Did I REALLY just run that far?

The plan for this morning was eight miles. Two Soldiers from the intelligence section of the battalion mapped out a course that was four miles there, and four miles back. We met 30 minutes prior to our normal formation time and were stretched out and running at about 6:10am.

We started off with six Soldiers, but two ended up not completing the course due to injuries/illness. We were left with myself, SFC, M, and H, the aspiring NCO from my previous posting. H was the only male to complete the run from our group this morning. GIRL POWER!

H was the fastest, followed by M. SFC and me were pretty much even until the end, then SFC ended up passing me.  I am determined to catch up and keep up with M, but she's so young and tall! When SFC and I reached the turn around point, M was there alone. She told us H just kept going. Being the team players that we are, we continued on as well. We finally saw him coming back toward us, and asked "where's Butner road, anyway?" My response, "about 3/4 a mile back, where the sign says Butner!"

We turned around and made our way back to the unit. It's funny, the things that go through your mind when you are running alone, without music. I can't remember most of the thoughts that crossed my mind, other than those related to the run. Thoughts such as, "ok, I'm passing the division water tower, next checkpoint, the water tower by the motor pool, then motor pool, then Zabitosky Street, then Reilly, then home." Every other thought I had was supposed to serve as a distraction from the pain and fatigue I began to experience. Amazingly enough, I wasn't suffering a significant amount of either. I wasn't comfortable by any means, but a work out isn't a work out if you are. I also maintained that runner's high throughout the run, despite reaching some points (mostly hills) where I almost stopped to walk. NOT doing so is something I'm extremely proud of, because just last month, six miles felt like certain death.

On the way back, someone yelled "what you doing all the way out here?" It was "Ed" the NCO in charge of M and H. I replied "ten miler training, get on my level Sergeant!" I found it amusing that he didn't know his Soldiers were "all the way out here" as well.

When I finished (last lol), I wasn't nearly as winded as I assumed I would be. I guess conditioning really does work. My next step is to increase my speed. I know the speed will come with the continuous running, but I want to get faster... well... faster. 

Also, today starts my experiment with supplements. My SAFE experiment that is. I bought a tub of Jillian Michaels' protein whey powder and used it as coffee creamer, and had some blackberries along with it. I must say, I did feel full afterward, which is of extreme importance to me. My previous postings talk in detail about what happens if I end up getting too hungry lol. I will never use supplements to replace meals though, just to add to them. The rest of the day went well as far as diet and nutrition went. FINALLY, I'm catching on lol.

In others news, I'm taking a public speaking class this semester. Be on the lookout for my manuscripts, if I feel they are worth posting. At first I was mad when the unit deployed and left some new dude in charge of my section instead of me, but I turned that into a positive. Now I'll have time to take my classes and do my correspondences courses and other activities that will hopefully lead me to a promotion. Running the section requires  a LOT of time. Time I could be using to better myself, so, wish me luck!

When in Charge... Take Charge

This week has been outstanding as far as training goes. No B.S. meetings to interfere with training, and no officers to do the same. No offense to any officers that read this. It's just that PT is for NCOs!!! Thank you for understanding :).

I have mangaged to stick to my two-a-days every day so far. Lord willing I can keep on. I haven't lost any weight, but I have lost two inches from my waist. This is what I consider WINNING.

Nutrition continues to be a struggle. I am doing awesome today though. Proper planning helps. Instead of coming to the office without eating breakfast, I went to the commissary and picked up my breakfast and lunch. Despite not coming in as early as usual, I have been super productive. I assume this is because I'm not going into anemic psychotic dangerous physco starvation mode.


Gym training yesterday was legs, today was arms. For unit PT we did sprint intervals yesterday, and muscle resistance today. I let an aspiring NCO conduct PT, so he could practice. He was slightly lost and kept asking me if we could do this or do that. I told him "I put your in charge. When in Charge, take Charge." He definately listened. We ended up deviating from our usual strength training to do relays. Not just any relays, but relays that involved tire flips, sand bag sprints and buddy carries. We are going to feel it in the morning! Next time we'll incorporate beating the tires with sledge hammers. Nothing burns calories like getting out your anger and agression.

We ended up getting extremely dirty, thanks to the ground being wet. Usually the ground being wet doesn't matter much, as Fort Bragg is covered in sand, but we seem to have found the only patch of actual mud within a fifty mile radius of the post. We did sit ups on said patch of mud. Another NCO in my unit filmed us. I hope I can get the footage.

Tomorrow won't be a two a day for me, unless I can get out of work early, as the ten mile team is going to meet at 6am, in order to run an undetermined distance. I decided against measuring the distance on the chosen route so as to avoid psyching myself out before the run. When complete, I'll drive the same route and use my odometer to measure the distance. I do know though, that it's the fartherest distance we've done up to this point. It should be interesting to do this run after the work out we did today. But if we can do it when we are sore and tired, it'll be easy to do the ten miler when we're experiencing zero pain and are well rested.

