Category: Week 10

Graduation Day!!!!!!

Had a great day. It is bitter sweet to leave after the last several months together. We had a great run. I will forever have great friends forged through an amazing experience.

Had a great day with the family today. Everyone got in this morning and came to lunch at the academy. After lunch we toured the facility and I shared all the locations that occupied my time over the last 10 weeks.

Today was graduation practice. We had to be in our home rooms by 9am so we could get our instructions and our yellow brick.

After receiving the bricks, we had to do a walk through of graduation. This was an interesting feat, much like a group of third graders.

One of our classmates’ daughter is an elementary school teacher. Her school wanted to send every FBINA graduate a personal letter. At the graduation we were handed the letter so I thought I would share. You gotta love the honesty of children.

I woke up a little sore and achy today. The yellow brick road had a little impact on my body. I must say I am not used to running 6.2 miles, through the woods and with obstacles.

We had to attend each one of our classes today for an hour. It was just a chance to wrap up and discuss the classes and what we learned. All the instructors were great and will continue to be a great resource in the future.

After class I went to the gym and slowly got on to the bike and slowly started pedaling until my muscles got some blood flowing. After about 10 miles, everything was feeling good. I used my time wisely on the bike and completed all my class evaluations. I got done and spent about 20 minutes on the foam roller which is amazing for sore muscles, if you have never tried it.

Today is probably one of the nicest days we have had since I’ve been here. The sun was out and there was a slight breeze. It felt good to be out in the sun even though it’s only 50 degrees. After the gym I walked back on the outside of the building so I didn’t have to change back into my uniform. It takes a little longer but it’s nice opportunity to relax and get some fresh air. The scenery isn’t bad either. I practiced a little mindfulness on the way back (something new that I learned about here).

Mindful walking is something that I spoke about in one of my presentations. It’s basically walking and focusing on everything around you while you walk. Using all the senses you can take a few minutes to yourself and be in the moment. Today, it was nice to feel the breeze and the sun while noticing the trees, grass, leaves, dirt, and squirrels. I found it very relaxing and it doesn’t take a lot of time. A lot of times we get so caught up in everything that we miss the moment we are in. Try it out, I find it useful.

Tonight the California chapter of FBINAA treated the California crew to dinner at Vinny’s. It was a great opportunity for everyone from CA to get together. This was the first time we were all together for dinner.

Today was the day. The yellow brick road challenge took place and we started off at 1pm. The challenge is 6.1 miles and 3 of those miles include obstacles.

Tonight we enjoyed Louisiana night. The guys from Louisiana hooked us up with some great food. Another good night of fun and food. Thanks Louisiana.

I woke up a little later than usual due to the time change. We gathered ourselves and went to the George Washington Masonic memorial, lodge #22. Very interesting and informational tour about the Freemasons.

After the Masonic memorial tour we went to the NRA museum. Pretty cool display of guns from many different eras.

We learned today that one of our classmates, Bill, tragically lost his 17 year old son today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill and his family during this tough time. Bill will not be here for the yellow brick road or graduation this week, so as a show of support we painted our shirts for tomorrow’s run. He and his family will be with us.