The other day I was leaving a residence driving the ambulance to the hospital with my partner in the back with a previously combative patient. As I went in route to the hospital, I realized something...I have no idea how to get out of this neighborhood. See I just recently started a new side job and the territory is still somewhat new for me. This would not usually be a problem, but for some the reason the MDT map system was not working.
Maps are essential if you are heading off into uncharted territory. They assist you in finding the best routes and give you an idea of how far away you are from your destination. As a firefighter or EMS personnel, you may have many aspirations for your health and fitness.
For example, you may have the need to lose weight or maybe lower your blood pressure. Or perhaps you desire to improve your physical fitness on an emergency scene. Or maybe, you just want to run around with your kids without getting worn out. Whatever your desire is for your (and mine) fitness, setting some specific goals is a surefire way to get there the quickest.
Are You (Am I) Committed?
If you have not been over to
Travis Stoetzel's website, it is a gold mine of information and inspiration in regards to strength and conditioning. I recently picked up his program
Bags, Bells, and Bodyweight and I have to say, I am very excited about it. He lays out a plan (a map) to become stronger and more athletic to whomever is willing to put the work in.
You can tell from reading the book, Travis is committed to your success. One of the most important parts of his system (in my opinion) is a contract which contains his rules for success with the program and where he has you write your goals out. He recommends that they are specific, have details attached to them, and then there is a deadline for completing them.
.
Furthermore, Travis recommends that you re-write your goals on a note card everyday to help you stay focused. I know this is essential for me. I have a tendency to start a program, give it a little try, then dump it and go look for the next shiny thing. Only time I ever had laser like focus on a program, was when I was training for the
RKC (the strenuous kettlebell certification by Pavel).
But, you know what I had?
- Specific goal: Pass the RKC
- Details: become proficient in the standard lifts, and pass the snatch test
- Deadline: I had already booked it at the end of February 2010
The Bags, Bells, and Bodyweight program consist of 10 phases, with each phase lasting around 3-4 weeks. I wanted to throw down the gauntlet and put it out to you that I will be following this program. I hope you will help be accountable and committed and stay focused.
A Rekindled Challenge
I have several goals that I will be writing and reciting throughout this process, but I wanted to let you in on one of them. When I first got into the department, I was stationed with some strong athletes who participated in the
Scott's Firefighter Combat Challenge. Despite me being far from a contender, these guys took me in and trained me for the course. I have recently had a rekindle in my desire to compete in the "toughest 2 minutes in sports".
So, here is one of my goals. To run the course next year (preferably sometime after I finish the program in August) and
finish it in less than 2:00 minutes. This is not even close to some of the record holders, but this would be a great accomplishment for me.
So, stay tuned for updates about the program.
-C.J. Brown