Not Too Shabby!

I went back to BMF after a break following the minor knee booboo. The good news is, my knee only hurt when I had to leopard crawl along the floor. When running around it was great. The other good news is, apart from once or twice, I kept up well with the running, and my legs didn't hurt me. I'm definitely going to start eating a protein bar before every session. I honestly don't think I could afterwards as well, though. I may start buying a piece of fruit to eat after or something. They're a whole meal supplement, I can't eat two in the space of two hours!! Besides I think you can go overboard with all this protein nonsense. It's not like I'm doing it daily or excessively. I think if I was in green I'd need to, but I'm not so I don't.

Good sesh, next stop, Saturday!

My Knees are OK!

Well thank God my knees have settled down. I was genuinely worried about them, given the pain I was suffering on Monday. Yesterday wasn't so bad, it was mainly the shockwave up my leg of getting off the bus, or walking down stairs, or whatever. This morning, however, all seems well.

Having a think about it, I've noticed a pattern in how easy/hard my sessions are. Thursdays are okay because I've had a two day break between. Then Saturday's are okay because it's early, I haven't been to work and mentally or physically drained myself. Then Monday? Ouch. The one day break is catching up with me, and the two previous sessions so close together must wear me out.

That isn't to say that I intend to stop going on Mondays! I'm just going to have to ensure I do plenty of pre-BMF stretching.

I have noticed that they don't tend to warm up and get going gradually. Usually, one can differentiate between the warm up and the actual exercise. We literally go from standing around at the beginning waiting to go, to running, jumping, squatting, SWEATING. Within a few short minutes everyone's faces are bright red and my legs are killing me. I almost feel that if just for five minutes they built it up a bit - say jogging on the spot, a few squats, then star jumps, then jogging with momentum... I don't know. I feel this nought to sixty regime is sometimes a bit much, especially since they don't 'stretch' us at the beginning (something which I fully intend to start doing as of Thursday).

Something to think about.

Sixth Session, Worst Session

I can't wait until payday. Because I am flat broke right now, I can't afford to buy myself post BMF protein bars, or really decent protein rich food, to help with muscle repairs and strength. I'm living off noodles and junk food that I've got lying around at the moment. Can't be doing me any good.

I had my sixth session last night, and it was awful. My legs absolutely killed me all the way round, and I could do little more than hobble. Sit ups, press ups, squats, no problem. I put my all into them. But the running? Jesus I thought my legs were going to give in altogether.

I'm not going to give it up, but I had one of those 'lost faith' moments last night. My weight still isn't going down (despite the last three weeks eating better and doing alot more exercise, since before I was doing none), my fitness level feels like it's decreased (my legs didn't ache at first, now at the start of every session they're like rocks for the first 20 minutes - nobody else seems to have that problem and it's ruining it for me, I'm in constant agony).

It makes me chuckle how everyone there complains at how unfit they were, but they always keep up with the running, never have to stop and never seem to be in any pain.

Grumble. I'm going to enjoy my two day break and hope it improves for Thursday.

Gimme Five!

Today was baking hot, but it was lovely out there. Given that the temperature and lack of shade was so unforgiving, our instructor (a new one for me, I didn't catch his name) kept it mainly game and relay based, along with plenty of static but still challenging exercises.

No falling over today, mighty proud, and I only had to walk one time -- it's ALWAYS the bit where we have to jump off to the side, do five sit ups, squats, press ups or whatever, and then join the group at the back when they run past you.

Other than that though, I kept up well with the running. I'm proud!

Back again on Monday for number six.

Ooh, So Organised!

I did some research yesterday, and found out exactly what the army is likely to expect of me for my fitness entry exam. This isn't entirely what they want, but I should imagine if I can do this, I can keep up on any level.

49 press-ups in 2 minutes

59 sit-ups in 2 minutes

1.5 mile run in under 10 minutes

You've no idea how hard that information was to find. The official Army website doesn't have the specifics (I guess so people can't coach themselves to pass the specific tests, so it's like a proper exam) so I've had to ask around and go by what people tell me.

