so my running sucks...full stop
push ups...fine
sit ups...cake
running?? cough gasp...what?
so my question is ; I keep seeing reccomendations to walk say 90 seconds then run for 60 seconds, or walk for 2 minutes, run for four
has anyone actually tried this and does it work?
tell me your experiences from fellow running impaired persons
Ive always been able to sprint but Ive never been able to run distance HELP
I don't wanna be stuck in reception forever (yes I seriously can't run a mile)

quote:

Originally posted by EMTB2000:
so my running sucks...full stop
push ups...fine
sit ups...cake
running?? cough gasp...what?
so my question is ; I keep seeing reccomendations to walk say 90 seconds then run for 60 seconds, or walk for 2 minutes, run for four
has anyone actually tried this and does it work?
tell me your experiences from fellow running impaired persons
Ive always been able to sprint but Ive never been able to run distance HELP
I don't wanna be stuck in reception forever (yes I seriously can't run a mile)

you wont be pt tested in reception. sometimes for morning pt they had us do 60/120s which is where you run for 60 secs, walk for 120. i dont think they would pt us if it didnt have a beneficial effect (except maybe doing forward lunges during log pt..), so you could try it.

That's how I started out. I could only run for maybe 1 minute straight when I started getting ready for basic. Run 1 min, walk maybe 4, then 1, then 4. As time went on I got to where I was doing 4 run, 4 walk, etc. Then by the time I was out of basic I could run for 40 minutes straight.

quote:

Originally posted by gojeero:

quote:

Originally posted by EMTB2000:
so my running sucks...full stop
push ups...fine
sit ups...cake
running?? cough gasp...what?
so my question is ; I keep seeing reccomendations to walk say 90 seconds then run for 60 seconds, or walk for 2 minutes, run for four
has anyone actually tried this and does it work?
tell me your experiences from fellow running impaired persons
Ive always been able to sprint but Ive never been able to run distance HELP
I don't wanna be stuck in reception forever (yes I seriously can't run a mile)

you wont be pt tested in reception. sometimes for morning pt they had us do 60/120s which is where you run for 60 secs, walk for 120. i dont think they would pt us if it didnt have a beneficial effect (except maybe doing forward lunges during log pt..), so you could try it.

We were PT tested in reception. It was a breeze, except for the running. Pushups, situps, then the run - if you couldnt make it, you got put on ice in the fat barracks.

Then again, you still get paid while you are in the fat barracks, and ironically enough, time still ticks away on your contract, and I believe time to promotion.

Long story short - dont worry about it. Do your best - you get paid no matter what.

quote:

Originally posted by DodgeFMJ:

quote:

Originally posted by gojeero:

quote:

Originally posted by EMTB2000:
so my running sucks...full stop
push ups...fine
sit ups...cake
running?? cough gasp...what?
so my question is ; I keep seeing reccomendations to walk say 90 seconds then run for 60 seconds, or walk for 2 minutes, run for four
has anyone actually tried this and does it work?
tell me your experiences from fellow running impaired persons
Ive always been able to sprint but Ive never been able to run distance HELP
I don't wanna be stuck in reception forever (yes I seriously can't run a mile)

you wont be pt tested in reception. sometimes for morning pt they had us do 60/120s which is where you run for 60 secs, walk for 120. i dont think they would pt us if it didnt have a beneficial effect (except maybe doing forward lunges during log pt..), so you could try it.

We were PT tested in reception. It was a breeze, except for the running. Pushups, situps, then the run - if you couldnt make it, you got put on ice in the fat barracks.

Then again, you still get paid while you are in the fat barracks, and ironically enough, time still ticks away on your contract, and I believe time to promotion.

Long story short - dont worry about it. Do your best - you get paid no matter what.

Hmm, where did you go? I was at 30th AG waiting to go down range to at Ft. Benning.

Fort Sill. The reception area is literally "across the tracks" from the AIT/BCT area. Fat racks were in reception, and there were about five guys (who werent all overweight) there waiting to get into enough physical condition to pass the run.

