Introduction: Woody18

[Woody18]

Roger that, Ranger Disinfertention - I'll add a quarter mile warm-up before my 2 miler next PT Test and see how that affects my feel throughout the run (and time at the end of course). In terms of the sit-ups - it's true, this has always been something I've plainly sucked at. I'll keep working on them though.... plan on adjusting my core work to do less basic PT sit-ups and more core variations (a friend recommended doing so). This may or may not do anything, I guess I'll be able to tell from the PT tests soon enough.

Generally speaking, I've decided to change taking a PT test every 2 weeks to every 3 weeks for the time being (which means my next one will be next Monday). I feel as though 2 weeks has become too short for me to truly measure my progress. If I am mistaken and it is the standard here is that I am conducting one to show for every two weeks, I will change back to doing so.

[Disinfertention]

I won't speak for the standard but the Army mandates one every 6 months. If you are doing nothing but pushups/situps/run/pullups one every two weeks isn't that bad. In OCS we tested the candidates 3 times over 12 weeks. I personally think that is the max amount you'd want to test anyone while training.

Remember the key with the 200-400 meter warm up is to start faster and carry that pace longer. Most people start slow and pick up for the majority of the event... here you start fast, maybe ease or hold from the 3/4 to 1 and 1/4 mile mark, then burn it home for the last 3/4 of a mile.

[Woody18]

Rangers, Here is an updated PT Test from this morning:

3/27/17

Push-ups: 82
Sit-ups: 61
2-Mile Run: 12:23
Pull-ups: 20

Not my best test today - push-ups being down 10 is disappointing. That being said, it's just one test, I'll be sure to make it up.

A good piece though: Ranger Disinfertention, I added an extra 2 minutes or so before running and did your suggestion of a 1/4 mile warmup prior to my run - I certainly felt more relaxed during that first mile. I'll keep this up before my testing runs.

[Disinfertention]

Good deal. Don't be down on yourself when you have variations in your test. There are a lot of factors that go into your performance. Rest and hydration being two big ones. Keep it up.

[Woody18]

Rangers,

It has been one month since my last post so I thought I would publish a quick update. First, I conducted a PT Test today and these were my scores:

Push-ups: 89
Sit-ups: 71
2-Mile Run: 12:04
Pull-ups: 20

The run felt very relaxed - possibly a sign that I went out a little slower than I should have, but I did finish with my fastest time within the past 2 months so that was certainly a positive outcome.

I've begun incorporating rucking into my workout routine. I have a great trail right by my school that stretches for 5 miles out into the woods, giving me a good space/terrain to carry these out.

Outside of PT, I am continuing to read a collection of books specific to special operations history while also reading/looking through the Ranger Handbook over a longer period of time. Additionally, I'm planning to introduce myself to a recruiter and begin that process sometime during May. I'm planning to start talking and getting information before I speak directly to my parents because I want them to understand that this is a serious and thought through decision when I do. As a fact of my upbringing, I've been fortunate to attend a private prep school over the course of high school, so I know that it may not go over well with my parents to begin with, but I also know that this is what I want to do, and I believe/hope they will begin to understand once they realize that that is the case.

[Jim]

Brady, what's new? Never, never quit!

[Woody18]

Ranger Jim,

Quick update from my last post on the 25th... Today I spoke with a coach/teacher of mine about my goals and ambitions following high school. He is a former Marine and someone I strongly trust - I went for advice as to beginning the formal process and also about having a more direct conversation with my parents later this month/early June.

I am fully committed to this path, yet I do want to take it at a good pace, especially when talking with my parents as I know that they will need some time to see the reasoning behind my decision.

In the meantime, I am continuing to train hard, focusing lately on upping my ruck distances/speed. While my PT scores are improving, that doesn’t directly emulate my leg strength and endurance. This has been a weakness that I’ve been working to improve.

Will keep you and all Rangers updated…

[Jim]

Brady, your PT scores are continuing to improve. Have you thought about getting out and rucking? Keep us informed of your progress. Never, never quit!

[Woody18]

Rangers,

Quick update on what I have been doing - I’ve been continuing to train to improve my PT scores in addition to talking with more veterans at my school (teachers) to pick their brains about the Army and the recruiting process that they experienced.

I’m still planning to sit down with my parents and have a direct conversation about my plans when I return home in early June.

Ranger Jim - Yes, I have begun rucking in the past two months or so, slowly increasing my distance and weight. I had a slight setback last week when my foot got infected after one, but I’ve certainly learned my first lesson about taking better care of my feet.

I will post an updated PT Test next week.

[Jim]

Brady, looking forward to your updates. Take the time to heal if you injure yourself, particularly your feet. Never, never quit!

[Woody18]

Rangers,

Here is an updated PT test from this week:

Push-ups: 90
Sit-ups: 72
2-Mile Run: 12:02
Pull-ups: 20

I’m really close to getting that run sub-12 minutes, but there isn’t much improvement from my last PT Test, which I realize is a sign that I have more work to do.

I finished school this week, which will free up more time to continue focusing on PT.

[Jim]

Brady, now that school is over for the year, we look forward to you having an opportunity to improve your PT. Never, never quit!

[rangerjd]

Brady, good to see you putting in the effort to improve, have you memorized the Ranger Creed yet? If not, start now and start living by it. Give everything you've got, every time you give and never, ever quit! RLTW

[Woody18]

Ranger JD, I have not memorized the Ranger Creed, although I have the Ranger Handbook and have begun looking through it. I’ll make sure that memorizing the Ranger Creed becomes a priority.

Rangers,

I want to give a quick update on my training so far this summer in addition to a few other things.

I have spent June really working on my endurance training (specifically with calisthenics), and have also been doing a bunch of wrestling (my school sport) which has a bunch of great cross-training with the type of exercises that will help improve my PT scores. In July, I’m going to begin working more on my run. My 2-mile time is fairly good right now, but I’d love to get it well below 12:00 by end of August when I return to school.

Additionally, I’ve gotten in touch with a retired Ranger who lives a short distance from where I am located. I’m planning to meet with him next week to talk about 75th/RASP, which should be an awesome opportunity to ask specific questions about the process and his experiences/lessons learned while in the Regiment.

[Jim]

Brady, please continue to update us on your progress. Do you have any questions you want to ask? Never, never quit!