Founder’s Challenge, The Final Ten Days

To say that the final series of 10 days of pull-ups is more challenging, is an understatement. There are 255 pull-ups in total in the last 3rd which make up more than half of the total number of pull-ups in the bullying Pull-up Challenge.

Regardless, each challenge day seemed to go by much more efficiently than the first 20 days of the challenge. I managed to find more interesting places and backdrops to do pull-ups for half of the days. Each new location has its own story to tell. However, I have to admit, I don't think that I could have done this leg of the challenge without my Duonamic Eleviia (which I purchased almost a year ago). Towel grip pull-ups are really, really challenging. They require a whole new set of muscles that need to be engaged.

To briefly reflect, the challenge for me was an opportunity to research, reflect upon, and accomplish something that was both mentally challenging and physically challenging. In the end, I feel that even doing the challenge on my own, brought into perspective just how draining and harmful bullying can be to a person. It's an unnecessary expression of power over someone else that, although some would argue is necessary to learn to overcome as a developing child, can really instil negative long-term effects or even be fatal.

I reflected on personal incidents of being constantly picked on because I was small or different when I was a child. Even times when I turned that around on someone else because it was done to me. The challenge brought to my attention more stories of bullies and bullying victims. Even on vacation, when people asked me what I was doing, they told me stories of their experiences with bullying. This isn't new at all, and it needs to stop.

In the end, I was relieved to have completed all 30 days of the challenge for myself. Like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders, I felt that I could now relax and breathe a little. Throughout, I was not sure whether I would be able to accomplish this or not. 465 Pull-ups is a lot for one person, even if they are spread across 30 days. There are easier ways to do pull-ups as I've discovered, but the challenge is accomplishable. If I can do it, I know that you can.

However, the mission is far from over and I need your help. Although I've accomplished the challenge, I need you to continue carrying the torch for a while. My muscles need a rest. Don't fret, because I'll be back this time again next year to take on the challenge again! In the meantime, I'll be focusing some of my time on promoting the challenge and finding good ways to bring inclusivity in the Bullying Pull-up Challenge. If you have ideas, I'd love to hear them! So, instead of saying goodbye, it's until next time!

Day 21, Interactive pull-up Challenge

We were visiting our friends in Waikoloa and I could not forget about my Pull-ups. Everyone chimed in for encouragement. Oh, and no door jambs were injured in the process.

Day 22, Let the Waikoloa Pull-ups Continue

Still in Waikoloa, I struggled through 22 pull-ups using my Duonamic Eleviia. It's a great portable pull-up system!

Day 23, A Sunset at the Old Airport in Kona

The Old Kona Airport Recreation Area features a neat little running path with a little built-in fitness centre. I thought I'd check it out. There are two different pull-up bar heights, parallel bars, a bench and some spiral steps. It's definitely a great place to workout outside!

Day 24, Cliff Jumping and Pull-ups

So, after successfully surviving not one but two cliff jumps (approximately 40') at South Point on the Big Island, it's time to do my pull-ups!

#noskipping

Day 25, High Surf and Pull-ups

This morning was a great morning to do some more palm tree pull-ups. With the high-surf in the background it was a beautiful reminder of where I have been for the last 3 weeks. The property manager even paid a quick visit to see what we were up to!

Day 26, 2x 26 Pull-ups at Mau'umae Beach

When on vacation, sometimes it's difficult to find a suitable place to do pull-ups. Seriously. Thankfully, I was able to find a gnarly tree to hammer out some pull-ups for bullying. I actually did the challenge twice in the same day, but because I didn't like the video that we did earlier that morning, we re-shot it. 52 Towel grip pull-ups in one day. Sucks.

Day 27, Four Days to Go

Many times I found myself doing pull-ups just before bedtime after the day was done. By this time, I'm already exhausted and mentally drained from the day's events. It's a good reminder to make time for the little things in life and appreciate each moment that we get.

Day 28, Pull-ups for Adult Bullying

Bullying doesn't just happen amongst children, oftentimes it carries through to adulthood. In the age of social media, cyber bullying has become a very serious issue. Here's to more pull-ups for bullying.

Day 29, Playground Pull-ups in Na'alehu

After our visit to the Punalu'u Bake Shop, I decided to hammer out my second last day of pull-ups at a local Na'alehu, Hawaii playground. This serves as a stark reminder of where and when a lot of bullying can start. The playground itself was pretty awesome with many pull-up options, but let's stop to think how we are guiding our children as parents and as a community to be kind and more respectful to one another.

Day 30, Glowing Pull-ups and the Finish Line

It's surprising what a person can accomplish with a little willpower and dedication. I completed my last 30 pull-ups in two sets at the Old Kona Airport Park. Let's remember why we are doing pull-ups. Special thanks to my friends, all of those who encouraged me to complete the challenge, and to Jack and Taras of Duonamic. You are all amazing people! Remember, #bekind #respect #stopbullying #bullyingpullupchallenge.

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