Generally people can do the pushups, and most can do the situps, but not a lot of people go for the whole running bit

Yes, as gojeero wrote, will do 60/120s and 30/60s in Basic. (gojeeros and I were at Basic at Ft. Benning during the same time period) What that does is gets your stamina up.

For about a month before I left for Basic, I quit sodas and caffeinated drinks. I worked out 5 days per week using weights, treadmill, and an elliptical machine. I did both upper and lower-body weight training, sit-ups, and either ran 1-2 miles on the treadmill, or did up to 40 minutes on the elliptical. I also took daily multi-vitamins (Centrum) and 1200mg of calcium + Vit. D.

When I got to BCT, we were told to run. I ran. I did pretty well for my age, considering I was never a good distance runner. Thus far, I have never failed a PT Test yet.

You will continually run longer distances throughout BCT and AIT. You should improve as long as you put in the effort.

Good Luck!

Matt
SPC, US Army
15U

Mad Matt or anyone else that can answer for that matter..
Do you think that other cardio exercise ...say like a spin class or working out on an elliptical was benneficial for the run?
It was reccomended by my Dr. that I alternate running with say an exercise bike to work different muscle groups and to keep my knees in good form (Ive gotten runners knee once or twice)
Thanks for the advice though...i guess I need to hear of some elses results to stay motivated to give it a shot and stay out of fatty training

quote:

Originally posted by EMTB2000:
Mad Matt or anyone else that can answer for that matter..
Do you think that other cardio exercise ...say like a spin class or working out on an elliptical was benneficial for the run?
It was reccomended by my Dr. that I alternate running with say an exercise bike to work different muscle groups and to keep my knees in good form (Ive gotten runners knee once or twice)
Thanks for the advice though...i guess I need to hear of some elses results to stay motivated to give it a shot and stay out of fatty training

Cardio will help you with running and all other exercises. The elliptical machine is a ZERO IMPACT machine that will increase your cardio capacity. Gradually increase your time on the machine each week. If you want to build leg muscle, increase the resistance setting. the elliptical machine also works every major muscle group, so you get a complete workout.

But just keep motivated, eat right, and keep up your regular exercise.

Good Luck!

Matt
SPC, US Army
15U

I agree with alternating running with an exercise bike or elliptical machine. If you are out of shape, you're going to tear something pounding the ground five or seven days a week. Either your knees, ankles or feet are going to suffer, especially if you haven't run in a while. Hubby hadn't run in years (at least 15 years), and started exercising about 3 months before BCT. He did the walk/run but did stationary bike for 20 min or so, on alternate days. He made it through BCT and turned 41 the week of graduation.
Also, rub some icy/hot or ben gay on BEFORE running. This seemed to decrease his pain after running.

I'm 38 and just getting into running, using a walk/run program:

http://www.best-running-tips.com/beginners-running-program3.html

It's been working great! I'd never ran a mile in my life before starting the program, though I have ridden bikes some. So for me, the program is more about getting used to the impact and to build my running muscles more than the cardio for now (I'm also doing squats, lunges, and calf raises on the off days). But whatever you're looking to improve, getting into it gradually seems like a good idea imo.

quote:

Originally posted by Mad_Matt:
Yes, as gojeero wrote, will do 60/120s and 30/60s in Basic. (gojeeros and I were at Basic at Ft. Benning during the same time period) What that does is gets your stamina up.

Well, the 60/120's are really designed to help people maintain a faster pace. Running a slower pace for several miles is what genuinely helps people with their stamina for the 2-mile event

The problem is that people aren't doing 60/120's properly, in that they run their normal pace for the 60 seconds. Yes, this helps with their stamina slightly, but takes much longer. 60/120's are supposed to be a dead on SPRINT as fast as your body can go for 60 seconds.

