On July 12th, Jack Denness will attempt to complete his 12th Badwater Ultramarathon race.  He is already the oldest person to ever complete the race at age 70. This year he’ll try to set a new record by completing the race at age 75.

As for what Badwater entails, below is a summary courtesy of Wikipedia:

The Badwater Ultramarathon describes itself as “the world’s toughest foot race”. It is a 135 mile (215 km) course starting at 282 feet (85 m) below sea level in the Badwater Basin, in California’s Death Valley, and ending at an elevation of 8360 feet (2548 m) at Whitney Portal, the trailhead to Mount Whitney. It takes place annually in mid-July, when the weather conditions are most extreme and temperatures over 120 °F (49 °C), even in the shade, are not uncommon. Consequently, very few people—even among ultramarathoners—are capable of finishing this grueling race.

Jack Denness has run Badwater so many times that he’s earned the nickname Death Valley Jack.  His ability to complete the race at age 70 is beyond impressive.  Doing so again at age 75 will be even more incredible, particularly since he did not begin running until he quit smoking at age 45.  And while some may call him crazy, Jack’s running efforts have helped him raise over £100,000 for charity.

Below is a brief video where Jack discusses the upcoming challenge.

You can also catch a glimpse of the race through the video below (from the 1999 event).

Best of luck to Jack in his upcoming challenge!

Following a past entry from early 2009, I’ve received several requests for a portable isometric training device.   The piece of equipment discussed in the original entry is obviously too bulky to pack when traveling.

Fortunately, it will only cost a few dollars to build a portable unit.  The device seen below was constructed from two lashing straps.  I purchased the straps at a local hardware store (Harbor Freight Tools) for $2.99.  I then cut a piece of pipe to form the handle. The total cost was less than $5.

+++++

One cam buckle forms a foot strap at the bottom of the unit.  This anchor point allows me to pull the unit with maximal force.  I also add a small piece of rubber padding for a more comfortable fit around my shoe.

+++++

A second lashing strap and cam buckle are used for quick length adjustments. I used 12 foot lashing straps to build this unit, but I am only using the full length of one strap.  I then cut the second strap to approximately 18 inches.  You can see this short piece below at the black arrow. I’m only using this small piece for its cam buckle (which attaches to the 12 foot piece).  This second cam buckle allows me to quickly change the length of the first 12 foot piece.

The handle is actually another short piece of lashing strap that wraps through a short piece of pipe.  I tied the second lashing strap (18 inch piece) to this handle.  The knot is wrapped in duct tape.

+++++

I can use this simple piece of equipment to perform several exercises.  I can quickly adjust the length of the unit to target multiple joint angles.

Below I am demonstrating an overhead press.

A variety of pulling exercises can also be performed.

If you are looking for a portable isometric unit, this inexpensive option may come in handy.  I’ve made considerable strength gains with isometrics for several years now.  The simplicity of this tool certainly does not discount its benefits.

For more homemade equipment ideas, please refer to the link below:

http://www.rosstraining.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1056#p1056

Considering that yesterday was Father’s Day in the US, it seems fitting to dedicate another entry to the Hoyt family.  I’ve posted a few related videos in the past, but that doesn’t make the video below any less inspiring.

If you are not familiar with Dick and Rick Hoyt, here is a quick summary from Wikipedia:

Team Hoyt is a father (Dick Hoyt, born June 1, 1940) and son (Rick Hoyt, born January 10, 1962) team from Holland, Massachusetts who have competed together in various athletic endeavors, including marathons and triathlons. Rick has cerebral palsy and during competition Dick pulls Rick in a special boat as they swim, carries him in a special seat in the front of a bicycle, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run.

You can learn more about their efforts at the link below:

http://www.teamhoyt.com/

As a father to two amazing kids, I can’t express how powerful the Hoyt story is to me. It doesn’t matter how many times I watch it, it is never any less emotional. Hats off to the Hoyt family for their powerful example. We can all learn from them.

Below is a video that showcases the ability of a 69 year old man who has recently begun training with several gymnastic exercises.   Based on the upload dates at his Youtube channel, it appears that he’s been training with these exercises for less than a year.

According to those who sent me this video, the man has been an active rower and climber for many years.  His interest in gymnastic training is new however (a matter of months, not years).  At age 69, this man not only looks, but performs like a man half his age.  At first glance, I would have estimated this man to be in his 40′s.  I would have never guessed that he was approaching age 70.

