My 100,000 Pull-Up Odyssey: A Journey of Mindset and Muscle

The Echo of 50,000

The satisfying click of my elbows locking out on that final pull-up still echoed in my mind. 50,000. Done. A wave of exhaustion washed over me, but beneath it, a quiet elation simmered. I had just completed my 50,000 pull-up challenge - a feat that pushed me to my limits and beyond.

Ben, my friend and social media maestro, pointed the camera at my face and boomed the question that would set my next odyssey in motion: "Have you got a thought on what's next?"

Ben captured this moment after the 50k challenge. Little did I know the journey I was about to embark on...

Honestly? At that moment, the only thought I had was of a long, hot shower 🚿 and a plate of food 🍲 that didn't involve protein powder 😂. But Ben's question, simple as it was, sparked something within me. A new challenge was brewing 💭. A challenge that would dwarf even the 50,000 pull-ups I had just conquered.

Why 100,000? 🤔

100,000 pull-ups. It's a number that seems almost absurd, even to me. So why? Why subject myself to this kind of physical and mental gauntlet?

The answer, like most things in life, is multifaceted.

After the high of completing the 50,000 pull-up challenge, I knew I wasn't done. There was a deeper drive within me, a yearning to push further, to explore the outer limits of my physical and mental capabilities. 100,000 pull-ups became the next Everest-sized mountain ⛰️ waiting to be climbed. It was a dare, a provocation to the limits of human potential.

But it goes deeper than that. This challenge was about exploring the interplay between mind and body, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of setting audacious goals. It was about proving that we are capable of far more than we often believe. It was about the daily grind, the constant negotiation between my physical limitations and my unwavering determination.

And let's be honest, there's a certain satisfaction that comes with conquering something this monumental. That feeling of accomplishment, of knowing you've pushed yourself beyond what you thought possible, is intoxicating. It's a high that no drug can replicate, a testament to the raw power of human will. 💪

But this wasn't just about me. It was about inspiring others to take on their own challenges, whatever they may be. Whether it's running a marathon 🏃‍♂️, starting a business 💼, or simply committing to a daily meditation practice 🧘‍♂️, I wanted to show people that with the right mindset and a solid plan, anything is achievable. I wanted to be a beacon, a testament to the power we all possess within.

This challenge also highlighted the power of community. Throughout my journey, I was supported by an incredible network of friends, fellow athletes, and online followers. Their encouragement, their belief in me, fueled my fire and kept me going when the going got tough.

And finally, this was about giving back. By partnering with charities like Mind, Shelter, and the Trussell Trust, I wanted to use my platform to raise awareness for important causes and inspire others to make a difference. 🌏

The OKR Architect 🧠

Some people might call me crazy for attempting 100,000 pull-ups. But I prefer the term "strategic." This wasn't some impulsive, fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants endeavor. This was a meticulously planned operation, a symphony of reps, sets, blocks, and milestones orchestrated by the power of OKRs.

For those unfamiliar, OKR stands for Objectives and Key Results. It's a goal-setting framework that helps individuals and organisations define measurable goals and track their progress. Giants like Amazon, known for their relentless pursuit of excellence, have integrated OKRs into the core of their operations. And trust me, when you're staring down the barrel of 100,000 pull-ups, a solid framework is essential.

Interestingly, Amazon also uses the term "Bar Raiser," but in a different context. In their hiring process, a Bar Raiser is an objective third party who ensures that every new hire raises the bar for talent within the company. You can read more about Amazon's unique approach to hiring and the Bar Raiser program here: What is a ‘Bar Raiser’ at Amazon?

My "Bar Raiser" OKR, though unrelated to hiring, shares a similar philosophy. It was about pushing my own limits, setting a new standard for what I thought possible.

As you can see, my objective was clear: complete 100,000 pull-ups in 2023. But the key results are where the magic happens. They break down the objective into smaller, more manageable chunks, providing a roadmap 🗺️ for success.

My key results included:

• Reducing risk by completing the pull-ups in 167 days, leaving ample time for rest, recovery, and unforeseen circumstances.
• Committing to a minimum of 2,400 pull-ups per week and 274 pull-ups per day.
• Journaling daily through social media to maintain accountability and share my journey with the world.

This OKR wasn't just a static document; it was a living, breathing guide that evolved with me throughout the challenge. It allowed me to stay focused, adapt to setbacks, and ultimately, achieve the seemingly impossible.

Embrace the Grind 💪

With my OKR as my compass, I embarked on a journey that would push me to my limits and beyond. 100,000 pull-ups. It was a daunting number, a mountain range of reps stretching out before me.

