121810 It's cold and wet in Iraq but still running weax

121810  It's cold and wet in Iraq but still running weax

It's cold and wet in Iraq right now but compared to much of the US, it's not that bad at all.  I try to get out running at least a few times a week but like in the US, motivation can be a problem.  I don't have too much time during lunch to run and grab a quick but I try to make a good effort.  For the military and DAC (Department of the Army Civilians), they will get time 'on the clock' to go to the gym and keep in shape.  Depending on your job and your supervisor you might get an hour a day to go to the gym, run, play volleyball/baseball, or just about anything as long as it involved rigorous physical activity.  And for some military units you might even get more time given mission requirements, etc.  In short, physical activity is encouraged for military and DAC. 

For contractors, at least in my experience, that is not the case.  If I want to go running I either have to do it before work (7 AM), at lunch (12-1 PM) or after work (7 PM).  If I do it after work, I'll want to be done and showered before 8 as that is when the DFAC closes and I cannot get dinner after that.  Now I'm certainly not complaining.  I chose this and things certainly could be much worse but it's just another part of being a contractor in Iraq. 

Any way, here are few pics from the other day.

R/Chris