Training for a Pull Up

Over the last week or so, I have been training to do pull ups. I kmow I'm going to need a lot of upper body strength for the Spartan Race next month (I can't believe it's already  next month!!). So, Jason built a pull up bar in the back yard for me. How I train is to have a stool, to get up to the bar and hold myself above the bar for as long as I can. 

I do this several times a day (any time Lars is sleeping). I usually do 3 sets of 5. My arms are really feeling it! I can feel what muscles I need to work on. So good to know! 

This is what happens when you do a pull up facing the house, when the bar is too close to the house. 

I ended up getting a big bruise from this little scratch (I bruise very easy). I'm not worried about it. I know I'll be super beat up from the race. I don't mind some battle wounds. 

I'm also wokring on my legs and arms (alternating days). I do this pull up thing every week day, though. 

Don't forget my awesome giveaway!!

Where Did my Motivation Go?

Last week was pretty dead (sweating wise). I haven't had any motivation to get my sweat on. I'm hungry all the time (I think that has something to do with Lars always eating...teething) and I'm tired. I don't feel like doing anything. I have my big race in less than 55 days!! I need to get my motivation back! And QUICK!!

My main thing I need to concentrate on is my upper body strength. As I mentioned before, I have NONE!!

I have managed to get in a few runs with my favorite running partner.

So, pushing the stroller does work my arms, but not exactly how I need to.

I was talking to Jason about this and he suggested putting in a pull up bar in the back yard, since we are re-doing the side yard anyways. Completed!!

As soon as the cement was dry, I gave it a whirl. As expected, I couldn't do a single pull up. So, Jason helped me. With his help, I managed 4!! I did some research of how to train to do a pull up. I read that you need to work those muscles. And to train those muscles, they suggest using a step to be able to get to the top of the bar and to hold yourself up. Do this several times a day to get these muscles use to it. 

This starts tomorrow!!