running around

DAY FIVE

Went on first ever "battalion run" this morning. one would assume the Army would be the epitome of organization and efficiency. sadly, not true! we were told to be there at 0430, which always means 15 minutes before that I learned the hard way, and we didn't start running till 0530! by then, my banana breakfast had fizzled out. so much time is wasted standing around, waiting for something to happen. it's a repeat offense around here... the infuriating part is that I have to be on time (i.e. 15 min. early) EVERYWHERE I go, due to a process called "accountability." it's a fancy term for "role call," which I haven't had to participate in since freshman year of college. believe me, know one wants to not be there-- we have three people in our platoon who are never there on time -- group punishment should be a powerful motivator! we have to show up earlier and earlier every time someone is late.

at least the officers in charge provided us with an Army-approved aerobic mix over the loudspeakers while we were waiting around before the run-- the mix includes such delightful tunes as "eye of the tiger," "the macarena," "who let the dogs out," "caught up," (usher) and the Army commercial theme music (you know, the one that makes you want to jump out of a helicopter with an M-16 in your hand). it was a surreal experience-- i was expecting someone to bust out into a jazzercise routine. oh, and THEN, we had to listen to a skit about the dangers of drinking and driving, put on by some of the kiddies in basic training. hey, why didn't anyone tell me there was Drama Club?? the public service announcements at 5 am are SO unnecessary.

ps- running in a group of 400 people who are trying to maintain the same pace is HARD. it was like a human accordion, and for some reason, I was always in the sprinting section. and i thought the front was the rough place to be, but next time, i'll leave the middle of the group to someone else. every time i'd think i had a good pace going, the person in front of me would slow or stop, and i'd be fighting not to give 'em a big body hug from behind. i do love hugs though :-) just not sweaty icky hugs.