Schooled by a 4 yr Old

by Joe Thorn on June 14, 2008

This spring marked the first time in 13 years where I wasn’t classified as either obese or overweight. I’m now in the high end of the “normal” range. It hasn’t happened quickly for me. It took a year for me to loose 40 lbs through smarter eating and running. It’s a pretty comprehensive lifestyle change, and one that, though hard, has not been unpleasant. I happened to find something that worked well for me, was cheap and simple, and produced results. Look, even my ginormous head has decreased in size!

My point is that change in this area is possible, if gradual. I am still in process and know that I have a long way to go. But I also know I will be in the best shape of my life in my late 30′s and 40′s. Man, that’s something to look forward to!

Though I’m now a runner, I am still pretty weak in many ways. There has been no cross-training or core exercises at all over the past year, and it’s time for me to incorporate that into my life in order to be healthier and become a better runner.

Part of my cross-training will be the Hundred Push Up Challenge. It’s a six week program designed to get anyone to the point where they are strong enough to pump out 100 proper push-ups. I took the initial test today. Turns out I can only do… 10. I know that’s pretty bad, but it didn’t make me feel bad… until. I gave my four year old son the test, and he could rock out 12 legit push ups! He told me he could do 12, I said I thought he could only do 3 or 4. Turns out he knows more and can do more than me.

So, on Monday the program kicks off. I have to say, just including the Hundred Push Up Challenge makes me excited to get to work on this new aspect of healthier living. I can’t wait to kick my 4 yr old’s butt! Though he wants to do the program with me, and if that happens I’ll probably trail him to the end.

About Joe Thorn

I am the Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in Saint Charles, IL, and author of Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself. Jen is my wife, and Katherine, Elias, Madeline and Kilian are my kids.

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  • http://allsufficientgrace.wordpress.com Dani

    Congratulations! Well done!

  • http://blog.262quest.com Tim Wilson

    Congrats! That is a hugh accomplishment. I too know what it feels like to finally be in the normal range. It took me almost 18 months, but I had a lot further to go. I just reached it last month. Keep up the great work, and good luck with the push ups.

  • http://www.joethorn.net Joe Thorn

    Thanks guys. Tim, your story and progress is very encouraging!

  • http://www.zachharrod.com zach harrod

    Dang! Great stuff! Congrats!

  • http://www.runbulldogrun.com Steve

    Thanks for joining the program Joe and congrats on your great achievements to date!

    Would you have any objections to me adding you to the “Take the Challenge” page of the One Hundred Push Ups web site http://www.hundredpushups.com/challenge.html?

    Keep up the good work!

    –Steve

  • http://www.joethorn.net Joe Thorn

    Oh yeah Steve, that’d be great. I was going to email you after I throw it up on my running blog, but sure. You can link here if you like.

  • http://www.timmybrister.com Timmy Brister

    I am so excited for you Joe. It seems like yesterday that I woke up to the Joe Thorn that was just 30 days into the running challenge (you know, the guy you takes pictures of naked roommates in bed on the week of conferences). But seriously, the fact that you have journaled all this shows how practical discipline and commitment produces real results. Now after the push up challenge, what about training for a multi-sport race?

  • http://www.colossiansthreesixteen.com Brent

    My wife and I are also starting the challenge on Monday!

  • http://jacksbuzz.com Jack Allen

    As one who has spent nearly 4 decades fighting to be just below “overweight,” I say, ” Welcome to the party and good job Joe!” The benefits are surprising. I encourage you in the weight training, core training, cross whatever (when my knees get sore there’s still something I can do).
    100,000 blessings, JA.

  • http://selvaratnam.org Christian

    Excellent idea Joe. I’m in – starting on Monday – and I’ve just invited 20 friends to the challange.

  • http://www.MobilizingBrazil.com Jason

    Joe,
    I’m a missionary in Brazil who enjoys reading your blog. I also recently started running, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that you also have a running blog.
    A few of my Brazilian friends and I will be joining you Monday in the Hundred Push ups Challenge.
    God Bless
    Jason

  • http://fivepts.blogspot.com Keith

    Amazing Joe! Congrats on an amazing transformation. My problem is I LOVE chili-cheeseburgers…

    I’ve started making myself run at the gym; I’m up to 12 minutes on the treadmill. I don’t think that’s bad for someone that has never run. You’re an inspiration.

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  • http://www.bjnotbk.com bjnotbk

    Joe, first of all congratulations on the weight loss and the finding of a new way to live. I bet your preaching has taken off as well…just a guess. Thanks for posting the challenge. I just enrolled and will be starting on Monday.

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  • Dayne Sherman

    Hi Mr. Thorn,

    Your running stories and before-and-after shots were inspirational to me about 5 weeks ago when I found the blog and kicked off my personal diet and exercise revolution. That’s 20 pounds ago for me. Soon, I’ll start jogging again–in 17 more pounds when I’m no longer obese.

    Thanks for putting the time in on the blog and for sharing your story.

    My best,

    Dayne

  • http://www.nebraskahealth.net jim boggs

    what a great inspiration…great information

  • http://www.martialarm.com/martialarts/choylifut.html Martial Fitness Arts

    How often do you yourself do Weight training or do you just write about it?

    Can I ask though – how did you get this picked up and into google news?

    Very impressive that this blog is syndicated through Google and is it something that is just up to Google or you actively created?

    Obviously this is a popular blog with great data so well done on your seo success..

    Soccer greats you should write about next.

  • http://www.joethorn.net Joe Thorn

    I don’t really write about or practice any weight training. But I run 4 days a week.

    No strategy on my end for google. I blog and people often link to my links from other blogs. That seems to do it.

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