Author Topic: Old"er" woman just starting out...  (Read 21828 times)

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TFLY

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Old"er" woman just starting out...
« on: December 12, 2009, 15:33:31 »
Hello everyone,

First time posting to the boards, but reading a fair bit.  I have a few questions to ask and looking for some honest answers. 

I am a 37.5 year old woman and I want to join the services.  Actually my application is already it and I'm waiting to hear something.  I knew it would take some time, as I have applied for ROTP and that processes wasn't expected to start until about now-ish.  But, I have to ask... given my current life, what the likelyhood of getting through basic is.  I REALLY Want it, but that's never enough.  I have three kids (aged 5, 7 and 16 in the new year), and for the past 7 years I have been a stay at home mom not really staying in shape but never getting TOO far out of shape.  I have started working out (P90X, Running, Stretching, Push ups and situps) But feel my progress is SLOW!  Back in my younger year, getting in shape meant just cracking down for 3 weeks.  NOT NOW.  I can't yet run 2.5 km without stopping, but I Can do 11 push ups, 27 sit ups.  My body fat is above normal for my sex and height.  My core strength is weak and so is my endurance.  Do you think it's even possible for me to get into enough shape to START basic?  I know the folks at the recruitting centre say I can, I think they are paid to encourage us.   >:D 

Anyway, this is a dream I had since I was about 20 when I first started the process of joining (much younger and in much better shape) But found myself pregnant and that changed my approach to life.  Here I am 16 years later and I still want to do it.  Any advice you have would be greatly welcomed.

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2009, 15:54:21 »
For your core, get a stability ball and use it, all the time, they even make a great computer chair.  If you can find a place that does TRX training, give it a try, it will kick your butt.  As for running, well, run more, that's the only way to get better at it, a mill won't make you a better runner,  running will.  And no, you're not too old if you want it.
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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2009, 16:50:03 »
In short, no, you're not too old to start.  You'll find that the young 'uns will run farther, faster, etc with apparent greater ease; however, you have some advantages over them: experience and maturity.  You'll probably find that you will be more serious about getting into shape, etc.  Just keep working on it, and it will come. 

Running is simply a matter of mind over matter.  Just run for time and not distance.  Try starting to run for say 30 minutes or so, and don't worry about how fast.  Just start at home (or wherever) and head out for 15 minutes, and then turn around.  So long as you can "just talk" when you run and maintain that pace, you'll do fine.  Good luck, and keep us posted.

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2009, 17:01:02 »
People far older than you have joined and made it through. It is as much determination as anything. There is no reason why you cannot succeed as well.

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2009, 18:02:27 »
When I joined, the Compulsory Retirement Age was 55, and you had to be able to complete a six year Basic Engagement before they'd let you sign.  So, the oldest you could be was 49.

On my course in Cornwallis, we had someone who was exactly that.  A 49 year old grandmother.  She passed.  Even though I myself was in the "older than most" category at 22, we all looked up to her and were inspired by her.  Even the young gazelles that could run for hours.

You can do it, if you've put your mind to it.  And it sounds like you have.

All the best.
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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2009, 18:50:21 »
I am 50 and will be starting my BMQ in January at CFB Borden.  I am reg force and my trade is cook.

Good luck in your application to the the ROTP program.

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2009, 19:07:09 »
And you get a hats off from me. I have nothing but respect for anyone who cooks for others in a military type situation (camps, rigs, fire posts, etc, I've seen them all) because you feed people good food for mere pennies a day (in this age of everything done by the lowest bidder)

I just came off a two week hitch offshore and my new best mate was the cook, those guys work their shifts, every second of them.

Anyway, I speak up because I don't see many cooks coming on here and I have a lot of time for anyone doing the trade.

Good luck to you
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Offline ballz

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2009, 19:22:33 »
TFLY,

As a mom with 3 kids you have probably faced a lot more difficult tasks than basic training has to offer. You are not "that" old either.

Time, like all things, is a resource, and you have the luxery of having lots of it. Since you'd just be applying, your BMOQ is *over* a year away (it wouldn't be until the summer of 2011). That is plenty of precious time to get into the shape you need to be in.

At 11 pushups, you are already past many of the 18-20 year old girls that were on my course, some who needed until week 8 to get the 9 pushups that were required. 27 situps is sufficient. Obviously "sufficient" is never enough, so don't stop working on your core, but, what I'm saying is, you're already clear for 2 categories of the CF Express Test. With over a YEAR to get the other 2 (you may already be in the clear for those as well).

If you need anymore encouragement than that, know that a 46 year old mom was on my BMOQ this summer, and was not lagging behind. In fact, she was the first female to clear the 6 foot wall (an obstacle on the obstacle course), and left all those 20 yr old young guns behind.

Also, you'll probably breeze through inspections if you're anything like the more experienced women that were on my course. Some of them needed more encouragement on physical stuff (no more than some of the young people that showed up out of shape though...) but I was often running to them for help when it was time to get ready for inspections.
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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2009, 19:35:31 »
I'm 38 and about to graduate from basic training this coming week. It has not come easily for me, though, I have to tell you. This is my second attempt at it this year, and I believe I'm in pretty good shape for my age. On my last Expres test, I got to level 7 on the shuttle run, 21 push-ups, 51 sit-ups, and 69 handgrip, but I still struggled with the physical aspects of the course considerably. Then again, some of the 'young' folks struggled, too...we had some recourses due to illness and injury these past 13 weeks. It's a demanding course. The 72 hours we spent in the FOB was probably the hardest part of this course for me physically (very little sleep and LOTS of activity), with the 13k ruck march coming in a close second. I have never been challenged like this before in my life, and I am glad I went through it - hard times and all. I am physically and mentally a stronger person for it.

