quote:
Originally posted by babbaloo1:
I am taking on the challenge of the army reserves in September. I am 35, I run 4 miles a few times a week and stay active, but I have many sore spots on my aging body, not to mention a bum shoulder. I am afraid the everyday pounding of BCT will bring me to my knees. Any advice about what I can expect or how I can better prepare. Like I said I am in decent shape, but some mornings...it isn't so easy to climb out of bed.
I enlisted and went to BCT at age 36 (turned 37 midway through), and didn't run 4 miles. I did just fine. BCT is more a mind-game than physical challenge. Anyone in decent shape will improve and get through it. But it all comes down to sheer willpower (what DS' call "Heart"). If you adopt the mindset that you WILL succeed and that you WILL NOT quit, you will do fine.
As for your aches and pains-- yeah we older guys have to deal with more of them than the younger kids. However, I always made it a point to outlast and outperform the younger kids, mostly out of pride. The DS' saw this and pretty much left me alone the whole cycle, except to continue to motivate and challenge me to do even better than I was doing.
If you are in extreme pain, go to sick-call, where you will likely get Ibuprofen and/or Naproxen. You will be allowed to keep these in your wall-locker and take them as needed. A hint: I saved some for PT tests-- pop an (800mg) Ibuprofen and you're feeling no pain.
But the bottom line is this: It's up to YOU. Can you get past your aches and pains long enough to succeed? Or will you let yourself fail? Whichever one you choose will determine your fate at BCT.
Good Luck!
Matt
SPC, US Army
15U
