When I started to think about doing a Birthday Challenge for my 49th in July, I was just getting into the Slim Series™ and thought that 4.9 hours of Tear It Up might be fun, but quickly came to my senses and got rid of that idea. Running 4.9 miles wasn't an option since it wasn't a challenge. For me, the person who could barely walk around my neighborhood without getting out of breath before starting with P90, the challenge would have to be to run 49k.

You may recall that my first long run to prep for my challenge was in June when I cramped up from a lack of sodium after 15 miles and had to walk 5 more miles back to my car. I obviously needed to learn about hydration and electrolyte replacement before tackling the b-day run. I decided, after reading all that Dr. Bill Misner has written on the topic, to move my run from mid July to the autumn to avoid any chance of hyponatremia.

I was set to go on Sat., 9/27 but had to postpone it. I have recently started riding lessons and to improve my balance I wanted to try riding bareback. I promptly fell off the horse when she got into a canter and as my glutei are not so maximus anymore, I got quite banged up and was too sore to run.

I was a bit anxious all last week until I convinced myself to just relax and have fun with the challenge. Saturday morning I was up at 5:10 and started with PHH Stretch to warm up. I drove to the hike/bike trail that runs along the Hudson near my home and began at 6:37. At the 5-mile mark my left knee started to make itself known. I was slightly concerned because as part of my routine for the previous 3 weeks I had been doing plies holding two 40lb. dumbbells instead of the lunges and squats in P90 Sculpt. I don't think my form was perfect and for the first time I was feeling a little twinge in my knees. By 15 miles my left knee was really protesting, but no cramps like the last time. At 18 miles the pain was rather severe. With just 2 miles to get back to my car I started to feel a little like Scott of the Antarctic trying to get back to One Ton Depot.

My time for 20 miles was 4:20. There was no way that I was going to be able to do another 10 miles to complete my challenge. Ten minutes later I was home and rather dejected because I screwed up again. I asked myself "WWJD?" (What Would Jack [LaLanne] Do?). I got on the Nordic Trac and started skiing. The skiing motion didn't hurt my knee, but after 70 minutes I was totally played out. Total time spent in vigorous cardio for the day was 5 hours and 30 minutes or 4:90 (I had to get the 49 in some way!).

I think that I suffered satisfyingly and sufficiently enough for a semi-successfully completed, changed on the fly, Birthday Challenge.

Best regards, Philip

By Steve Edwards

My 43rd birthday is just around the corner, November 22, and this year I'm going to attempt to raise money for cancer research. I'll be working with the CONCERN Foundation, a small non-profit organization here in Los Angeles that funds cancer research. Cancer is something that will touch most of our lives at some point. No matter where we live or how careful we are, it's a fact. My contribution is a miniscule drop in the bucket, but we do what we can.

The logistics of the fundraising are still being worked out, but the physical parameters have been set. It's one that I think is going to be my most challenging yet. Over the course of 43 hours I will attempt 22 athletic events ending midnight on Nov 22nd :

1. Climb 43 rock climbing routes (at least 3 out of every 4 must be 5.10 and above)
2. Lift 43 tons in the gym (86,000 lbs.)
3. 430 pull-ups/bar dips or hanging straight-leg raises
4. 430 push-ups
5. 430 crunches
6. 430 leg lifts
7. 430 jumping jacks
8. Mountain bike 43 kilometers (26.6 miles)
9. Road bike 43 miles
10. Run 4.3 miles (in under 34 minutes)
11. Hike 4.3 kilometers 3.4 times (8 miles)
12. Surf 2 hours 43 minutes
13. Hold breath 2 minutes and 43 seconds
14. Paddle 4.3 miles in a kayak
15. 43-point game of 2 on 2 beach volleyball
16. 43 yoga poses for 43 seconds each
17. Throw 43 strikes (from regulation 60'6")
18. Make 43 free throws shooting better than 75% (3/4)
19. Throw 43 rocks for Tuco, my dog
20. 43 games of Roshambo (winning 4 to 3 losses)
21. Juggle 3 balls for 40 seconds
22. 43 X 43-second massages for support team

Plus:

1. Will commit 43 random acts of kindness
2. Hand out 43 dog treats to dogs other than Tuco
3. Make a list of 43 movies that every person should see and give it to 43 friends
4. Entertain those 43 friends at my house

To make a contribution, you may go to the CONCERN Foundation website, and will also be able to follow the event, once announced, at www.birthdaychallenge.com

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