Topic: Self Evaluation and Preparing for Fitness Test & Course.

[WB]

what do you wear while running in training?

i wear my long pants (that are double sided for extra weight and wind resistance) and i wear a t-shirt and also my shoes/socks and the normal.... also I will start wearing this old bulky coat and maybe even after a while i might use this old army bag thing that is huge and i will fill it up slowly so that i do weight training at the same time. i have al intentions of being able to run fast and far and also i would like to (but don't have to) be able to run full out for about 2 m... but thats only cuz i want to be fast ...

In the summer I wear a Regimental PT  T-Shirt (its compulsory), soccer shorts, and running shoes for runs, and a Regimental PT Shirt, combat pants, and boots for ruck marches. In the winter, I wear a hoodie with my PT Tshirt over it and track pants or something similar. This kind of stuff is just common sense. What you DO need to pay attention to is what kind of running shoes you get. The Johnny-Go-Fasters they issue you at St Jean are crap, so you should invest in a good pair of REAL running shoes. A good brand is New Balance, which allot of guys swear by. Right now I'm wearing Saucony, and apparently Nike is pretty good too. Just make sure you get runners and not cross trainers or casual shoes that look like they could be runners. Nothing takes you out of the game faster then busted feet, so shop around, ask advice, and put some thought into what you're doing.

Don't bother running with weight, you'll probably just hurt yourself. You'll never have to do it in training, and with your unit its only the Ironman competitors that ever bother with it. I have friends on my unit's Ironman team and for the past month they've been limping around and surviving on painkillers. All the power to them because the Ironman is pretty grueling (35km ruck run, 7km portage, 10km canoe, 5km ruck sprint to finish line), but man you have to be in some wicked shape to even complete the race. If I were you, I wouldn't risk hurting myself before I even started basic. You'll see enough guys drop out of Battleschool from sports injuries as it is.

also i have another question... Is there any way that i can learn to be quieter while moving.. because i am fairly quiet now but (I am ashamed to say that i got this from a book) I would like to "specialize" in night-time close reconnaissance.. but that is only because i like being quiet and for other various reasons that are almost pointless... any help here?

Heh... there is a technique to moving quietly, its called Ghostwalking  Ask one of the Ninja Snipers around here, as both the Shinobi of Feudal Japan and today's snipers are proficient in this skill . You'll probably learn it in Battleschool as part of your sentry removal class, untill then cool your jets. Questions that that are generally frowned upon around here because it gives the impression you want to be some superstar rambo "wannabe". Thats not the image you want to give yourself, and the reason Infanteer suggested you change your screen name.

[Pugnacious]

I have to keep in mind "Ninja OPSEC", but I can tell you that Re: Ninja "Ghostwalking" ...If you can run on Ice without slipping you can ghost walk, its the same tech'.

Also most of the silent Ninja movement tech' were based on careful choice of your terran, and surfaces, times of day, and careful observation of the sentries you are getting past.  Using nature as cover...ie rainfall, storms, etc.

A good Ninja author to look up is Hayes, or Ashida Kim.

Cheers!
P.

[AspiringL.I.]

Thanks... Above all i am no rambo wannabe or "Ding Chavez" wannabe either... I am just a kid who wants to work off of his strengths to defend his weaknesses.... hmm that sounds weird lol.... anyways i am basically down to working on deciding whether to go to Military CO OP or go straight to BMQ or w/e is first... so my question once again is ....

Does Military CO OP consist of the BMQ or is it just some extra pre BMQ training...?? IF it is NOT BMQ then I will probably do the BMQ the next possible time.... I really need to know because.... actually would it be possible for me to join for me to join for next summer or asap if next summer is my 16th B DAY?? if not then i will join for later but i am really in need of somewhere to go because my house isn't exactly a place that i want to stay for very long at all..... and its not normal teen stuff i get into fights (fistfights) with my siblings... so i need out and the military has been a dream of mine since i was about 6.... so i have waited a long time....and now i ask if anyone can help me out and answer my questions.

Answers are thanked in advance

[Tickles]

thanks for that reply ghostwalk.
that cleared things up for me.
good advice on the shoes, i got a pair of sauconys a few months ago and they are the best running shoes i ever had and they were not too expensive.

wannabeppcli, its good that you want to be recce, sniper and all that but take it a day at a time.  concentrate on being the best applicant, then concentrate on being the best recruit, and so on...  you will get there just take it one step at a time

[AspiringL.I.]

yeah.. I will do that I am just the type to plan things out or go moment to moment... so I guess it is Moment to moment for now lol.... i will hopefully do well in applying.... I have a VERY important question....


