I'm going to be joining the military and what I'm joining for requires you to be in extremely good shape when you arrive. I have been working out 4-5 days a week since the beginning of last summer. I have been doing primarily strength training those days with maybe one day of cardio to mix it up. But just recently I figured out that I really need to get my endurance up so here is what I've been doing 7 days a week:
1/4 mile sprints x8
40 pushups x6
30 situps x6
10 pullups x6
I do this in circuits with less than 2 minutes of rest in between each set.
The rest of my workout (around last 20 mintues) is strength training like military press, bench, dumbbell flys.
What I'm trying to increase is my ability to run longer distances at a steady pace. Right now I can run ~7mph for a mile (takes about 8:30 secs) and what I'm wondering is if doing my 1/4mile sprints will help me increase my ability to run longer distances at a steady pace. I'm staying on a pretty strict diet as well, eating only raw foods which includes a lot of veggies and fruit. My main source of protein is usually peanut butter.
If anymore info is needed please just ask.
As much as I adore and love NPB, it is low in protein, and should be used "primarily" for a good fat source. Therefore include it, just get some more sources of protein in the diet.
Which branch of service are you entering? Each can be slightly different in what they require, and in some cases what you experience in boot camp and AIT.
I spent a few years in the military, and went through boot camp/AIT at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. To give you an idea, you will be tested when extremely tired, and will learn that the body can withstand....just a tad more than you think--even with 3 to 4 hours a sleep while under rather demanding physical stress. It will be an experience you will not like very much (at least for most), but you will covet a learning experience without a price tag.
You are going to need a training routine that is mainly and proportionate to
high endurance, this I agree.
In addition, you train in a manner in which you are about to face in training. Therefore, it is importance you learn what you are going to be put up against and what is going to be expected of you, so you know how to change/increase your training accordingly.
If you are going to join the Marines/Army do a search on the Basic/AIT training methods and what they will EXPECT from you.
While there are "some" differences between Marine boot camp and US Army Boot Camp, they share a lot in common.
Here is a brief description on what to expect :
1. 400+ pushups or more (per day) in boot camp isn't uncommon. Hundreds more if your not doing grass drills for someone in the company or you making a mistake in the "traditions" (i.e. boots being shined to the Drill SGT's satisfaction, inspections, urinal cleaning, uniform presentation, etc, etc.). These pushups do not include normal fitness training and routine scheduling.
2. 300+ situps or more (per day) in boot camp isn't uncommon. Hundreds more if your not doing grass drills for someone in the company or you making a mistake. This does not include normal fitness training or scheduling.
3. A steady dose of mountain climbers until you wake up and see that you have been doing them while you were asleep, about 300+ per day or hundreds more dependent on whether you or another company member makes a mistake.
4. Prepare for 4 hours of sleep: Especially the first few weeks. Sometimes you will be selected for "fire drill" which means you get virtually none in one day sometimes--the first few weeks of Basic.
5. The ability to handle someone in your face constantly putting stress on you--ALL DAY LONG, with exception of classes. If you find it funny (as I did when I was in), "he tells you to get your D@CK in the dirt", if you look at him, "your d@ck is in the dirt", etc. Every where you go there is no walking--its all "DOUBLE-TIME........ALL THE TIME"--there is no walking.
Expect to be out during the day whether its raining, snowing, 100+ degrees, or blistering cold.
6. You run about 3 miles in the morning after fitness training, and then another 3 miles in the afternoon after fitness training (and this doesn't include the hundreds of pushups, situps, mountain climbers during grass drills IN BETWEEN), and all the while getting about 4 hours sleep per day (at least in the first couple of weeks or so, its about 4 hours of sleep). The 3 mile run in morning and the 3 mile run in the afternoon, is just the "break-in" miles, they get progressively LONGER.
They are the "air borne" shuffle type of runs. Which are basically, a half a step slower than a jog most of the time.
7. A high endurance application of cleaning pots and pans on "Mess Detail". LARGE POTS all day for HOURS. Regular and on going "Latrine Duty" cleaning toilets, urinals, and mopping floors.
8. Attention to detail in barracks, self, and for inspections--if you make a mistake (even if its common and understandable) its NO EXCUSE...d@ck in the dirt for "grass drills", and these can last for 30 minutes or more sometimes. Think of all the Push ups you can do in one day. This isn't enough.
9.
10 mile, 15 mile and 25 mile marches with full gear and backpack (with M-16/A1/60, and pack can weigh up tp 45pounds). And, this isnt the rifle slinged over your shoulder, you are carrying in hands in front of you the whole time. Many BLOOD BLISTERS common. Many ankles swell beyond recognition. If you cant continue, one is out (or repeat). Have to repeat basic after healing. You have to be able to endure PAIN. Your ankles, calves, and just about everything will hurt.
10. Obstacle course drills and time requirements. Must pass or out.
A very high mental and physical fitness is required. I did this off of memory rather quickly, so its not exhaustive. I took my basic at Fort Sill, Oklahoma (1984), and Officer Candidate School (OCS,which is WORSE) 1988, and my first Law Enforcement Basic in 1990), and a re certification (after being out several years), in 2007.
See if you can find the US Marine/Army (or branch of service you are entering) web site, and look up their "agility" requirements--and go ABOVE THIS requirement.....
And, you need to have mental high endurance to withstand lack of sleep and tiredness in addition to high tolerance to pain. One cannot "really" train for this........ But, you will find out.......what kind of
"heart" you have.
Best wishes to you.
Chillen
