MilitaryForums.co.uk

Hey,
I've been browsing these forums for a good few months now. Beginning my training now for the Marines, I have not applied or anything yet I'm aware that point is a little way off. I'm just beginning my training.

My current fitness state, I'm fairly fit done some running and sports before but I'm not in "good" shape. I'm 5ft 8ish (no short jokes lol)and currently weigh about 12.5 stone which in truth is a bit of fat that needs losing, but I am quite stocky and when I've trained before bulked up very quickly.

My current training which ive just begun is the following...

Up early 6am-7 3 mornings a week to go out running for 30mins increasing to 45 minutes slowly to give myself some basic fitness.

Same 3 days I'm going to the gym in the evening and doing a general full body workout focusing on a strong core / middle body so I've got some nice support when i progress further.

I plan to start putting sprints and eventually push ups, pull ups randomly along my running routes (I pass some nice empty parks at that time in the morning ideal for this) into my running once I have better general fitness, and eventually take both running and weights up to 5 times a week introducing a a system where I focus on a set muscle group everyday (not sure what its called off top of my head). I've read a good bunch of fitness guides on these forums and believe this to make a good start.

I was wondering if there is anyone else just starting out or at a similiar stage who would like to exchange MSN details or something and keep each other upto date on how training going etc. I find I work better I know I have to report back to someone and push myself harder.

Ben_S,

First off welcome to MFAT.

Second, your body shape seems a bit like mine! I am a similar weight and height and could do with losing a bit. Your training sounds good, although I would consider doing CV one day and the gym work the next, that way you are doing something 6 times a week, rather than doing double in half the time.

Building the interval training into your runs is an excellent idea and should really help your body develop. As for weights, I wouldn't worry a huge amount about them, if you do want to do them, remember; light weights and longer reps. I'm at a similar stage to you, although I've been doing odd bits of fitness, not following a training programme, athough I've devised one and will start it soon as I bought a magic pair of running shoes yesterday.

Oh, that's another point, get yourself a decent pair of running shoes, especially if you are running on concrete. Make sure they have good shock apsorption. Always warm up and cool down probably too.

Have a look at this as well

Hope what I've said is helpful, also use the search button as well, loads and loads of info here on MFAT.

David

I'll second that about the running shoes. Speaking from personal experience, if your shoes aren't up to scratch you run a big risk of injury.
Also, just as important is that you don't try to do too much too soon because you'll end up doing way more harm than good. I read somewhere that you should increase your running distance by no more than about 15% per week.

I went at it like an idiot when I first started training. Within 2 months I'd gone from having never run more than about 400m, to road-running 6 miles with an 18kg rucksack on my back, 3 times per week. Unsurpisingly it wasn't long before I experienced serious problems. I'm still not fully sorted, but I'm doing things the right way- taking it steady and wearing decent running shoes, and things are definitely improving.

Judging by your routine you sound like you've got your head screwed on though. I was just a bit of a tw@t really