I'm going to run a 1.5 mile split during my Wednesday short tempo run and do a 500 yard test on my next swim session. I think the last time I checked myself, I ran about a 10:00 mile-and-a-half and swam somewhere close to an 8:00 500 yarder.
The push ups and curl ups have a time limit of 2-minutes each. That's no problem with the push ups since I fatigue before the 2-minutes is up. This morning, I gave up at 54, even though I probably could have eeked out a few more. On the curl ups, I ran out of time, slowing down drastically toward the end but still not overcome by fatigue. I ended with a count of 92.
So right now, assuming my cardio scores are correct, I'd average out with a 92, which is "Outstanding - Low".
I wonder if I can max out the score? I'm already there with my sit ups. I don't think I can get to 7:08 on the swim, but I wonder if I can reach 9:33 on the run? With practice, I'm pretty sure I can get to 68 on the push ups. I could try the One Hundred Push Up Challenge. Heck, if I'm going to do that I might as well do the Two Hundred Sit Up Challenge as well. (I see there is a 25 Chin Up Challenge planned. That'd be cool. Last time I tried, I could only do 13.).
Based on my initial results, I'll start in week 3, column 3 of both the push up and sit up programs. If I can stick with the routine, let's see where I grade out four weeks from now.
Just for reference too, I weigh 146.5 lbs today. At 5'6" and with a circumference value of 16.5 (waist minus neck), my body fat composition calculates to 16%. My scale tells me I'm 15-17% depending on the time of day, so that's pretty close. In 4 weeks, I'd like to weigh 143 to 145 and have a body composition firmly under 15%, which means my waistline needs lose half an inch. That's mainly going to be about proper diet.
Challenge is ON.
We're taking Quin to have his stress test done today. He's not looking forward to it. I told him I wish I could take it for him. I've never done one officially and I'd love to see how I'd test out. (What is it with me and tests?)
Quin was suffering from some sporadic "fainting" spells a few months ago. He hasn't had one of these episodes lately, and I suspect it may have had more to do with stress and lack of proper hydration/nutrition than anything cardiovascular. He is hefty and I try to inspire him to be more active. He's typical of the modern American boy who is more into computers and video games than "playing out in the yard." He's actually a pretty decent miler on the run, which is surprising to me since he doesn't work at it at all. If we can help him be more conscious of what he eats and increase his activity level, without making him feel like he's a "fat kid" and needs to lose weight to be lauded, it'll do him favors in the long run. He's a big kid anyway and will probably struggle with his weight throughout his life. It's best if he develops life long habits now.
So far, the pediatrician and the cardiologist don't think there's anything wrong with his heart. This stress test is just the last step to be certain of that.
