Want to join up, have a few questions

[Poseidon]

First of all greetings to you all. This is my first of what I believe to be many posts on this forum.

I am 21 (soon to be 22), unemployed with no qualifications past GCSEs. Will this history be a problem for me? My life is going nowhere and I need a trade. I like the sound of traveling around with the Navy. So is travel frequent as I expect or is this a myth? I have been reading the information the careers office gave me and I think I want to work in communications. Just what is the difference between Communication Technician and Communicator? I like the sound of the jobs and feel this would suit me the best. Will there be problems getting in to the Navy given the recent 'restructuring'?

A couple more questions. Concerning the 1.5 mile run is that now done on a treadmill? It's just that last time I checked the army would acept you with times of 12 minutes whereas the navy wants 11. That does not make sense unless the navy uses a treadmill. Why would the navy need better runners than the army?!

Finally, concerning the job of communicator. Can someone in the know tell me what it is like. Is there as much involvement in IT as I hope there is (quite a lot). Is it hard to get used to being a radio operator relaying messages really fast?

Ok Thanks in advance for that.

[CrouchmasterT]

heres the Royal navy website www.royal-navy.mod.uk its got some info on the trades, most of them dont require formal qualifications except a couple which require GCSE's.

If you're worried about the run then get out and start training, start with 3 or 4 20min runs a week and biuld up to longer ones. 1.5 miles in 11mins is not very hard and after a month you could probably nail it as long as you push you're self.

[Lance]

with 3 or 4 20min runs a week and biuld up to longer ones. 1.5 miles in 11mins is not very hard and after a month you could probably nail it as long as you push you're self.

I would also recommend including some fartlek during your run. This will help to build up your speed.

Concentrate on your stamina to begin with and then when you are at a level you are confortable with add some fartlek to you programme.

http://www.brianmac.demon.co.uk/fartlek.htm

[Poseidon]

with 3 or 4 20min runs a week and biuld up to longer ones. 1.5 miles in 11mins is not very hard and after a month you could probably nail it as long as you push you're self.

I would also recommend including some fartlek during your run. This will help to build up your speed.

Concentrate on your stamina to begin with and then when you are at a level you are confortable with add some fartlek to you programme.

http://www.brianmac.demon.co.uk/fartlek.htm

Eek! I am currently doing 2-4-4-3 (with 1 min walking in between). The idea of doing 20 mins non-stop seems impossible to me. Each week I raise the running minutes according to this guide I have. So next week I will do 2-5-5-3. I am an ex-heavy smoker so my lungs are not what they could (or should be) for a 21 year old. By the way what is fartlek? Further more should I be doing weight training as well?

[goldie ex rmp]

fartlek is when you run/walk or speed up/slow down, what i suggest you do is pick a good running route which has lamposts along it, you can then run steady for 2 posts then sprint to 1 run steady for 2 then sprint to 1. this will go up so that you sprint more than you run steady and will build you up fast.
hope this helps mate

[Poseidon]

I am trying to stay away from tarmac/concrete surfaces as the last time I made a solid attempt to take up running (2 years ago) I ended up getting semi-regular shin splints. I find that by massaging properly and staying on grass surfaces I minimize any damage and am able to continue a steady training program without a hitch. At least for 3 weeks anyway. Should I be worried that I can not just start running for 20 mins? It seems like a lot for me to do after only just starting a running program. I could probably do 6-7 mins nonstop right now, 8 if I really pushed myself (then again it's one thing on paper and another in the field). Anyway that would mean that I am not far off being able to run for 11 mins. After that I will be able to see how fast I can do it in and thus adjust my training accordingly. Anyway that is the plan. Thanks for your advice guys.

[goldie ex rmp]

just take your time mate and build up nice and slow if possible that way you should minimise the risk of injury to yourself.
get some good daps, i use asics gel keyano's and asics 2060's.
you need good running shoes mate thats a must.....good luck

[Poseidon]

I have some good running shoes, Saucony's. They are serving me well. Runningaside could someone provided me with a better idea of what it is like to work in communications. I have an affiliation with computers (hardware and software) and would like to know more about IT involvement.

[Bovie]

Hello there Poseidon.
I am, at the moment doing HMS Raleigh (loverly place!) and you do the 1.5 run twice. First Friday there (51/2 times around the astro-turf) and the 2nd one in week 5, to see if your fitness is improving.

They say that you dont have to do it in 11 1/2 min's on the first run, but you do, or they put you on PTA remedial's.

The Communication's Course is 21 weeks (not 18 weeks like the site said) and does NOT involve Seamanship (that's what the Officer told us anyway) You will work on the bridge, on the Radio contacting ship's. Talk between Other ship's to set up a formation, and other thing's. You also will work in the Op's room, i dont know what you do in here, couldnt find out!

Apparently, OM (C) do use computers. Most likley in the op's room

Any more question's feel free to ask.

Bovie.

[Richy_Boy]

hey there mate.
I am currently in the same position as you and i find it extremely difficult to run non-stop for 20mins. I can manage 8 but then i just need to slow down.
I have been running for around 5 weeks now and i could feel my self getting fit until i went to america for 2 weeks and that completely ruined my fitness so i now have to start all over again. It is 6 weeks till i start raleigh so i have got some serious work to do.
What is asics gel keyano's and asics 2060's?

[Cliodna]

What is asics gel keyano's and asics 2060's?

they are running shoes mate


Keyano



2060


I'm in New Balance at the mo.
Best runners I've had for a while.

just make sure that you get a pair of runners that are suited to the shape of your feet

[goldie ex rmp]

i find new balance a wide fitting and asics wear down quickly but are a snug fit..top tip........buy a size and a half bigger than normal if your going to run long distance this will stop your toes being pushed to the front of your shoe as your feet heat up and swell, it will also reduce the old black toe nail syndrome !

[Cliodna]

Thats my problem Goldie...I've got mega wide feet.
Sometimes I think it would be easier for me just to tie a couple of empty shoe boxes on my feet
New Balance all the way for me....although I once had a pair of issue Reeboks that were tip top. Never did see them in the shops.

[goldie ex rmp]

Thats my problem Goldie...I've got mega wide feet.
Sometimes I think it would be easier for me just to tie a couple of empty shoe boxes on my feet
New Balance all the way for me....although I once had a pair of issue Reeboks that were tip top. Never did see them in the shops.

"tip top reeboks"...........no such thing..................lol

[Edwards159]

Ive got a couple of Race's coming up, Im looking to purchase some new trainers, What do you think of Mizuno Running shoes. I like the the Wave Mustang:

http://www.runnersshop.co.uk/shop/mizuno.html