JUNE '14- DELAY GROUP : VETTING AWAY & PCA VERY SOON

vickmackey

Hi folks
sorry, I know there are a load of threads on here, but personally starting to find it all hard to follow.....and the new list didnt seem to work out...
hope you dont mind me starting a new 1, not just to wish folks all the best, but hoping to get to liaise bit more with ones at same stage too.

PCA in few weeks time (cant give dates obviously- but if in same boat, and were at show&tell few weeks ago, you will know).......how you all feeling about it ??? personally cant wait to just get it done (and of course hopefully pass).....would be good to keep eachother updated as to how things are progressing at our stage maybe??...at the end of the day, those successful (even if not me) could be starting together (eventually!)

col212

Yes good idea for this thread, I'm in the same boat, looking forward to the pca. After seeing the online video of the pca a couple of days ago, I was surprised at how casually the girl could do the lap in just over one minute, doesn't seem there is any need to put everything into the first lap!

Dekkers

In this group too. That's exactly what I thought about the video lol it's like she's just out for a dander.

Really looking forward to it!

vickmackey

thanks folks!! welcome to "our team" !! --
i didnt time that video, but meant to! -- is that all she took 1 min???!!??
funny, a serving officer did say to me not to overdo it in first lap as that is one of the most common mistakes - same some in the tank for last lap! hard to do i'm sure, when the adrenaline is flowing, but general consenus from anyone who has passed, was to pace around it so as not to knock anything down- if you go full pelt, more likely to do something silly and be busted by last lap....
its been very much appreciated getting the advice from those who have already done it...and to be fair, we are in a better position for that advice.
i know there are 3 time slots on the day of my PCA.....I'm afternoon.....what about yourselves?

Dekkers

vickmackey wrote: »

thanks folks!! welcome to "our team" !! --
i didnt time that video, but meant to! -- is that all she took 1 min???!!??
funny, a serving officer did say to me not to overdo it in first lap as that is one of the most common mistakes - same some in the tank for last lap! hard to do i'm sure, when the adrenaline is flowing, but general consenus from anyone who has passed, was to pace around it so as not to knock anything down- if you go full pelt, more likely to do something silly and be busted by last lap....
its been very much appreciated getting the advice from those who have already done it...and to be fair, we are in a better position for that advice.
i know there are 3 time slots on the day of my PCA.....I'm afternoon.....what about yourselves?

At the info session I attended the person there said the woman in the video was doing it 'on pace' at 1min10.

I'll have to have a wee think about strategy as I was just goin to belt around it but it does same that pacing yourself could have its benefits. Decisions decisions...

Am in morning session. Think there are 2 dates.

Mop a top

vickmackey wrote: »

thanks folks!! welcome to "our team" !! --
i didnt time that video, but meant to! -- is that all she took 1 min???!!??
funny, a serving officer did say to me not to overdo it in first lap as that is one of the most common mistakes - same some in the tank for last lap! hard to do i'm sure, when the adrenaline is flowing, but general consenus from anyone who has passed, was to pace around it so as not to knock anything down- if you go full pelt, more likely to do something silly and be busted by last lap....
its been very much appreciated getting the advice from those who have already done it...and to be fair, we are in a better position for that advice.
i know there are 3 time slots on the day of my PCA.....I'm afternoon.....what about yourselves?

I've done my PCA and I have to agree with you. Pace it is better. I did the first lap fast and was exhausted by the 3rd lap plus you have to do the push pull immediately after so make sure you've got some energy left for it. I know there were really fit guys in my session who went in fast but had to repeat 2 or 3 obstacles and either failed or reckoned they only just passed. I did mine clean so I reckon that's how I passed. Good luck chick x

vickmackey

i know Dekkers -- automatic instinct is to belt it out....but if thats what is causing fails, then bit more cautious may be best......but then again, if i fail, i will always think should have gone faster! "damned if you do, damned if you dont"
...unless you pass of course!! :-)
though thats very interesting if she is doing it at the right pace....
yes, defo 2 dates....mine is 2nd date....first one is 4 days before it.....dunno if 3 sessions that day....but my date has early morning /mid morning /early afternoon.

vickmackey

Mop a top wrote: »

