Army selection centre. is it really difficult im terrified im not good enough?

Question

i have a run time of 12 minutes. i can run far but slowly . i keep getting loads of blisters and cuts on my feet off running. i have tried other sports but they are not as effective as running and dont feel as though there working. i have 2 weeks exactly until i go to selection. could i do much improvement? and what could i do? any ideas would be hugely appreciated thankss xx

Answer 1

Just keep grinding it out. There's a lot to be said for endurance over speed. I was Army, and I never ran as fast as I liked, but I could always run a long distance with ease.

As for the blisters, get some shoes that fit properly! I guarantee that's what the problem is.

When you get to inprocessing, they'll measure your feet and recommend a shoe type for you. Once you're in BCT, they'll take you to get shoes at an AAFES. Instead of using that time to buy bullshit like 5 different kinds of soap, use it to try on running shoes. I can't stress enough how important this is! They ran out of shoes by the time it was my turn, and I ended up with a pair two sizes too small. With all the running, it ****** my feet and knees up pretty bad. I know it added time to my APFT scores, but once I got to AIT I bought a pair 1 size too big (your feet swell when you run) and shaved that time right off!

Explore online about pronation and supination (whether your foot rolls inward or outward), and determine what shoe is right for you. Buy some and take them with you to BCT, and if you have bad enough problems, they might let you wear them instead of the 4 or so "regulation" type running shoes.

A good way to tell what type of stride you have is to wet your feet and then walk on dry concrete, leaving a footprint. If the arch is very wide, then you are an overpronator. You'll need to get shoes designed for that problem, called motion control shoes. If it's normal, you're normal and can wear "normal" shoes. If it's very narrow, you supinate too much, and they make a shoe for that, too.

You're thinking ahead, which is a good indicator that you'll be a good soldier. Good luck!

Answer 2

hey!!! are u going to glencorse may i ask?? im going there in 2 weeks aswell, the 4th sep,...on the running side i'd just say keep running but not too much, like every other day until selection, and rest the day before aswell, you will most likely get a faster time anyways cos the mind over matter will come into it, the main thing is just dont worry, it will be fine :-) xx

Answer 3

Don't worry about it. It is designed to make you capable, not keep you out. All that garbage about how bad it is, is just that. Garbage. You'll be surprised to find that you were in the worst physical shape of your military career in Basic.  

Answer 4

Blisters are normal if your not used to certain physical activity or footwear (boots). It'll be a thing of the past in no time. Buy some moleskin at a drug store to put on hot spots in the mean time. Don't put it on existing blisters.

Best bet for prep is to train twice a day and solely focus on the standard they will be testing you by. Also, stop training 2 days prior so your muscles have time to rest. By rest I mean no working out. Not Cheetohs and a beer.

Aside from that don't worry. The Army needs people.

Answer 5

don't worry, many people make it

Answer 6

You'll do fine. I was running 12minute 2miles when I joined, and trust me, it's above par! You are preparing yourself for a wonderful journey. The best thing for you to do now, is build confidence in yourself. Good luck.