The Caveman has a big milestone birthday coming up next month. He begged me not to throw any surprise parties. Plan no epic trips. He wants to celebrate his mid-life awesomeness with a maximum bench press. Just as much or more than the one he did the last time we had a little, um competition, 16+ years ago. I mentioned it here eons ago when I probably had 3 readers, but our marriage is founded on strength. Yeah, love, trust and all that jazz, but when we were dating, the Caveman challenged me to a bench press contest. We each had 6 weeks to train for our best lift. Because I am stupid, wait, make that because I love a good challenge outside of my comfort zone, I took him up on it.
Having never lifted a freeweight beyond a vinyl coated princess bell in my life, I ran out, hired the most muscle-bound trainer I could find, and we lifted 3x/week for 6 weeks. That’s when I got very comfy in the dark, smelly part of the gym where all the grunting and clanging goes on.
To make a long story short, I hoisted an impressive (or so I thought) 115 lbs. He trounced me by benching over 300 lbs. So I married him and the rest is history.
Fast forward to now. I’m not making any wagers, but I hope to make it to showdown day stronger than I’ve been in awhile. I’ve been tramping around the dark, smelly part of the gym again. And my max on the bench is up to 90 lbs.
Since I’m a proud SD Pharmaceuticals brand ambassador, I’m trying out some Branch Chain Amino Acids to help with muscle recovery. BCAAs are an essential amino acid that cannot be made in the body so you need to get them from food or supplements. They play a key role in muscle growth and energy production. I mix a scoop of the powder with cold water and drink either during or right after tough workouts. I like the blue raspberry flavor and can see the kids eyeing my “muscle juice”. I may even keep taking it when New York City Marathon training starts, since we all know how important recovery is.
So that’s what I’ve been up to in my “down-time” before marathon training. A fun change of pace. While others may renew their wedding vows, the Caveman and I revisit the bench press. Be afraid, Caveman, be very afraid.
Do you take on crazy challenges? Any guesses how much I’ll lift on showdown day next month? Any tips for getting stronger fast?
What a fun challenge! I can’t wait to hear the outcome!
Hmm, maybe 200? You have to do better than you did the first time! I love challenges, and especially when other people challenge me. That’s why I did the plank challenge in the winter. I wish I had more time for lifting, someday!
Ooooh good luck! I love that that’s how you two started, it’s kinda awesome 🙂
I love how you are blocking the faces of the men with your flexing;) My guess is 150! Less reps more weight will make you stronger but you probably already know that:)
You know I love a good challenge! Good luck! Sounds for a great way for you and your honey to celebrate his milestone. 🙂
Now THAT is competitive! Have fun with it.
I’m seriously impressed with your bench press – being one of the long-armed humans who find it hard to lift a paper bag over my head. You’ll be asking me to make you a body-building bikini soon if you keep the lifting up.
Char I honestly don’t think you’ll ever find me in a bodybuiler’s bikini (in this lifetime)but if in the event I do, you will most definitely be the one I call on to make it!
I love this! What a great way to have fun and get competitive. Curious to hear how you do! 🙂
Love that! Have fun with it and let us know the outcome.
A crazy challenge you say?? Why, yes, this 70.3 I’m gonna try in about 10 days, yep that qualifies! I’m gonna guess you will be up to at least 120, because you gotta beat the first time:) I can’t wait to hear how this challenge turns out!
I love it!! I’m the same way – I always view that kind of thing as a challenge and I always take it on – even though I don’t always win:)
I love that you took him up on the challenge and worked so hard!!! I love a good challenge!!!
My husband would most certainly beat me in a weight lifting contest but I could outrun him! So there’s that! Good luck!
So are you doing this by weight or percentage of body weight. If you lift 100% of your body weight and he lifts a 110% then I would say he’s the winner. However, if it’s the other way around….
I’ve done quite a bit of research on BCAAs and know how good they are for you but I’m always apprehensive to take anything. I don’t know why.
115# is an excellent bench! esp “for a runner” who doesn’t focus on strength training (as much as running, is all i mean by that!) if you need a good bench regime let me know. i got my bench max from probably around 110-115 to 140 in 2.5 months. good luck!
I neeeeeeed to get comfy with the dark, smelly… Teach me Yoda!!!