Battlefield Battle

Battlefield Run, Ft. Lee, a set on Flickr.


I gotta say, today was one of my favorite runs! I ran the Petersburg Battlefield today and it snowed. Yep, it snowed and I loved it. Unfortunately it only snowed flurries and then went away but I enjoyed every second of it.

Not to mention, I couldn't help but think about the Soldiers during the Civil War who froze in their defensive positions or who had to haul the cannons up the hills to their positions. 

Looking at all the artifacts was quite interesting. Of course it made for a longer run and sort of off the beaten path but it was well worth it. 

Getting out and clearing my mind helped tremendously. I feel out of sorts today so I figured the run would help. It did to a point but it ended up making me feel a bit worse as the day has gone on. I think it will pass and I'll head out again tomorrow.

I have to add in cross training again. I have seen a good bit of muscle atrophy and I have to reverse that so that I can run longer and better. I want to be able to run the battlefield in under an hour by the time I leave here. I think it will be possible.

Running Photographer

Running Photographer, a set on Flickr.

These photos will show up once you click on the link. It took me a while to figure out why they wouldn't link. If you wanted to see them when I posted them ages ago, here you go. I hope you enjoy! I will also post my photos from my battlefield run here at Ft. Lee.

Let me know what you think!

A Winter's Walk

Walking in a Winter Wonderland! A form of exercise and a stress relief from the Major's course at Ft. Lee. I was fortunate enough to make it to Norfolk in time to beat the snow. As I visited NATO Allied Command Transformation the snow that was following me from Lee caught up to me and fell rapidly. It was serene and calming to walk in the freshly lain snow. The smell of clean air and the snow falling made my day complete. 

I chose to share these photos here to enjoy.

I love this tree!

Another version of the first photo

Reminds me of when I was a kid walking in the snow.

Artsy Fartsy with the camera...or so I tried.

The park bench lightly pasted with snow. I just liked the looks of it.

Everyone inside drinking cocoa...at least that is where I went shortly after this.

The chain link that outlines the garden.

Another picturesque tree. This one just captivates me.

Reminds me of a movie.

Just a view from the bench.

A tree grove on the walk back.

Learning how to hit curveballs

Moving, moving, moving...sort of seems like all I have done lately is move from one military installation to another. I went from Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia to Fort Campbell, Kentucky then on to Ft. Lee, Virginia with a final destination of Afghanistan so I'll continue to stay on the move. After Afghanistan I'll have about 8 months left at Campbell before I have to move again to who knows where at this point.

I gotta say the Army keeps me on my toes. Running, being the only outlet I have continues to be a challenge to maintain as well. After all, this blog is about running and the challenges of doing this so I'll get to that focal point soon...

First, I'll start out with the military aspect and then turn to the running aspect...my source of sanity.

My journey to Fort Campbell to be a part of the historical 101st Airborne Division went off without a hitch and I enjoyed every minute of being a part of this organization. Well, with all good intentions and plans, you must always remain flexible.

You might recall in my past posts that I was supposed to head to Afghanistan and return with a follow on assignment to the Command and General Staff Officer Course (CGSOC). Well, once again I got a screaming fast curve ball thrown at me when I received a message from the Army stating that all year groups 2000-2003 must have attended CGSOC by the close of 2013. There was only one problem with this...I would have been deployed for 2013 resulting in my having to attend the distance learning version. We all know what happens to those officers...or at least what happened in the past. Those who had to attend via DL didn't have a much longer career left in the Army and I certainly didn't want to fall victim to this. Even though the message clearly stated that DL wouldn't have an effect on promotions...the underlying rule here is...of course it will. The government is trying to downsize the military and what a great way to do that by limiting the slots to attend a course.

C'mon, let's be serious, how many people actually want to attend a DL course? Not many so how many will opt for this? Not many. What a great way for the military to non-selectively put officers out. You're either disciplined enough to do the DL course or you're not. I did my MBA through a lot of online courses and in class courses. It took 18 months for that, there was no way in hell I wanted to do military training that way especially when it came to my professional development.

Obviously I'm not the only one in this time frame but here is where I explain how my situation is special.

