fitness test- running

mengele

so I have my fitness test at the end of the week. im a bit afraid about the running. im a male so 1.5 miles under 11 minutes 40 seconds. for this would you want to be running flat out the whole time? or what would your average speed need to be

Frosty McSnowballs

Have you practiced the run yet?

It wasn't me!

Map out 1.5 miles and run it. See how fast you are. If you're under the time, grand job. If you're not, eat Weetabix on the day.

pablomakaveli

It wasn't me! wrote: »

Map out 1.5 miles and run it. See how fast you are. If you're under the time, grand job. If you're not, eat Weetabix on the day.

This is the best advice you'll get OP. Just keep timing yourself and try to beat your previous best each time. I've always found i'd run it a bit faster on the day as well as when he pressures on you'll be more determined and push yourself harder.

To be fair 11 mins and 40 secs is a generous amount of time to run a mile and a half.

GERMAN ROCKS

pablomakaveli wrote: »

This is the best advice you'll get OP. Just keep timing yourself and try to beat your previous best each time. I've always found i'd run it a bit faster on the day as well as when he pressures on you'll be more determined and push yourself harder.

To be fair 11 mins and 40 secs is a generous amount of time to run a mile and a half.

is it a flat course to run.will you have any time to warm up or will you be just starting out from cold and going for it.

c-90

GERMAN ROCKS wrote: »

is it a flat course to run.will you have any time to warm up or will you be just starting out from cold and going for it.

Athlone, the curragh and cathal Brugha/ Phoenix park routes are all fairly flat.

A ptl will bring you through a warm up and you will be dispatched in groups.

11:40 seconds isn't a hard time to beat but its not something you could do easily if you haven't prepared. Also with the intake only months away you'd wanna be bursting your balls everyday because you'll suffer big time if your not fit.

Good luck!

cruasder777

mengele wrote: »

so I have my fitness test at the end of the week. im a bit afraid about the running. im a male so 1.5 miles under 11 minutes 40 seconds. for this would you want to be running flat out the whole time? or what would your average speed need to be

Why did you not practice for it ?

Great user name by the way, not.

discus

c-90 wrote: »

Athlone, the curragh and cathal Brugha/ Phoenix park routes are all fairly flat.

A ptl will bring you through a warm up and you will be dispatched in groups.

11:40 seconds isn't a hard time to beat but its not something you could do easily if you haven't prepared. Also with the intake only months away you'd wanna be bursting your balls everyday because you'll suffer big time if your not fit.

Good luck!

Honestly, I would have thought anyone who has any interest in being a soldier would let themselves get into such a state of physical disrepair, that they couldnt pass an 11.40 1.5 mile run easily.

Xios

discus wrote: »

Honestly, I would have thought anyone who has any interest in being a soldier would let themselves get into such a state of physical disrepair, that they couldnt pass an 11.40 1.5 mile run easily.

Depends on how sedentary your life has been up until that point. Going from couch potato to passing that fitness test isn't a quick transformation.

cruasder777

Xios wrote: »

Depends on how sedentary your life has been up until that point. Going from couch potato to passing that fitness test isn't a quick transformation.

11.40 isnt difficult, a young person of the correct weight, running for a month 3 x a week should easily pass it.


Im in my late 40s and can do 10mins.30secs and Im only half fit.

discus

Xios wrote: »

Depends on how sedentary your life has been up until that point. Going from couch potato to passing that fitness test isn't a quick transformation.

But that's exactly my point. Someone who has had a sedentary lifestyle, and then decides that they are gonna become fit enough to be soldiers, are going to be injury cases from day one.

Packoman

Does the time matter once it's below the limit? So if you get under 10 mins do you have a better chance of getting accepted than someone who got 11 mins?

discus

If they say best effort, do it best effort!

