Getting back up

Well, it has been a little while.  Failing the physical test was harder on my ego than I thought it would be, even with the positive self-talk I had done prior to and even with all the encouragement from friends and loved ones afterwards.  I have not given up and I will not give up.

I am an enraged bull.

After the test, I suffered a major setback to my fitness when I ruptured a vein in my leg.  In an awkward place on the inside of my knee.  My physician said I need to keep it elevated for 3 days and then no cardio for a few weeks.  I couldn't keep it elevated like she said because [duh] I have to work, but no cardio, no problem.  Something I am totally used to.  Well 2 weeks went on into more than 2 weeks and I don't know how long exactly because I am not comfortable knowing.  The point is that that period is over and I am now active again.  Today, I went to see an instructor at my local city-funded fitness center.  The instructor's name was given to me by one of the firefighters at the test site.  He told me that this guy instructs/trains the firefighters.  I was expecting it to be rough.  I mentioned his name to some of the firefighters that I work with and they shuddered.  The guy is notorious for being hard on the cadets apparently.  Well, I went this morning at 9:30am.  I was really nervous after hearing that the guy was an ex-navy seal too.  Great.  Might as well prepare to throw up.  I didn't eat breakfast.

There was maybe 10 or 15 people there, I don't know.  Who is counting.  There were already starting when I got there.  I was immediately comfortable.  I like that place.  Well, anyway I started with kettle bell weights 18 lbs each and, looking pretty funny, I was sweatin' to "I'm sexy and I know it".  Then I went to the aerobic stairs with the ropes.  Looked easy enough step up and down alternating left, then right foot while flopping the rope like a jump-rope.  Quite the workout.  I puked.  I'm alright, though.  Just the dry-heaves.  A voice told me to leave, but I ignored it and stayed.  I am glad I did.  Met some guys that encouraged me.  I can do this...

I couldn't get out of the car when I got home without a tremendous amount of effort and teeth-clenching.  Steps were hard too.  My arms feel like jello and my legs are on fire.  I can't wait for the next workout!