First, what division in the world would let a key officer, ok, I'm a deputy but still play a vital role in the office...at least that's the lie I like to tell myself to make myself feel better. Honestly, I'm quite happy with the job because I have a great boss who I have learned a lot from and will continue to learn from as long as I work for her.
Anyway, I got sidetracked so let's get back to the topic at hand. I called my boss when I got the email and was a bit distraught to say the least. I was so upset that I would have to go to CGSOC via DL and that was not suitable to me but in order to get promoted and be retained it was a must after the deployment.

Having the boss that I have, she immediately sent an email to the Chief of Staff asking for him to approve my attendance to the short course and simultaneously called my branch manager to get me a seat in the first class of the year. Her intent was to get me to the course and get me to Afghanistan directly after to meet up with the division. How supportive. The decision had to be made by the end of September. It just so happened that the Chief of Staff was on leave when this came out and he didn't get the request, at least that is what I thought.

He actually did get the request but forgot to answer with his support. I really didn't expect him to send me. I thought he would say what everyone in a division that is deploying would say...suck it up, you're deploying and you can go to CGSOC via DL. Much to my surprise he told me that he supported me and that it will make me a better officer and asset to the Division. I was awestruck.

So, here I am about to enter week 5 of CGSOC and I feel like I am treading water. I lack some serious organizational skills. Skills I used to have but somehow have lost them. I believe that when I don't run, I am a mess. I'm grumpy, unorganized, tired and
emotional...not running turns me into a complete train wreck sometimes.

Here, at Ft. Lee, there is an access point to the Petersburg battlefield where I love to run. It is so serene, quiet and beautiful. This past Monday I ran it and saw 4 deer along the way that just looked up as they saw me pass. They didn't move, just grazed on the grass. When I turned around to head back, just before the end, the deer were still there. That really amazed me that they were not afraid of me at all. They sort of looked at me; I'm sure with their “deerish” grin and saying to themselves..."There goes another one of those two-legged creatures running away again!" Ok, so I'm a little dramatic but you get the point. They were laughing at me :)

In my endeavor to continue to run, I signed up for the Virginia is for lovers Half Marathon that takes place in a week. Let's just say I won't be getting a PR! That's ok because my focus is on my courses. I think if I can get this running thing under control, I'll be able to get my head on strait and be able to reorganize myself once again.

It's almost as if running is the oil that makes my brain flow smoothly and without it, I can't seem to think or move properly. Without it, I wouldn't be able to hit the curve balls that life and the military feel necessary to throw at me.

 

Yes Please!

AHHHHhhh....I keep adding to my Army adventures and they have led me to finally hanging my hat in Clarksville TN just outside Fort Campbell KY. This is where I'll work for the next 6 or 7 months until I tackle a year in Afghanistan.


Yep, another year but that's not going to get me down or sulking to myself or anything of the sort! Instead, I will use this time to my advantage to work out like a fiend and get out and cycle with my li'l man.


So, YES PLEASE! Gimme more outdoors, gimme more trails to run and more roads to cycle because my body is begging to get back into shape!


I do have someone virtually beside me who motivates me and makes me laugh, unfortunately he is not physically beside me but when my moon and stars finally align, all will be right with the world and we will blaze the trails together. 


I also have a good girlfriend here that, event though she doesn't know it, is going to be going on some workout adventures with me...he he he!!! (evil snicker)...


....I do have the best little man in the world with me and he's not happy with me making him cycle 10.40 miles on his first day...I gotta say, I think he really likes it because he wants to go again. I have also had him run a mile or two with me. I usually take it slow and take a couple walk breaks with him so he can gradually get better at running. Lately it's been to hot to have him out there with me so I do it when he is at school or camp.


Anyway, to top off the outdoor activities with indoor activities, I have re-started my body pump again and...yep, I did it, I ordered Insanity by Beach Body! I know, but I need to be able to change things up now and then, after a while the DVD's get boring and ya gotta switch it up a little now and then but I'll tell ya, Body Pump will make you sore and happy.


I've also started to train in my Vibram 5-Fingers to strengthen up my feet and my calves one mile at a time. I've increased about 1/2 a mile and I'll continue the 1.5 miles for another week or so just to see how much I can improve over the next six months.