As I get closer to race day, I feel less and less nervous. I trust my training and my abilities. June 3rd will determine if that trust is well placed or not...

Another Fun Run. Hold the fun.

I like to deliver the bad news first, so that when I deliver the good news, my story will end on a high note. Let's get the bad news out of the way. Today is Monday, I was late, I was in trouble for someone else not being at formation (someone who outranks me), and I didn't get to do the PT I had planned on doing. The good news is,  I DID get to do my strength training prior to unit PT and I worked the hell out of my shoulders and chest. Any time I get to bring a muscle group to muscle failure, I consider it a good session. Additionally, I'm ready to increase the amount of weight I'm lifting. Progress is always good news.

So, I guess I should get used to the fact that Mondays will be reserved for Battery runs. Once again, my grandoise visions of a long distance run were shattered when the First Sergeant said "PT Instructor, POST." This command clearly wasn't aligned with my intent. The command I NEEDED was "Platoon Sergeants, take charge."  As the psuedo-platoon sergeant (the real seems to be perpetually "tasked out"), I would have had the freedom to run the Soldiers to the far ends of the Earth. Or at least the far end of Ardennes. From our unit, the end of Ardennes is exactly 3 miles, making a run there and back a solid 6. (I'm sure my Bragg audience knows what I'm talking about!) But, always the Soldier, I went along with First Sergeant's plans. (AS though I had another choice?) We ran a very slow, very short distance.

Although I could definately have gone further and faster, I was pleased at the fact that I wasn't sucking wind as soon as we hit a slight incline, which is what normally happens to me. Granted, the Battery usually breaks into an unreasonably paced sprint as soon as they hit a hill, and they didn't this time, but I'll take what I can get!

It may have helped that I was the pace setter, for a while at least. I could easily have called cadence on this one, but I opted out, because I was afraid that if I did start singing, the pace would pick up. My fears turned out to be unfounded, so, I'll be singing my heart out next time.

I know that it's wrong to take comfort in the struggles of others, but I must say I was extremely pleased that I didn't fall out of the formation, despite the fact that about six others did. I am by NO means speaking ill of the ones who fell out. I have been there before and know their frustrations. However, it was nice to not be there today.

What helped me to get from a hyperventilating, hysterical, delirious sub-human to a steady paced, even breathing, solid runner was nothing more than hard work, and determination. Please forgive me for the cliche, but some things become cliche simply because they are true, and this is one of them. I hope that others who may be struggling with their run, or any other physical challenge for that matter are willing and able to put in the work to achieve their goals.

Ten Miler Training... Slow is Smooth-Smooth is fast... for real this time

One of the ways I gage my progress and performance when I'm running is to try and keep someone who runs faster than me in my line of vision, then catch up to that person and eventually, pass that person up. Lately, I have been stalking following one of my ten miler team members, "M" always with the goal of passing her in mind. I FINALLY accomplised this yesterday. Granted, I was behind her for the better part of the run, but I passed her, AND "SFC" toward the end. SFC is even faster than M.

I should mention that we ran about a mile, on an unpaved trail, until we reached a nice, steep hill. Here, we did sprints, lunges, squats and backward runs up and down this hell hill. We took the short cut back to the unit when we finised. This goes to show that strength training compliments your run performance. I do a lot of lower body exercise, to ensure my legs are strong enough to keep running. The exercises tired their leg out, but not mine. Finally, slow really IS smooth, and smooth really IS fast. The more I run, the more I enjoy it. This is awesome, since running is one of the best ways for me to shape up.

My weight training is getting more intense.  can do more reps. Soon I'll be ready to increase what I'm lifting. I noticed that my back isn't a strong as is looks, and my abs don't look as strong as they are. I need to remedy this, so next week I'll be doing two back workouts each week and more cardio to trim some inches from my abs. In addition, I need to increase my arm workouts. I'm absolutely terrified of getting that under arm flab like Christina Applegate's character on The Sweetest Thing. There are no signs of it yet, and I want to keep it that way.

Several people have mentioned that I've lost weight. Surprisingly, I haven't. I still weigh... we'll just say I weigh the same. The difference is, the weight is muscle now. I love the changes I'm starting to see.

Despite the positive changes, proper nutrition continues to be the bane of my existence. I am improving my habits in this department, but I still struggle. I know exactly what I NEED to do. I just wish I wanted to do what I needed. If I start to eat more, smaller meals I think I can at least partially correct the problem. If I go too long between meals I turn into a savage. I get moody and cranky and I can focus only on finding food. When I do find substinence, it's usually not a low calorie option. I become quite primitive! Problem is, I get distracted by work, the internet, an animated conversation... etc. Next on my list is to figure out how to limit these distractions....

