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Hello,

I am using this part of the website for some advice as the Royal Marine Reserve part seems to be dying.

I am six months into training, but failed the 4mile speed march on confirmation. I have always had trouble with speed marches. I have 6 months to get fit enough for the next phase one course.

I want to be able to pass BFT in under 9minutes (I do it in about 10mins now)
I also want to crack the 4mile speed march carrying 31lbs.

What sort of training regime and short term goals would you suggest?

Thanks in advance.

Can't speak from experience because I haven't done it yet, but if you're struggling with the speed march, then the best way to prepare for it is......wait for it...............by doing speed marches Although it is not advised to run with weight, you can walk with it: get a good set of boots, find some nearby fields, put a weighted backpack on, take the dogs if you've got any, and march. If you use mapmyrun on the hybrid view,you can still get distances for fields etc, and then you can start to time yourself.

Sometimes the best way to train to a particular level is to go beyond it in training, because when you do it for real your body may be more exhausted from other tests/exercises that you've done: So for example, train for the 4 miler by doing 5, and instead of 31lbs use 40lbs, then once you do it for real it should be a breeze.

There are also a few bodyweight exercises that will strengthen your legs which should help with speed marches, such as bodyweight squats and lunges. Then there's the obvious exercises such as running, rowing and bike riding to get your fitness up.

I have been doing 3mile runs with 21lbs of webbing (in boots and smock etc). I crack that in about 27:30 (I need to crack it with 31lbs in under 30mins so I'm on track.

I just need to be advised as to what to do in a regular weekly or monthly routine?

Thanks.

Can't the PTI's at your unit help you out with what you should be doing fitness wise?

Seek expert advice. Speak to your unit PTI.
Simple easy peasy.

Avoid running in boots and with kit until you have to, in light of the expert advice already given, this method is prone to incurring injuries and chronic conditions, unless you are prepared and supervised. Try fartlek training cross country and building your leg and back muscles up in the gym.

Speed marching is technique as well as fitness, you know you are doing it right as your hips hurt the most, you walk from the hip, pushing the legs forward and swinging the arms to maintain the speed and movement, the upper body is slightly angled forward to keep balance and the forward momentum. The speed during the walking phace isnt that much lower than the running phase and should be used in the up hill rough terrain parts only. It is a simple case of head down and go like stink until you finish.