1-15 A&S

I'm actually right at 75-76". I definitely don't want to get below 200 but I probably could spare 5 and see how I feel. Thanks for the feedback @Stanimal. I'll check back in after this week's swim and ruck
 
I'm 74". When I DEP'd in I was 215lbs. 6 months later, I was 185lbs. It made a huge difference in my run and started to translate into every other aspect of my physical fitness as well. It also helped not feeling like a lard ass. I don't know how the pipeline I was in compares with A&S, but I thought I'd throw that out there since you guys are about the same size.
 
Gentleman,

I have enjoyed the prep updates and wish you all continued success in your training. I am now digging into my preparations as well and look forward to sharing and comparing training progress with you all as we prep for 1-15.

Current numbers:

PFT: 283 (improving my run time is my biggest goal prior to reporting)
300m swim: mid 8 mins (breaststroke)
Most recent ruck: 4.5 miles in just under 46 minutes

I am feeling pretty confident in the water, but at 210lbs; I sometimes feel a bit heavy on my runs and body weight exercises. What are yalls thoughts on finding the best balance there?

I went to A&S at a solid 210 at 75" and still managed to run a 18:30 PFT run and 8 minute swim, its just a matter of working at it. I noticed implementing track sprints into my running workouts its a good way to maintain weight and improve run times, but it definitely would've been easier on my body to be lighter for my run times. For your swim times just practice, being tall is helpful since you can streamline more effectively, id say you're at a good weight but to make it easier on yourself like @staminal said it would help to shed a few and see how you feel, don't overdo it. A&S is a rigorous course, and you will lose weight, its going to break you down due to the little to no amount of recovery between events (especially phase 2), so you want to go at a weight where you're run and swim time are good, but you're still strong. Expect to lose up to 10 lbs during the course so factor that in when you're looking at a good weight to go at, you know you're body so ask yourself if you're still going to be strong 10 lbs lighter from the weight you're at. Being a bigger guy has its advantages, we can handle to weight more on our bodies which is huge since this is a ruck based selection program, so if I were you I would shed 5lbs at the most and see how you feel. Also don't go to A&S being at the peak of your condition, go just before the peak, that way you're body will be healthy and injury free for A&S, being a stud going to A&S is a good thing but the biggest problem guys have is maintaining their shape. You can be the biggest stud they've ever seen week 1 of phase 1 but if you can't maintain solid performances throughout the course it won't matter, take care of your body, survival and longevity is key so start stretching now and eating right. Having the best times in the beginning of Phase 1 is great, but sometimes it looks better on you if you show improvement as the course goes on, it means your body can handle the tempo they're putting you on which is great since they're looking for guys that can handle high tempo without their bodies suffering too much. To sum it all up being a bigger guy has its benefits, if you feel sluggish then I'd say shed weight, but don't go overboard to where you'll sacrifice your strength.

Cheers!
 
Can you bring your own large Alice or are you only allowed to use A&S issue rucks? Either way, if you bring your own straps and belt (like the Tactical Tailor super straps and super belt) can you use them?
 
Can you bring your own large Alice or are you only allowed to use A&S issue rucks? Either way, if you bring your own straps and belt (like the Tactical Tailor super straps and super belt) can you use them?

I know at A&S only the issued ALICE can be used. No exceptions.

ITC might be different though. The standard answer you are likely to get from the schoolhouse? Don't spend your money on anything fancy, because you'll be issued everything you need. That goes for ruck, fins, etc. However, if it were me and I already owned a Gucci ruck, I'd probably bring it. If they said I couldn't use it, then no worries. I would not go out and buy one though. A good customized ruck will run you anywhere from $300-500 dollars. Not worth it unless you already have one. Check with the ITC folks, but don't be surprised if they give you the standard answer from above.
 
@Stanimal if you're here on the East Coast I'll have to get up with you in person. Tons of motivation coming from you.

For sure. PM me if you have questions, or want advice. However, I will not disclose any information about the selection process. You'll have to go through it blind like everyone else.:-x
 
Thanks for the feedback @DMoney03XX. I hadn't thought about the expectation to drop that kind of weight during the course but that will certainly be something to consider in my prep. Hit a 5.25 mile ruck yesterday in 55 minutes. Felt pretty decent. Might have come out of the gate a little hot as I fell a off my intended 10min/mile pace towards the end.. Hope everyone's training is going well and Happy 239!
 
I know at A&S only the issued ALICE can be used. No exceptions.

