My OCD side requires me to create a separate post from other posts even if they all describe updates. Since I graduated the N9 course, Physical Therapy Speciality, I've been essentially on "leave" for nearly a month and settling back into civilian life (as in, leaving my hair any way I want, not overheating in a uniform, and not waking up at "o'dark-30" in the morning). It's actually unnerving. I do miss a structured day, being busy in a clinic, getting paid active-duty pay at about $1,500 a month, and generally keeping my mind preoccupied with all things physical therapy. Right now, I wake up late at 0800, I can actually CHOOSE to go work out, and I'm cooking/baking a lot more often, which means I'm also gaining a bit of flab. Why this concerns me, I will get to in a little bit.
Getting back on track, the new developments include several things.
- I changed my major to athletic training and have no intentions whatsoever to change it again. This means that I'll have to start at ground zero, as in 4 more years of undergrad, but I see this as something I will be doing in five, ten years down the road because it leads into the next "development"...
- I think I have found my niche in the world of physical therapy. I love it. I want to get into Army-Baylor's Doctorate in Physical Therapy program. I want to become a physical therapist.
- I got promoted to E-4 Specialist, and I'm looking at E-5 Sergeant already. Doesn't hurt to shoot for the next goal early on, does it? The earliest I can promote is after 4 months since my last promotion (which was 2 May), and 18 months TIS, time in service (which was back in July). I just need promotion points. All this is considered the "secondary zone" comprised of exceptional performers.
- I am running more often, maybe with a bit more wisdom than pre-Army life, but I am quite slow with a test pace of 8 minute miles and a comfortable pace of 10 minute miles (which is considered sad to the gung-ho soldier).
- And I might as well declare my goal of running 100 miles.
Why this insane idea? Well, 1) I do want to maintain Army fitness standards and as an NCO I must lead by example, 2) as a physical therapy tech and an athletic training major it shouldn't be a surprise, and 3) I never see "bulky" female military physical therapists. Yes, call me shallow, but it does concern me if I ever have to worry about weighing in for entrance qualifications. Oh, and 4) I am not a natural runner, but I would love to take a stab at that "runners' high" and apparent addiction one gets when they can go distances and not feel like dying. The flab comment earlier relates to having too much additional weight while running- just think of those knees! Do I think running will transform this stocky island girl into a slim, PT machine? Not really. I just really want to not feel like dying everytime I need to up my pace on the run, increase my metabolism, and decrease my BF%. Because currently, quite frankly, I just suck.
