T H E 6 T H F L O O R

Life in 6 Land

Tag Archives: training

Up For A Challenge?

Everything as it relates to my health has improved since October, 2011. It’s been am amazing transformation learning how to eat healthy, while giving up foods that promote disease and cancers. While my cardio level is not where I would like it to be, nor my strength I have been working on improving both. At 42 years old, I am looking to get into the “best shape of my life.” I just got an invite from a co-worker today, who asked if I was interested in joining his team in the NorCal Tough Mudder event scheduled to take place in Lake Tahoe on September 22 and 23.

Talk about setting a high goal, I think this would be a serious challenge, but something I could accomplish with my team members. Of course, I would have to increase my daily exercise the next 5 months leading up to the event. Much like McDougall being a life changing event, this challenge could be the goal I need to push my exercise to the next level in order to achieve the “best shape of my life.”

My sister just ran the Primal Mud Run back on the East Coast and by the comments I saw on Facebook and photos, she had a very good time. Physically, she is probably stronger on the cardio side than I am with her constant running and kick boxing she does. Obviously I stronger, but an event such as this requires more than just these abilities, but those of your teammates.

The NorCal event is a “hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. As the leading company in the booming obstacle course industry, Tough Mudder has already challenged half a million inspiring participants worldwide and raised more than $2 million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project. But Tough Mudder is more than an event, it’s a way of thinking. By running a Tough Mudder challenge, you’ll unlock a true sense of accomplishment, have a great time, and discover a camaraderie with your fellow participants that’s experienced all too rarely these days.”

This event is contingent on the results of my MRI on my left knee, which at worst will be arthroscopic surgery to fix a torn meniscus (yes, making my OWN diagnosis…again!). It would also require me to get more serious about my exercise regime. Hopefully I can make a decision by the end of the month and take another step towards a healthier lifestyle.

Stress & Pressure

It has been a very long and sometime challenging 2007. At the end of 2006, I began training for my new job. As of yesterday, the final day in 2007 I am done training. The manager who has been with me every step of the way wrote my letter of recommendation for certification.

It definitely has not been the easiest time, I really cannot compare the stress and pressure I have been under for the last year, trying so hard at time to do everything correct and not make a mistake, that I found myself making stupid, little mistakes. It got to the point where I was extended in my training for 3 weeks. At the end of the third week I was given one more “final” week in which to prove I belonged.

Thankfully that was one of the best weeks I had during training. I was able to demonstrate and overcome some deficiencies that had hampered my “development” through out training. I walked out of work on Sunday with the biggest smile on my face when I was more less congratulated on completing training. There is still some paperwork to finish up and a certification board to go in front of, but the most challenging part has been successfully accomplished.

Things won’t get any easier after certification, but that stress and pressure I felt was suddenly lifted on Sunday afternoon when I strolled out of work as if I were walking on cloud nine. I look forward to the next stages of development as I learn more on the job and grow into my new position. The year has started of on the right foot.

Twas the night before Christmas….

I thought about trying to remake that story based on Urban Terror and then decided I did not have the time, desire or effort to make it. But rest assured, I am sure someone in the community will come up with one. So I was MIA for the quiet release of 4.1. No real PR push or Urban Radio, since I was away at work with many more things on my mind than a release. There seems to be some good feedback and many are enjoying this version, which is a good thing.

As for work, I started by certification week today and things went very well. I even asked for help, which is what management and my peers want to see at this stage in training. So if I can get through the weekend, then I am gold. All I must remember are three small words. ASK FOR HELP! This has been a downfall for me recently, because I would be so focused on a single task that the rest of the system would be falling to pieces and I would fail to notice. That is not the type of person they want working. So as long as I remember everyone is there for me and at my disposal, then I should be fine because there is not much I cannot handle right now.

Christmas came early to our household, as the wife and I along with Zoom, our son opened all the gifts from my parents, as well as the wife and I exchanging gifts. I did call one of the gifts, Guitar Hero III. How and where she got it, I won’t ask, but I have it and have been playing for about 3 hours tonight. Also scored a cordless drill and seasons one and two of CSI. I made out. In return, I bought her a new Kenmore Elite microhood that goes above the matching stove, it is a combination microwave and hood.

More later I hear GHIII calling…

Hit the Wall

While this is no automobile wreck, I seem to have literally hit a wall in training and it has been something I have been struggling with for about 2 months, maybe longer. I cannot recall. As mentioned my training at work was extended 3 weeks, partially due to the fact I missed about 5 shifts on graveyards and I was awarded an additional 2 weeks because I was not able to work on a consistent basis.

At this point in training, I need to be better then others who have been there for years and are more experienced. Okay, I can understand that. I must do everything by the book, not cutting corners. Okay, I understand that as well. What I cannot understand is why I cannot perform when the manager I need to impress is in the room. I completely fall apart and do stupid things that I am sure cause question in her mind.

It’s very frustrating, regardless of what the situation is or what actions I take, it seems I do something wrong or not complete or something could have been done better. That last item is just part of training, no answer I give is ever right, which is fine with me to be honest. I continue to work with my trainer and I feel make progress, even if it is those so called, “baby steps.”

One thing I refuse to do is give up. The pressure and stress are unbearable at this point. More so then anything I have done previously in life up to this point. I cannot take even the simplest task for granted and must have my attention focused whenever I am working.

*sigh* I guess we will see how Sunday goes…I am completely frustrated, bruised and battered, but I will return with a clean slate and prove to those I work with I do belong there and I can do the job.

Extended!

As they say, everything happens for a reason and while it did not come as any real big surprise, I did find out today at work that my training period has been extended an additional 3 weeks.I am not upset or frustrated with it at all. I really have no reason to be, because the only one who really can take responsibility for this is me. I don’t want to sound like I am making excus

As they say, everything happens for a reason and while it did not come as any real big surprise, I did find out today at work that my training period has been extended an additional 3 weeks.

I am not upset or frustrated with it at all. I really have no reason to be, because the only one who really can take responsibility for this is me. I don’t want to sound like I am making excuses, but 52 weeks of training does take it toll. With that said, there is still a light at the end of the tunnel, but I will have to work a bit longer in order to achieve my trophy. That trophy, becoming certified.

I don’t know what sort of talk or extension my fellow trainees got, honestly it doesn’t matter. We are in this together, but can only be successful individually. Everyone in the office wants to see all three of us pass and become certified. Nobody wants that more then the three of us.

So with that, starting today I need to step up my performance and be more consistent in my activities and make decisions while maintaining positive control of the situation. I have done it in the past in spurts, but not regular enough that I have the complete support for all those parties who need to sign off in order to be certified.

That long journey is nearly over, so an additional 3 weeks will just help me hone those skills I have learned over the last year and show everyone in the office I belong here and that I can do this job.

es, but 52 weeks of training does take it toll. With that said, there is still a light at the end of the tunnel, but I will have to work a bit longer in order to achieve my trophy. That trophy, becoming certified.I don’t know what sort of talk or extension my fellow trainees got, honestly it doesn’t matter. We are in this together, but can only be successful individually. Everyone in the office wants to see all three of us pass and become certified. Nobody wants that more then the three of us.So with that, starting today I need to step up my performance and be more consistent in my activities and make decisions while maintaining positive control of the situation. I have done it in the past in spurts, but not regular enough that I have the complete support for all those parties who need to sign off in order to be certified.That long journey is nearly over, so an additional 3 weeks will just help me hone those skills I have learned over the last year and show everyone in the office I belong here and that I can do this job.