Running is Hard

Simplistic in execution, but difficult in endurance

Today, I had a physical training (PT) session with the Future Sailors of the US Navy in the Augusta region. I’ve had plenty of PT sessions before this one, but this was the first session I can remember where I felt I was physically prepared.

As far as the curl-ups (or sit-ups) and push-ups were concerned, I performed fairly well.

When it came time for the run, I bombed. I had been lacking this week in preparation. Normally, I run three times a week on a flat, paved one-third mile track. For the PT sessions, we run on one-fourth mile track that’s mostly flat but is gravel. For the Navy’s fitness requirements, a sailor must be able to complete one and one-half mile under a certain amount of time. At a minimum, I have to finish under fourteen minutes. I’ve been able to do this in this recent past including my time in the Delayed Entry Program, but during the past few months, I’ve been neglecting keeping pace.

Today, I wasn’t even able to finish without slowing to a walk at times.

I leave on the 18th of November, and ship out the following day. That leaves me with less than 3 weeks to return to a passing pace, and considering, the physical training will only get more stringent at boot camp, I’ll need to be even better. So I’ve committed my self to running everyday until I ship out. My dad told me running is more mental than anything else. I believe him, and I believe that pushing myself everyday will get me to where I want to be and beyond.