Weighty matters

[aadler]

 
On my first deployment (Iraq, 2003-4), I found myself having a problem with weight and fitness. When I wasn’t actually out working with a team — which happened less and less as the tour progressed — it was just too hot for exercise, and an opulent KBR chow hall was set up directly across the street from my tent, and the combination was such that it took me months, on my return to the States, to build myself back into shape.

In Afghanistan (2005-6), keeping that problem in mind, I tried to maintain a regular routine at the small gym the SF guys had in their compound. Results were mixed, but I at least succeeded in holding my ground. At Guantanamo (2007), I had a bit more free time to myself and I was more motivated most of the time; during my tour there, I lost weight and turned in what remains my best all-time APFT score ever.

This time …

This time, the Army itself is aware of the tendency of mobilized troops to rest whenever they’re not working, and my own unit requires PT every morning, Monday through Friday. I maxed out years ago on the number of sit-ups required for my age group (as in, once I reach a certain number, that’s 100% and more sit-ups don’t add to the score), and am now maxing for push-ups as well. My run, as usual, is weak; I’m training myself back up to it — again, as usual — but I can now revert to the age waiver, if necessary, that allows me to substitute a 2.5-mile walk for the 2-mile run.

The problem is, I’m fat.

It crept up on me, not quite a pound a week, and I’ve known for awhile that I needed to address the issue, but the measures I took haven’t really delivered any results. I’m currently fifteen pounds over the limit the Army allows me (which limit is, itself, ridiculously liberal), and I need to get more aggressive in dealing with this issue.

The good news is, we’ve passed the vernal equinox. The days should (gradually) begin getting longer again, so that I can do more running outside in the mornings instead of on a treadmill. It just seems a bit ironic that I should be so far behind the curve in two things — running and weight — at the point that I’m stronger than ever in the remainder.

Comments

[ozma914.livejournal.com]

It could be worse -- I'm below grade in *all* categories.

[aadler]

It could be much worse; I could be seeking a promotion, instead of having just received one.

[ozma914.livejournal.com]

you're definitely on the better side of that one.

[frogfarm]

One of my favorite dietary science writers, Dr. Kurt Harris, just had a guest post from his brother in law the Navy SEAL. Nutshell: Principles of paleolithic nutrition and high intensity interval training increased health and performance all around. (Particularly in field, pemmican is your best friend.)

Happy pre-New Year from the department of pre-crime. Glad to see you alive and kicking!

[aadler]

Good stuff there, and ties in with some things that worked for me in the past.

As for the New Year’s wishes, likewise back at you.

[texanfan.livejournal.com]

I'm finding it a sad fact of life that once you hit middle age (and it's hit me back hard) it's incredibly difficult to keep the weight off. I'm doing 75 minutes every morning on my recumbent bike (I like my treadmill much better) and watching my portions but it's taking forever to battle a few pounds off.

[aadler]

For me, the big thing is lack of time. Working out every day is good, but it’s by necessity a short workout. If I could toss in a five-mile run every now and then, that would help a lot.

Also, as you noted, the metabolic alterations that come with age pose a substantial difficulty. At that point, the demand is for exercise and portion control and dietary selection, and it probably wouldn’t hurt to add some judicious selection of supplements.