So as for your own goals of joining, I would say just keep building your strength and endurance, and when YOU feel ready, then just go for it. If for some reason, you cannot finish the course, don't give up. Lots of people VR or are recoursed and end up being successful at a later time. For me, I will have completed a full 22 weeks of basic training when I graduate this week.  :P  But being able to become a member of this awesome team has been worth every painful minute of it.

Good luck to you on your journey!  :yellow:

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TFLY

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #9 on: December 12, 2009, 19:55:40 »
WOW!!!  Thank you everyone!  This is so encouraging!  I will continue to work at being ready because I want to show myself and my children that anything can be accomplished if you put your mind to it. 

Celticgirl - Congratulations!  Enjoy every minute of your graduation and your new found strength!

Ballz - Great words of wisdom (you must have kids)  I sometimes forget that my "time" as a busy mom will probably help me in this task!  :)

Scott - I'm not hoping for Cook position, but I guess if I can't get my azz in gear to study more, that's where I will be.  Not that it's bad, I just do that now, want something new.   :blotto:

PMW- Good LUCK TO YOU  too!!!!

Xena - Thank you for your kinds words as well.  I also forget that as an older individual, I could actually set an example for some younger women out there.  :)






Offline armychick2009

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #10 on: December 12, 2009, 20:32:34 »
TFLY,
I'm 31 and back in May when I decided to give this a whirl, I was easily 100 pounds overweight. I could barely walk 2.4 kms let alone run it.  Push-ups? yea right!

Since June 1st, I've lost 40 pounds. Still another 60 to go but, I can run 2.4 kms now. I can do the 13k rucksack "march" in 2 hrs, 10 minutes (cut-off is something like, 2 hrs 20-ish minutes)

Can I do push-ups? Still not the greatest, I can eek out three or four now. But, two weeks ago I couldn't do any. I plan on being able to in the next two weeks, getting up to 9 (the bare minimum) and by the time basic *hopefully* starts in April/May for me, I plan on being able to do at least 25. I will not merely be happy with the minimum but I will strive to get the exemption stage if possible. The only thing that I see right now that could stop me is the beep test... but - we'll cross that bridge when it comes!

If you are determined, and really give it a go -- you'll be able to do this! Seriously, if I can do it anyone can!





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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #11 on: December 12, 2009, 20:32:35 »
This thread is no good without pictures.

We want to help you, but we need to see who we are working with!   :nod:

dileas

tess

TFLY

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #12 on: December 12, 2009, 20:43:48 »
 :salute:

TFLY

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #13 on: December 12, 2009, 20:50:52 »
What?  That picture of Jewel, depicting me, is not good enough??? 

Just kidding.  Tell me how to do it and I will post one.  :)

Offline the 48th regulator

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #14 on: December 12, 2009, 21:00:02 »
What?  That picture of Jewel, depicting me, is not good enough??? 

Just kidding.  Tell me how to do it and I will post one.  :)


Well....

Maybe we should take this to PM's so that I can guide and coach you in the intricate ways of the net....

dileas


tess

btw, do you wear bracelets?  Oh never mind, just a thought.

Offline GAP

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #15 on: December 12, 2009, 21:23:33 »
.
REMEMBER SOME PEOPLE ARE ALIVE SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS ILLEGAL TO SHOOT THEM

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Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #16 on: December 12, 2009, 21:37:01 »
So long as he at least keeps his socks on.

TFLY

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #17 on: December 12, 2009, 21:51:25 »
Call me blonde...but what does that mean???
Quote
btw, do you wear bracelets?  Oh never mind, just a thought.

Offline the 48th regulator

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #18 on: December 12, 2009, 21:59:35 »
Call me blonde...but what does that mean???

A Blonde.....

M'dear, it gets even better.  Let's talk and we will discuss the "bracelet" so you may get fit.

dileas

tess

TFLY

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #19 on: December 12, 2009, 22:02:34 »
Funny guy!   ::)

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #20 on: December 12, 2009, 22:04:37 »
OK let's stay on track here. You've had your fun Tess.

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #21 on: December 12, 2009, 22:09:12 »
OK let's stay on track here. You've had your fun Tess.

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Roger that,

I shall step away.  Sorry for taking this in a different direction.

dileas

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Offline Technoviking

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #22 on: December 12, 2009, 22:18:31 »
OK.............

Now, back on topic.

FWIW, I've seen plenty of people coming and going through the training system.  In the cases where people weren't successful, in most cases, it was due to attitute/maturity.  So, TFLY, just remember that you if you can put mind over matter, you should be ok.  You've seen the case on here from others who've gone through, some much older than you.  Take it for what it's worth, but if you have the right mindset, you'll be ok.

TFLY

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #23 on: December 12, 2009, 22:39:39 »
Thank you TechnoViking!  I'm definately in the right mind-set! 

I have to say though, I have watched all the episode (both seasons) of Basic up and it scares the be-Jee-Ziz, out of me.  But I figure, for ever day I can stay in, I'm that much closer to my goal.  Anyone can do anything for one day right.....?  I'll just keep telling myself that.  :)

Offline CallOfDuty

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Re: Old"er" woman just starting out...
« Reply #24 on: December 12, 2009, 23:43:52 »
lol...staff getting **** from staff.... :)   
PS---My buddys wife is in week 7 right now and loving it.  8 Weeks ago you could not have waken her up any time before  nine o clock in the morning.  Now shes 5am-----11PM every day.  Shes succeeding and staying strong, and her favorite class is weapons.
  Good luck
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