Topic: Old"er" woman just starting out...

[TFLY]

Anytime you feel sorry for yourself because you're older than the other recruits

Well, I don't feel sorry for myself really (although I'm not fond of these new found crows feet) but I will keep this in mind.. 

look at your children and believe that all the pain and suffering you are going through means the world will be a better place for your kids.

Thanks Flawed Design   

[TFLY]

I thought I would give a little update since I first posted this thread.  I decided I was going to do this come hell or high water so since then I have started a running program (I suck at this, but Meh) A strength training program (will meet those requirements with no worries) and I have now implemented swimming as part of my regular routine.  It's taking some time, but I'm seeing results!  Very happy!

I have done my CFAT and qualified for all officer trades but one (maybe air navigation?) Smoked the interview and did pretty good in the medical.  Had to get a couple documents filled out by my Dr. and waiting to hear from Ottawa on that. 

Now I'm waiting to hear if I'm accepted for the ROTP program.  That won't be until April sometime.  In the mean time, I am currently being enrolled in a three week program in Borden for the month of April.  Pre Training of sorts.  I'm very excited!  I have also looked into doing some training at the Shearwater Sports Facility and hopefully get the aid of the FI on staff there. 

So, yes I am determined and doing everything I can to be ready.  Doesn't change the worry I have about some of the matters at hand....But, I'm a big girl and I'm sure I'll be able to handle it.

I would also like to thank, ArmyChick for all her help with this.  You have been Great! 

Thank you all for your encouragement!

[ballz]

Good stuff TFLY

In your original post you had this level of fitness:
"I can't yet run 2.5 km without stopping, but I Can do 11 push ups, 27 sit ups.  My body fat is above normal for my sex and height.  My core strength is weak and so is my endurance.  Do you think it's even possible for me to get into enough shape to START basic?"

Any measurable progress with those things now? Running, push ups, sit ups, body fat %, etc?

For core strength/endurance, have you been doing planks? It's an easy way to measure your progress with your core. The longer you can hold a plank, the stronger your core.

[TFLY]

Any measurable progress with those things now? Running, push ups, sit ups, body fat %, etc?

My husband is always after me to do my body fat test again, so I will tonight to see how I'm doing. 

14 Push ups
35 Sit ups
Running - Well, it is not much better because I have not been doing it regularly enough.  Weather is no excuse, but apparently it's the one I use for this.    We have had very icy/cold conditions.  And when we have a warm spell, it's like I totally forget about running.  However, I am working on Cardio by doing the P90X Kenpo and Plyometrix.  Hopefully the swimming will help with my Cardio as well.  ArmChick2009 just set me up with some swim stuff to work on.  She said it would help with the running too. 

The plank is one that I used to use a lot, I think I will start to implement that again and let you know. 


Thanks for asking Ballz, when I get it down on here, it's like a motivator!!  Makes me want to go workout right now.   

[Loachman]

We've had numerous Pub Nights in Toronto and elsewhere and I've long been meaning to try the same thing in Borden. I'm pretty sure that Vern's still kicking around Borden in April, and I should be enjoying a rare period of relative peace and stability then, and there should be a few others around - of course, a few of those are going to be on course and probably not allowed out. If you're interested in a gathering, post a reminder when you have firm dates and I'll see what I can set up.

[armychick2009]

TFLY - You won't be allowed to mix with other people until about the time of your graduation, unfortunately! (it's for good reasons, I promise!) But I also promise you that on grad day? I'll come down and sit in the bench and cheer ya on!  Then afterwards, I think we're allowed to hang out. That's probably when you'll be able to get some of your family to come visit.

[TFLY]

Pub Night??? Me?  You've been reading my mail!  My most favorite thing to do (being from Halifax).  I'm totally in if they actually give you a night away from training.  I was told, not so much???  But anyway, I will post to confirm.  Do I just post it on this thread?  Now I'm even more excited than ever.     (talk about go off topic.)  lol   

[TFLY]

Ooops, we overlapped posts.

you mean there is a graduation for this training ArmyChick?  No way!  Well that's exciting!  I'll CRAWL to the pub if I'm allowed after that. 

By the way, going tomorrow to swim, thanks for the STUFF    I'll keep you posted!

My family won't be there for that, but I'll be glad to see you and finally meet you!   

[Tango2Bravo]

My husband is always after me to do my body fat test again,

Brave man.

[Otis]

We've had numerous Pub Nights in Toronto and elsewhere and I've long been meaning to try the same thing in Borden.

Make sure you let us know when / where and maybe some of us cab make the trip up from Toronto to join the fun!

[ArmyVern]

We've had numerous Pub Nights in Toronto and elsewhere and I've long been meaning to try the same thing in Borden. I'm pretty sure that Vern's still kicking around Borden in April, and I should be enjoying a rare period of relative peace and stability then, and there should be a few others around - of course, a few of those are going to be on course and probably not allowed out. If you're interested in a gathering, post a reminder when you have firm dates and I'll see what I can set up.

I just knew that I heard my name mentionned in a post containing a whiff of alcohol. 