SIRREX

I spoke to my neighbour who did the test today, the PTL told him under 11 min was a good time as there was a gale blowing around the route. So they are looking for something more than wheezing across the line on 11 mins 39 sec, but at least they are taking conditions into consideration,

By the way if you have tattoos that show above the collar, or below the mid fore-arm, don't waste a journey they're not interested, and you will have to fill out a Garda Vetting form on the day, as well as being asked questions about previous convictions (even speeding points:eek:)

Axelf0128

Quick question I'm doing the fitness test in rathmines on Monday, I have applied twice and got to the medical stage in 2012 but I was away for a month and never seen the email, bit foolish, so I had to apply again, my question is does it matter wat time you do it as long as you come under the time or can you still be knocked out the competition if your time is let's say 10.50mins ?

2Mad2BeMad

https://www.facebook.com/DefenceForces/posts/10150492385651166

found that regarding tattoos , its 2 years old so I am not sure if their was an update in policy
what does he mean below the wrist? does the mean the mid forarm you where talking about? or does below the wrist mean just below it

Cause I have a tattoo thats about 8cm below my wrist and it stretchs from their too just below my elbow, does this mean I am out before I even started? I thought the rule was once it can't be seen in uniform Mine can't be seen in a Long sleeve shirt or anything so I thought I was ok
Last Thing I want is too stroll up do the tests for them too say no thanks over a tattoo I'd get a it removed if thats the case but it takes far too long too have one removed

Axelf0128

Prob a stupid question as well, but does anyone know if you can listen to music with your headphones while doing the running ?

arybvtcw0eolkf

Axelf0128 wrote: »

Prob a stupid question as well, but does anyone know if you can listen to music with your headphones while doing the running ?

Just don't ask.

And I wouldn't show up with oversized Beats or something like that, use discreet plugs and you'll be grand.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Lads, re the run.. Its a PASS/FAIL and not graded so don't worry if you've just shaded it under the required time compared to another lad who came in two minutes ahead of you ~ you're both graded as a pass and the time won't reflect on you being selected or not.

SIRREX

2Mad2BeMad wrote: »

what does he mean below the wrist? does the mean the mid forarm you where talking about? or does below the wrist mean just below it
It's not below the wrist, the Lad I was talking to said they were shown a point about 2 inches above the wrist bone, and told anything below that was out

I thought the rule was once it can't be seen in uniform Mine can't be seen in a Long sleeve shirt or anything so I thought I was ok
Everyday uniform is not long sleeves

2Mad2BeMad

SIRREX wrote: »

2Mad2BeMad wrote: »

what does he mean below the wrist? does the mean the mid forarm you where talking about? or does below the wrist mean just below it
It's not below the wrist, the Lad I was talking to said they were shown a point about 2 inches above the wrist bone, and told anything below that was out

I thought the rule was once it can't be seen in uniform Mine can't be seen in a Long sleeve shirt or anything so I thought I was ok
Everyday uniform is not long sleeves

Yes everyday uniform being army uniform such as the uniform used by officers when you get promoted things like that
or even when your in full gear the camo uniform is all long sleeved
apart from that when your training surely they don't mind tattoos near the wrist as its training

Heres a pic of my tattoo (well the end of my tattoo) too show how close it is too my wrist
Just want too know if its acceptable or not

sharpy2010

your everyday uiniform in the army (during summer time) is shirt sleeves rolled up to Approx.3 inches above the back of the elbow so chances are your tattoo will show. But dont leave it stop you, show up if they test and say nothing how bad, if they stop you then all you did was waste a morning and managed to find out its not for you. The army is changing so who knows they might allow it, I have heard things lately that if you have it coming in then its ok but if you get it while your in thats a different story but I also heard the direct opposite so who knows.

discus

Just turn up and chance your arm - hiyooooo

But srsly flks, if you want it at all, it's worth a risk, right?

arybvtcw0eolkf

This is all just ball hops (barrack room rumours), tattoo's won't make a damned bit of difference.

andmc

Did the fitness test myself yesterday and I can assure you they sent people away with tattoos which were visibly above the collar-line. That was the only place on the body though.

arybvtcw0eolkf

andmc wrote: »

Did the fitness test myself yesterday and I can assure you they sent people away with tattoos which were visibly above the collar-line. That was the only place on the body though.

