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2005/02/02, 12:32 PM
Ok, so, at 29 I've decided I'm going to join the army. In order to do so I have to lose some weight and get my body fat percentage down. Also, I've never been big into running and I'm trying to train for Basic Training. When I do cardio on my eliptical I go for 45 min and it's not too much of a problem. However, when I go to jog the 2 mile course I've laid out by my house, I go 45 - 60 seconds and my calves feel like they're going to explode. I'm trying to do cardio on the even days and 6-10 40 yd sprints on the odd days. Am I being too hard on myself? Any advice would be appreciated.
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2005/02/02, 12:37 PM
I was USAF.
With that said, I fully expect and understand that all other forces BMTs are much more physically demanding that what I went through.
The one thing that I noticed was really difficult was running in formation and at times with less than ideal footwear. It prevented you from getting in "your groove" and made the run MUCH more difficult than it should have been. If I were preparing for that aspect of basic, I would take a serious amount of time to train my running at different cadences and strides.
Congratulations on your commitment and thank you!
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_S
The journey is the destination...
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2005/02/02, 12:46 PM
I appreciate the info and the encouragement. I'll take that into account when I'm doing my running.
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2005/02/03, 01:16 AM
I'm in the Army; It's been a little while since basic, but I have a few tips for you. When you do your two-mile run, start slower and allow your muscles time to loosen up. stretching will not get them ready for two miles if you are going to start of at a sprinters pace. How long until you start basic? If you have enough time, start jogging the course every other day (which you will do in basic). When you get to the end sprint the last one to two hundred yards. (get used to doing that. you will do this during a PT test. everyone does it.) Once you develop a normal pace (this could take some time) run the route a little faster, and try to sprint the last 300 feet. continue doing this, everytime you get comfortable in a speed, increase it. slowely increase the amount of the end that you are sprinting until you are pushing really hard for that last 1/4 mile.
Hopes this helps. Make sure you have a good set of running shoes. It wouldn't hurt to go to the doctor and have him look at your feet to detirmine the best type for you. you may even need custom insoles.
Good luck in Basic.
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2005/02/03, 08:40 AM
Thanks for the info, that's exactly what I was looking for. Weather permitting, I will do the 2 mile course 3 days/wk to start and do sprints 1 day per week. As I mentioned before, I've got an eliptical to do cardio on the days weather doesn't permit. I've got to drop 18lbs and 6% body fat before I can even enlist. I figure if I start training seriously now, by the time I've dropped what I need to, I should be in pretty good physical shape. I estimate it will probably be between 5-8 weeks for me to get down to the size I need to. I just don't want to get into basic and wash out cause my body wasn't ready for the running. After my initial attempt to run the 2 miles I got smart and decided the best thing right now would be a combination of walking and running so I walk about 75% of it and run the other 25%. I'm still doing the course in 30 min at 75% walking. Part of the problem is that the course is probably 75%-80% uphill for the first mile. I guess if I get to the point I can run that course comfortably, then the 2 mile run at basic should be no problem.
It seems like I'm not the only one who has looked to prepare for basic training. Maybe the powers that be would consider putting together a basic training prep exercise program. The cardio topic in this forum had some great info but it would be nice to see maybe an 8 or 9 week program that would take you from fitness novice to ready for basic. I know there probably isn't time for such a thing, but it would be nice.
Thanks again for the info.
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2005/02/03, 06:18 PM
No Problem. :big_smile:
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