One should feel literally gassed out exhausted after the 60 seconds is up, hence the reason for walking it off for 2 whole minutes

quote:

Originally posted by Nangasaur:

quote:

Originally posted by Mad_Matt:
Yes, as gojeero wrote, will do 60/120s and 30/60s in Basic. (gojeeros and I were at Basic at Ft. Benning during the same time period) What that does is gets your stamina up.

Well, the 60/120's are really designed to help people maintain a faster pace. Running a slower pace for several miles is what genuinely helps people with their stamina for the 2-mile event

The problem is that people aren't doing 60/120's properly, in that they run their normal pace for the 60 seconds. Yes, this helps with their stamina slightly, but takes much longer. 60/120's are supposed to be a dead on SPRINT as fast as your body can go for 60 seconds.

One should feel literally gassed out exhausted after the 60 seconds is up, hence the reason for walking it off for 2 whole minutes

Ha ha! You must have been watching Delta Co. during PT...

Matt
SPC, US Army
15U

I've been trying to get myself ready for bt. I can run two miles nonstop but it takes me 18min 30sec. Will that be ok even though the requirement is under 16min 30sec? Also according to the requirments for my height I should weigh 184 lb. I am 240. I know I can loss some weight but thats unrealistic. I also know you need to be below 26% body fat. I think I'm below that because that would mean I have 60 lb. of pure fat. regardless of my weight if I'm below that am I good to go? Does anyone know where you can get that tested? Thanks in anticipation for any answers!

quote:

Originally posted by Kuecker2147:
I've been trying to get myself ready for bt. I can run two miles nonstop but it takes me 18min 30sec. Will that be ok even though the requirement is under 16min 30sec?

NO it won't. For my age group (37-41), the maximum time allowed is 18:08 for a 60% score in the 2 mile run.

quote:

Originally posted by Kuecker2147: Also according to the requirments for my height I should weigh 184 lb. I am 240. I know I can loss some weight but thats unrealistic. I also know you need to be below 26% body fat. I think I'm below that because that would mean I have 60 lb. of pure fat. regardless of my weight if I'm below that am I good to go? Does anyone know where you can get that tested? Thanks in anticipation for any answers!

Have you gone to MEPS yet? I'm guessing you haven't. If you're that much overweight, there is no way you got past the height & weight.

Drop the weight through eating properly and exercising regularly. You should consult your doctor about a weight-loss program for what you need. Perhaps a nutritionist and/or personal trainer to get you going.

BCT will get you in better shape, but you have to be IN shape upon your arrival.

Good Luck!

Matt
SPC, US Army
15U

I was PT in reception at Ft.Jackson. I believe it was only a one mile run though. When I did leave to Basic we did 60/120's. If you dont half a$$ it, it will help you. If I were you, I would be 100% ready when you ship off.

OMG! I am going to die at BCT! I cant run distance to save my life. I am like 120lbs, and 5'6...so I am not over weight...I just cant run! I am freaking out about this! And I leave for LWD in 27 days! AHHHH!

Start running now to prepare yourself. Run a mile everyday for a week and increase the next week and do 2 miles, etc. If you do this you will be fine. But I suggest quit complaining and freaking out and go do something about it!

You should run three times a week, with a day of rest between. Starting with a mile for distance is fine, just don't push yourself to hard to fast. Running everday may do more harm than good, as your body needs that day of rest in between.

You should also alternate running style. Do a day of intervals where you sprint for 30 seconds, and walk for 60 seconds. This will help build speed. The next time you run, go for a set distance at a pace you can maintain, start at a mile, or a half mile. Gradually increase the distance. This builds endurance. You need both.

On the days that you do not run, get a good developmental stretch. Hold your stretches for at least 30 seconds each. This really increases flexibility.

27 days doesn't seem like much time, but if you stick to a schedule like this, you will have almost 14 workout days. A little proper preperation goes a long way.

The walk/run/walk scenario does work. You have to incorporate this into your other running schedule. I would suggest one day you run for distance, the next you do the walk/run/walk, the last day you run for time. But your only going to get what you put into it. I did this workout for about two weeks and dropped two minutes off my run time.