This man is a perfect example of George Bernard Shaw’s quote below…

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

It is obvious that this man has remained active and continues to find new ways to challenge his body and mind.   He continues to grow without growing old.  At only half his age, this man has inspired me at the possibilities that the future presents.  I can only imagine what new activities I’ll explore in my 40′s, 50′s, and 60′s.  Wherever my journey takes me, I’ll know that it’s never too late to try something new.

Thanks to Felipe and Ibrahim for passing the video along

Follow a recent Ray Robinson post on my Facebook page, I received several requests for more information on this legendary fighter.

Sugar Ray Robinson is considered by many to be the greatest boxer of all time.  He thrived in an era where it was common to fight one world class opponent one week and another the next.  For example, on February 5th, 1943, Ray Robinson lost a hard fought 10-round battle to middleweight Jake LaMotta.  Robinson stepped back into the ring on February 19th, earning a 10-round decision over California Jackie Wilson (a 50+ fight veteran).  A week later (February 26th), Robinson fought LaMotta again, this time winning a 10-round decision.

In less than a month, Robinson fought three 10-round fights, two with a middleweight who had 15 pounds on him.  In today’s world, it is common for world class fighters to have 3 bouts in a single year.  Robinson did it in one month.

Sugar Ray Robinson was a legend.  We may never see another fighter like him.  And as good as he appears on tape, his best days were not even captured on film.  That’s how great he was.

To learn more about this legendary fighter, take a look at the documentary below.  The embedded player includes all six parts.  The arrows on each side of the player can be used to navigate from one part to the next.  The full playlist can also be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=8D7250DED266802F

“To be a champ, you have to believe in yourself when no one else will.” – Sugar Ray Robinson

Ernestine Shepherd is a 73 year old grandmother who has been married for over 50 years. She isn’t the typical grandmother however. Ernestine is up at 3AM each morning. She runs 80 miles a week and bench presses 150 pounds. Her physique and abilities are obviously impressive, but even more so considering that she did not begin exercising until age 56.

+++++

Fortunately, Ernestine isn’t the only grandmother getting it done despite a late start. Wanja Sjödin began weight training at age 47.  She then ran her first marathon at age 50.  In the video below, you can see her cranking out pushups and dips with ease.  Not too shabby for a woman who was born in 1936.

+++++

Lastly, below is yet another example of a high powered grandmother who knocks off pull-ups, dips, and pushups.   I couldn’t find any information on who she is, but she’s certainly impressive for a 63 year old grandmother.

+++++

In summary, don’t use age as a crutch.  It is never too late to improve.    If these women can get it done, so can you.

Below are four new homemade equipment links that have been added to the forum archive.   These links were passed along by readers of the site.  Thanks to everyone for contributing.

+++++

Homemade power rack

http://www.home-gym-bodybuilding.com/homemade-power-rack.html

+++++

Free motion cycling rollers

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Free-Motion-Cycling-Rollers

+++++

Parallel grip pull-ups

http://isjaw.blogspot.com/2010/05/homemade-parallel-grip-pull-bar.html

+++++

Homemade squat stands

Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4

+++++

For more homemade equipment ideas, please refer to the link below:

Homemade Exercise Equipment Archives

Following the popularity of the last entry, I’ve added another Bruce Lee documentary.   The first of 10 parts is embedded below.

A full playlist can be found next:

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7C94BA516BB2B128

Anyone with any interest in Bruce Lee’s past should enjoy this documentary.  It is definitely worth a look when time permits.

“Knowing is not enough, you must apply; willing is not enough, you must do.” – Bruce Lee

An excellent Bruce Lee documentary was recently posted to my Facebook page.  Below you will find a preview to the film.

The entire documentary can be seen on Youtube.  The first of ten parts is embedded below.

A complete playlist for all 10 parts can be found next:

http://www.youtube.com/user/hileeluya#grid/user/8347C8CA67C0D745

Although his accomplishments and abilities are perhaps the most debated topic in the martial arts community, I believe we can all agree that Bruce Lee was a pioneer and a tremendous influence to other fighters around the world, both past and present.  I’m sure I speak for many when I say that I grew up watching and reading about Bruce Lee.  He was certainly an inspiration to me.

In his own words,

“Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own.”