I have read that they also test you carrying ammo boxes (small, but heavy) across planks of wood and lifting them into the back of an army vehicle, and there is a teamwork exercise and you're assessed on whether you pass the exercise and I guess more personally on how much you do (or don't) contribute.

Going back to the fitness test results above, they look like hard work. I went for a mile long walk on Wednesday and it took me about 20 minutes. Having to RUN half the distance extra alongside that in half the time sounds impossible at the moment, but it's not.

To help myself, I've made up a chart to track my progress. On the last day of every month, I'm to attempt the sit-ups, press-ups and running, and I need to time myself so that I can make a note of how I do. The video below explains how I the little chart works. It's quite simple!

Session 4 - Knee Booboo

So here's the video blog I made about yesterday's BMF session. I apologise for how rough I look, my phone isn't the most flattering and it was all done a bit spur of the moment (rather than planning, I just switched my phone on when I felt like talking). I might do these whenever I have a BMF session, or when anything to do with the army comes up.

I was wondering how long it'd take me to faceplant the mud (intentionally or otherwise) and yesterday I broke my mud faceplanting virginity. We were doing a relay where we had to sprint from A to B, and on our return, had to fetch the next person in our team and link arms with them, continuing the relay. Well the guy who I had to link arms with was probably about 6 foot 4 (I came up to his ribcage, and I'm 5 foot bang on), and having a larger stride, literally just dragged me along the floor.

Apart from that initial 'ouch!' feeling you get, I was okay, so I got straight back up and continued running. Paul even told everyone to give me a clap when I hobbled in last place to the finish. What I like about BMF is the encouragement they give you. A gym group or aerobic group wouldn't have that 1 on 1 attention despite there being a group.

Other than that it was a very good session -- my running is definitely improving! As with Monday, my legs turned to concrete at the beginning, but after about 15 minutes, loosened up and not only did I find myself keeping up with the jogging for the most part, but I found myself overtaking one or two people as well! I can't quite explain it, this energy just seemed to come out of nowhere!

My goal currently is to do an entire session without having to walk one of the jogging bits. Let's see how many sessions that takes me!

Vlog? No. Doc? Yes!

One of my all-time favourite hobbies is videomaking. I love making little documentary videos, editing them and then putting them online for anyone who is interested to see. Today at work, whilst I was hiding in the basement (ok I was stationary hunting), I got out my phone and made a 1 minute video, talking about my pending career change. I then thought it'd be great to have a video blog on this website, done in a series of mini documentaries (so it's edited together with a commentary, in segments rather than just a long ramble to the camera in front of a web cam).

I don't know if it will work with my rubbish phone camera, or my digital camera's equally rubbish video setting, but I think it could work potentially. Watch this space, the ideas are swooshing around in that big old empty space between my ears!

STABS? Maybe Not.

I have been putting alot of thought lately into joining the Regular Army instead of the Territorial Army. Why? Because I've been a desk jockey for ten years of my life, and it's time for a change. The only jobs I can get in the civilian world are practically identical as the one I have now.

I have no qualifications, no formal skills, I can't drive. If I went for another job I have to hope and pray that they just look at my work experience fluffing papers and typing documents. Of course no it's more complicated than that, but I've had the same jobs now for ten years in different companies. And I'm really starting to resent it.

I went to the AFCO yesterday briefly, and I spoke to someone who gave me some paperwork to look over. I have a list of jobs I'd like, in this exact order:

- Special Gunfire Observer
- Artillery Observer
- Combat Medical Technician
- Combat HR Specialist

The latter job is basically an army desk job in the field. That's my absolute last option. Sure, you go out to Afghan and what have you, but you're a desk jockey and you start off as nothing better than an office junior. I'm all for starting at the bottom, but months of training just to file papers and probably fetch coffee isn't something I'm willing to do.

The Medical job sounds interesting, but nursing isn't something I've ever wanted to do. Sure, the idea of aiding front line causalities sounds fast-paced and fun, but once that's over, you're left changing bed pans and fetching cups of water for injured soldiers. Nowt wrong with that, but not something that I've always wanted to do. Joining the army is a change of lifestyle, not just career. I want to do something I'll be happy with for at least another 10 years. Still, with that being said, it's an interesting job and could lead to some interesting careers afterwards.