My days became a rhythm of reps, sets, blocks, and milestones, often fueled by nothing more than water, creatine creapure, electrolytes and sheer determination. I trained fasted 90% of the time. It's a personal preference, a way to tap into a different kind of energy, a mental and physical sharpness that I find liberating.

Each day, I'd set a target—500 pull-ups, 700, sometimes even pushing for 1,000—and I'd hit it. One focused session, a surgical strike designed to maximise output within the constraints of my busy lifestyle. No more, no less (unless those calluses had something to say about it 😉). To keep myself accountable and share my progress with the world, I meticulously documented every session on a public Trello board. You can still find it online—a testament to the dedication and consistency required to achieve such an audacious goal.

While a 500 pull-up session typically took under 90 minutes and a 1,000 pull-up session clocked in under 3 hours, these were just benchmarks. Real life, as it often does, threw in a few variables. Conversations with fellow gym-goers, filming for my vlog, the occasional bathroom break, and those essential water bottle top-ups—all these things added their own rhythm to the grind.

But it wasn't just about mindlessly cranking out reps. It was about finding that flow state, that zone where my mind and body were working in harmony. Don't get me wrong, there were days when it felt like an all-out war against gravity. But even in those moments of struggle, I found a strange kind of peace.

There were days when my body felt like a well-oiled machine, effortlessly churning out pull-ups. And there were days when every rep was a battle, a grueling test of willpower. I documented it all. Every rep, every set, every ache and pain, every moment of triumph. The details matter. They tell the story of the journey, the subtle shifts in mindset, the tiny victories that pave the way to greatness.

But through it all, I kept showing up. Session after session, I honored the commitment I'd made to myself. This wasn't about "embracing the suck." This was about pushing my boundaries, proving to myself that I could achieve something extraordinary. And for that, I am incredibly grateful. 🙏

The Unexpected Battles 🤕

They say the road to greatness is paved with obstacles. Well, my road to 100,000 pull-ups had its fair share. I've always had a high pain threshold and a mind for resilience, but even I faced some unexpected battles.

First, there was the Christmas 🎄 indulgence. Let's just say I overdid it on the mince pies and roast potatoes. The result? An unwelcome layer of holiday padding that made those first few weeks of January feel like I was pulling an extra person up with every rep. It was a humbling reminder that even with the best intentions, life can throw you a curveball.

Then there were the torn calluses. 😖 Oh, the joys of high-volume pull-ups! Those battle wounds, ripped open and re-torn, were a constant reminder of the physical toll this challenge was taking.

This video offers a glimpse into the physical toll of high-volume pull-up training. Torn calluses were a constant battle, but they also served as a reminder of my resilience and determination. Watch and see how I overcame these setbacks and continued my journey to 100,000 pull-ups.

But the physical challenges were just one part of the equation. There were mental battles too. Days when motivation waned, when doubt crept in, when the sheer monotony of the grind threatened to consume me. We all have those days, right? Those moments when you question everything, when the voice of self-doubt screams louder than the voice of determination.

Yet, in those moments of adversity, I tapped into something deep within. A wellspring of resilience, a stubborn refusal to give up. I adapted, I problem-solved, I pushed through the pain and fatigue. It was a reminder that setbacks are not roadblocks, but opportunities to recalibrate and come back stronger.

The Inner Game 🧘🧠

100,000 pull-ups. It's not just a physical challenge; it's a mental marathon. And to conquer it, I had to master the inner game. Those who know me well know the depths of my discipline, my unwavering focus, and my commitment to pushing boundaries. But this challenge tested even those limits.

Meditation became my sanctuary, a daily ritual that quieted the noise and sharpened my focus. Whether it was 10 minutes of solitude, 30 minutes of mindfulness practice, or a full hour of deep breathing, I made sure to carve out time for stillness amidst the chaos.

I also tapped into the power of binaural beats and bilateral sounds, using those rhythmic frequencies to enhance my focus and mental clarity. You can delve deeper into the science behind these brain-boosting beats in my article, "Brain-Boosting Beats: Binaural Beats and Bilateral Stimulation Music".

And then there was the mental rehearsal. I visualised myself completing those pull-ups, day after day, set after set. I imagined the feeling of my muscles working, the satisfaction of hitting each milestone, the triumph of reaching that final rep.

This mental preparation wasn't just some tactic I read in a book. It was a way of life, honed through years of dedicated practice and self-discovery. It was about cultivating an unwavering belief in my ability to achieve the impossible.

This is the part they don't teach you in textbooks. It's the wisdom that comes from pushing your limits, from facing your fears, from consistently showing up for yourself, even when it's hard. It's about understanding that knowledge is just the starting point. It's what you do with that knowledge that truly matters.