1. Am I able to apply for the BMQ now, expecting that I wont get excepted until next sumer or fall when i have already turned 16??

2.  Is it possible for me to take the applicaton tests now even though i am 15?

3. (statement)  I am NOT over anxious to barge in guns blazing but i just want a different, more challenging, lifestyle... and i need outa my house NOW... so sorry for this sounding rude but I just don't want people thinking i am some nutso, triggerhappy freak or something.

[Pugnacious]

I'm not sure about the Joining age stuff, and BMQ, but if I was you I'd go join a Gym, swimming or running club, and that will keep you out of the house quite a bit, be at home just to eat, sleep, and poop...that's what I did at your age to get away from "the hellhole" I grew up in.

Cheers!
P.

[AspiringL.I.]

lol.. i can't though.. my house rules kep me in alot of the time because of my dads line of work.. i get involuntarily volunteered (if that makes anysense.. if not... i get volunteered without knowing it) and so i never get time to go out lol.. either way if i AM able to go to BMQ next summer then i wll try for it and if the Military COOP IS the BMQ then i wil just go to that.. unless i am able to go to the real BMQ... i have been waiting a long time to get into the army and i have grown a little more knowledgeable then most my age.. as well i  have stayed in certain activities that require some of the same attributes needed to be in CF.   I will continue my "self training" unti i get into the CF because i never want to go out of proper fitness levels again (i used to be and it was horrible)...   

[MrRGoyer]

thankx for the info i have been looking for a good training program and thankx spenco for your great advice

[beyondsblue]

you can improve your endurance and muscle strength by rowing and skiing, they are better than running

[jabraun]

any "bigger" guys here I'm not to out of shape just have a few extra inches on me I'm 6'2 260 I just went out and got a personal trainer who now has me on a eating plan and weights for 1 hr then cardio for a hr 4 times a week and every week i get stronger anyway my question is I want to get the interview and physical test out of the way soon,how long did your training take to get done the PT test and interview etc?     

[Torlyn]

any "bigger" guys here I'm not to out of shape just have a few extra inches on me I'm 6'2 260 I just went out and got a personal trainer who now has me on a eating plan and weights for 1 hr then cardio for a hr 4 times a week and every week i get stronger anyway my question is I want to get the interview and physical test out of the way soon,how long did your training take to get done the PT test and interview etc?   

Everyone's going to be different.  For me, I've been playing soccer for 20 years, so the cardio part was no big stress.  I'm 6'4 200, and can run like the wind.    The upper body strength is where I had the issue.  When I first realized that the 30 or so pushups I could do weren't military pushups, I figured no big deal, until I tried to do the military ones.   For a relatively skinny soccer player, it was a bit of a shock.  1 month of intensive upper body work and I've been able to meet my goals.  I'm still not where I want to be before I go to basic, but I've got a planned system that will get me there.

The best thing to do for you is to actually bring in the physical requirements that the CF wants to your physical trainer, and set some timed goals up for yourself.  (ie.  I'll be able to run the 2.4 in 15 by week 3, 12 by week 5, 10 by week 10, etc)  The trainer will be able to take the appropriate information about you and create some realistic goals.  The biggest thing to do is make a plan, and stick with it!  That being true, I'd better get my *** off to the gym instead of typing... Cheers, and good luck.

T

[Clipse]

Hey fellas, I'm new here, but I have a couple of questions.   I currenlty lose about 90 lbs because I really want to join the force full time.   I'm planning to give in my papers in the begining January 05. but I heard it takes about a month to process. I want to take Infantry soilder as well. My question is, after I give my papers in, how long is the wait to take your physical, medical, and all that. And once you do actually get all of them done, how long does it usually take for them to send you to basic training?

Also about preparing for the fitness test, I run about 10 miles a week. I can run about 5 miles at once, and I run at about 6.0mph. But about a week ago I started doing the 1.5mile run to get under 11:56. My current time is at 11:30. But its been improving, I hope to get at about 10 mins or so.   I do pushups almost everyday, about 3 sets to fail, and the situps are the same.   Only things I'm worried about is the run...is it outside on a track or a measured pathway or what? I currently run on the treadmill, but I also run outside.   Anyways, I just wanted some tips on training and the info in the first paragraph too. Thanks in advance!

By the way when I read that most wait for so long, are those the reserves or specific job fields? I heard they take infantry people pretty quickly, but I'm not 100% sure on that. Thanks again.

