Well here is some interesting news. I’ve learned in what proved to be a very hard lesson that a person shouldn’t plan to deploy to Afghanistan and then begin their healthy eating and hard workout routine.
Word to the wise, if you are going to deploy to Afghanistan do yourself a favor and get in the best shape of your life BEFORE you leave. Apparently there truly is a reason why the military is such a stickler for healthy, in shape and strong personnel.
This week as part of my “get in shape on deployment” plan I opted to do some 5am workouts. Well I’d been warned to take it easy because of the altitude. We are roughly 1800 meters (or 6000 feet) above sea level. Apparently if you push your body too fast, too soon you end up suffering due to the lower amounts of oxygen at this altitude.
Well my first workout I felt things out and did a 2-mile treadmill run. I was breathing pretty heavy and wrapped it up a bit earlier than my typical 3.1-miles. The next
morning, I opted for 30 minutes on the elliptical machine. Later that day my caves may have had knives cutting into them, but still doing pretty well.
Monday, we had some early morning operations, so I took the day off. And then – Tuesday.
I was feeling really good when Tuesday rolled around and so I jumped on the treadmill, turned the music up and ran my typical 3.1 miles at a bit slower than normal pace. I didn’t feel short of breath and I felt really good once I’d wrapped up.
Almost exactly 30 minutes later it started to hit me. I felt really nauseous and though I probably need some food and electrolytes. I headed for breakfast, grabbed a Gatorade, eggs and some fruit. By about an hour later I was really sick. I felt like I had the flu complete with chills and an achy body and just was really convinced I’d throw up at the new office.
I went back and laid down at lunch time and mustered enough strength for one more meeting that afternoon that I could not cancel. All I could think was “wow what does it say if I throw up in this guy’s office.”
I barely kept it together but made it through the meeting. Heading back to bed I was really beginning to regret that Aubrey and I hadn’t put a trash can in our room yet since the bathrooms are down the hall.
Aubrey came in with bread and an apple which by dinner time seemed somewhat appealing. She also gave me the glorious news that her Google research had suggested that a diet of 70% carbohydrates and significant amounts of water is what is recommended for altitude sickness.
After a night’s sleep and some Motrin, I was functioning again in the morning. I took yesterday off from my workout routine, and now mentally I’m wavering on how much is too much. That’s OK though. Today I’ll get back on that horse…this time though we’ll go slow and steady.
Hi Lesley,
I “binge-read” your blogs last night. Thanks for sharing some of your experiences with us. I am in awe –really– of your ability to maintain a positive and upbeat attitude throughout all you have experienced. (I have sometimes been called “Dr. Downer” for my gloomy attitude.) You blogs also reminded me of something my grandfather used to say. Whenever he said grace before meals, he would always end with the phrase, “ … and make us ever mindful of the needs of others”. It struck me that not only is that a good ideal to keep in mind, but that it is a key component of military service. In many different ways you are keeping the needs of others in mind.
Please keep writing your blogs when you can. You are an inspiration to us all.
Lee
Thank you Lee! I appreciate your kind words so much.