I passed the physical tests

On Monday I successfully completed the physical tests and became an army reservist. Exactly three months after finishing the basic course in Vyškov. Why the delay? I injured my shoulder — fortunately it wasn't serious. A month without loading it, painkillers, and physiotherapy was enough. Day by day it improved and I could gradually start putting weight on it again. The physical tests consist of a strength component (sit-ups and push-ups) and an endurance component (12-minute run, Cooper test).

Two months is plenty of time for muscles to get used to the load again, build strength, and deliver the required performance (the sit-up limit is 36 in 60 seconds, push-ups 19 in 30 seconds). In my age category those values are higher than the standard for professional soldiers!

I trained every other day to let the muscles recover. Over time I added weights (kettlebell), and at the end of May Krav Maga training started. Since I also needed to work on my running, I decided to run to and from training. Not because I needed to build up volume, but to learn to hold a pace (1km/4:30) and sustain it.

Proper breathing makes a huge difference — whether for faster sit-ups or running.