My Cardio Sucks

[PUSHINW8]

I recently took the CPAT test. Some of you may know what this sort of like the Combat Challenge). For those who dont its a physical agility test that has 8 events and is timed. I take it every year trying to get on a list for a career spot for firefighting. I have passed it every time and the last time I took it (11/10) I ran out of time before the last event because I was so winded and had to keep stopping to catch my breath. So obviously I either pussed out, have no cardio endurance, or both.

http://www.elpasotexas.gov/fire/cpat.asp

Anyone got any suggestions how I can get my cardio into great shape and retain as much power and size as possible?

[transXisomer]

Originally Posted by PUSHINW8

I recently took the CPAT test. Some of you may know what this sort of like the Combat Challenge). For those who dont its a physical agility test that has 8 events and is timed. I take it every year trying to get on a list for a career spot for firefighting. I have passed it every time and the last time I took it (11/10) I ran out of time before the last event because I was so winded and had to keep stopping to catch my breath. So obviously I either pussed out, have no cardio endurance, or both.

http://www.elpasotexas.gov/fire/cpat.asp

Anyone got any suggestions how I can get my cardio into great shape and retain as much power and size as possible?

Sprinting utilizes the same muscle fibers (type II) as weight training does, these fibers are stronger and more powerful than type I's which are trained with endurance activities. Also, being properly hydrated is critical, not having a full stomach (diverts blood flow), creatine, beta alanine, all can help as well.

If you start doing type I muscle fiber activity (distance running / long cardio activities) you will lose size and strength, as type I fibers are again smaller and weaker. But... they are more endurance oriented, so it mainly depends on your goals and what you wish to sacrifice.

[PUSHINW8]

Thanks man. I incorporated some HIIT cardio before my weight training and super-setting a lot of my exercises to keep my heart rate up. It prolly doesnt help how I only consumed a muscle milk protein shake 2 hours prior to the event. I drank too much water and actually became dehydrated. I underestimated the toughness of it and wasnt mentally tough during it. I'll research the beta alanine and see what I find on it.

[Voodoo]

Originally Posted by PUSHINW8

I recently took the CPAT test. Some of you may know what this sort of like the Combat Challenge). For those who dont its a physical agility test that has 8 events and is timed. I take it every year trying to get on a list for a career spot for firefighting. I have passed it every time and the last time I took it (11/10) I ran out of time before the last event because I was so winded and had to keep stopping to catch my breath. So obviously I either pussed out, have no cardio endurance, or both.

http://www.elpasotexas.gov/fire/cpat.asp

Anyone got any suggestions how I can get my cardio into great shape and retain as much power and size as possible?

YOUR cardio does not suck, cardio itself sucks.