In February, my goal was to complete an activity every single day. Whether it be even a simple walk, I wanted to purposefully prioritize daily movement. As it’s also the shortest month, I figured my chance of fulfillment was high. I was not wrong. And, now that I know I can do it, why not start a streak. To March we go!
Any opportunity to seek and find my favorite flowers is an opportunity well done. At the time of this post, the flowers will have continued to grow with more visible blooms and maybe my tulips will have bloomed, too. However, if we don’t get some rain soon there will be no flowers. I heard Texas Tulips was in full bloom the next few weeks…
I recognize we’re partly into March and I’m just now posting this recap. Whoopsies! It’s a short one today. Surprisingly, I’m running low on words. ‘Til next time!
Although I intended to complete a workout every single day of January, meh. Life happened. P.S. I’m not sure why the graphic says February 2026, when it hasn’t arrived yet. Weird.
screenshot via Strava
Interestingly, the screenshot was correct but not when I use the share button. How odd.
Anyway, now I’ve forgotten the point of this post.
Ok, I’m back.
As 1 March draws near, the grumblings surrounding the Air Force’s updated PT standards resound louder. I’ve heard of every reason why a 2-mile run is simply impossible, including the Body Comp updates, the inclusion of the InBody, etc. This is a sampling of my favorite reasons why a service member believes they will fail –
I’m big boned. Wrong, sir. We all have the same size bones.
I’m a body builder. I can’t run. You can run, but just like you trained to lift heavier weights, you must train aerobic capacity, too.
My job is admin. Why do I need to run anyway? There are many scientific principles regarding cardio and how it trains your body to do other hard things, personally and professionally.
Typically, I answer with my own question – How many overweight people are 80+ years old? Or 70 years old? Or gasp 60? Where and how much weight you carry is directly proportional to longevity.
I don’t know about you but I want to live to see mini graduate as many stages as she desires. I want to meet my grandchildren, and maybe great-grandchildren. I want to run when I’m 60, 70, 80 years old. I want to bend over and tie my own shoes. I want to balance on one leg. I want to outlive the naysayers.
For those who state “We’re all gonna die anyway”, well, good luck. Discipline is hard. But loss is harder. Portion control is hard. But burying a loved one at 50 years old due to heart disease is harder. Exercise is hard. But raising your right hand to defend your country is harder.
Personally, I’m glad the bar is being raised. I’m glad fitness returns to the forefront of military standards. I’m glad decision makers have opened their eyes to the necessity of the 2-mile run and strict body comp measurements. Are there flaws? Absolutely! But will this force the 1% to a) make better decisions regarding their health or b) find a different career field outside of serve and protect?
You know the answer.
________________________
I ask you –
As an outsider, or insider, what are your thoughts on tightening the belt loops of the Air Force’s “fit to fight” culture?
Running on Fumes 
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