I am continuing to abstain from alcohol, and even considering not picking it back up. In light of my love for food, I figure quitting drinking will allow me to replace those calories with more food. But some food tastes SOOOOO good with beer or wine, and temptation is everywhere! I'm not making the decision to quit just yet! No one likes a quitter anyway!

Introduction to Insanity-I'm a Believer

Yesterday one of my fellow Noncomissioned Officers invited my platoon to do PT with his platoon. He said he was doing Insanity. He didn't have the video, but he had adapted the exercises from the videos for unit physical training.

I have never seen Insanity, but if it reflects the training we did yesterday, I am a believer!! Let me tell you, I have big, muscular legs. It takes a lot of effort for my legs to hurt after a lower body work out. I almost ALWAYS have to incorporate weights if I want to feel a burn in my lower half. Today, I am SORE. I'm not complaining, by any means. In fact, I'm pleasantly suprised, and excited, as I fully intend to own these DVDs. The NCO that conducted the training informed me that the DVDs are even harder. One of the (very physically fit) officers I work with said he has never completed an Insanity session without taking a break. I say, BRING IT!

On the downside of that, my eating yesterday was less than stellar. One of my coworkers went to Popeyes. The person that took her order gave her more than she ordered, for the same price. As a result, she was giving away the extra. I WANTED to decline the officer, but can ANYONE say no to free, greasy, deep fried exstacy? I know I can't! Moving right along though, I am making up for it today, so far.

I haven't been running lately, aside from Monday. I HAVE been doing some serious strength training though. I was finally able to do my "two-a-days" today. My back and ab work outs were quite intense. I have discovered during this whole ten miler training process that I LOVE intense work outs. I have always done them, but lately the more I do them, the more I want to push myself. I am happy as hell to feel this way.

I have given much thought to my fitness goals after I complete the ten miler. I have decided on three long term goals for the time being. These goals include, being able to do pull ups (I can bench press my weight, but I can't do a pull up. If killing Bin Laden relied on my abilities to do pull ups he'd still be in his Pakistani mansion), being able to do push ups non stop for a minute straight, (since that is soon going to be the new Army standard) and a 14 minute two mile run.

For as long as I've been in the Army, I've never put much thought into my training. I did what I needed to do to maintain my weight, or lose, if necessary, but I was never very deliberate about the whole process. The ten miler training has inspired me to approach fitness differently, to have a plan for my routines, and to refine my diet (this is so far my biggest hurdle).

I would like to hear from my readers, what are your goals? What are your plans to meet these goals?

Life got in the Way Today

Plans for today were: supersets for my legs, followed by routine unit PT (running). Unfortunately this is not how things turned out. I'm not suprised, but frustrated nonetheless.  On my way in, my counterpart texted me, asking me to fill in for him at a meeting. He was running late. The meeting was, of course, at 6am, when I'm normally in the gym. But I was prepared. I would leave the office early and go to the gym in the evening. So I thought. Instead I attended mandatory meeting at 5pm, effectively destroying my plans.

 Had I known, I would have worked out harder during unit PT, which was cut short, due to an unfortuntate announcement that had to be made to the battalion. Out of respect for the people involved, I will not elaborate further on the announcement we heard.

After the meeting, I had to pick up my son. Anyone with children in daycare understands that, I'm sure.

So, now I'm at home dwelling on how annoyed I am that my daily routine was interrupted. I will give myself credit though, on the diet and nutrition side. I wasn't perfect, but I didn't break down and order pizza or pick up KFC either. Baby steps. I have considered easing myself into a clean diet, but that doesn't seem likely. I enjoy flavor. I just can't sacrafice it.

It dawned on me today that one of my earlier postings about working out being addictive is proving accurate today. I'm almost positive that if someone were to drop by my house for a visit, I'd be displaying behaviors similar to those of a junkie needing a fix. I feel like I'm twitching, and I can't stop thinking about going to the gym. BUT, I feel that this is a healthy obsession. I would rather have this vice than say, smoking or alcohol. No offense to those who indulge in either of these (I definately enjoy drinking), but science proves that my fixation on exercise is good. My obession will actually help me live LONGER. I tend to be slighly obsessive compulsive in some regards, and this is one of them. I'm very "Type A." in this matter. If only my diet matched lol.

As I wind down this evening, and get my gym bag packed for tomorrw, some of the annoyance is wearing off. I am hopeful and confident for tomorrow's work out (which will be combined with today's, time permitting).

