In this Update:
- 12-Week Workout Routine
- Biking in Florida Summer
- Mini-Deployment
12-Week Workout Routine
I made it to 12 weeks of continuous workouts, at least 2-3 times per week! For me, that is huge!!! The demands of graduate school, full-time work, and other obligations really made it extremely challenging to stick to regular workouts – much to my dismay! As a result, I was told that my arms look more toned, and I feel stronger. My low-grade backache is also under control, which I credit to the fact that the worst part of my studies is finally over and I don’t have to be glued to the laptop for endless hours. In fact, I just applied for graduation, FINALLY!!!
Progress is slow but steady at this point, which is totally alright with me. I am not in a hurry. My back feels fine, and I am able to hip-thrust 100 pounds at this point. The key is to do the movements in a slow and controlled manner, adding weight in small increments. I certainly don’t want to be an Olympic weightlifter but adding weights is so important for healthy bones and muscles.
This is my “happy post-workout” face
Biking in Florida Summer
Some would call us crazy to go biking in the wilderness during summer in Florida. Well, I admit, the heat index was about 107 degrees but as long as you take enough water, it can be done!
We went to Hal Scott Preserve, which is not too far from where we live. We were the only ones present in the parking lot though…
Due to our now daily thunderstorms, the trails became rather ... interesting. For Ralf, it was an easy and casual ride – for me, not so much!
Trails went from….
… nice small gravel
… to teeth-shattering large gravel
… to grassy
…to muddy
…to wet
… to “I guess I will carry my bike through the water”
I was pretty much toast after this outing but not in pain. That tells me, though, that my endurance and leg strength still need some work!
Mini-Deployment
Last week, my co-worker and friend Bonnie and I participated in a “mini-deployment” with the Director’s 50 Emergency Response Team. The two of us were sent to a close-by mall’s parking lot to assess, treat, and rescue a home-health nurse who got injured during a tornado and was waiting for us in her damaged car.
I am pretty sure she was very glad that the damage to her car was just simulated and that she had the luxury of air condition while she waited. Here are some snapshots of our mission:
I am happy to announce that no VA nurse or federal property was damaged during this exercise, lol.