Who was sending people away?.

andmc

The captain/general who was managing the induction. They made it clear it was an issue and sent them off

arybvtcw0eolkf

andmc wrote: »

The captain/general who was managing the induction. They made it clear it was an issue and sent them off

I just phoned one of the lads who was tested this morning, and you're right ~ neck tattoo's were an issue.

But he said it was only neck tattoo's which he remembers being an issue.

SIRREX

Anya Jealous Stepparent wrote: »

This is all just ball hops (barrack room rumours), tattoo's won't make a damned bit of difference.

Anya Jealous Stepparent, it makes all the difference and it's not new it's just that they are enforcing it for all now, where it used only be strictly applied to those going for the Officer ranks. I served with a Fitter Cpl who was going for CFR and was told he had a place on the course but his tattoos on his forearms had to go. This was in the days before laser removal, so he had skin grafts to cover them and went on to return to us as our Workshops Officer

2Mad2BeMad

Anya Jealous Stepparent wrote: »

I just phoned one of the lads who was tested this morning, and you're right ~ neck tattoo's were an issue.

But he said it was only neck tattoo's which he remembers being an issue.

well as soon as I get my date for my fitness test I'll let you know how I get on regarding my tattoo
as its quite close to my wrist but not close enough too be visible in a shirt
but see how it goes I suppose

arybvtcw0eolkf

2Mad2BeMad wrote: »

well as soon as I get my date for my fitness test I'll let you know how I get on regarding my tattoo
as its quite close to my wrist but not close enough too be visible in a shirt
but see how it goes I suppose

I asked in work about that this morning and the big issue was neck and hand tattoo's.

A point to note for any lads taking the test, the lads are telling me that a lot of guys are turning up and running tracksuits (including hoodies) and despite advice to get into light clothing they're ignoring that advice and start to shed the clothes on the run.

Take the advice and run in something sensible.

There's a very old saying 'Dress for the second mile'.

Axelf0128

Anyone know where the run is done in McKee barracks ?

arybvtcw0eolkf

Axelf0128 wrote: »

Anyone know where the run is done in McKee barracks ?

Answered.

Axelf0128

Anya Jealous Stepparent wrote: »

Answered.

When I done it in 2010 we had to run it in the pheno is it now in the barracks yea ,

arybvtcw0eolkf

Axelf0128 wrote: »

When I done it in 2010 we had to run it in the pheno is it now in the barracks yea ,

Yes its in barracks now.

Another hint lads if someone is shouting to you to put in more effort, its not a beasting (that happens when you're sworn in ) its lads genuinely shouting encouragement to you, we want you to pass the test

Best of luck again.

Axelf0128

Anya Jealous Stepparent wrote: »

Yes its in barracks now.

Another hint lads if someone is shouting to you to put in more effort, its not a beasting (that happens when you're sworn in ) its lads genuinely shouting encouragement to you, we want you to pass the test

Best of luck again.

Grand thanks can't believe I'm doing this for the third time :eek: first time I got through to the interview second time got to the medical stage but missed the email as I was away for a month so third time lucky

wildfowler94

When I joined, lads were turned away only for neck tattoos, they asked us to role up our sleeves and show our arms! I have tattoos on my wrists and nothing was ever said? It can't be seen in uniform and when I wear a watch on duty its completely covered. Lads I trained with had sleeves in recruit training the only comment I ever heard was nice work?
The defence forces are full of tattoos all ranks and ages so I would worry unless the're on your neck or hands.