As for the top two jobs, either will do me. I want something that get in on the action, something that'll keep me on the ball and give me skills that no amount of university would ever give me. There are a few other jobs in similar fields that I wouldn't mind going for, I might add those to the list somewhere along the line.

We'll see. I'm sure that I'll enjoy whatever I do given how different it will be.

Third Time Lucky

Before I talk about the session, can I just say that I've discovered the joy of the XL bibs. I was squishing myself into a M/L, assuming they were the largest (and still wondering why girls the same size as me were swamped in theirs). How silly of me. I'll be rummaging more carefully next time!

I thought I was going to have a terrible session last night. I don't know whether it was because my legs were still slightly sore from Saturday, or because it was quite cold when we started running, but my legs - my right leg especially - tensed up so much it was hurting to walk, let alone run. I had to do some squats and just walk quickly instead of the jog-run-sprint-run-sprint-jog-walk combo Paul made everyone do.

As I said, dude likes the running.

After a while my leg finally stopped trying to morph into a block of concrete and relaxed. After that, I was fine. I gave as much effort as my shoddy fitness level would allow and I think that I had a good little session.

I need to work on my sit-ups, though. Without someone holding my feet down I'm not very good at them, my legs go flailing and I can't push myself up with my arms across my chest. Also, I cannot do a burpee to save my life. I managed to do one very slow, rubbish one (which is the first one I've managed so far), but I have a bit of practice before I'm hopping around like a bunny on crack.

You want to hear something quite cool though? I'm not aching this morning! There is a mild 'my body knows it has exercised', but I'm not really stiff, and I'm not struggling to bend my legs, arms or abs. I can only see this as progress! We definitely did just as much last night, I was just as sweaty and knackered by the end of it, so it's not like I had a boring, rubbish session or anything (is that even possible at BMF!?)

The only downside to these 7:30pm sessions is that I don't get home until 10pm. That kinda sucks. Still, that's only once a week. Thursdays I should be home at least an hour earlier, and Saturdays I have the whole day, so it isn't a problem. I promise not to use it as an excuse not to go!

I have a well deserved break for two days now, and it's back to the park on Thursday.

It Starts Here

My initial regime, as I believe I mentioned, was going to be something like once a week, then twice a week, then three times a week. However, I'm finding that I'm doing much better already so as long as I'm not stiff by 5:30pm tonight, I'll be heading back to BMF. I then get a nice two day break until Thursday.

I'm not obsessed. I'm just a bull by the horns kind of girl. I want to get that application in as soon as possible. I want to get my running up and build my strength. I'm still a tad feeble in the arms due to the muscle wastage caused by the Cancer I was being treated for in 2010.

I have to go get ready for work now, but I'll update later as to whether I went and if so what I did!

Session Numero Dos!

Today's session was led by a brick wall of a man named Dave. He's a Marine, and I'd be surprised if it'd take less than a tank to knock him down. That being said, he was a stellar bloke and the session was really fun for the entire hour (and when I say entire hour on this blog, I mean literally. There is no stopping -- when you're not doing something specific you're jogging on the spot).

We did the requisite jogging, we did some team exercises where we had to pair up, get into groups of two, three, four - anyone left out (there was an odd number) at the end had to do a few squats or push ups. We also did a game involving a football. If Dave said 'header', you had to catch the ball and vice-versa, or two burpees/squats/press-ups for everyone. Despite the burn, and the lung busting running exercises, there was a smile on my face for most of the time I was there, it was a great session.

Now no disrespect to Paul, but Dave really made it fun. He made us laugh, he got us all working together, he made jokes, he was a great guy. Really enjoyable session. Afterwards I met up with Mark, a friend who introduced me to BMF, and is the one answering all of my crazy TA related questions. He'd just done a green bib session, and we went in the Mac centre in the park and had a coffee and a long chat about the TA and whatnot. It was a nice change, a great little afternoon.

There was a BMF Social tonight at the Actress and Bishop pub, but I already had plans and wasn't able to go, but I believe a good time has been had by all.

