I realised that three topics I wanted to post about separately are all somewhat related.

Short fuse

First, I apologise to anyone I’ve snapped at this past week.

I don’t know why I’ve been particularly short-fused recently. Perhaps it was the frustration of falling ill again in less than a month. A few weeks ago, it was high fever. Last week, a stubborn cold which happily camping in my weakened body. Sniff, sniff. Cough, cough. Tiring, I tell you.

Perhaps, it’s work. “Gasp!” I hear everyone going as they read this. “But you’re happy with your work!”

Yes, I am. But (and you saw the ‘but’ coming) there are several aspects to my job which I could care less about (and yes, I know everyone has these). And some other aspects which make me seem like I’m travelling in a big circle.

Back to being ill. This has not been too good for my get fit again plans. I’ve signed up for a gym, and I’ve been going when I can. Thanks to reservist and on-again off-again illness, I’ve not gone as much as I have wanted.

Remedial Training

Now, Remedial Training (or RT, as it is *ahem* affectionately known to NSmen, for failing IPPT) has begun. That means twice a week in camp for a few hours each time to do some physical training. That’s the second thing I wanted to post about.

A new development (I’m an RT ‘regular’): they issue Polar heart rate monitors to the RT personnel during each session to monitor their heart rates when they are exercising, particularly during the distance runs. I have no idea how much it cost the SAF, but I think it’s a good thing. It is particularly helpful in telling you if you are not doing enough and more importantly, if you are over-training. I must also say this: I am using them in good faith, hoping that the straps for the heart rate monitors are washed after each RT session. (I now have some idea of what it is like to wear a strapless bra. My moobs do get a lift.)

The bad news is that I am so unfit, it doesn’t take much of a jog to get my heart racing to 80-90% of my maximum heart rate. And at that rate, I finished 2.4 in 18 minutes. Mind you, I didn’t stop to walk.

Blood Pressure

So, to the third thing. I went for a health screening today. I didn’t need the screening to know I’m overweight. But I wasn’t expecting my blood pressure to be higher than normal. I took it during reservist and it was the usual healthy 120/80. The staff at the screening took my blood pressure twice. The first time was 131/91, which they said was a little high. After having blood drawn, they took another measurement. This time: 144/99.

Whoa. Whoa. Whoa.

Not normal at all. Maybe it’s the recent frustration and stress. Maybe it’s the heart-attack inducing ASEAN Football Championship that just ended (thankfully, with Singapore winning). Maybe it’s work. Maybe it’s the frustration and stress from not being able to do anything about my weight when I’ve finally started to take action.

I’m about to burst.

Apologies for ranting. Thought it would be better to bang out my frustration on the keyboard rather than on the next hapless person to talk to me.

Technorati Tags: overweight, obesity, fitness, health, wellness, remedial+training, national+service