Hey all, my name is Scoe and I just joined the National Guard Active First Program. My MOS is 15Q(Air Traffic Controller) and I will be doing my BT @ Fort Knox, Kentucky. I consider myself to be extremely mentally fit, but I am really, really, really, out of shape. I'm a smoker, been smoking since 13, and I'm 19 now. And I can tell that I'm not going to be able to keep up running. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips or pointers on how much i should run a day, to kind of give me an idea of how much I will be running in BT. I plan to quit smoking on May 1st, and I leave May 20th. Help please!!??!!

don't wait until may 1st to quit smoking...quit now...just start out slow running a mile or 2 a day and build yourself up from there...since your in the national guard you should be going to drill before you leave...just study what they do for pt and you'll be good to go...good luck...keep us posted and let us know how you did when you get back!!!

How about stop smoking today? Start running at least 5 days a week.

I was in the Army for 8 years, then I was a civilian for 7 and re-enlisted. I knew I was out of shape when I re-enlisted so I started running about about 5 times a week. BTW, I put on about 20 pounds when I was a civilian and I was 37 when I re-enlisted.

Here's some tips that helped me:
- Measure out a 2-mile route in your neighborhood with your car odometer (or use a local school 1/4 mile track).
- Stretch your legs out well (10 or so minutes) and run as long as your able. Walk to catch your breath. Run some more. Walk. etc. to cover the whole 2 miles.
- stretch your legs again when you get back
- the next day, run the first leg farther than you did yesterday. walk, run, walk, run.
- each day, determine to run that first leg farther than the day before, even if it's only 1/2 a block/lap.

Two important notes:
- buy a good pair of running shoes
- stretch, stretch, stretch

I don't know how much they run in BASIC since I went through BASIC back in 1991. But you have to be disciplined physically and mentally. That's why I said to stop smoking now. Start that self-discipline today, get a goal in mind of passing your APFT, at least 5 days a week do push-ups, sit-ups, and run.

I've been active duty, national guard, and now reserves. Believe me, there are plenty of people who still struggle to pass their PT test. If you can pass it well while in the national guard, then you'll set yourself apart from the others.

Thanks, I really appreciate both of those replies. I got 1 cigarette left in my pack and I think I'm going to really go ahead and try to quit now. I have my first drill this weekend, the only one I go to before I leave. Appreciate the advice again.

I know that this was posted a few days ago, but I wanted to send you some encouraging words...

1. Just like the others said stop smoking TODAY! Clip the Cig. and only take a few puffs you would be surprised at only smoking a few a day this way.

2. The PT/Running in Basic is no joke...the more you prepare now, the more success you will have, I ran a few miles a day for a solid year before leaving for basic and had no troubles, this is an accomplishment as I had to lose 90 pounds before I could enlist.

3. You will not be able to smoke during Basic and AIT so don't set yourself up for a harder experiencing by going cold turkey then or a few weeks before when you are about to go through the most stress you have probably ever experienced.

Good Luck, God Bless, you will do fine, just know what you will face if you let yourself fail.

1. Quit Smoking
2. Run..ANY run, will improve your run if you are that out of shape.
3. Stretch out before and after exercise!
4. You can also build cardio by running in place, jumping jacks, treadmills and stationary bikes.
5. If you are overweight and drink sugar laden sodas like Mountain Dew and Coke..move to diet versions or water, you will drop 10 pounds in a couple of weeks by doing that alone.

If you can run a mile, if you can run half a mile...or a 1/4 of a mile, do it every other day...the key is to remain consistent. You will be surprised how fast your ability level and endurance will climb.

Lose the cancer sticks!

You don't need to quit smoking. They will take care of that at Basic. Just run, run, run. As stated before, stretch before AND after running. You might want to put in some push ups and sit ups in there as well. Good luck!

Another piece of advice is to get a running buddy. Someone that is in shape, and that can help push and motivate you. You can ask one of the recruiters if they run, or find a local track team. See if they will let you practice with them. Good luck.

quote:

You don't need to quit smoking. They will take care of that at Basic.

You need to quit smoking, though we do a lot of work on you at basic...the lasting changes will need to be made by YOU. There is no switch that I can flip, as your drill sergeant, in your head to get you to quit smoking. I can and will limit your ability to possess tobacco but that will only be for 9 weeks. Many soldiers resume smoking once they leave basic, why? Did the drill sergeant fail them? No, they failed.

If you want to improve running, quitting smoking is essential, your cardio will improve, your lung capacity will improve, your energy will improve and your endurance will improve. There is zero reason to continue to smoke, other than a lack of motivation, desire or discipline.

You know you need to quit...so stop talking about it and do it!

Good Luck