preparing, IL Power Test

[Ron6103]

Heya Folks,

I registered awhile ago, but had yet to post. I'm from the suburbs of Chicago, and will begin testing with various departments over the next year or so as I finish up college. I was hoping I could get some advice on preparing for the POWER test, and the academy in general.

I'm about 5'8/5'9 or so, and about 160-165 lbs. So I think I'm fairly OK there, and can easily take care of the sit ups, sit and reach, and bench press. The running however is a bit on an issue, as I haven't done much due to a very busy college schedule. I went out to the track today and did a mile in 9:30, but by the way my legs and body in general were feeling, the chances of me making the 1.5 miles in the required 13:46 would have been about nil. I didn't feel like I could jog another lap after the first 4 (of 6 for 1.5 mi) and had to walk the rest.

Any advice? Thanks!!

[RemyG]

start small, and build up gradually. Does your college have a gym? Mine does, and it's free, at least, after you pay tuition. A good way is biking, which helps strengthen your legs, and a little of cardio. You can even bring notes or books to read for classes and read it while biking. Also, i'd advise running on a track, not on a treadmill.

Remember, start slow, and build up

[qpd158]

This are a few things I did to prepare for the test. I would get on a treadmill, run a lap at a sprint pace, slow to a jog, get my wind back and then sprint again. Also find someone else you can run with, talk while running at a relaxed pace. Don't worry about the time until a few weeks before the test. Set a goal of 2 or 3 miles, get to that in as soon as possible then check your times. For me the sprinting option was what helped most.

good luck

[RangeHunter]

IL test is very easy compared to other states. Make sure you check each place you apply tho. My department does not do the state course, we do a physical agility course, and then once you go to the academy they will make you pass the state course. As far as the running, just start small. You have plenty of time to get your 1.5 down in the 13's, or wherever you need to be. Easy way to do it is run for about a minute, then walk for a minute, move up to two minutes each and so on.

[hutchins]

Here is the advice from the greatest department in the state.
http://www.illinoistrooper.com/pfit.htm

[RangeHunter]

Oh no, not another troop fan.:eek: :D

[hutchins]

:D You got it, buddy! Troopers all the way.

[CPDlife4ME]

Oh no, not another troop fan.

You can't blame him, he's a country boy LOL

muni PDs all the way! :D

[hutchins]

You can't blame him, he's a country boy LOL

muni PDs all the way!

Country?! Country!? :confused: I'll have you know that the Quad Cities is an up and coming group of cities! LOL. Just kidding, everyone thinks we're big city people but we are not. But seriously, ISP is the best. :D

[CPDlife4ME]

Country?! Country!? I'll have you know that the Quad Cities is an up and coming group of cities! LOL. Just kidding, everyone thinks we're big city people but we are not.

Us crazy city folk think of everyone in Illinois outside of Chicagoland as country folk:D

[RangeHunter]

IM actually country folk. Born and raised on a farm in Minnesota but moved to the city for all of the "action".

[hutchins]

Ah yes, the sovereign State of Chicago.:rolleyes: