1/2 way done, 1/2 to go!
"They got me... They got me... They got me lookin' like Gomer Pyle!"
Yes, I just spent roughly 5 weeks in Basic Training. Everyone says I'm much thinner, and I am amazed at what I've accomplished (and what I managed to not have to do, too!)
I was on leave for the past 2 weeks, and enjoyed every moment of it with my wife and kids. I go back on Jan 2.
I'm scheduled to graduate on Feb 6, as I recall. In order to accomplish this, 2 major hurdles stand in my way. The first, I must qualify with my M-16. This means hitting twenty-something targets out of 40 possible in a timed event. Based on my progress so far, I have a high level of confidence that I can accomplish this.
The other hurdle... I'm not so sure about. It's called the APFT, or the Army Physical Fitness Test. Anyone who's known me knows that I'm no athlete. I can probably manage the 37 push-ups and 42 sit-ups, as long as I keep practicing. But running 2 miles in 17 minutes and change??? That's where I'm worried. So far, my progress is less than encouraging. I keep running out of breath! I end up having to walk part of the way, and that just kills my time. If I try to breath in through my nose, it helps... but after about 45 seconds of that, my nose literally starts to suck itself closed. My nostrils just... collapse, I guess is the best way to describe it. I've been practicing while at home on my elliptical machine, using BreathRight strips. But I don't know if I'll be allowed to use them on my official test upon my return. I surely hope so! I'll have to see if I can appeal to my Drill Sergeant's sense of decency and mercy!
Unless someone else has tips to help??? PLEASE???
Yes, I just spent roughly 5 weeks in Basic Training. Everyone says I'm much thinner, and I am amazed at what I've accomplished (and what I managed to not have to do, too!)
I was on leave for the past 2 weeks, and enjoyed every moment of it with my wife and kids. I go back on Jan 2.
I'm scheduled to graduate on Feb 6, as I recall. In order to accomplish this, 2 major hurdles stand in my way. The first, I must qualify with my M-16. This means hitting twenty-something targets out of 40 possible in a timed event. Based on my progress so far, I have a high level of confidence that I can accomplish this.
The other hurdle... I'm not so sure about. It's called the APFT, or the Army Physical Fitness Test. Anyone who's known me knows that I'm no athlete. I can probably manage the 37 push-ups and 42 sit-ups, as long as I keep practicing. But running 2 miles in 17 minutes and change??? That's where I'm worried. So far, my progress is less than encouraging. I keep running out of breath! I end up having to walk part of the way, and that just kills my time. If I try to breath in through my nose, it helps... but after about 45 seconds of that, my nose literally starts to suck itself closed. My nostrils just... collapse, I guess is the best way to describe it. I've been practicing while at home on my elliptical machine, using BreathRight strips. But I don't know if I'll be allowed to use them on my official test upon my return. I surely hope so! I'll have to see if I can appeal to my Drill Sergeant's sense of decency and mercy!
Unless someone else has tips to help??? PLEASE???