I will still be here in April ... will actually be here until May at the minimum. Can escape from this endroit at that time should I successfully obtain my Bs on my first round of ELS Testing then. Otherwise, I'm here until end-June. 

But, as an update - today the 7 of us on the course underwent our PO 401 exams for "reading" and "grammar". Tomorrow is DDay for our Oral exams. I'm confident that I passed both those from today. And am also reasonably certain that I did very well on the "reading comprehension" ~ the grammar ... not so much, but I'm certain that I, at least, passed.

If not, tomorrow night's celebratory (and required-to-relax-after-stressing-out-for-two-weeks') beer ... may just turn into many shots of tequila. 

Edited to add:

The lag on this site is absolutely killing me!! Arghhhh.

 

[armychick2009]

TFLY,

Yeppers, a graduation and everything! You work hard for three weeks learning drill... you work hard at figuring out what you want to do... you work hard at maintaining your uniform! And you work hard at your discipline in all aspects! Why the heck wouldn't you be deserving of a parade It's part of the job, baby!

It's also a proud day for the staff too, who (trust me!) deals with a lot to get you guys into shape.

The policy is no contact with outside peoples (like, you can call family almost every night... unless you have inspections to get ready for and you can only call after all the work is done)...  but, there's no fraternizing (males or females!) of other people from other courses. Keep in mind that most of the participants are around the ages of 17-21... so, this is more to protect them than to protect you But, you still need to abide by the rules or... it's a one-way ticket home!

But, if you make arrangements ahead of time for the last night, you may be able to arrange to go out. But, they have a strict no drugs/no alcohol policy (and I believe that includes the last night... because of legal reasons, you are still their responsibility!)

[TFLY]

  BUMMER!

But I can understand, I guess.

Keep in mind that most of the participants are around the ages of 17-21... so, this is more to protect them than to protect you

I can understand that too... *evil cougar grin*  LOL 

[Loachman]

I'll start a "Borden Pub Night" thread in Radio Chatter when we get closer, and have a likely date.

Right now I'm too busy living The High Life, trying to make myself sick of smoked salmon every breakfast, to really think that far ahead.

And if you can't make it, TFLY, we'll just drink your share for you.

[TFLY]

And if you can't make it, TFLY, we'll just drink your share for you

    OK   But you'll have to drink a lot!  I won't be happy not being able to go...and I can drink a lot, specially if I'm not happy. 

LOL -

[Loachman]

Vern might help with that a little, if we ask her nicely.

[ArmyVern]

Vern might help with that a little, if we ask her nicely.

Pas de problème monsieur.  Avec plaisir. 

[Drifter]

woot now i dont feel so bad about being 35 .... I was worried it would be all young folk .. not that there is anything wrong with that but its nice to have conversations with folks my own age group too I hope its like that as a NCM too
 

[Jim Seggie]

woot now i dont feel so bad about being 35 .... I was worried it would be all young folk .. not that there is anything wrong with that but its nice to have conversations with folks my own age group too I hope its like that as a NCM too
 

35?

Young un....

[Drifter]

35?

Young un....

heheh ...

[TFLY]

Drifter, I would never have thought I would take the step and do this...but this board, people I have met and spoken to, and especially the recruiters have made me think otherwise.  If we have the drive to give our Country everything we have, and now we are old enough to really appreciate what that means, then our Country (AKA Canadian Forces) wants us.  I now know we have the potential to give more then we could have 15 years ago. (in my case anyway)

Welcome aboard!   

[Drifter]

I hear you,
 I would like to think that even though we are 15 yrs older, I am hoping we will bring some
life experience to the table that might be useful. Also I relate with the notion you put
forward of stepping up to serve  and what that means

     

the pension is gravy

[Jim Seggie]

I hear you,
 I would like to think that even though we are 15 yrs older, I am hoping we will bring some
life experience to the table that might be useful. Also I relate with the notion you put
forward of stepping up to serve  and what that means

     

the pension is gravy

Your life experience is invaluable. I rememeber as an 18 year old wet behind the ears recruit, the older recruits from the Maritimes were very helpful, like older wiser brothers. Those were the days when the age range was from 17-25.

Have a good one! Good luck!

[Drifter]

I have been tossing the idea of the service back and forth in my head since I was 17
distracted from the idea with various life events over the years

then
I think it hit home when I saw a bumper sticker
"If you don't stand behind our soldiers, feel free to stand in front of them"

I thought to myself  SCREW THAT .. I am going to stand beside them and try to help out
keep in mind I am a starry eye recruit ....

of course I also looked at the fact am 35 and still working  a mcjob ... I figured its time to start a career

[TFLY]

I have had a few careers now, all of which I liked, but none that I loved.  I have been an Early Childhood Educator, a Network Administrator, A business Developement Manager, a Reiki Practitioner, A small business owner and even a School bus driver....just to name a few.  But I have wanted to join the service for so long, I guess I won't be happy until I finally do. 

I also think this is what will keep me motivated!  I love to learn new things (hence the many work opportunities I have had) and I think the wealth of learning opportunities in the CF is amazing! 

Drifter, have you begun the application process?  Are you getting yourself into shape?  How are you finding it?