Nine-hundred push-ups is child's play for Cooper, whose nickname in the fitness world-the "pull-up guy"-refers to an entirely different prowess. Discipline and repetition have helped Cooper, a financial advisor by day and father of two, break 29 Guinness World Records in feats of strength, including the five he actively holds: the most chest to-bar chin-ups in one minute (33), push-ups in one minute with a 40-pound pack (84), step-ups in one minute with a 40-pound pack (60), step-ups in one minute with a 60-pound pack (60), and step-ups in one minute with an 80-pound pack (54).
But despite earning a reputation as an upper-body-workout warrior, Cooper doesn't limit his athletic endeavors to the strength-based challenge she's also a blazing-fast runner. In June 2022, the 44-year-old clocked a 17:13 PR at the Boston Waterfront 5K, taking 6th place in a field of 637. While Cooper runs only once or twice a week due to nagging injuries, he's plenty proud of his race PRs. "I'm just as psyched when I hit a running goal as when I break a world record," he says.
Chase Greatness / In high school, Cooper was convinced his talents lay in the short sprints and jumps, often running the 100 meters and 200 meters, until his brother-a middle-distance stud in New England-persuaded him to try the 800 meters his junior year. Cooper took to the event instantly, placing high in his county meet and ultimately earning a spot on the Boston College track team.
This story is from the Issue 01, 2023 edition of Runner's World US.
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This story is from the Issue 01, 2023 edition of Runner's World US.
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