The Distance

Chapter 13:Tests & Graduation

3 months later:

Page 116:
By the end of boot camp, it was all a blur, I couldn't believe this was all finally happening. The final test before I graduate, I'm feeling empowered by all my mixed emotions. I feel ready for this, more than anything so I can pull the final impressive card. First up was the 3-mile run: As I jogged for the first 4 laps keeping a steady but fast pace, my legs burning up like fire, and even though it was excruciating and unbearable I ignored the pain, I was like a cheetah in the next 4 laps, sprinting like there was no such thing as a tomorrow, the next 2 laps I took it slow and jogged still keeping my pace; my face was boiling red but I couldn't give in, as I sprinted crazily on the last 2.

"19:37!!GOOD JOB SOLDIER!!"

Page 117:
We took a break before starting the next section, my eyes burned as well as my heart beating so quickly and pounding my chest like a hammer. I was about to sit down but Greg being an idiot, though at the same time wise told me to stay standing because sitting after a run is very unhealthy for the heart. So I took his advice and he planted my hands on my head telling me to breathe in and out. I was in so much agony right now despite my tough talk. He then assisted me into stretching my legs because they started cramping up. Tears rolling down my eyes as I got myself some water and we were called up for part 2. Which was push ups and sit ups. Push ups I can do, and I am decent at the sit up section though sometimes pulling myself up can prove to be a little painful at my core area.

Page 118:
I started to rush those push ups.. near the end, my arms were shaking and getting weak but I forced them to keep going.

"65 push ups!!" They yelled out, I was more on the good side right now, feeling like a god. As Greg came up to me and let me know that my performance was astounding. He bought me a bottle of water as I did run out from the previous run. This PT was just too exhausting but I couldn't give in to it. Because I'm so close to finishing and if I give up now all my hard-work will go to waste, all down the drain never to be seen again. My legs were shaking but my spirit was stronger than any pain I am experiencing right now. Sit ups were up and I was a little shy about this one.

Page 119:
I pulled myself up and started off a little gentle and by 30 I stepped up my game because I had 27 seconds left..

47...48...

15 seconds left...

56..57..

8 seconds left

70..71...

"DING DING!! TIMES UP PRIVATE, 71 SIT UPS EXCELLENT JOB!!"

My body was feeling like a predator that failed its hunt from all the running. But I finally feel free from that section because man, how I hate sit ups. The next test wouldnt be any better either because it was time for the pull up section. God, when is this whole thing going to end already. I am not a ray of sunshine today, I am just rather pissed at this time. I got called up first after a 10 minute break from my hands shaking. I was able to do 15 pull ups easily. And once again, impressed people talking about me.

Page 120:
I hated that section but I still passed it,so I cant complain. Now this next section was the swimming...something I'm not too fond of either but I had enough training so hopefully I perform just fine on this course. I swam and held my breath for up to a minute and a half. I swam back and forth holding in the crazy amount of pain I was feeling, at the same time it was a benefit for me because the water somewhat erased the sweat from my face as well as cooling me down. And finally, it was over and I had passed the section...I couldn't believe it, I was going to graduate and no one can tell me otherwise. As the next day began I originated from my bed and all the soldiers were outside celebrating that graduation starts tomorrow..when all the families come visit..