When to contact the RMR Det to join (based on current phys)?

[sjuggins]

Hi Guys,

I'm a new member to the site, been surfing taround for a bit of time now getting lots of useful info etc. Thanks to everyone for everything that's been posted so far, it's been of great interest and help

I'm very interested and keen to join the RMR, the more I read and think about it, the more I want to join. I'm currently 29, and fitness wise I weight train 3 times a week, cycle (stationary bike) twice a week and play golf (hardly an exercise though). In the past week or so I've stepped this up considerably, I now do all my CV work every morning at 6ish. I went for my first run in a long time last Friday night and managed to run/jog 2 miles, I was completely knackered but felt great.
I'm really concerned about my running and CV side of things, I'm going to do some sprint work tomorrow morning, then cycle on Weds and Friday and run again on Thursday. I plan to shift the balance to be running twice a week, sprint/hill work once a week and cycling twice a week. Does this seem suitable?

I'm also starting to do pushups and situps most mornings. Pullups aren't really a problem I think, as part of my weight training I usually do weighted sets of pullups (4 x 5 with 10kg weight). Just need to practice these on a wooden beam instead of a normal pullup bar.

What I'm looking to find out is that when should I really contact my local RMR det (this will be Cambridge) to get the ball rolling? At the moment I know I couldn't run the 1.5 miles in under 10mins for the PJFT so should I wait until I can do that before I apply?

Also I'm looking to shed a few more pounds (currently 5ft 11 and 14st 9lbs) down to around the sub 14st mark.

Thanks again in advance guys for all the help and advice.

Oh, and if anybody is around the luton, beds area and wants a training partner let me know. I'm happy to travel and meet up.

[Von]

Sjuggins,

You are right that Cambridge is your nearest det mileage wise but you would probably find it didn't take much longer to get into London. My suggestion would be that you go down to RMR London on Wed of this week at 1915hrs (the address is 2 Old Jamaica Rd, Bermondsey, London SE16 4AN- phone number if you need it is 0207 237 4331 and the nearest tube is Bermondsey on the Jubilee Line) and attend the holding troop brief which is conveniently done on the first Wed of the month. Thereafter you will be able to attend Holding Troop on a weekly basis up until selection in the new year. The reason I suggest you go to London is that they run phys sessions every Wed under a qualified PTI (physical training instructor) but Cambridge being a new detachment will probably not be able to do that yet. If you are exhausted after a 2 mile run then you need to focus on your cardio for selection; you have time to do it but you will need to work hard on it and having mates in holding troop will help you to do that. Once you have passed selection there is nothing stopping you then attending at Cambridge det.

Don't procrasinate; go in on Wed.

Rgds,
Von

[sjuggins]

PAGreenwell - Thanks for the advice, I think I'll give it another week or two and then have a go at simulating the PJFT like you suggest.

Von - Thanks for your blunt honesty about procrastination

I've had a look on the map and I could get to Bermondsey from Luton, couple of tube changes etc but no real major drama (unless there's delays on the lines). Unfortunately I can't make it this Wednesday as I'm in Sheffield at a meeting (bloody typical), would that mean I would have to wait until the first Wednesday in November to go to the presentation?

I really appreciate your advice about passing selection at Bermondsey then moving to Cambridge, I think I would prefer to meet and train with the det I would eventually be with from the start. However, if it's not really a possibility to train at Cambridge due to no PTI then I will persevere at the Bermondsey det.

Also, you mentioned about selection being in the new year, do you know when London's selection dates are? Is it very early in the new year (Jan or Feb) or is it later in the year?

Many thanks for all the advice guys, really appreciate it

[Von]

Sjuggins,

Unfortunate that you are not able to make it into London this Wed; I don't know whether they will let you joing Holding Troop without the brief, I suggest you ring them this Wed if you can between 1930 and 2130hrs and ask.

With regards to the dates for selection in RMR London they are 29 Feb-02 Mar for the actual selection weekend with the one before being medicals and the one after being the Induction weekend (where you swear allegiance to the Queen and therefore are officically part of the military and are under military law).

I take your point about it being better to train alongside the guys that you will be going through training with so I would suggest that you go to London originally and then establish from there what if any holding troop Cambridge det are now running and compare that to London's. If Cambridge sounds reasonable then go with that but if not stick with London. If it was me I would go with the London holding troop and then switch post selection as that is how you will be best prepared.

Rgds,
Von

[matthewwookie]

Hi Von,

Is that a definate confirmed date for the selection weekend at London? As I was under the impression it was the end of Jan/beginning of Feb. I got that info from the presentation night back in Sept. Any info would be great.

Also, Sjuggins...you should check that Cambridge isn't doing Holding troop, it won't be as regular as London. But for instance, I'm closest to Henley and their holding troop starts in December and is every other week and then in the month run up its every wednesday. Not ideal but better if you can't get to London.

good luck with the process anyway.

Matt

[Von]

Matt,


I guess it has changed since yr Sep briefing, the lates dates are:

Medicals 22Feb -24 Feb
PRMC 29 Feb - 02 Mar
Induction 07 Mar - 09 Mar.

I am right in this case, but as a general rule if what you get from this site conflicts with what you get told through the official channels then go with the official channel version or double check with them if you think the version you got from them might be out of date.

If in this instance you want to check phone on 0207 237 4331 on a Wed evening and ask to speak to the Induction Office.

Rgds,
Von

[matthewwookie]

Cheers Von,

Regarding the medical, how is that different to the Pre joining medical I have to do? Or is that incase you can't get time off work to do one during the week? Currently I've got my medical booked for 22nd Nov.

Out of interest, what is your connection with London RMR? Do you work there or are you going for RMR yourself?

Cheers for the info.

Matt

[sjuggins]

Hi Matt,

I'm actually attending holding troop at Cambridge now, have been going for the past few weeks. It's good, little relaxed at the moment as it's so new but glad I'm turning up.

From what I've been told/heard Von's spot on with those dates, I heard it was the first weekend in March for selection weekend.

[Von]

Matt,

I suspect that the medical weekend is for those that have not been able to get their medical done before hand therefore you will not need to attend but I suggest you double check with Mne Bolton at the RMR Induction cell (as per usual the best time is 1930-2130 on a Wed evening on 0207 237 4331).

With regards to RMR London I have some connections with it hence why I know some what is going on but not always the full detail.

Rgds,
Von