Ten Miler Training...Or Lack Thereof

Once again, my plans to run all over Fort Bragg were foiled by the First Sergeant's plans for a"fun run." I think the word "fun" needs to be more closely examined. On a postive note, the pace wasn't insane and impossible to maintain, like it has been in the past. I even felt as though I could call cadence... almost...I wish we had gone further though. Maybe I'm gradually becoming addicted to a "runner's high." Perhaps that term isn't just urban legend, as I had previously believed.

Gym time was outstanding. I began a routine presented in the May issue of Oxygen magazine. The Hourglass Work Out, or something to that effect. I was pleased when I was nearing muscle failure during the second set of reps. It takes alot to get to that point, and I hate leaving the gym not feeling fatigued. This sounds likes I love to torture myself. I don't. Pain is how I gauge the intensity of my work outs. I'm sure anyone with extensive experience in sports medicine would disagree with me and give me a speech about recovery, etc. BUT, the pain barometer method has always worked well for me, and until I find myself severely injured and staring into the eyes of doctor who probably "told me so," I'll continue. Tomorrow I get to superset a bunch of leg exercises, then plyometrics Wednesday. I don't remember the rest, and I'm too tired lazy to get the magazine out of my truck. If you're intrigued, and would like to see more, purchase the magazine.

Let's move on. Diet. Nutrition. I NEED to work on completely revise and start over on those areas. My journey to balance the enjoyment of food and the necessity of it just may begin sooner that I want. Seriously, why can't I say no to cookies? One of the captains in my unit brought in a plate of decadent, delightful, awe-inspiring chocolate chip cookies today. Instead of eating one or two and sharing the rest, I think I shared one or two and ate the rest. He said he put almond extract in them. I think almond extract is code for crack! Why else would I want them so badly? (Please take the crack comment with a grain of salt and don't call a substance abuse counseler on me. It's just  figure of speech lol) Speaking of cookies, check this woman out... http://sweetsugarbelle.blogspot.com/. If I worked anywhere near her, I'd really be screwed! But I'd be on a perpetual sugar high and just may not care lol.

Maybe if I hadn't skipped breakfast I'd have handled the cookies better. I just might experiment with the supplement concept, but only for when I'm in a hurry and can't cook something. Many of my diet pittfalls result from limited times and options. I guess the smart thing would be to plan ahead. Enter supplements... stay tuned.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

To all the mothers, and to the fathers doing it alone... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!  I hope you are having  blessed, wonderful day.

As for me, I woke up to a Project Runway marathon on the Style network. A happy Mother's Day indeed! In celebration, I made coffee and strawberry shortcake and indulged in the guilty pleasure of all day reality television. Later on in the day, I invented a Twinkie strawberry shortcake. It's exactly what the name of it suggests, a strawberry shortcake, using Twinkies instead of the Hostess shortcakes I normally use. Despite the cream filling, I still topped my creation with Cool-Whip. Don't judge me! It's MY day! lol. I must say, it was divine!! I recommend it to anyone.

Ten miler training? Not today. Not yesterday either. Fitness wasn't completely forgotten though. I picked up the latest issue of Oxygen and discovered a total body work out using a weight sled. I have always loved using the weight sled, and was thrilled to see an entire work out based on it. I think I'll try this out tomorrow.

Lately I have been reading magazines like Oxygen and Fitness RX more often. I like the challenging routines presented in them. What I don't like, however, is that most of the models and writers seem to live off supplements and protein shakes. I can't see myself as one of those fitness gurus who has lost touch with the ability to enjoy food. Perhaps I enjoy food a little bit too much though (see second paragraph). Stay tuned for my quest to balance the enjoyment of eating with the necessity of it.

In other news, I attempted to wash a pair of Danner boots in the washing machine using detergent and Coca-Cola. I was told this gets them clean. Well, I was told to use Pepsi and detergent. I thought for sure Coke wold have the same effect. Epic failure. Has anyone else heard of this method of cleaning boots? Has anyone had any success with this method? Feel free to comment and share your experience. As for me, I'm being forced to clean my boots the "normal" way, with a Kiwi suede cleaning kit. Sigh.

Tomorrow is the start of yet another five day work week. I guess I should get used to it. That IS after all, what most working Americans do. At least that gives me five good work out days!

Ten MilerTraining Part VI-The Agony

It has been a long time since we've worked for five consecutive days. Last month we were granted several four day weekends, back to back, and countless early release days. This week has been a five day week, with one early release day. This is also the first week that I have done two workouts every day.

I am by no means complaining about this, but I AM feeling the effects.  One of my soldiers works out with me in the gym every morning, and I was so tired today, I was hoping she'd cancel.  She didn't. Despite my momentary lapse in motivation, I completed a kettlebell routine and pulled 140 pounds on a sled across the astro turf in the gym a few times. I didn't feel as focused as I normally do, disappointing as exercise is one of the few things I CAN focus on.  Everyone has off days though, and working out with less focus is better than not working out at all.

