A few months ago, a close friend and I set up a fitness challenge we called our "Ubermensch Challenge." The idea was to create a challenge that would encourage us to get both stronger and better at cardio.

We came up with the following criteria:
* Upper body: Bench press 5x5x185lb
* Lower body: Deadlift 5x5x275lb and/or Squat 5x5x225lb
* Cardio: Erg a 2k under 7m. If you're a runner you could maybe equate this with running a 6m mile. It's like a reasonably fast "freshman in high school" time.

Before the challenge, my bench, squat, and deadlift were all pretty much there because I'd been lifting. I was actually at 5x5x225lb for bench and 5x5x325lb for squat. So the tricky part was picking up the 2k without sacrificing strength.

Today I'm proud to say I've completed the hardest part of the Ubermensch challenge (for me) by rowing a sub-7m 2k!

I wouldn't say I'm especially proud of this time. In high school my PR was 6:25 as a 155lb lightweight, and now I weigh 190lbs.

But it's the first 2k I've done in maybe a decade, after a couple months of mostly "easy" steady-state conditioning. And I have to say it still feels good to break 7m.

I'm going to keep training and see where I get. The trick is I'm also lifting now, which I wasn't doing in high school (squatting, bench press, overhead press, deadlift, rows, etc...).

On the one hand lifting makes it harder to prioritize erg training. But on the other hand, it means more strength on the erg, and it's probably better for overall health.

Let's see where I am a year from now. And if you think you can complete the Ubermensch challenge, post and let me know!