I’ve never really cared much for my own birthday. What?! You like being reminded you’re 1 year closer to dying? Plus, I don’t like getting stuff.
Well, this year is different (except the stuff sentiment). I’ve decided to actually celebrate my birthday - with a physical and mental challenge. Inspired by www.birthdaychallenge.com, I’m setting aside January 17 to attempt a day full of fun-filled physical feats (my birthday is the 19th, which is Monday). I’m inviting friends and strangers alike to join in any or all of the events - especially the cupcake sharing. In the spirit of the Birthday Challenge phenomenon, I’ve selected activities I’m passionate about - but in quantities that bring into question an actual human’s capabilities. Ok, so I exaggerated, but it’s going to be hard.
In addition to the mental and physical challenge, I also convinced myself to raise money for an important cause. You can read about that here. I figured if this challenge is hard enough, I could provoke 100 people to donate $24 each to the Nashville Rescue Mission - a place of haven and hot meals for people without a home. The fundraising goal is $2400. As a result, we will provide 1,250 meals to Nashvillians. You’re individual donation will provide 13 people with a hot meal - and a positive and potentially lifechanging experience. Feel free to donate $5, $10, $50 or whatever you want. Read more and donate on the FirstGiving page here.
Here’s the challenge!! In 24 hours I must complete the following activities:
- 24 miles of bike riding
- 24 kilometers (14.9 miles) of running
- 24 boulder problems (rock climbing routes without a rope)
- 240 total of pushups, pullups, situps - (100 situps, 90 pushups, 50 pullups)
- 240 frisbees caught and thrown (it takes two! i need your help)
- 8,760 seconds of reading (1 for each day I’ll have been alive)
- 24 songs listened to from 1985
- 24 - # of strangers to meet and learn their names
- 24 hugs to different people (this means you, too!)
- 24 spoken Chinese phrases (leaving for China in February)
- 24 cupcakes shared with friends
The rules (in priority order):
- Have some freakin’ fun
- Challenges must be completed between 12am and 12pm on January 17.
- Each activity can be completed in intervals, but must add to the total goal.
I look forward to seeing you on the 17th - or hearing about your Challenge experience via comments on this blog or email.
If you have any suggestions, ideas, or words of advice, feel free to reach me at:
adrian (at) adriansbirthdaychallenge.com (replace “(at)” with @)