My Tribe 🙌

100,000 pull-ups. It's a solitary pursuit, a test of individual will and determination. But even lone wolves 🐺 need a pack.

From the familiar faces at The Strength Collective in Altrincham to the welcoming smiles at the Delta Marriott in Worsley, I was surrounded by a community that fueled my fire. Countless coffee ☕️ chats, lunchtime conversations, and words of encouragement—these were the moments that kept me going when the going got tough.

And then there's The Club at Deansgate Square, my final training ground, where I not only completed the last leg of this epic journey but also embarked on a challenge within a challenge—42,000 pull-ups in 42 days. The team there welcomed me with open arms, their energy and enthusiasm adding a final surge of momentum to my final push.

I can't forget Ben, my social media maestro, who captured those pivotal moments on camera, documenting the highs and lows of my odyssey. And Louis Ambert, my fellow endurance athlete 🏋️‍♂️, who not only shared his own experiences and insights on our podcast episode, "#1 Talking Endurance, Mindset, and Life with Ultra Runner (Louis Ambert)," but also filmed 🎥 the final pull-ups of this epic challenge.

And of course, there's my rock, my wife, my bestie 💖. Her unwavering support, her strength, her belief in my crazy dreams—that's the foundation upon which all my achievements are built. Always there with a listening ear and a supportive heart, ready to celebrate every victory and offer comfort during every setback.

This journey was about more than just the pull-ups. It was about the connections forged, the shared laughter, the deep conversations that transcended the clanging of weights and the rhythmic thud of pull-ups. Feeling seen, heard, and understood—that's a rare gift 🎁. And I'm grateful for the people who offered that gift, who reminded me that even in the midst of a solitary pursuit, I was part of something much bigger.

42 Days to Glory 🏆

The finish line was in sight. 100,000 pull-ups loomed just over the horizon. But I wasn't content to coast to the end. I wanted to finish strong, to push my limits even further.

At this point, I could have continued at my current pace and still completed the challenge comfortably within my timeframe. But I had a new goal in mind. I'd calculated that I could potentially match the completion time of my previous 50,000 pull-up challenge – a feat I'd accomplished in 152 days.

That's when the idea for a challenge within a challenge took hold: 42,000 pull-ups in 42 days. 1,000 pull-ups every single session. It was an audacious goal, a final test of my mental and physical fortitude.

The days blurred into a relentless rhythm of reps and sets. My body was a machine, fueled by adrenaline and the unwavering belief that I could achieve this final feat.

But it wasn't just about the physical grind. It was about the mental game, the constant focus, the unwavering determination to conquer this self-imposed challenge. 🧠

And then, there it was. The final rep. The final pull-up. The culmination of months of dedication, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the goal.

The finish line 🏁 in sight! This photo captures the intensity and determination of those final pull-ups at Deansgate Square. Each rep brought me closer to the culmination of months of dedication and a goal that once seemed impossible.

The feeling of accomplishment was indescribable. This photo captures the moment I completed my 100,000th pull-up at Deansgate Square. It was a testament to the power of mindset, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a goal.

The feeling was euphoric 🤩. A wave of relief, satisfaction, and disbelief washed over me. I had done it. 100,000 pull-ups. A journey that had tested me to my core, pushed me beyond my perceived limits, and ultimately, transformed me in ways I never could have imagined. And I did it in 151 days – one day less than my previous challenge.

To achieve this, I had averaged 662 pull-ups a day for 151 days, a testament to the consistency and dedication required to conquer such an ambitious goal.

Lessons from the Bar

100,000 pull-ups. It's more than just a number. It's a testament to the power of the human spirit, a symbol of resilience, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of a goal.

This journey taught me more than I could have ever imagined. It was a crash course in pushing boundaries, overcoming obstacles, and mastering the inner game.

Here are a few of the key lessons I learned along the way:

• 🤔 The Power of a Strong Why: Without a clear purpose, a burning desire to achieve something, it's easy to lose motivation when the going gets tough. My "why" was my guiding star, the constant reminder that kept me moving forward, even when my muscles screamed for mercy.
• 🗺️ The Importance of Strategy: A well-defined plan is essential for achieving any ambitious goal. My OKR framework provided the structure and clarity I needed to stay on track and navigate the inevitable setbacks.
• 💪 The Depth of Human Resilience: I've always known I possess a deep well of resilience, but this challenge plumbed the depths further than I ever thought possible. It was a powerful reminder that we are capable of enduring far more than we often believe, physically and mentally.
• 🧠 The Mind-Body Connection: Our thoughts and beliefs have a profound impact on our physical performance. By mastering my inner game, cultivating a positive mindset, and visualising success, I was able to achieve extraordinary results.
• 🙌 The Power of Community: While I believe we can achieve greatness alone, I chose to embrace the power of my tribe. Their support, encouragement, and shared belief fueled my fire and enriched my journey in ways I couldn't have anticipated.

