Day 20

Day 14 of BCT

      Wake up was at 0430. PT test time! It takes a while to get 250 soldiers through the test. First up was pushups. I had really hoped to show improvement, but still only managed 1 correct pushup. Personal time is so limited, but I'm going to have to be more intentional about working on my pushups. Sit-ups were much better. I did 47 in 2 minutes, which is more than passing, so I'm on track on these. The run turned out to be more difficult. It was really cold out to begin with, and after standing and waiting on everyone to finish their sit-ups, I was not warmed up. And to top it off, I still had a cold that had moved to my chest and had a bad cough for several days. I tried to keep up with the pace for the 19:46 2 mile time, but I soon had to walk because of a painful stitch in my side. I think it was because I wasn't getting enough oxygen. I focused on my breathing and managed to stay running most of the time. The stitch went away after the first mile, but it still took 23:20 to finish my 2 miles. After turning in my run time, I was the last person to get my gear. By the time  I was in formation, I was very out of breath and found myself hyperventilating? wheezing?. I've never had trouble breathing before, so it was a bit scary. Everyone around me helped me out and and after a few minutes, I was able to breath again. Of course, my DS made a point to everyone that this was why you don't come to Basic out of shape. I think it was because of my chest congestion, but I can't argue that I'm out of shape. I managed to march back to the company area, but I was still having trouble breathing.
      After PT, we changed and took a platoon group photo. We had the option to purchase photos while waiting in the breakfast chow line. Hot-A again. After breakfast, the males all went to get a haircut while the females had some bonding time with one of the female DS's. She was pretty hard on us for our PT scores. After the boys returned, we marched to the DFAC. I was really struggling to breath by the time we got there, and my DS could tell, so he had me walk back after lunch, them sent me to sick call. Since it was a Saturday, I was sent to the TMC again.
      The rest of the company was beginning training for combative and covering the Army value for the week, Duty. My time at the TMC was quick. The doctor said  my lungs were clear, but he prescribed cough syrup, antihistamine/decongestant, antibiotics, nasal spray, and an inhaler to open up my bronchioles. He also put me on profile, limiting what I can do. Basically, no running or jumping or marching until Tuesday. I made it back from the TMC at end of the discussion on Duty. We then marched to the DFAC for dinner. I, of course, got to walk at my own pace. I was still out of breath by the time I got there. Hopefully, the meds will help and I'll be better in a few days.
     We then had platoon time and personal time. At Hydration Formation, our female DS decided to check if we had all showered during personal time. A few of us had studied instead, so it was pretty funny when she freaked out about how we didn't wash our a**. She made sure after formation that we showered. At least now maybe we'll get a little more personal time each night.
     I did get my first piece of mail today. A package from Mom. Underwear and lotion. No more granny panties! Yay!