That’s it. There are the numbers. They don’t lie. I’m 44, 5 foot 9 1/2 inches tall, weigh 232lbs. body fat of 25.9% and have an umbilical circumference of 43 inches. I own those numbers. I earned those numbers. While they aren’t the worst numbers out there, they are nothing to be proud of, and there is nothing inspirational there.
I have 74 days until I am the new A shift Lieutenant at PBCFR Station 36 aka “The House of Pain.” It’s acceptable to be a bit soft around the middle when you are a flight RN/Medic. The heaviest work I currently do is to be part of a team of 3-4 that wheels a stretcher about 100 yards to a helicopter then slides patient and backboard . Then I do the reverse once I get to the hospital. That’s all about to change. Rescue 36 runs about 9-15 calls a day, medical calls that always seem to have stairs, public assists that usually involve helping someone from bed to toilet and back, throw in a couple of car wrecks, let’s add a touch of fire fighting. Yeah, a bit more than sliding a patient that’s already been nicely packaged for transport in and out of a Sikorsky S-76. I can’t let down my crew. I won’t be the weak link.
What do I plan to do about this? I’m about to embark on a 30 day “metabolic reset.” I’m not great fan of these challenges or resets, whatever you may call them. They usually have unrealistic expectations, incredibly restrictive diets and a workout regime that would put Rocky Balboa to shame. I believe I’ve found something I can do long term, on my schedule, at my pace. I am referring to Pat Flynn’s 30 day metabolic reset. The tenets here include combining a paleo (primal) diet along with an 8 hour “feeding window.” Exercise is kettlebell work with a small amount of time playing on a pullup bar. Pat blogs over at Chronicles of Strength. At first look, he seems to be a young guy who doesn’t like a lot of bells and whistles in his programming. I won’t be able to follow his plan 100% to the letter. There are some things I’ve never done before (double kettlebell work) and I refuse self-teach poor form. If I can get some training and can hold form, I’d love to add the double KB work. I also will be on a 2 day work, 1 day rest schedule. This will follow the 24/48 shift work at PBCFR. I’m not trying to be a delicate snowflake here, just making the program work for me.
What are the goals? Let’s improve the numbers. There is no end point here, but I’d like to start a downward trend in body fat% and umbilical circumference. This will, by default, bring the weight down. In turn, I’ll be able to physically perform better as a fire officer. The snowball effect will continue to keep me on a routine of diet and exercise. I may never be the 170lb guy with 8% body fat, but I’d like to get comfortable in large t-shirts and 34 inch waist pants. Making the 200 mark on the Secret Service Snatch Test is on my bucket list. This isn’t a 30 and out thing for me, this won’t be a 74 days and out thing for me. This is day 1 of my new career. This is the rebirth of the medicman.
medicman627 