When it was time for formation, there were about ten soldiers present.  Apparently, we were the unfortunate ten who didn't get the phone call. No one had to be at work until 0900. Had our battery commander not been present, we may have simply "zonked." For those that don't know, the work "zonk" is a sort of Army slang. If the platoon sergeant orders the formation to zonk, the soldiers run as fast as they can to their car, or barracks room, and skip PT for that day. Usually the platoon sergeant will count down from ten and anyone in the area who hasn't made it out of sight and out of mind ends up doing PT.

Well, my plans to zonk were effectively eradicated when the commander asked me if I was the only non commissioned officer in formation today. I was. He had me form them up and stretch them out. I started to give the soldiers a lower body and ab workout, but the lieutenant had other plans. Plans that involved running. Again.

I was mad. PT is typically considered NCO business. However, I was in no position to complain, so I went along with it. We ran a short distance, under two miles, but the route led us to a hill. We spent the majority of our time sprinting, lunging, squatting and ski jumping up and down this hill.  When the commander felt that we'd sufficiently destroyed our calves and thighs, we ran back to the unit, found some bleachers and jumped off and on those for awhile, then did some very creative abdominal exercises. My favorite one was the open leg swings from the pull-up bars.

Although I was mad at first, I of course ended up enjoying the PT session, and left with some new ideas for my next strength training routine. I even ended up asking the lieutenant what fitness magazines he read, since the moves were nothing I'd ever seen in mine.

The "mild discomfort" I had been feeling in my legs and upper body has been replaced with actual pain. Not show stopping pain, but pain that lets me know I've pushed myself. This is good pain. I am somewhat masochistic when it comes to physical fitness.

As I write this I'm thinking of more ways to punish my body in preparation for the race, and in preparation for the rest of my life. As I enter my 30s, I know my body won't be as resilient and easy to condition as it once was, so I have to keep finding ways to keep it conditioned.

I don't mind knowing that I'm going to grow old, but I don't ever want to FEEL old, so I'm taking measures now to prevent that feeling. Nothing can stop you from aging, but a healthy lifestyle can slow down the process.

Ten Miler Training-Part V-Slow is smooth, Smooth is fast... in theory

I covered 6.6 miles today. I don't know how long it took, but it must have taken awhile, as the road they close for PT was open to traffic on my way back. 6.6 is close enough to 7 miles for me. I didn't walk, but I ran VERY slow at certain points on the run. I'm ok with this for now, as I'm not running to increase my speed at this time. Prior to the run I did a thorough upper body work out. I'm sure I'll feel it tomorrow. I was rather pleased with how my arms looked while lifting though.

I was the second female to complete the run, and also beat two males. Good enough for government work. I didn't feel as though I'd exerted every ounce of my strength and energy.  Any time I feel as though I could have gone farther I'm both pleased and disappointed.  I'm pleased that I'm not so out of shape that I can cover that distance with minimal discomfort, but disappointed that I didn't push even harder.

I have come to realize that I need several items before this race can take place. The most important item right now is spandex. I cannot continue to run while my thighs continue to get aquainted with each other the entire time. This heat makes it especially uncomfortable for me lol.

People keep asking me how long it took me to complete a course. I never have a clue. My watch is my cell phone, which I don't carry with me while I run. So, next on my list is a watch, perhaps one that's also a pedometer.

Last, I need to get my iPOD working, or get a new one. I don't mind the silence, until I hit about five miles, then I start to feel lonely.

After the run, a beer and pedicure are in order!

Ten Miler Training-Part IV-If it ain't raining it ain't training!

Today was an excellent day for training. Work and nutrition, not so much. I must get better at eating enough during the day so that I don't feel starved in the evening and eat everything in sight, while watching the Bad Girls Club.  As far as work goes, I just need to focus and not run off at the mouth.

I did a stability ball workout in the gym before going to unit PT. Instead of running, I had some fun doing strength training and relays in the mud. I have some minor discomfort in my thighs, but nothing serious enough to pause training.

Every so often, it's important to change up the routine, so it doesn't get boring and so you don't plateau. While this advise is as old as the day is long, it's relevant.  It's hard to come up with creative ideas sometimes to stay motivated, but if you read enough magazines such as Self and Shape, you'll be able to keep the routine varied enough to avoid the boredom. I have adapted kettle bell and stability ball routines from both of these magazines, and many others. Videos routines such as P90X are helpful as well. I want to try Insanity after the ten miler.

All in all, I'm making progress, both in my weight goals and in the ten miler. This is all I wanted from the beginning of this journey.