Oh, by the way, I haven't been doing much running until I got here. I found out from my new boss that we have a division run the week after I sign in...LUCKY ME! NOT! On to Screamin' Eagle's Week!


Until next time...keep on keepin' on!

I've been called a BEAST! Now, let's workout like one!

In my drive for motivation and desire after several months of slacking, maxin' & relaxin' I no longer have an excuse and I no longer have a choice!


I'm heading to the Screamin' Eagles, 101st Airborne (AASLT) Division! Yep, no longer have a choice to sit on my butt and eat delicious pastries from France or chocolate from Germany or Belgium or drink the lemoncello from Italy, yep, my fat and lazy days they are a' over! 


While I've been here though, I've taken part in mud-runs, obstacle courses, runs and high intensity interval training! I was tough, I was strong, I was lean and I was mean! Well...at least I'd like to think so BUT...I've been called a beast because of my undying determination to never quit, my ability to fight through the pain and do what I never thought possible. I've always been stubborn and I've always wanted to show my physical strength that's packed in a small body. You don't have to be big to be strong! Anyway, I have been called a beast because I'll try anything, I'll keep trying till I get it right. I've never given up on anything, I've been given up on but I'll never give in! My health and my fitness are important to me and I desire to be better than ever, the more I age, the better I get...like the saying goes "I'm like a fine wine, I only get better with age".


So, this brings me to the latest Beachbody review! They have a new program in the works called Body Beast! This program is built to build your bulk! If you are a body builder or are training to be one, this is surely the best in home training system you can get! Check it out here at THE BEAST I'll call it the beast because if you look at the creator Sagi Kalev, you'll see...well...his photos say a 1000 words! The description is in the name!


If you are familiar with the Israeli Army you'll know this guy is definitely no joke! I've met several people that were in the Israeli Army and they are some crazy dudes! They will do anything! In comparison to our Rangers, Special Forces, SEALs etc...these guys are right with them. Military training of any kind requires discipline, focus, determination and respect...all of the values Sagi had while in the Army.


These values are also what are required to get you through a rugged workout! Not to mention, there is a specially designed meal plan to go along with your goals.


These workouts are a hybrid mix between the traditional style of weight lifting and a new innovative approach to muscle building and bulking up.


I know I would like to use it, if anything only long enough to deplete my body fat and get back to my beautifully sculpted beast body! 


I say beautifully sculpted...I was sculpted years ago and I've struggled since having a child to keep fat off my body. I believe that if you are someone struggling with the same things, this program might just help increase metabolism and build muscle. We all know that when building muscle it doesn't necessarily mean bulk up, for women, we tone up, we become more lean. We can bulk up but we can also create lean muscle. 


Muscle burns more calories therefore creating fat loss but keep in mind, every body is different and the outcomes will vary just like individual fingerprints.


Until next time....keep running! :)

Moving Blues, I'm leaving NATO

If you are familiar with the way the U.S. Army operates, you'll know that most assignments are only 3 year postings. Well, unfortunately my posting to NATO has come to an end.


I heard a lot about NATO before I signed in there. Things like, Oh, it's a big vacation, you'll have time for relaxing and time off etc...WELLLLLL!!!! THAT WAS NOT THE CASE!
This is by far one of the most challenging jobs I've had with the Army. I have had 4 weeks off in 3 years! I have so much leave built up that I have to find a way to use it but moving to a new unit I won't get that chance any time soon!


I have to say thought, I'm one of the lucky few Army officers who have had an opportunity to work directly within a NATO command. Nope, I didn't go to Europe! I WISH! I've been trying to get to Europe for 16 years! So, I stayed in the U.S. as a NATO representative and a miniscule strand in the Trans Atlantic Link to Europe. I was at NATO Allied Command Transformation for the last three years. You're probably asking "What the heck is that?" well, honestly...it's too long to explain here but Google is an amazing tool!


This brings me to why I mention NATO. As an American, I was never really taught about NATO growing up. I knew what the acronym stood for, I knew it was founded in 1949, I knew it was an Alliance between nations to fight against communism etc...BUT...I didn't know exactly what it did and why it was important until after working here.


