Today is a benchmark day. I say this for two reasons: because I point the wheels of my truck east toward Ft. Jackson one week from today and because of levels I have reached in physical training (better known in the Army as PT).
Today in my workout I did 34 pushups, 47 situps...and here is something about which I feel a great sense of accomplishment...I did the two mile run in 16:30. (The requirements for my age bracket to pass the Army APFT are PU: 34, SU: 38, and two mile run: 18:18)
Now I know that those numbers are not earth shattering. Really those numbers are quite modest, but when you consider that one year ago I weighed 50 pounds more than I do right now, I could do only 10 pushups (and those were not correct form), I could do less than five situps, and, completely literally, I could not even run one time around the track...as Virginia Slim would say..."I've come a long way baby." To a certain Command Sergeant Major out there...your time invested in me was not in vain.
Thank you Lord Jesus for the grace you give for overcoming even physical obstacles and the strengthening you provide. All praise honor and glory are Yours!!
Okay...about the toilet paper. About a week and a half ago I was watching the military channel, and seeing a program dealing with recruits and physical requirements, I became concerned that I was not coming down far enough in my pushups. I noticed that the cadre on this program were putting their fists on the floor for the recruits to come down and touch with their chest as they did the pushups. So I would not have to rely on anyone to be available when I did my PT, I searched all over the house for something that would be the thickness of my fist, but be soft enough so that if my arms gave out on me I would not impale myself.
You guessed it...I found a roll of toilet paper and unwound some layers until it was the right thickness. As my fears suggested, I was not coming down quite far enough in my push up form. Before, I was doing around 40 pushups. When I corrected my form, the number came down considerably, but it is on its way back up again.
That is how toilet paper is getting me ready for the Army. I call it my PT... TP.
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12 comments:
CH Ken,
Great post! I never would have guessed the TP thing. I'll have to try it tomorrow and see how badly I'm doing my push-ups. It's hard to think we'll meet next weekend. See you soon.
Not that the toilet paper thing is a bad idea, but the army info says you only have to make your upper arms parallel to the ground for a proper push-up. I'll practice the toilet paper technique just to be sure though.
your post scared me big time. Especially on the PT part, I am not ready at all. I guess we have almost three months to get in shape. I have gained 40 lbs since my my active years. We will be alright and I think you are ready.
We are so proud of all you have done! You have come a long way. Our prayers are with you and all of your family. God is so good! Love you all. Mom and Dad
Hello,
I suppose toilet paper can get u ready, who knew.
so how has your family been lately ?
Hey Bethany,
Yeah...I was surprised, too, that toilet paper could function in such a way.
We have all been well. The time for my departure is getting close.
Thanks for the comment.
Ken
Great idea! I'm glad to hear how well you have progressed on your PT. Staying in shape is a great asset in the Army.
Thanks for the encouragement 2LT
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