John Morrow A discussion with John Morrow, the new Guiness Record holder for the most back handed push-ups
By Lillian Chan, WellnessOptions
American John Morrow, age 54, recently broke the Guinness World Record and accomplished the most back handed push-ups in 60 seconds – 123 times. He achieved this goal after 40 days of fasting, 3 years of serious attempts and near-successes, and decades of persistent and highly focused training. He tried to break the record for most push-ups in one minute, which is 133, in 2004. He did 139 but failed because of technicalities (wearing long sleeves). In 2005, he logged 141 then 142, but the Guinness Book ‘retired the record’ which was 138 at the time. The previous record for most back handed push-up was 100. What inspired John Morrow? How did he stay focused on his goal and his course? What went through his mind – in training and in competition? Didn’t he feel the hunger? How did he tolerate the pains and aches? In our discussion with John Morrow, he talked about he purpose of his record and how he sharpened his awareness – of the mind and the body in training, in fasting, and in the process of attaining a goal. And how that sharpened consciousness enabled him to become his own master – to control his mind, his body, his timing, and his direction in life.
Why did you do it?
My father died of suicide when he was 50, thinking of himself as old and giving up. He missed so much, like sharing in the success of his children and meeting his grandchildren… Many people in North America, in their 50’s 40’s or even 30’s are giving up on their bodies today. They eat too much, exercise too little, and fret about old age, feeling helpless and hopeless. I want to bring awareness to the problem. I want to push my own limit and do what I can do, to raise the average for all people a bit. So at 54 if I can do it, perhaps some people may think that they can do it, too. Hopefully, my effort may offset the apathy about good nutrition, the hopelessness about being overweight, and the fear of aging.
What do you mean?
You push your limit everyday. You set the goal that you really, really want, and you train and you prepare. And then when I was doing the push ups, I felt being pulled to my goal. I had to consciously slow down my breathing to keep the oxygen in my body for a full minute when I first started to do those push-ups. But half way through the session, the motion became automatic, and I didn’t feel anything any more except the feeling of well-being. Then I just allowed myself to succeed rather than getting into my own way. For example, if I was distracted, I would fail. And a lot of distractions are self-generated.
How do you stay focused?
You have to clear the mind of petty desires and distractions, impulses, and urges that are not necessary. Then you think about things, yourself and society, and reflect on what you really, really want. Then make a decision and set your mind on that goal. Think about what it takes to get to your goal; then act decisively. When your mind is on a greater long-term goal, it will steer the body away from short term desires, which will become unimportant and lose their hold on you. The discipline will come later, but you start with self-examination, clarity, and the decision of a goal. Once you taste the result of your discipline, your motivation for your action will grow stronger. For example, training and fasting enables me to focus. Life goes by quickly, and there are so many indulgences in a consumer society. We are told all the time that we have to desire something. Eat this, drink that. During fasting, time goes by slowly, so you can take a step back to think. Shedding unnecessary desires and distractions leads to clarity of what you want; you are free of having to desire; you are your won master. You can choose to enjoy eating rather than having to eat. I love food, and fasting helps me enjoy my food.
How do you fast?
I started out 3 days at a time when I was in my 20’s. Now I fast 30- 40 days each spring. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays I drink diluted juices, and on Sunday s just water. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I train hard, so I drink protein drinks as well. Now that you have achieved your goal, what are you going to do next? I don’t know what my next goal is yet. Whatever it is, I’m enjoying my time everyday. Aging to me is gaining. You add each day to the days you already have in life, so each day is a gift. To worry about old age is like mourning for a loss before you have it to loose.