Ten Miler Training Part III-Halfway there

So far it has been a good week, training wise. I have made it to the gym prior to unit training both yesterday and today, and I haven't experiened any pain from running two days in a row. Some Soldiers have complained about it, but that just means they need to push themselves harder as far as I'm concerned.

One of my faster soldiers suggested  a route he believed was 3.2 miles. I took me a LONG time to complete that distance, but I never stopped to walk. After training I got in my truck and drove that route. Turns out, it was a 4.6 mile run.  I'm very pleased that I can run nearly five miles now with no stopping. I just have five more to go. I'm also pleased that several others have joined the team. The motivtion levels are steadily increasing.. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll be able to squeeze in the seven miler I keep talking about.

The calender I created for my teammates at the beginning of this endeavor has fallen by the wayside. Now we just run whatever route I come up with the night before, or do strength training. This sees to be a good method, since I'm covering more distance now without the urge to pass out and never come to. I still need to pay attention to distance, though. I can't just keep running five miles then a month later try to run ten.

I am somewhat concerned that I am the only person on the team who has actually registered for this event. I keep picturing myself showing up alone, while they all sit at home, updating their facebook accounts with such statuses as "hahahaha, SGT Fontes is running ten miles alone. Dumbass."

I know some of my teammates will quit, out of necessity, but I'm hoping my image doesn't become a reality. I doubt that it will, but I over-analyze and over-imagine a lot of things lol.

One way or the other though, I'll be there!! In fact I'm looking forward to it...

Osama and the Ten Mile Training

The death of the world's most wanted man, al Quaeda leader Osama bin Laden is in no way related to my ten mile training.  However, I felt like if I didn't mention him it would make me seem oblivious, not the impression I want to leave on my readers. (Hopefully I'll have some readers some day lol). Also, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to voice my opinion on the situation. 
I never believed that his death would mark the end of the war. I never believed he would be found and killed either. God bless the CIA and the Navy SEALs The reality of this event's impact still hasn't set in for me. I took awhile to accept the death of Saddam Hussein in December of 2006 as well. It's very difficult to take in the sheer magnitude of these moments in history.

Like 9/11, this is one of those historical landmarks where you will always remember where you were and what you were doing when it occured. I was nearly asleep when the announcement was broadcasted all over the news. I found out about it via text message from a friend who saw President Obama's announcement.

I don't typically take pleasure in death. Yet, I was nearly overjoyed at the news, at first.  Once the initial joy passed, the questions started to haunt me. Are we going to have another surge in Afghanistan? Should America fear retaliation? How much earlier do I have to get up in the morning to get through the heightened security on post now? I'm sure most of my questions will be answered in due time. I'll know the answer to the third question by tomorrow morning. The answers to the first two will simply lead to more questions.  I sincerely hope that in the midst of the uncertainty that the families of the victims of 9/11 will gain peace and closure from this.

 Now... on to the training portion of my life...

My plan to run seven miles was destroyed by the First Sergeant, who decided to do a "fun run." If your legs weren't broken, you were required to participate. At least I was able to run, and not tasked elswhere. The run was short, less than three miles. The problem with short distances, for me, is that the typically involve speed.  I have always considerd myself a distance runner. So when the formation took off running at what had to be a five minute mile pace, I had to fall back. I never stopped running, but First Sergeant was sadly mistaken if he believed I was going to maintain that pace. I would love to one day be able to, but right now, that isn't realistic.

We ran past our brigade headquarters, and who else would be outside but the Brigade Command Sergeant Major? For anyone not familiar with the term, Command Sergeant Major is the second highest enlisted rank in the Army. The only enlisted person in the Army that outranks a Command Sergeant Major is the Sergant Major of the Army.  He began running with us, and trash talking those who couldn't keep up. I'm beyond the point in my career to be much affected by trash talking, so my speed never increased, despite his "gentle encouragements." When asked what was wrong with me I simply replied "I'm fat." I know I'm not fat, but I also knew he probably wouldn't have a response to that. Thankfully, he didn't and found someone else to "encourage."

At one point we rounded a corner and I fell, nearly flat on my face in front of the entire formation and Sergeat Major. I managed to escape with no injuries, other than those to my ego. I got up and continued on. First Sergeant took us to a hill that I wouldn't be able to drive on without four wheel drive, and expected us to run up to the top, more than once. Apparently it was to "motivate us." As mad as I was, I must admit, it worked. I wanted to run it a few more times, but we were headed back to the unit instead. I was pleased with the fact that I felt as though I could have gone further.

Also pleasing is the fact that I may not have lost as much conditioning as I previously believed I had. I'm not sure I'm 100% ready for the ten miler, but I'm sure I'm getting closer, faster than I thought I would.

