Brrrrrr...Challenge Run

Wednesday was the first “Challenge” event.  The Challenge events are full class participation (270+ people) physical fitness encompassing eight different events, once a week, leading up the “Yellow Brick Road” finale, which the 6.1 Marine Corps obstacle course.  The challenge events are nicknamed after the Wizard of Oz for traditional reasons.  Event one was entitled “Tin Man Trot”, which was a 1.5+ mile run around the base.  1.5+ miles isn’t so bad, but combine that with the coldest day in Quantico in five years when we began the run, 12 degrees, and it makes for a chilly run.  Even being from Nebraska it is still cold.  I learned a long time ago it is better to be too warm than cold, layers make the difference.  I wasn’t cold.  Florida guy, he was cold.  Having 270+ people taking off at the sound of a bell maked it seem like a flash mob.  The “Not in Kansas Anymore” event is next week.  After talking to the guy who drove from Utah, he’s already glad he’s not in Kansas anymore!

Wednesday night was “Flag Night” where patches and other trinkets were exchanged between everyone and the new FBI agents in training.  The cafeteria has flags of the 50 states plus some other countries and people hung around their state flag until their giveaway stuff was gone then mingled.  After the event wrapped up there was a mandatory meeting in the Boardroom. 

Interesting tidbit from the Officer Involved Shooting class today on memory recall.  The instructor showed a picture from “Logan’s Run”, the movie from 1976.  He asked if anyone remembered it or parts of the movie.  Only about three of us had a clue, sucks to be old.

I mentioned there are some top drawer people here.  One case in point is the guy from Bosnia.  During his flight over he helped save a life on the aircraft when one of the passengers fell out.  He performed CPR on the passenger and brought him back.  Well done. I’m limited on the ability to post pictures.  Some areas and people are off limits for security reasons. I did have a good picture taken with the guys from Wisconsin; however, since they are all Badger fans, I refuse to give Wisky any more pub.  The 70-31 is still too fresh, and they keep reminding me of it (LOL).

PT class today was another installment in medieval torture, this time sandbags, rubber bands, tire chains, and kettlebells.  It is actually kind of fun if you are into pain and sweat.  The Blessed Sacrament gym classes at the Miller Park Y were just a tad different.  Fitness doesn’t come easy.  Three days of it next week….can‘t wait.  On a serious note, the PT is what it should be…challenging mixed with great people to work out with.  Our section has an awesome instructor. Thanks for the motivation EJ!!