Paul’s American Ninja Warrior Training Takes Him to the Trees [VIDEO]

Half of the reason why I know I can compete on American Ninja Warrior is because of my past job as a tree climber.

Yeah, it's been almost 15 years since I've been in the saddle (tree climber's harness) professionally, but I am sure I have enough of that moxie left to complete the obstacles that the exciting NBC show brings.

Tree climbing was an exercise in bad-assery. Most days, it was like working out for three hours straight. Then we'd have lunch. Then it was another four hour workout. Brutal some days, but a few months into the work, I felt I had the strength to move mountains.

That's about what I'll need to compete with the amazing athletes on American Ninja Warrior. So, since I need to tap the power I used to derive from climbing trees for a living, I figured it made sense to hop back up in the them for some training.

I have to admit, the first time my hands touched the branches, a part of me was thinking, "You are crazy. This hurts." It did hurt. It hurt my computer soft hands. It hurt the muscles of my arms, back and abdomen. But, just like I remembered from working for BJ Tree Service, the third day brought less pain. In the ensuing days, I think I'm growing stronger, and I've experienced less pain. It was probably easier when I was in my 20's, but I don't remember my 20's very well, so ignorance is bliss.