Ten Miler Training Part II- and other news...

,Wish me luck. The past two weeks have basically been useless as far as exercise is concerned. I did finally register for the run though, so now, when I crawl across the finish line, dehydrated, exhausted, delirious and searching for a medic at least I'll get a t-shirt. Due to other mission requirements, many of my team members haven't been training as faithfully either. However, the mission we've been focusing on is nearly complete, and there's only one four day weekend in the month of May. Feel free to view my blog from last night for insight into the blessing/curse of four days.

The problem?  I am now left with all of one month to train for this event. I am determined NOT to walk during the race. Yet I have to urge to walk at about mile 5.5 every time...

Never one to be discouraged, I figure I can get my iPOD working and wear it during the race to distract me from the pain and fatigue that I know are inevitable. Everything worth having requires blood, sweat and tears, so I'm mentally preparing myself to embrace the pain and fatigue.  Also, I'll get the remainder of the day off upon completion of the race, and my fiance, being the supportive man that he is, will be waiting at the finish line with a cooler filled with Yueng Ling. I am abstaining from alcohol until after the race.  It's not as hard as I thought, but I often wonder if my increase in food is to make up for the lack of drinking. This is a possibility I prefer not to examine too closely.

Training picks back up tomorrow. The plan is to cover seven miles. If I blog tomorrow night, it means I was not injured in my attempt.  Prior to the run a kettle bell and stability ball work out are in order. I wish I was as fast as I am strong... I guess carrying around a seven year old that can't walk naturally helps with strength training.

NOW... In other news....

I'm super proud of my fiance's girls, who competed in a statewide cheerleading competetion.  The youngest daughter's team placed fourth and the oldest placed first! I know any readers who come across this will think I'm biased, but they were the cutest competitors in the state.  However, I don't really have to be biased, as I didn't give birth to these ladies, but am blessed to have them in my life.

Unfortunately, the excitement was tainted by a lack of consideration for Americans with disabilities. After the competetion, I had no way to get down from the bleachers with my son and see the girls. I was ok with this on the grounds that their mother, father and grandmother could get down there, but had they actually been my children, or heaven forbid had any parent in the building was confined to a wheelchair, there wasn't any route to the gym floor that didn't have stairs.  Actually, there were ramps on two of the side entrances, but those were closed off, and only got you to the floor.  Once there, you can't get into the bleachers from the floor. Stand by for my letter to Congress regarding this issue.

Couch Potato

Working out can be addictive. I have literally experienced withdrawal symptoms from going too many days without exercising. I get tense, anxious and restless if I take a break longer than three days, and I'll seek out a gym with the same intensity and determination that humans seek food when they are starving.

Unfortunately, the opposite end of the spectrum can be addictive as well.  I once heard that it only takes three days for your body to lose it's conditioning. If this is true it may very well explain the feeling I get on day three of skipping my daily work out routine.  However, by day four, I'm officially over it and become quite comfortable with being a couch potato.  I'll swear to get back on track the following day, then something, usually a marathon of America's Next Top Model or Gangland keeps me off track. The whole process snowballs and I find the five or six pounds that I thought I lost in weeks prior.

This vicious cycle often begins with a four day weekend. These weekends are glorious to the average soldier. When your life revolves around planning to go to war, going to war, coming home from war, or supporting others while they are in war, time to relax and decompress is vital. The problem, though, is that I may find myself relaxing and decompressing just a little bit too much.

We recently had a four day weekend that snowballed just the way I described in the previous paragraph. A short work week, while nice in theory, is usually intense.  Everything you normally accomplish in five days must be done in four. By the time Thursday evening rolls around, soldiers are nearly delirious with the anticipation of the weekend.

Once I made it home on this particular Thursday night, my day still hadn't ended. I had to drive another hour to get to Goldsboro to visit my fiance, his parents and his daughters. Once my day was finally over, I was beyond exhausted.  I fell asleep with plans to hit the weights and treadmill the following day, after a birthday party in the next town.

During the party, tornadoes attacked a very large portion of North Carolina, including Goldsboro. Once we made it back from the party, the power was out. So much for the treadmill. There were no streetlights on, and the rain was coming down by the gallon, so running outside wasn't an option. There went my plans for Saturday's work out. On the bright side, being unable to cook makes it easy to cut calories.  Despite obstacles to exercising, I think I still lost about two pounds that weekend.

The power was still out on Sunday. The rain had died down slightly, but I had decided to designate Sunday as my day of rest and skip the workout all together. I spent the morning and part of the afternoon finding creative ways to keep three children entertained without a television. Arts and crafts can only occupy kids for so long.

