Boots

[benseventeen]

Right now I'm in the process of getting hired at a Sheriff's office, and so I've been working up to running 3.6 miles without stopping. Right now I can do 1.8 miles without stopping, in about 11 minutes, but I'm still working up to the extra distance. The reason I'm shooting for 3.6 is because the particular agency I'm applying at has a 2 week "boot camp" and I know that they do 5k distance running, every day, I think.

While I'm training I'm running in a t-shirt, shorts, and running shoes. I was wondering if I should wear what I will wear in the boot camp... i.e. boots, cammo type pants, and a t-shirt. Is it harder to run wearing boots? I've never tried it before, and don't even own a pair... any advice?

[Switchback]

Uh... first of all, 5 km = 3.1 miles.


Next, if you are running almost 2 miles in 11 minutes (which is a pretty decent pace), I had a hard time believing that you can't run 5 km without stopping.

I would not let a "2 week boot camp" scare you. Just work on your running. I don't know of many academies that test your run in boots. You may get run in boots, but most fit tests have you in fit gear.

I would worry less about a specific distance than times. Start getting out and running 20 minutes, minimum. Pepper in 30 minutes runs every couple days. Don't look at the distance, rather run out at a pace you can hold and turn around at either 10 or 15 minutes and go back to where you started. You may want to throw in some interval days (i.e., sprint 2-3 telephone poles, jog 1 or sprint the straight-aways on a track and jog the corners).

[MikeG]

The places I am familiar with put out a list of gear you will need, including specific PT gear. Usually boots aren't part of the PT kit. You may run in boots, but probably not for the long physical conditioning runs.

If you have a local police supply store, they sometimes know what gear is going to be needed. Might be a good start if the dept won't give you a gear list ahead of time.

Not a LEO though so YMMV.

[Switchback]

One more thing: If you can find out what boots you are supposed to wear (and assuming you are allowed to bring your own), buy them and break them in now. Nothing crazy, just wear them around a bit (preferably without blousing your jeans into them). LOL

[benseventeen]

Uh... first of all, 5 km = 3.1 miles.

Yeah I know, I just want to be real sure I can do the 5k type distances. Don't just want to run the bare minimum and be surprised later on if we go longer distances.

Next, if you are running almost 2 miles in 11 minutes (which is a pretty decent pace), I had a hard time believing that you can't run 5 km without stopping.

I've been running the 1.8 (a trail around a lake near my house) recently because I was preparing for a 1.5 mile run, which I had to do for a physical abilities test. The problem is that when I'm done running the 1.8 miles I am completely out of breath and my legs are starting to hurt. I know I need to slow the pace probably on the first lap in order to be able to make it 2 laps. I just have to get a feel for it. I think if I can do 3.6 in like 26-28 minutes I will be fine.

I would not let a "2 week boot camp" scare you. Just work on your running. I don't know of many academies that test your run in boots. You may get run in boots, but most fit tests have you in fit gear.

Yeah, I'm not sure what to think of it. They make it out to be a military-style grueling ordeal. Basically the whole 2 weeks the drill instructors are trying to get you to quit, and every time they have one, people quit. So I guess I will just have to ask to make sure what I will be running in. I had assumed the worst and figured it would be in boots, but maybe it's regular running shoes.

I would worry less about a specific distance than times. Start getting out and running 20 minutes, minimum. Pepper in 30 minutes runs every couple days. Don't look at the distance, rather run out at a pace you can hold and turn around at either 10 or 15 minutes and go back to where you started. You may want to throw in some interval days (i.e., sprint 2-3 telephone poles, jog 1 or sprint the straight-aways on a track and jog the corners).

Good advice. I will try to mix it up.

One more thing: If you can find out what boots you are supposed to wear (and assuming you are allowed to bring your own), buy them and break them in now. Nothing crazy, just wear them around a bit (preferably without blousing your jeans into them). LOL

I was thinking about that too... it would suck to get blisters lol

[OldGreg]

Running in boots and BDU pants is indeed a great workout, even if you don't end up wearing that particular uniform during training. Running over varied terrain (hills, rocks, wide stretches, etc.) is great for your core. Unfortunately, blisters are almost entirely unavoidable when breaking in new boots. Have some moleskin handy too. The only positive outcome for blisters (for me, at least) was that my feet got a lot tougher.

As for "boot camp," you'll do fine. Just do what you're told, do it right, do it on time, and don't speak unless you're told to.

[marinepilot]

When I was a Marine Drill Instructor in the early 90's we would hardly EVER run in boots & utes (utilities). And when we did it was basically to get to somewhere like the obstacle or confidence course where we needed to have that uniform on to run the course. A pretty short run on the Depot and at a nice easy pace. Usually the recruits had their warbags with them with their running shoes and socks in there, so after doing the daily seven and running the course a couple times, we would have them change and then take them on a regular run.

Also, just an idea, but if you're having trouble keeping your wind when you run, try running a slightly slower pace where you can talk or sing (if it isn't going to seem to weird to those who are out there with you). This is why we would have the recruits sing songs while running in formation, it really helps extend your wind capacity and breathing technique.

[MikeG]

I was thinking about that too... it would suck to get blisters lol

From football days and new cleats, wearing two pairs of socks cut down the blisters. I've heard it works with boots as well.

[Switchback]

From football days and new cleats, wearing two pairs of socks cut down the blisters. I've heard it works with boots as well.

I've seen it soak up more blood.

Break them in, if you can... moleskin, if you can't.

[JoetheGI]

A lot of good advice.

I would add the importance of understanding heart rate, monitoring the heart rate during training, and establishing a training heart rate to meet your goals.

Do some research on how to establish a training heart rate, and how to monitor it. There are a couple of different techniques, some more accurate than others.

If you are not an experienced runner, and from your post that seems to be the case, you will have a harder time training at an appropriate level, and making improvements, unless you understand how to establish and monitor a target heart rate.

You need to identify an appropriate training heart rate for your age/condition, develop a training plan to meet your target heart rate, and monitor your progress. A good training plan includes both aerobic and anaerobic training, based on the individual, and will help you develop both speed and endurance.

Do a google search for info on training heart rate, and check out some running web sites to get some other ideas about approaches to training.

Lastly, I would highly recommend you make regular cardio exercise a part of your daily life, as opposed to a task to be completed solely for academy graduation. If you keep it up throughout your life, you will avoid many of the health issues of your peers who fail to exercise, and have a much better quality of life.

Good luck.

[retdetsgt]

From football days and new cleats, wearing two pairs of socks cut down the blisters. I've heard it works with boots as well.

It does work. My old DI in basic had us wear our light dress socks under our regular wool ones. Nobody in my platoon got blisters even with all the marching.

[MikeG]

It does work. My old DI in basic had us wear our light dress socks under our regular wool ones. Nobody in my platoon got blisters even with all the marching.

HA!! All those woosies with their fancy "moleskins" can laugh it up now. "Double socks" worked even in the days of wooden boots! You don't want to know how long it took to break in a pair of those.

[Cat_Doc]

Greg told me that wearing pantyhose while running helps a lot. He said something about pushing the blood up to your torso, kind of like pilot's G-suits. You might want to try that.

[retdetsgt]

Greg told me that wearing pantyhose while running helps a lot. He said something about pushing the blood up to your torso, kind of like pilot's G-suits. You might want to try that.

The pantyhose would be a step up from his normal pantless....

[Cat_Doc]

The pantyhose would be a step up from his normal pantless....

And, he wouldn't hurt himself in a mad dash!