My next session isn't until Thursday, then after that it'll be Saturday -- rinse and repeat until I can finally add Monday in, and not have such a long gap between sessions.

I ache now, and tomorrow well... God help me. But for now? I'm okay, just sleepy.

No Pain, No Gain!

My aching is now extremely mild and probably due to not moving around all night. I am hoping that by the time I arrive at BMF I'll be just right to exercise (I did notice yesterday that the more I moved, the better I felt, so once I get going it shouldn't feel the same). I've read on the internet and had the same info from two reliable sources that it's best for me to exercise. Of course if I still had trouble getting out of bed I wouldn't go, but that simply isn't the case today.

I do have a mild headache (if I'm tired I tend to sleep heavily in one position all night, often waking up with a cracky neck and a sore head) but I'll pop into Boots and get some Ibuprofen. Should help with the final dregs of the DOMS in my abs, too.

I just have to remind myself that this agonising after-effect won't last forever. If I go twice a week then after 2-3 weeks I should start noticing a little difference, and after 6-8 weeks I should start getting quite good at it.

There are two women in the Blues (I won't mention their names or anything) who I got chatting to before we started, who had been going once a week for about two months. I asked if their fitness level had improved, or if they felt fitter or had lost weight or whatever. I got a laugh and a no from the pair of them. Now, I can't see - unless they go home and eat ice-cream until it's time to come back - why even at once a week you wouldn't drop a tiny bit of weight as a result if you ate well. Even when I was going to the gym and doing bugger all my weight loss rocketed, and between January and March I lost 14 pounds (with only semi-dieting).

But people are different, I suppose. Although I do know that their fitness levels are going to take months to improve if they don't come more often. Good exercise needs 2-3 sessions a week (or 4-5 if you're hardcore) to make any difference, because over a week your body drops its fitness level, and by the next week you're almost back to square one. It's like taking one step forward and two back.

When I'm fit enough I hope to do Monday, Thursday and Saturday. I really, really need to train up as fast as possible, and three times a week seems the best way to do it. I honestly haven't achieved much in my life, and getting that next coloured bib will be something I'll be very proud of. It'll bring me one step closer to wearing that beret with a stab of pride I couldn't begin to put into words.

It's So PAINFUL!

I don't think my true level of unfitness had actually hit me until this point. When I was at the gym I never once ached (because I never truly pushed myself, I guess) and I guess because of that my brain decided to think that it wasn't as unfit as it initially thought. But then again, walking and upper body exercises have never been a problem for me. It's running, jumping and stamina building exercises that have been.

Initially I was gonna go BMF this weekend. Maybe Saturday or Sunday. However, I really don't want to hurt myself and there's no way I could actually run whilst I'm aching this badly (also, I'm quite stiff) so my only real option is to wait until my next normal session on Thursday. It's a long wait, but I think that it's a sensible choice. I don't want to under perform or injure myself.

I will see how I feel come tomorrow. If there's the slightest twinge, I will postpone until Thursday. Obviously this is a really hard workout regime and so isn't to be taken lightly; jumping into it straight off the bat twice or three times a week isn't recommended.

Watch this space...

First Session!

Well, WOW. I was too tired to type this last night (and also my legs were on fire from all the running), but now I'm awake and aching slightly less, here goes...

So of course I went along, and nervously walked up to some of the tallest soldiers I've ever seen. They were nice enough, took my medical form and gave me a blue bib. I then peed (I swear I went before I left) and went and loitered awkwardly for a bit - turns out most people go in pairs to this thing, but that doesn't bother me.

A bit more loitering was had, and then we got going.

And when I say 'we got going', I mean it went from loitering by the van to running. We didn't run too much really, we did our exercises in different parts of the park, but we jogged to them. I've not got alot of stamina -- having 12 stone to haul around on a 5 foot frame doesn't help either. However, I mostly kept up and only walked near the tail end of where we were jogging to, so I considered it an achievement and I just know that as I go on, that'll improve (let's face it: if it doesn't, something's wrong).