When the power finally came back on, the kids immediately headed for the television, and I headed for the kitchen. Never once did it cross my mind to get on the treadmill or lift any weights.  When I got home later that night, I fell asleep once again with the best of intentions. The following Monday, I took  my son to school and went right back to sleep, completely missing my window of opportunity for the gym.

Back at work Tuesday, we didn't conduct unit physical training and I didn't stick to my normal routine of hitting the gym before unit training. I felt like I needed to ease myself back into working out. The rest of the week's training was mediocre, to say the least. I guess I had lost some of my exercise mojo.

Most of the second half of April hasn't been easy on my physical fitness needs. I've had several four day weekends, and skipped unit training for more pressing missions. 

It will be May when I go back to work Monday. I plan on training hard and making up for the past two weeks. I'll stick to my routine on weekends as well. I mean it this time.....

Ten Mile Training-Part I

There seems to be a common misconception that members of the military are all extreme athletes, who can out run Flo Joe on any day of the week.  This is simply not true.  The military might be a more physically fit institution than perhaps, fast food employees, but the average Soldier is not an Olympian.  We are generally fit, perhaps even more so than the civilian sector.  However, it's not impossible to be overweight, slow, and weak in the military.  The military takes measures to prevent such atrocities from infesting our fighting forces, but some slip through the cracks, and Soldiers' physical abilities vary as much as their personalities.

Despite the fact that I have served in the Army, on active duty, for over ten years, I have never been an Olympic runner, but I definitely used to be faster. I also used to be more toned, stronger, and about 10 pounds lighter. To fight the weight gain and weakness, I had begun spending an additional 30-45 minutes in the gym, prior to conducting physical training with my unit.  The weight was coming off, and my strength and tone were coming back (slowly), but my run time just didn't seem to improve.  None of the cross fit style cardio machines seemed to help, despite what they did for my cardio vascular fitness.

Then recently, I ran into a Master Sergeant who had participated in the annual Fort Bragg Ten Miler last year. I spoke with him briefly and the Good Idea Fairy bestowed upon me a wonderful idea.... I could train for the ten miler.  I called the Morale, Welfare and Recreation center to inquire about registration, rules, etc.  I learned that there were no team competitions, the fee would be fifteen dollars, and the run would take place on June 3rd, 2011. The top male competitors an the top four female competitors on the installation would go on to compete in the Army Ten Mile event in Washington, DC.  I didn't intend to place first, I just wanted to finish alive and uninjured.

I didn't have much time, but I knew I wanted, rather, NEEDED to take on this challenge.  I wandered around my unit, asking other Soldiers to join me.  I wasn't going to train (suffer) alone.  When I was convinced I'd have at least ten Soldiers willing and able to participate with me, I called my First Sergeant, asking for permission to train separately from the unit for the event. Permission was granted, and I became excited, albeit somewhat nervous. Ok, terrified.  I spent that weekend creating a training calender that incorporated distance runs, sprints, and strength training.  It was a good thing I created the calender, because my Battery Commander decided he wanted to see a schedule. He also decided that he wanted to participate with us during our training.

It's always nice to complete a task before it's given and to give your higher-ups the impression that you have the situation under control.  It's especially nice when deep down, you really have NO idea what you're doing.  I have never in my life ran ten miles without stopping.  I have walked ten miles on numerous occasions, but walking is not effective training for running. The only thing that improves your run time is more running.

During our first day training, I planned to run four miles. I underestimated the distance to our turn around point, and ended up running six miles that day.  When I say "running," I don't necessarily mean that I honestly ran the entire distance, only that I covered six miles on foot. I was initially discouraged at how long it took me to run four miles.  When I realized I ran six, I was mildly impressed.  I expected my lower body to be extremely sore the following day, but I only felt slight discomfort. This let me know that I could have gone even farther.

My original plan was to start at four miles and add a mile each week, but I changed my calender slightly beginning at six miles, based on that first day's mishap. However, I was still sucking wind at six miles.

I solicited the advice of some of my more fitness savvy friends and was referred to a friend of a friend, who happens to be a true runner.  She even has a coach.  I sought her advice, and was told to run slower, but farther.  She explained that speed would come with time, but that sprints and stride often cause injuries.  Being that my goal was to complete the run without injuries, I heeded her advice.

Fast forward to today.  I am still sucking wind at six miles, but I'm running farther into those six miles before feeling like I need to stop.  I am still getting stronger, and no one who volunteered to participate with me has backed out. Each of these factors motivates me to continue. 

I am still nervous about the event, but not terrified.  I can honestly say these are good nerves.  This of course may change on race day.  What won't change on race day is everything I will have gained (or lost if you're counting weight and body fat in this equation) from training for the event. I am extremely confident that I will accomplish exactly what I set out to accomplish, and that I will be grateful for the experience in the end.