During my assignment I have been to many countries and had the opportunity to meet many different people from many different cultures. I feel honored to have met them and I am privileged to have had this opportunity. This was my first job as Public Affairs Officer, I was a Media Relations Officer and had to figure this out on my own. I didn't really have much help. When I started this job, I relied a lot on the Senior NCO's (they were all Navy) to help me learn about what is expected of a Public Affairs Officer at this level. I was a Signal Officer for crying out loud and I'm put at echelons above reality without experience except for DINFOS. I worked hard to try to learn and grasp my role and responsibilities but I had a lot of negative pressure from my supervisors. I was never given much guidance in this job, I was left to the wolves! So, here, it was literally...sink or swim. I eventually figured it out but not 100%. You never figure it out 100% in this job. I'm also learning about NATO as I go during this time and I'll tell ya, it's a very, very complex organization.


I dealt with media around the world and learned how to use the Department of Defense Pentagon Press Center, the Foreign Press Center, Contacting Embassies, Calling Ministries of Defense and reaching out to all types of media all around the world. I had no idea what I was doing but somehow, it all worked out. 


I enjoyed working with the international community outside my office. The officers and NCO's in the NATO ACT Headquarters made life in the cubicle a lot easier to manage and were so helpful and understanding. I'll never forget the ones who made me smile on a regular basis. Working with Generals and Colonels was a great experience too!


Through any military assignment, you make lifelong friends and I really hope I've made some here! I know a couple people who will remain a part of my life for many, many years. The unfortunate thing is...all good things must come to an end. When I leave, some of the friends from around the world will eventually move back to their countries and it will be harder to maintain that connection but, I hope they all know that they will never be far from my thoughts!


So, I'm leaving this great Alliance with an ache in my professional heart but, I also leave with a smile on my face...you know the old saying...Bitter-Sweet? It is, bitter-sweet because even though I'm sad to leave I'm excited to see what is in front of me and excited to gain more experience and at an operational level and not echelons above reality. Once I do this, I will be a more well rounded officer with a greater understanding of "WHY", why we do some of the most asinine things we are told to do in the military. This is very important for professional growth and wisdom.


Well, I'm heading out and it's become more real as the transportation company did the pre-move inspection of my belongings and I am selling off my things to help finance my move and shrink the amount of stuff I have. I have to go from a 2400 sq ft house to a 900 sq ft apartment so I have a lot of downsizing to do. I'm also left with renting my house for less than it is worth which is a bitter pill to swallow but I gotta do what I gotta do!


Anyway, I will soon pack up my house and move my belongings to the hills of Tennessee and Kentucky, Ft. Campbell here I come! I'm not sure that's an enthusiastic cry though! I still desire to get to Europe! I hope I get there!!!


Well, I also have to say I'm sad to leave this area of the country too. I will leave the ocean views, the friendly people my friends and...the East Coast :( I'm not happy about that! I feel at home here which is something I never felt in my 35.5 years of life. I never felt at home anywhere. I guess I never settled because I never liked where I lived growing up and I never wanted to stay. I wanted to move around, see the world, learn new things and explore but I also wanted a place to call home. Somewhere I could go back to and feel complete. Outside of how at home I feel in France (I love it in the countryside in France), I actually have this feeling here in Norfolk and Virginia Beach and I really don't want to leave it. Yes, sure, I can come back but I am not sure I will. I would love to live in Europe! Fingers crossed I get that chance.


Anyway, I'm a little blue these days because I'm leaving a place I can actually call home. The one thing I'm excited about is the fact that I will be able to ride my road bike without fear and I can run through many more forests and see many trees! I'll be able to enjoy my biggest hobby that I haven't enjoyed in a few years and that is running and exercising! I'm happy to be able to do the one thing that helps me clear my mind whenever I want! That's the one thing the Army is good at doing, and that... is allowing me to stay fit! 


So I'll probably give you some insight into my next job soon! I'm going to have a great time and learn new things and meet new people. 


My moving blues won't last long but there are few people I will take with me and keep in my life as I move to the next leg of my journey. They will know who they are!!


Stay tuned! I'll keep running around the world!