Week 5 . . . All Week : There is no off season ,or vacation from Selection.

While I have not posted this week, it doesn't mean I haven't been active. I was on a cruise for the week. Cruises are floating buffets. All you do is sit around and eat. Food is accessible and free at every corner.  This cruise however was sponsored by Beachbody, and we worked out at least once, if not twice a day. Shaun T and Tony Horton put us through the paces. I think I actually maintained, if not lost weight this week. I will be posting regularly again starting Monday.

Week 4 - Day 6 : RUCK of Ages

6AM - Went out for roughly a 6 mile ruck with my posse. We had some good conversation, and the weather was great for the stroll. Good things. Good things.

Week 4 - Day . . . . . " What one man can do, another can do . . "

Instead of boring you with endless updates, I thought I would blog when something strikes me or I make an advancement in my training.

This past week I ran my best 4 miles at 8:20 a mile at 225 lbs. During my run I felt strong. I began to think about the Paul Bunyan-like stature we've given Cadre at GORUCK, and then I remembered what a friend and retired Recon Marine told me ( this guy was top of his class in 13 of the schools he attended), " They're just men. If they did it, so can you. Yes, it's physical, and it's mental."

I began to think of the movie "The Edge" and Anthony Hopkins telling a scared Alec Baldwin, " Repeat after me, What one man can do, another can do, again, again, . . I'm going to kill the bear, again . . "  I repeated this very phrase for the last mile of my run. It was my best mile.

Week 3: Days 3 - 6 : Getting It Done

Nothing spectacular to report. I spent the week getting it done. The legs are feeling good. I'm getting stronger and a bit faster. It's all a matter of perseverance.

Week 3 - Day 2 : A Long Obedience In The Same Direction

The picture on the left is of Tim Erwin, the only finisher from class 007. He was the best of us that weekend, and has become a great encourager to me. This picture reminds me that Selection can't be prepared for in a couple of weeks, or months, but over several months. It takes a long obedience. Something that most of us just don't understand unless forced to.

This morning I did my MMX workout, and I'm about to do my sit-ups for the day. Later tonight I have a 4 mile run in which I'll train for speed.  Keep on truck'n.

Week 3 - Day 1: The Sub 8 Minute Mile Is My White Whale

At 228  lbs, the 8 minute mile is elusive. Not because my legs aren't willing to run or lungs and heart can't handle it. It's my weight. Guys who weigh this much just don't run that fast.

I'm running right about 8:15 at this point for 3 miles. Running sub 8's for 5 mile is not impossible, given I lose the weight, when I lose the weight.

I did P90X3 Decelerator at 7:45 AM this morning, and then 100 push-ups after I ran the 3 miles.

Week 2 - Days 5 and 6 - I like Running, Running is My Favorite

" I like running, running is my favorite " - said no one . . . . .
I don't hate running, but running is not my favorite. It serves a purpose. After doing my P90X3 workout in the monring,  I ran Friday for three miles in the afternoon, trying to run at 180 steps a minute. My stride was shorter, and my turnover was faster. I was able to complete three miles at just about 8 minutes a mile. The primary issues holding me back from cracking the 8 minute mile is weight. I have to loose the weight. Guys who weight 225 just don't run 8 minute miles for 5 miles.

Saturday I rucked for about 7 miles with 40 lbs. I had some shin splits for the first 2.5 miles. Not expected. Probably over training a bit, or just too heavy. They warmed up after mile 3.

I'm taking today off from all exercise. I have exercised for 14 days straight in some form or another. Time for a rest.

Week 2 - Day 4 - Yoga Serves A Purpose

" Yoga is stupid, right, but it serves a higher purpose." - said no one in my house.

While I initially think yoga is a waist of time, it truly stretches me out and really helps my running and rucking. Don't skip the yoga. The Army does it.

Week 2 - Day 3 : Push-Ups Serve A Higher Purpose

" Push-Ups are stupid, right, . . . but they serve a higher purpose." 
 Jason McCarthy
 Founder of GORUCK

This afternoon Joline and I have our push-up and pull-up challenge. We won't be doing them to fail, but we'll pick a number and see if we can maintain that number through each evolution within 30 minutes.

I must admit, the eating has gotten easier, but man I'm jones'n for sweets. I want to just say " I'll be better tomorrow", but I know I'll use that same excuse tomorrow for the next day.

4:30PM - Joline and I did 30 minutes of nothing but push-ups, pull-ups, and military lifts without rest. It felt great . . . at the time.

Week 2 - Day 2 : "Marching Forth" on March 4th.

Starting Weight: 230 / Today's Weight: 226 ( -4 lbs)

7:45 AM - Started the day with cardio and plyo. It was not easy, good, but not easy.

Food has been remarkably easier than I expected. The 21 Day fix plan and containers make it so easy to figure out food.

I have 100 sit-ups to do before lunch, and another 3 mile run in the afternoon.

Week 2 - Day 1 : Being Consistent Is Not Easy

7:45 AM - I admit that I was not thrilled to workout, but it had to be done. P90X decelerator was not easy, but it got done.

1:00 PM - 100 push-ups in 4 sets of 25 with 90 second break in between got done without much trouble.

4:30 PM - 3 mile run was not my best, but it got done in the 15 degree weather.

Do not discount being consistent, even if the workout was not optimal.

BTW, I am really liking the 21 meal program I'm on. It's not a diet. It's 21 days of learning what to eat and how much of it to eat. I'm eating to live, not living to eat. A big paradigm shift for me.

Week 1 - Day 7 : Rest Is Essential And Yoga Can Be Relaxing.

2:55 PM -  Sunday's are a work day for me. As a pastor I'm either preaching or teaching. My day starts at 6:00 AM and ends about 1:00 PM unless I have a meeting. I usually crash afterwards on the couch.  Later tonight Joline and I will do yoga before the Oscars.

The day after the 10 mile ruck I still feel good. My legs feel good and I'm ready for my morning run tomorrow.

GORUCK Selection - Don't question my sanity. It's already in question.

Week 1 / Day 6 - RUCK steady.

5:00 AM - With my amigos, Garry Hall, Denni V, and Jayme Tatko, we set out at 5:00 AM to put in a 10 mile ruck. My pack was at 40 lbs. Our goal was 15 minute miles for 10 miles, 2.5 hours. We hit our goal.

We had substantial elevation changes ( We're in Western, PA), but made up for it by jogging down hill when we could. Gary and Denni set a good pace and became my rabbits. Over the course of the last two miles we would jog two phone polls, then walk two phone polls to make up for the time lost on climbing.

I came away with only one small blister on the ball of my right foot; a major change from longer rucks I've done where I had major foot issues. Martin Williams turned me on to sock liners, which did the trick. Also my Rocky S2Vs are now broken in and feel like slippers as much as combat boots can.

I have some push-ups to do later, but chores are calling my name.

I'm also starting a 21 day meal training program to teach me to eat better sized portions and better food. This is not a diet, it's a training program for better eating. You can't forget about the fuel.