As already posted words of encouragement will be shouted, don't be put out by hearing keep f***ing moving or hurry the f**k up its all to see you across the line.

arybvtcw0eolkf

wildfowler94 wrote: »

As already posted words of encouragement will be shouted, don't be put out by hearing keep f***ing moving or hurry the f**k up its all to see you across the line.

It was funny in McKee the other morning, we were watching a group being tested and one lad (a bit of the chubby side) goes trotting past and an old CQ roars "for f*ck lad you're not evening out of breath, f*cking MOVE IT" and nearly frightened the lad to death... Then turns and says "jaysus the poor lad, I hope he makes it" and starts to run after him lol.

It wasn't me!

It's nice to see that encouraging spirit. Will get it in the flesh on tuesday morning now!

Anto....

story if your a light smoker and i mean 20 to 30 fags a week for past 5 years but still managing to be quite fit considering the habit?? would i be able for the 1.5 mile run? age 20

It wasn't me!

Nobody is going to be able to tell you from your smoking habits and the vague description of "quite fit" whether you'll be able to do the run. Only way to know that is to go and do it in practice. If you've not tried and trained for the run and just turn up on the day, then best of luck with it, but I certainly wouldn't be going into a job like the army without being substantially better prepared.

Frosty McSnowballs

Anto.... wrote: »

story if your a light smoker and i mean 20 to 30 fags a week for past 5 years but still managing to be quite fit considering the habit?? would i be able for the 1.5 mile run? age 20

You tell us! Go and try it, we can't answer that.

2Mad2BeMad

Anto.... wrote: »

story if your a light smoker and i mean 20 to 30 fags a week for past 5 years but still managing to be quite fit considering the habit?? would i be able for the 1.5 mile run? age 20

best of luck if you just turn up on the day
I can tell you now if you have not trained and smoked/still smoke well odds are very much against you
I was a heavy smoker and I could barly run 200m never mind a mile and half
If you do plan on just chancing your arm on the day
Try not too smoke at least the week before it as it effects your breathing terribly

EmmaThomas

has anyone been called to do the fitness test for the navy yet? wondering what the course is like?

wildfowler94

EmmaThomas wrote: »

has anyone been called to do the fitness test for the navy yet? wondering what the course is like?

Straight out the main gate by the carpark over the bridge and back again about uphill at start mostly flat though. Good luck I'm sure I'll throw a few shout s your way

EmmaThomas

wildfowler94 wrote: »

Straight out the main gate by the carpark over the bridge and back again about uphill at start mostly flat though. Good luck I'm sure I'll throw a few shout s your way

looking forward to it im from the North West so haven't been in cobh before. I have heard that part of the training is that they make you jump of pier or something from certain distance any truth in that?

Axelf0128

So done my fitness test in McKee at 2 today, wasn't to bad done the jog in under 9mins was tough with the rain and wind was blowing into our faces for most part the run.. Just practice before yea go for it should be ok. Also the lads in the barracks actually want yea to pass so if they shout at yea their trying to motivate you best of luck lads

wildfowler94

EmmaThomas wrote: »

looking forward to it im from the North West so haven't been in cobh before. I have heard that part of the training is that they make you jump of pier or something from certain distance any truth in that?

Where in the north west? Have a look at the navys pics on Facebook it will give you an idea of training!

Wicklowrider

Probably too late to help, but anyone wondering about their ability/speed/fitness on the running should get mapmyrun app on a phone. GPS based and lets you know your pace,distance and any other info you might need.

discus

Axelf0128 wrote: »

So done my fitness test in McKee at 2 today, wasn't to bad done the jog in under 9mins

Go on lad!

Frosty McSnowballs

Axelf0128 wrote: »

So done my fitness test in McKee at 2 today, wasn't to bad done the jog in under 9mins was tough with the rain and wind was blowing into our faces for most part the run.. Just practice before yea go for it should be ok. Also the lads in the barracks actually want yea to pass so if they shout at yea their trying to motivate you best of luck lads

Good job!