CyclePups: 6 weeks completed, on to the extended play version

[OakLeaf]

It's in the instructions. Weeks 2 and 4, you're supposed to stay in the same column as Weeks 1 and 3. Exhaustion tests after 2, 4 and 5. That's according to the website.

In reality, I think all of us here are finding that we're moving down columns and/or back and forth between columns as the weeks go on. And that the ability to do the column assignments in week 5 doesn't correlate well with the exhaustion test results after week 4.


Myself, I'm taking an extra day "off" today - off pups, anyhow. Pretty hilly 65 miler, then my cardio/strength class, and my delts are still a teeny bit sore from last week's pups, so completing the column 2 minimum probably wasn't going to happen today. Hopefully I'll feel stronger tomorrow (if not I'll still do them).


ETA: my personal strength gain is harder to quantify since I haven't done an exhaustion test at all, yet What I could do before I started was probably between 25 and 30. What I'm guessing I can probably do now - based on doing 40 on a 5th set in week 4 - is something between 45 and 50. So yeah - it's working for me too. I can definitely see the difference in my triceps, shoulders and chest.

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks, Oakleaf!

I already demoted myself from column 2 (which I tested at in the "before" exhaustion test) to column 1 in week 2, since I was having a difficult time with column 2 in the last couple of sets, and my form was suffering. I never did anything but knee pushups prior to this challenge, so it's a big step up for me, even though I'm still way behind everyone else!

I'm feeling stronger now, end of week 2, than when I started. And I know I can do more than 9 pups now, so am looking forward to the 2nd exhaustion test to see what I can do now. I can't imagine doing 40+ at once like you are - congratulations!

[Aggie_Ama]

Well I am still somewhere between week 4-5. I almost finished 5 but then got up to my ears in a landscaping project. Sore back, shoulders, glutes do not make it easy to focus on Pups. I will see if I can complete week 5 this week at Level 2 then move forward or stay there until I can. We can do it gals!!

[aka_kim]

I decided to follow Week 5 Column 1 this week. Day 1 only called for a minimum of 86 pups - a nice break from the 160 required by W4C3D3 last week - but worked out well since my pup schedule was off last week and I had only 1 rest day.

I'm definitely stronger after 6 weeks - my form is better and I can do more pups. I've been surprised by how much it's strengthened my abs - very cool!

[katluvr]

I am all for one thread w/ just pups and motivation. I have (yet again) fallen off last week...and not really gotten going again this week. So I want to do the program...but who knows what week (of doing the program) I am in. And I know I'll be repeating more weeks. But I am stronger and can do more than before!
So yes, a single support thread.
And MAYBE a thread fro those that complete 100 pups. I can't wait for someone to post there. NOW that would be motivating!

[NoNo]

I've just completely fallen apart the last two weeks. I did some here and there, but just couldn't keep up with the progression in the program. I'm going to repeat various weeks and days until I feel strong enough to move up to week 5.

No matter what, I'm happy. Saw my cousin (whom I challenged) this weekend and after giving my arm a squeeze, commented on how much I'd improved. I'll get there, just at my own pace.

[Grog]

So this morning I did sort of a test. I did not want to go to the terrible max but I did as many very good form ones as I could.

20.

Considering I started with 7, that's not bad I think.

I'll keep posting about my sets and progression... I am still aiming for the end of 2008. I think it's possible.