[Playa69]

My question is, after I give my papers in, how long is the wait to take your physical, medical, and all that. And once you do actually get all of them done, how long does it usually take for them to send you to basic training?

Search the forum. Most of these questions have been answered. Read the recruiting FAQ here http://army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,21101.0.html

All i can say about preparing for the fitness test is to continue to run. And stop running on a treadmill! Just push yourself a little bit more every time. Take a look here for fitness tips http://army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,22844.0.html  and http://army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,22788.0.html

[ARMYboi69(Banned)]

Why stop running on the treadmill?

[Playa69]

Treadmills are generally not reliable in their calibration and tend to error on the side of saying you are going faster than you are; and its just not the same as running outside.

If you have to run on a treadmill set it no less then 2% incline.
Using a slight incline and gradually increasing either the speed or mileage of your treadmill runs.

And if you don't like the outdoors, what are you doing in the Canadian forces?

Heres a small article concerning stationary cardio equipment vs. outdoor activities debate: http://umanitoba.fitdv.com/new/articles/article.html?artid=31

You decide.

[Clipse]

So would it be ok to run my 1.5 lets say m/w/f and my distance t/t/s...and have sunday off? And do the pushups situps on the 1.5mile run days?

[Playa69]

Give yourself at least two days rest for your legs in a week if your a beginner(4 if you have no previous physical activity). The more experienced runners can run every day. This works for some, but breaks down many others. I prefer 6 days running a week; 3 hard runs and 3 easy runs between the hard runs. And the 7th day, rest or cross training. I use this method to train a few weeks before a race, ONLY. And in the last week of the race, i keep it easy runs, maybe 2 or 3 runs a week.

But my normal workout schedule is 3 days a week weight lifting and 3 days varied running(speed, hill, length). 

To answer your question. Yes its OK, unless your body cannot handle it. If so, take it back a notch and work up to that level! Don't forget to do hills or sprints once a week (or more) for speed development.

This is my personal experience. What works for me may not work for you.

[DMB]

this doesn't have to do with the fitness test, i've done it already when i got in last year, what i would like to know is how start putting on the lbs?. i have a high metablism and eat like a pig, ,but im pretty small 5'11 and 140lbs, ,most things that involve speed i don't have a problem doing its anything that involves strenious lifting, my back needs alot of work too. any ideas woulod be greatly appreciated (thumpers don't like me) lol.

[Gibson27]

For you to gain weight you'll gain some fat too, you needs to eat alot of pasta, breads, fruits and protein. Eat close to bed, the extra calories will help put on muscle but expect some fat gain. limit your cardio, you needs only enough to maintain a constant weight increase and burn some of the fat gained, not all because the abundance of calories will create muscle.

[FITSUMO]

new question on this thread......
 re: handgrip test

did I read the dnd info correctly, a combined score of 75, I just did one here at civvie job and I did a 71 right and 68 left, a combined score of 75 seems low, any info would be great.

respect

[Mischiefz]

ya its combined 75, its the easiest part of the the fitness test

[Hopkins]

I'm taking my PT next week and have been running at 2.4 for the last 2 or 3 months...I can do it easily in under 12 min...I'm 16, 5"9 3/4 and weigh 150...Just wondering what you think a good time for the reserve PT would be and how long it takes you guys to do it.

Can't wait to start 

[FITSUMO]

 For your age cat you need to run it in under 11:56, they web site for DND says 10:13 is superior.I would say run closer to the 10:13 mark if you want to impress.  Me I am 33, 5'10 and 240lbs and I run it in 12:00 flat on average but my all time best is 11:55.


have at 'er.

[Sigs Guy]

Well, I guess I'll share my workout plan with all of you. Right now I have made it my objective to get in excellent physical condition before applying for a police service or the military. So here is what I do in a week.

Run 3-4 times a week doing atleast 5km a day
4-5 sets of 35 pushups
4-5 sets of 40 crunch's [lifting the back half way to what a normal pushup would be]
I also have a stretching exercises which I do before and after each exercise.

I find that this excerise is by far the best for myself. By the time I'm doing the final set of 35 pushups my arm's are completely tired.

[HighlandIslander]

I'm scheduled for the fitness evaluation soon and I'm just wondering whether I'll be ok for Basic with my current abilities. I can do about 30 pushups (properly), 30 situps, 6 or 7 chinups, and run the 2.4k in almost 9:30 (well that was in the summer, nowadays it's closer to 10:20). I know that this is more than fine for the fitness evaluation, but am I at least somewhat prepapred for what comes after?