yes, this teaching job is tough sometimes - and learned that the cheerleaders practice is more likea workout than a practice. They are required to do 100 sit-ups, 100 push-ups, and run for two miles at the beginning of every practice, usually five times a week, and sometimes adding Saturday.

So I’m feeling very much the wimp these days, struggling as I do to get through one-third the workout that these skinny little girls do every day.

Anyway, day 98 down—and I did 43 push-ups, too!

This is supposed to get easier over time, right?

Almost there. Finally.

Here’s how effective my program has been so far. This kid in summer school said to me today, “Mister, do you drink beer?”

“Huh?” I replied with my usual eloquence, “not usually. Why do you ask?”

“Because you have a beer belly!”

Yeah, well, you know what, kid? YOU have a missing math credit, and I”m thinking it might just stay that way.

After almost 70 days, this is getting harder again, not easier. I don’t have the motivation, and I don’t have the strength. I haven’t just hit a plateau, I feel as though I’m getting weaker, despite having added a few extra exercises to the routine. It’s really difficult to grind throught these things, and I find myself skipping days and having to do “double sets,” which makes it worse.

I may not make it.

And for all the benefit I’m getting out of it, it won’t be any loss.

It’s not working. At all.

Mood: discouraged
Music: Too Fat Polka

Friday, June 9, 2006. Day 61.
100 sit-ups.
25 push-ups.
45 minute swim.
2.5 hour bicycle ride.

Ouch.

50 days.
Still flabby & overweight.
:-(

May 22: Day 43

Day 31 done.