So in each spot we did everything from press ups to something called burpees (where you go from squats to jumping, really difficult), and we also did some team exercises, sit ups, squats and sprinting back and forth short distances. It was really fun. They even made a game where we had to pass a cone over our heads and under our legs to the person behind, with a forfeit if anyone dropped it.

The only thing that got me, as I say, was the running. The rest was tiring but in a good way.

We did have a tiny bit of a drama right near the end. A woman who goes there once a week (I think it was her 6th week or so) fell over and said she 'heard something snap', and was in agony. Paul, the instructor, piggy-backed her down to the van where they took a look at her. I think her friend drove her to the hospital, because she was gone and no ambulance was called. Hopefully she's not broken it, but she may have fractured it or torn a ligament or something. Shame, really.

It's definitely the kind of thing that you have to mentally psyche yourself up for, especially at the beginning. My next session will be Saturday morning and then next week I'll be going Thursday and Sunday. The reason for this is that my Wednesday session was at 7:30pm (the other one, at 6pm, is just too early due to work), but the Thursday session is at 6:30pm, which is doable.

So here's looking forward to Saturday! Wish me luck and minimal aching!

Tonight! *Rocky Theme*

I feel like tonight should be constructed primarily of an eighties movie training montage complete with 'Eye of the Tiger' blaring in the background. At 7:30pm, I'm heading to BMF. I'm actually a combination of very excited to be trying something new and very nervous that I won't be good enough. But that's what the Blue Bibs are for, right?

As someone in the BMF Facebook group said 'don't worry, we all wheeze in the Blues!' Sage advice if I ever heard it.

I purchased some new trainers on the way home from work last night. They're called Skechers D'Lites and they're so bouncy I have to stop myself from running when I'm wearing them. I didn't realise how important a good pair of running shoes are for proper exercise.

Basically, being a bit 'alternative', I prefer the skate shoe as opposed to the running shoe. Because of this, I never realised how flat-footed skate shoes are. It makes sense, really. Skate(boarding) shoes are designed to be flat so that you can balance on your board and don't bounce off when you do an ollie or a flip. Running shoes are designed to help you build up trajectory and keep you light-footed.

Plus they were only £45, which was a decent amount. I wore them into work to break them in (given that brand new trainers, however comfortable, need wearing in). Right well that's all I have to say now, I will update on the morrow with the inevitable aches and pains and hopefully a feeling of satisfaction.

Never Too Old? Hardly.

There are alot of clichés in this world, but the one I despise the most has to be 'you're never too old to try anything'. Sure, you can aim for a law degree in your late fifties, you can even climb everest in your forties after a life of non-events and you could even sail single-handedly around the world on your sixtieth birthday.

But when it comes to the Military, there are limits. It's one of the few jobs in this world that is legally ageist, and rightly so. When it comes to the Regular Army, I'm already too old. I should've joined up 10 years ago when the thought initially crossed my mind. As for the Territorial Army, I've got another six years before I'd be forced into some kind of 'retirement'.

I've made the decision that it's now or never. I have to do this for myself, or I know I'll always regret it. I'm going to the BMF meeting tomorrow, and I'm going to keep at it. I would've kept at the gym but it got so boring by myself, with nobody to motivate me. It honestly wasn't a fad, I really was enjoying it, I was looking and feeling better than ever.

I reckon if I work at it, I could have my application in by the end of the year. At the end of the day, it gives you skills, you get paid, you get to be part of a group, a team, a unit. I miss that. Having friends is all well and good but it's nice to know that there will be people who will truly have my back in many aspects.

What may shock you, if you're reading this, is that I plan to keep all of this a secret. Only  select few know that I'm attending a free tester meeting at BMF tomorrow. Even fewer will know that I intend to keep going, no matter how difficult and absolutely nobody will know about my intentions of signing up to the TA once my fitness level is up.

That's why I won't be posting this blog on my Facebook or my Twitter. Hopefully you've found this blog because you've googled for a blog relating to such things and if that's the case well I welcome you -- please leave a comment and say hi!

Anyway, I won't ramble on. I'll be updating on specific things:

1. What my BMF meetings were like
2. My progress towards enlisting in the TA
3. If successful, my time in the TA

Watch this space and keep your fingers crossed for me!