[SanctifyMe]

Hi, my name is Lisa, and I have been reading these boards the past couple of years. I like this site because..there is basically no other gathering place for women firefighters. Each time i have posted here i have received a sincere response which is always great.

I have been involved in fire/ems since around 2002.training and reserves, and testing for full time.and have not been picked up full time yet. For two years that was my focus, and from summer 04'- summer06 I worked full time and attended paramedic school (almost done ..400 internship hours to go)...

I even got to a point where i considered staying out of the fire service completely..as i was frusterated with my lack of improvement on the harder physical agilities (similar to the CPAT),

after much time, and experience, I came back to my original goal after spending some engine time on my paramedic internship....and became fully aware how much i love this job...love serving people, the excitement, all of it...

I started training in spring for some tests, ..then ended up moving for the summer, and have sinced returned home to CA , disillusioned, weary and ready for a new start;

so i regroup, I am ready to start training for tests....and to get it right this time....and take it all the way;

not long after my increase in resolve ..I saw it: the FDNY test announcement, ..to me they are #1 in the country...and the department that first inspired me... here it is...the goal i am searching for, the ultimate test.........One chance....one window , at a perfect point in my life...I am young enough to take the chance, but old enough to see the work involved in this quest;

I come to this board.....on a brand new day one of this venture...hoping for encouragement, support...and advice, as i start at the beginning to train for this test (as well as any other local test that comes my way), I want to give this my all (written test Jan '07), ...I would love to beat the 'odds' and get a one in a million spot in my dream dept.( i know the numbers that will be at this test~i know how tough the competition will be)...too good to pass up the chance to try....( no matter what , i will be in awesome shape and prepared for all of my tests too!), but i want to go for this like it is 'the one' ....i want to seize my gold medal destiny (haha)..

this is in effect ........my chance at 'the olympic team',

Any suggestions for a great yet affordable physical training plan would be great; I am going to start ..simple, running a mile...and hopefully work up to at least 5-6 miles....and go back to the weights and the gym .

I will keep the board posted on my progress if 'you all' would like,

thank you for your time and the chance to post~

lisa
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'What Doesn't kill us, only makes us stronger'

[firething]

Hire yourself a good personal trainer; someone who will understand the task you need to excel at (physical test) and customize your training to optimize your performance. If they still have the scored physical test (not pass/fail like CPAT), you will have to really kick some butt to be competitive. New York City gives residency points. Can you move there? It could make the difference between getting hired and not getting hired. There are many, many excellent departments out there. You've almost got your paramedic. Seek out departments that give preference to paramedics.