In my ongoing public safety training, physical fitness and ability is an important component. We are nearing the 36th of 36 scheduled PTÂ (Physical Training) classes during Module 1 and yesterday we had our final assessment known as the PFQ (Physical Fitness Quotient) test comprised of:
- Sit-ups (in one minute)
- 300-meter sprint
- Push-ups (in one minute)
- 1.5 mile run
It is a replica of the test administered to LAPD cadets. But it is not to be confused with the other physical abilities test that I’ve done and written about, known as the Work Standard Test Battery (WSTB). That one involves the 99-yard obstacle course, solid and chainlink fence climbs/sprints, 165-pound dummy drag, and a 500-yard run — and must be passed in order to graduate. The PFQ is simply a benchmark with no grade attached… just personal significance.
Though I ended Module 2 of my training in November with a 12:19 time in the 1.5-mile run, the five-week layoff during the holidays coupled with nagging aggravation to my sciatic nerve brought on by an increase during that period in mountainbiking on a poorly positioned bike seat saw me finish the 1.5-mile run in first PFQ in Module 1 in January a full 40 seconds slower at 12:59.
The second PFQ done about six weeks later saw me shave about 35 seconds off that time to 12:24.
My goal yesterday was not only to eclipse my previous 12:19 best but to finally pushpushpush myself and come in before 12 minutes, something I haven’t done since high school.
I’m happy to report that I succeeded in turning the dream of me being able to sustain a sub-two-minute lap throughout the entire distance into reality.
My results are as follows with improvements from the previous PFQ in February (results from that in parentheses):
- Sit-ups: 52 (48)
- 300-meter sprint: 0:52 (0:56)
- Push-ups: 24 (22)
- 1.5-mile run: 11:51 (12:24)
As a way-back point of reference, my 1.5-mile test done during the first PFQ at the beginning of Module 2 last August was completed in 14:12. So, in the eight-month arc from beginning to end, my overall time in that event has improved by 2:21.
Not too shabby for a granddaddy.
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