Running the 40 in 4.5 with 2 weeks of training

I was runnnnin'!

I’ve been in need of a new challenge for awhile now. I’ve been training like I always do, but I’ve definitely been in need of some motivation. And nothing motivates me like an established, fun goal. I’ve decided to try myself in the one physical ability test that most NFL coaches consider to be the most important at the NFL Combine. The 40 yard dash.

Why the 40?  Well, every football player in the world has to run it and with football credentials like mine it only makes sense that I run it, too.  What football credentials do I have, you ask?  Ahem!  Well… EA Horton and I’ve spent many nights (two) throwing dollar bills like missiles in a gentleman’s club with Roddy White of the Atlanta Falcons (because I am a gentleman, and that’s where gentlemen hang out).  I’ve  even traded a few text messages with Roddy… and once or twice he’s texted me back!  He ignored my invite to my backyard barbecue this summer, though, but that’s cool… he was probably busy.  Hmmm, what else?  I’ve met Bob Kraft a few times and each time I met him, he never remembered me from the time before.  However, he always gives me a firm handshake and says the same thing, “Hmmm, you look like you could play for us!”  He probably says that to anyone without a gut hanging over his belt, but who cares!!!  I roll around in that compliment like it’s a bed full of money!

So, basically, I’ve got football running through my veins!

I have never run the 40 yard dash for time. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever raced anyone in a legit 40 yard dash race.  The only football I’ve played was at the beach or with old friends during the holidays.  So, I knew I needed to prepare.  I educated myself on the mechanics of the 40 the best way I knew how… with YouTube videos.  I found two videos and watched them both twice.  I was totally ready!!!

I thought a lot of dudes would like to compete in a 40 yard dash challenge. So I tweeted the challenge to a bunch of people that I don’t know and a few friends. From the fat kid over at Barstool Sports, to Ochocino, to Pauly D, to Rhode Island Newsman Dan Jaehnig… alas, the only person to accept the challenge was former semi-pro football player and current bodybuilder Eric “The Butcher” Brown.

This is what happened (see video):

On my last attempt (and slowest) I heeded the advice from those YouTube videos a little too heavily. I forgot to breathe after 20 yards and when I hit the finish line, off camera, the world went black and I felt myself hit the ground. I came back to life right away and I was A-OK. Who passes out running the 40??? This guy does.

I was hoping for a time of 4.6 seconds, but I got 4.9.

Now comes the goal.  Run the 40 in 4.5 seconds in 2 weeks.

Can I? Hell yes. I can definitely improve on my sloppy start. I was like a baby deer walking for the first time coming off the start.

Training has already begun.  I’ll keep you posted.

Zoooooom!!!

Mike

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