This is the first time we have done Operation Blackhawk in Nagambie, a two hour drive from home, although we have gone to a few different Operation Blackhawk events mainly at Wonga Park.  This one is a little different to the ones we have done at Wonga Park.  It is quite amazing that the team travel around Australia producing these events, and each one is so different, how they all pull together and get everything done is amazing, the hard work and effort that they put into each one, and the personal touches.  This really does draw you back time and time again to these events.

We were also part of the OCR elite team (scary thoughts), and sometimes I do wonder why I signed us up for this (trying to gain that confidence that you are in fact good enough to be part of the team is just a little scary).  Even with the sickness feeling in the pit of your stomach and the start and the self doubt that I shouldn't be part of this team.  I do have to scythe best part of it, is that you get to go first, you don't have to worry about queues or getting held up, you can race against yourself and just keep going.  I am lucky that I always have my support by my side, cheering me on and keeping me going.

There was a burped challenge for any obstacle not completed and I am proud that I only had one penalty, which of course was the monster wall at the end of the course.  Dave just made it look so easy, pretty much running along the side of it, its as quite amazing really (there is a little sip of jealously there).  

Unfortunately there was a slight change of location, so the layout of the course was a little difficult to navigate, but given the teams limited time scales of the change of location, they did a fantastic job with what they had, and still included all the major obstacles. 

Since we spent two hours driving there and completed the course in order 1 hour (yeah, all I wanted to do), especially as apparently it on average takes about two hours to complete (this maybe a little different because of the different course).  We hung around and helped out, Dave spent about 6 hours on the wall, helping people get over it (which was  gave them a massive boost and sense of achievement, especially those that had their own self doubt (too heavy, they just can't do it or those that a scared of heights).  I just handed out flyers, helped with the kids run and took some photos.  It was the least we can do to help out.  

Since starting this journey, I never would have predicated how far that I have come.  Having a goal has helped keep me focused on my training (the diet is still a hard part), but baby steps.  The diet has improved and I have cut a lot of the crap that I used to eat especially the muffins and cookies, although a treat once in a while doesn't hurt.  Anyway, since starting I have achieved so much including doing things that I never thought I was capable of and getting my own PBs.  This also helps when your doing a class with some great people.

The Thursday night Met Con class is always hard, especially when you get that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach when it comes to the sprint runs.  No matter what I do, I still get nervous and feel sick, as soon as Jake mentions that its time trials its just such a horrible feeling.  I should really be getting used to it, as its the same feeling I get every time I do an obstacle run.

The class started off with some sprint drills, side shuttles and bursts and then we went into the time trails.  We must have all pushed each other as we all achieved our own PB's, of course we weren't going to stop at one and did another 2 rounds (untamed)

By the end of 3 rounds my legs and arms were like jelly, I don't actually think I could feel anything anymore but the scary thing is, I wouldn't have it any other way.  I love pushing myself and being pushed, at the time I am thinking of so many things, including trying to correct posture, breathing, time, grip and anything else that went through my head.  At the end of the day I know that it will be finished soon and that moment of sickness will soon pass, the part when I can breath again will soon be here and then give it another half an hour and I want to do it all again... Its a good job that its not quite half an hour but 12 hours later I will be doing it all again.

Its such a great feeling when you achieve something that you never thought you could achieve.  You see other people doing it and you wish you could do it to, but the feeling of elation when you actually do it, there are no words to describe.  Although as I am writing this, it feels like a dream and if it wasn't for other people in the gym I probably wouldn't actually think I did do it. 

Apparently it is a lot harder for women to do pull ups then men, but is this just because of lack of training.  It goes back to my monkey bar theory and kids, women develop a can't do attitude or that its a man thing, but in truth - how often do we try? Most women probably avoid it all costs, but now having achieved it, I know I can do it.  Yes it was only one, but one is better then none.  Now my next goal is to continue to be able to do them and of course increase the amount of reps.

Don't get me wrong I just didn't go up to the bar and do a pull up, I have been practising these for a very long time and building my strength.  I started on a weighted pull up machine and then developed onto assisted band pull ups, first I was only doing it once a week, then I progressed to twice, now I try and do it every other day, even if I can only do a few or if I am feeling fatigued, I am still giving it a go and thats the main thing.

Doing this journey to the 24 hour endurance has really shown me that I can do things that I never thought I could do, I just need to try harder.