My RKC was an excellent one, from a female perspective.

I had attended several victims' days prior, which put me at ease with the high energy level that existed at the certification. Acclimated to all weather types due to my Hypo thyroid issue, I decided to take my CERT in April in cooler weather.
They tried to install fear into the victims. I am pretty fearless unless its God, of course. My last time I attended, Pavel came up to me and said he was impressed with my double military press. It made my day and I was even more confident to certify.

I trained for 1 yr. before I considered certifying.

The first day, I just made sure I was on time, especially coming back from breaks. There were going to be extra swings from the Candidates that didn't get this, and there was,,,,,,run don't walk! Pay attention!
Yes, sir! Always seemed to be the right thing to say after a correction by an instructor.My hands held up, I used corn huskers every night, no tears!

I didn't eat much during lunch, fruits and veggies, kept my energy level high. It might explain the 9 LB weight loss in the 3 days. I added "Emergen C" to my water to add electrolytes lost due to training and due to my condition. I also fasted the night before and it saved me 3 snatches.

For the snatch test, I was 3rd person in. I waited till the bell was nice and chalked up. I went at it as I was sick and I didn't know if I would peter out. A "that's it" in my hearing range from Pavel was assuring. When my number was achieved, I couldn't believe my ears. I did my 79 in just over 3 mins.This is only the first of many tests.

I got a terrible sunburn due to my medications, it was rather embarrassing when Pavel noticed it....cover up and buy a good hat... you will need it.

My birthday occurred on the second day. I didn't dare mention it or I might have been blessed with an extra work out. I slithered home, jumped in a bath and collapsed in bed. Happy b day! My son had his birthday at USAF bootcamp and he had to do push ups to get his card. Its a military requirement.

My trainer believes in VO2 Max training. I peaked out 3 weeks prior.That's the way to train for this. Your bad habits will be ironed out at the CERT for sure, and many new great movements achieved.

I got my first cold, in 6 yrs, due to worry and lack of sleep before my CERT date. I was slightly sore from the goblet squat exercise we did, but not really.

Be prepared to pay attention, there is no wasted time here. I learned a wealth of info from all of the instructors and assistants. Get used to being on your stomach. Its a great stretch. Not great on my broken neck, but it didn't kill me. I will use it in my classes.

I seemed to be slightly nervous during the teaching of the student, I heard that they would fail right then if you didn't have your person in bare feet or proper footwear.

The grad workout was different. We did it inside due to the rain. I was bottomed out with my sugar levels, so I started to gag mid way, I covered my mouth so I wouldn't puke on Doug Nepodal, as he walked in front of me several times. I started breathing thru my nose and said a quick prayer and this seemed to get me thru it.

At the end of it all, I still had no clue if I passed. I was on edge till he called my name. Being a local girl, I felt very supported by my classmates showing up to support me. That was wonderful.

Looking back, its kinda like childbirth, all that pain and struggle, I didn't scream once. Put your mind to it, overly prepare. Its a wonderful feeling when you finish!