So not many people celebrate things like getting a third of the way through anything, but today I feel needs celebration. I’m a full third of the way through Deliberate Discomfort! YAY!
This challenge has taxed me in numerous different ways, from physically wearing me out at times, to stressing me out wondering how I’m going to get everything done in a day! All the research I’ve had to do for new-to-me exercises that I’ve never heard before, some of which have the most ridiculous names, like Mr. Spectacular (not looking forward to those next time).
All in all though, I’m feeling good! I’m feeling much stronger, much healthier, like I’m more capable somehow because of it all. Life is looking up because of it all. My journey has continued health wise form the front page of our blog. I’ve been officially diagnosed with diabetes and high triglycerides (which I already had). I’ve got more potential problems coming, but because we were starting this program the Dr. wanted to hold off to see how I did in losing some weight and how my labs came in afterwards. I’m hoping he says I don’t need any of the medications any more, but that may be wishful thinking on my part. We shall see! I know I’m working my butt off physically, and I’ve almost completely cut out carbs and simple starches like potatoes. I splurge a little bit once a week or so and have a few tater tots or something, so I’m not denying myself anything completely, but I am making sure that I am minimizing how much I have to make sure I’m in the best possible position to not need meds from here on, if I can!
Today’s workout was Arms Day, so lots of weight work with dumbbells, some minimal floor work for the warm up and then some Flat Bench Knees to Elbows and Bench Dips, but honestly I don’t mind Arms Day…it is one of the ways I’m feeling stronger!
Cardio went pretty well, without anywhere near as much coughing as I have been doing due to my allergies, which is a victory for me! These allergies have been hanging on almost the entire challenge and I’ve had to medicate regularly for both nasal congestion and lung congestion, and even use an inhaler because of how much gets into my lungs. So, without coughing I was able to pull in 1.74 miles walking on a treadmill in 35 minutes. A pretty good pace for me, so another win!
Also, completely finished my book 1984 today, so don’t even have to read any of it tomorrow! Ready to start my next book Monday, which will be Animal Farm also by George Orwell. After Animal Farm I plan on going back to the self-help books to see what else I can learn to do better, but it’s been a nice break and it is the first novel I’ve read in quite some time! I’ve missed being able to read regularly.
Today was also the Valor Challenge! Here is the information from Mission Six Zero:
Deliberate Discomfort
VALOR CHALLENGE
SSG Robert Miller, U.S. Army
(Green Beret)
As you go through the challenge, please think about SSG Robert Miller. This Valor Challenge was recommended by our Mission Six Zero teammate, Rusty Whitt. Rusty and Rob went through basic training, airborne, and the selection phase of the Q course together and they became friends.
Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller distinguished himself by extraordinary acts of heroism while serving as the weapons sergeant in Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 3312, Special Operations Task Force 33, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan, during combat operations against an armed enemy in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on January 25th, 2008.
Devotion to duty. An abiding sense of honor. A profound love of country. These were the virtues that found their ultimate expression when Rob — just 24 years old and on his second tour — met his testing point on January 25, 2008.
Rob and his team were in the remote northwest of Afghanistan. Their mission: clear a valley of insurgents who had been attacking Afghan forces and terrorizing villagers. On foot, in the dark and freezing cold, the team headed over to a destroyed compound, to assess the damage and gather intelligence.
First, it was just a single insurgent, jumping out from behind a boulder. Then, the whole valley seemed to explode with gunfire. Within seconds, Rob and his patrol were pinned down, with almost no cover — bullets and rocket-propelled grenades raining down from every direction. And when enemy reinforcements poured in, the odds were overwhelming. Rob’s small patrol of two dozen men was nearly surrounded by almost 150 insurgents.
With the enemy just feet away — some so close he could see their faces — Rob held his ground. Despite the chaos around him, he radioed back enemy positions. As the only Pashto speaker on his team, he organized the Afghan soldiers around him. But the incoming fire, in the words of one soldier, was simply “astounding.”
Rob called for his team to fall back and then he did something extraordinary. Rob moved in the other direction — toward the enemy, drawing their guns away from his team and bringing the fire of all those insurgents down upon himself. The fighting was ferocious. Rob continued to call out the enemy’s position. And they could hear his weapon still firing as he provided cover for his men. And then, over the radio, they heard his voice. He had been hit. But still, he kept calling out enemy positions. Still, he kept firing. Still, he kept throwing his grenades until Rob’s weapon fell silent.
Two of his teammates braved the bullets and rushed to Rob’s aid. In those final moments, they were there at his side — American soldiers there for each other. The relentless fire forced them back, but they refused to leave their fallen comrade. When reinforcements arrived, these Americans went in again — risking their lives, taking more casualties — determined to bring Rob Miller out of that valley. And finally, after fighting that raged for hours, they did.
When the dust settled and the smoke cleared, there was no doubt Rob Miller and his team had struck a major blow against the local insurgency. Five members of his patrol had been wounded, but his team had survived. And one of his teammates surely spoke for all of them when he said of Rob, “I would not be alive today if not for his ultimate sacrifice.”
Staff Sgt. Miller’s selfless acts saved the lives of his seven of his ODA members and 15 Afghan soldiers. As a result of his heroic actions, the local Insurgency was dealt a crippling blow, decimating insurgent forces involved in the battle, and shattering their morale and confidence. Staff Sergeant Miller’s heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty and at the cost of his own life are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Good luck today, guys. May your workout honor his memory.
-Jason B.A. Van Camp
It was a great day and I’ve been having a great time with the Challenge. Even with the Valor Challenge, which can be tough at times, I’m still in it to win it and I’m…A Third Of The Way There!