ITC might be different though. The standard answer you are likely to get from the schoolhouse? Don't spend your money on anything fancy, because you'll be issued everything you need. That goes for ruck, fins, etc. However, if it were me and I already owned a Gucci ruck, I'd probably bring it. If they said I couldn't use it, then no worries. I would not go out and buy one though. A good customized ruck will run you anywhere from $300-500 dollars. Not worth it unless you already have one. Check with the ITC folks, but don't be surprised if they give you the standard answer from above.

I've been told that at ITC you are allowed to use your own rucks for when you are in the field, but have to use the issued rucks for events such as ruck runs or culminating events.
 
Question. Not prepping for a&s, but just to be in shape for future assignments.

What is the opinion on rucking around in tri colors?

First ruck run ever
3.2 miles: 32 mins
 
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Question. Not prepping for a&s, but just to be in shape for future assignments.

What is the opinion on rucking around in tri colors?

First ruck run ever
3.2 miles: 32 mins

My opinion is: what is the advantage of tri-colors? Are they super light-weight? Do they wick moisture away? Do they just look cool? In a word...no. I remember when they were a basic issue item before digitals came along. Anyways, if you are running around the woods, or tank trails it probably won't matter what you are wearing. However, best to be in a proper uniform, or hiking pants if you are inside the compound or any area highly trafficked by Marines. Why give someone a reason to stop and question you?

That's a decent time, but 3 miles is hardly a test. Granted, it's your first ruck run, so I wouldn't expect you to go for distance right away. The trick will be to maintain that pace as the distance grows. Most guys start out fast and then fade away. For 3 miles, I would be disappointed with anything over 30 minutes. But hey, they say we are our own worst critics. Keep at it.
 
It's not about the coolness or light weight of them. I'm just wanting to use them instead of issued cammies to spare them from getting wrecked.
Anyway my rucking area is the tank trails on courthouse bay. I'm actually about to hit them up now.
 
Glad to see SS back up and running; hope you all have been well. Now for a prep update:

Most recent ruck: 8 miles- 85 minutes. (Will be hitting a 10 mile this weekend and my final, 12 mile just before Christmas)
Swim- Swam a 7:40 300m last week (PR) and have been consistent between there and 8:00 since
Runs- My 3 miles have been pretty consistent around 20 minutes and have yet to see the improvement I would like. To be honest though, I have yet to really make that a true focus so these results were expected.

Otherwise I have just continued to stick with the prep guide with extra focus on getting as many "strict" pullups in each day as I can. I feel like I am on track to be competitive physically and have been reading pretty much anything I can get my hands on for that extra mental motivation. My plan right now is to continue to push myself up until the New Year, ease into A&S from there with a lighter training plan, and hopefully be as healthy and well rested as possible upon check-in.

Would love to see where the rest of you guys are in your prep; I dont know about the rest of you but I am extremely motivated by competition, as well as any feedback or recommended tweeks for the remainder of my training.
 
Prep Update:

Coming into the home stretch now. I got a 12 mile ruck in this weekend in about 2:25. I was relatively pleased with the time but have experienced some significant pain in my feet since. No blisters and my legs feel fine but; I am having a lot of pain just walking around today. Im not really sure what the issue is and am hoping it is an isolated incident that will get better with a couple days of rest but it is definitely concerning this close to my class date. Otherwise, I am feeling physically well prepared and am looking forward to the challenge that A&S is sure to be.
 
Prep Update:

Coming into the home stretch now. I got a 12 mile ruck in this weekend in about 2:25. I was relatively pleased with the time but have experienced some significant pain in my feet since. No blisters and my legs feel fine but; I am having a lot of pain just walking around today. Im not really sure what the issue is and am hoping it is an isolated incident that will get better with a couple days of rest but it is definitely concerning this close to my class date. Otherwise, I am feeling physically well prepared and am looking forward to the challenge that A&S is sure to be.
How much weight are you guys rucking?
 
Im not even in the Marine Corps yet, But ive been rucking, swimming and preparing for recon for a year now. Current ship date is June 22nd. I am on a 30:12 3 Mile ruck, 8:52 250m Breat Stroke swim with full utilities.
 
Im not even in the Marine Corps yet, But ive been rucking, swimming and preparing for recon for a year now. Current ship date is June 22nd. I am on a 30:12 3 Mile ruck, 8:52 250m Breat Stroke swim with full utilities.

I'm not Recon so I'm not "liking" your stats...but I am liking your post - glad you listened to the other guys about post content!
 
I'm not Recon so I'm not "liking" your stats...but I am liking your post - glad you listened to the other guys about post content!
Thank you. Ive learned sir to be more respectful and speak more intelligent when speaking to someone. This website has started straightening me out.
 
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