I passed my pack test!

The pack test is to get our wildland firefighting card to fight these type of fires on a federal level. It's also part of our physical that we have to pass every year if we want to keep doing what we are doing as firefighters.

What is the pack test? It's a 3-mile walk with a 45-pound pack that has to be completed in 45-minutes. Actually, we get a bit of an extension to 46:30 due to a higher altitude. This year I completed the test in 44:12.

Why is this exciting? Because just a month ago....I failed it. Due to the pain in my lower legs as I recover from the Achilles injury. The right calf is still a bit atrophied and the pain shooting up my shins became excruciating. I had to stop at the 1 1/2 mile mark. This last test started off the same with the pain, and I became concerned I would fail again. But...a miracle at the 1 3/4 mile mark...no more pain! My cardio was just fine...so I knew I would make it. Yeah baby! It's done until next March!

I've come along ways since August 15, 2008. I have a long ways to go, but the progress is there. Albeit slow, the progress is still there. Since there is no weekly gains, I will updated monthly unless there is major breakthrough or setback.

Ohhh....my wife and I are pregnant with our 2nd child. See what bed rest can do! : )