These lessons aren't just applicable to pull-up challenges. They're universal truths that can be applied to any area of life. Whether you're striving to achieve a fitness goal, build a successful business, or simply live a more fulfilling life, these principles can guide you on your journey.

The Ripple Effect 📰

As I cranked out pull-up after pull-up, my journey began to ripple beyond the walls of the gym. It caught the attention of Hakim Hafazalla, a writer for the Manchester Evening News, who reached out to learn more about my story.

We had a great conversation at The Midland Hotel in Manchester, discussing the 100,000 pull-up challenge, the motivations behind it, and the lessons I learned along the way. You can read the full article, "The Man Attempting to do 100,000 Pull-ups in a Year".

Ever wondered what a 1,000 pull-up session looks like? In this YouTube clip, you'll see me mid-flow, sending a WhatsApp video message to Hakim. He'd emailed about setting up an interview, but let's be honest, who has time for emails when you're on a mission to conquer 100,000 pull-ups? This was a more efficient (and let's face it, more fun) way to connect with Hakim, confirm the meet, and let him know a proper email response was coming later.

It was an incredible experience to share my story with a wider audience and to see my journey reflected in the pages of a respected publication. It reinforced the power of pursuing audacious goals and the impact it can have on others.

The 100,000 Pull-Up Vlog Series 🎬

Want to experience the journey firsthand? I documented the entire challenge in a raw and unfiltered vlog series, capturing the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

Filmed entirely on my iPhone 11 Pro (with the microphone cleverly tucked into my beard!), these videos offer an intimate glimpse into the daily grind, the mental battles, and the unwavering support of my community.

You'll see me training in various locations, from The Strength Collective to the Delta Marriott to the iconic Deansgate Square. You'll witness the torn calluses, the moments of doubt, and the unwavering determination that fueled my every rep.

And most importantly, you'll see the transformation that occurred along the way—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

So grab your popcorn 🍿, settle in, and join me on this epic adventure:

Why 100,000 pull-ups? 🤔 Join me as I explain the motivations behind this epic challenge and the journey I'm about to embark on.

The journey begins! 🚀 Follow along as I tackle the first 10 days of the 100,000 pull-up challenge.

The grind continues! 💪 Days 11-20 bring new challenges and unexpected triumphs.

Finding my rhythm. Watch as I settle into the daily routine and push past the initial hurdles.

Hitting my stride. The momentum builds as I conquer another 10 days of pull-ups.

Milestones and motivation. 🏅 Celebrating the small victories and staying focused on the bigger picture.

Adapting and overcoming. 🧠 Dealing with setbacks and moving forward.

The mental game. 🧘‍♂️ Exploring the power of mindset and visualisation in achieving extraordinary goals.

Community and connection. 🙌 The support of my tribe keeps me going strong.

Pushing through the plateau. ⛰️ Navigating the challenges of maintaining momentum and staying focused.

The home stretch! 🏁 The finish line is in sight, but the intensity ramps up.

The final push! 🏅 Witness the culmination of months of dedication and the triumph of completing 100,000 pull-ups.

Beyond the Bar

100,000 pull-ups. It's a milestone I'll never forget, a journey that pushed me to the limits of my physical and mental capacity. But it was never just about the numbers.

This odyssey was about self-discovery, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a goal. It was about proving to myself, and hopefully to others, that we are capable of far more than we often believe.

It was about mastering the inner game, cultivating a mindset that allowed me to conquer not just the pull-up bar, but the doubts and fears that often hold us back from achieving extraordinary things.

It was about the power of community, the unwavering support of my tribe, who fueled my fire and reminded me that I was part of something bigger than myself.

And ultimately, it was about the lessons learned, the wisdom gained, and the transformation that occurred along the way.

So, what's next? The journey continues. There are new mountains to climb, new challenges to conquer, and new ways to push the boundaries of human potential.

Are you ready to embark on your own epic adventure? 🚀

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, I invite you to explore the power of personal challenge projects. My article, "Unleash Your Inner Strength: A Blueprint for Epic Personal Challenge Projects," provides a simple framework for setting audacious goals, developing a winning mindset, and achieving extraordinary results.

Connect with me 🤝, share your stories of resilience, and let's inspire each other to reach new heights.