So I Cowboyed Up

Jeez, I hate that saying. As if cowboy signifies anything good. I don't see it. I don't see how you should aspire to be someone like that.



But anyway, here's today's story.


Every year you have to do a PT test for the AF. Before I joined they changed it so you had to run 1.5 miles in a certain time as well as do X push-ups and sit-ups (X depending on your age). They also measured your height, weight, and abdominal circumference.



Fun stuff, right?



It USED to be that you could ride a bike (I've ridden that bike. It's not easy.) or you could run the 1.5 miles. I heard stories of crusty old men walking to the track smoking cigarettes and about to run in black socks and loafers. They'd meander around the track six time and then light another cigarette and the test was done.



But apparently no one was happy with the looks of the Air Force and the phrase Chair Force was tossed around more and more and the AF became something of a joke to the other branches.



Now, I do not think it's a smart idea to rise to any amount of goading in situations like this because it seems to stem from jealousy most of the time. But the AF ROSE to the challenge, demanded more running, harder tests and a mandatory PT program for everyone.



It sucks. I'd understand if my job required me to be physical but it doesn't. I'd understand if I had the strong possibility of being placed in incredibly dangerous situations where you would need to run 1.5 miles to get away from whatever is chasing you. But I'm not. So the whole stay fit to fight is a little beyond me, BUT I do it because it's required for me to keep my job and I need my job. I have a wife and child (soon to be children) to take care of so if they want me to exercise then I will exercise.



However, I can't run. I injured my hip a few years ago and now have to walk to take my test. Three miles timed. I know what you're thinking. Three miles is no big deal, but three miles WILL take it out of you.



I took the test today and passed with flying colors. It was awesome, I feel very proud of myself and here I sit, Diet Mountain Dew in hand in victory over and annual evaluation.



Like the minute where you get released from church and you know this is the longest time before you have to go to church again, I relished this moment.