I've done my PCA and I have to agree with you. Pace it is better. I did the first lap fast and was exhausted by the 3rd lap plus you have to do the push pull immediately after so make sure you've got some energy left for it. I know there were really fit guys in my session who went in fast but had to repeat 2 or 3 obstacles and either failed or reckoned they only just passed. I did mine clean so I reckon that's how I passed. Good luck chick x

again, great to get advice from someone who has just been through it! cheers:cool: ....did you find the time flew in, or seemed like forever? -- i'm sure it seemed like an eternity waiting to open your letter outside!?

have to say, you have put some very informative and helpful comments on the forum, thankyou.......and you must be very proud (and well deserved!) to be at the stage you are at now-- well done!!!:D

Dekkers

Argh torture! If only they'd let us have 1 timed lap ha that's all you'd need to plan it

Mop a top

Thanks my lovely!!!! Family are worried about me potentially in a "mans world" lmfao I'm pumped and waiting for "the call"

I tried to pace myself going round it. You'll probably laugh at this but pick a catchy tune about 3 mins long. I had tsunami it's about 2.40, gets you pumped too lol. Anyway when you start your first lap start that playing in your head, I love music so it wasn't a problem lol it will give you a good indicator how long you've got left. Plus it's a minute short of the pass time so you know when it finishes in your head how long you've got left.

My only problem was that in our group we were all having a laugh singing eye of the tiger while we were waiting so it kind of threw me off, hence I went hell for leather the first lap then settled for the last 2 with a bit of Tiniest Tempah in my head lol

You need any more advice give me a shout x

vickmackey

thankyou very much!
dunno how the heck you managed to even think of a tune! (know what you mean though regarding using it as timing .. reminds me of an old Bruce Willis film "Hudson Hawk" !!) -- fair play to you!
i'm glad that at least youz had bit of craic before you went in too -- people were so stand offish at my AC and IST.... some lovely ones at the fam-day though, and a lot more chat and interaction, which there should be - at the end of the day, no matter what stage any of us are at, if we get through we could all be serving together, so nice to get to know people.
really appreciate advice, yet again -- best of luck with next stage! are you waiting on medical still Mop-a-Top? or awaiting the "call of the wild"!!??

Mop a top

Definitely tense when you get there but it think it's cos there's light at the end of the tunnel and that lightens the mood, either that or the put all us muppets in together lol!!!

Done my medical a couple weeks ago so waiting on thee call lol!!! Been told it's about 5/6 weeks between intakes so hopefully I'll have some good news for my daddy by Father's Day lol if not I'll continue stating at the phone trying to make it ring for the next 5 weeks

vickmackey

yes, defo 5 weeks between startups.
fantastic, well done!! (very jealous though! )
defo not muppets.....they are all politicians!! ;-)
just think .....phonecall in June....for start 5wks after that.....you'll fairly be able to enjoy July!!!! :-)

sweet chuck

I would definately pace yourself. I gave it everything the whole way and was completely busted on the third lap. I didnt care though as long as I passed.

Mop a top

vickmackey wrote: »

yes, defo 5 weeks between startups.
fantastic, well done!! (very jealous though! )
defo not muppets.....they are all politicians!! ;-)
just think .....phonecall in June....for start 5wks after that.....you'll fairly be able to enjoy July!!!! :-)

Thanks so much you'll get there just don't give up and think positive. I had ones doubting me but I just kept going. I'm a bit stubborn like that lol. Fingers crossed for June. I'll be spending whatever time I have in July with my kids making sure they're having the best start to their summer holidays. Going to miss them but it will benefit them in the long run. More sane mummy, more time with their dad and I get to give them a better lifestyle.

What training are you doing for PCA?

vickmackey

is right, defo all that matters is a pass!! well done, and thankyou for the advice.

Shaved Fish

In the same group myself! As others have said, I do feel better about the PCA having seen the video the PSNI released.

Dekkers

So there's 6 sessions with 18 in each then.

They'll be rightly through the list by the end of that week.

Incidentally, do we think people in 1st session are ahead of those in the last session, or are we all just bunged in together?

vickmackey

Mop a top wrote: »

Thanks so much you'll get there just don't give up and think positive. I had ones doubting me but I just kept going. I'm a bit stubborn like that lol. Fingers crossed for June. I'll be spending whatever time I have in July with my kids making sure they're having the best start to their summer holidays. Going to miss them but it will benefit them in the long run. More sane mummy, more time with their dad and I get to give them a better lifestyle.

What training are you doing for PCA?

good for you!
yes, i'm sure you will miss the kids -- remember you saying you had 3??
i've 1 baby and it'll kill me being away from her (and my lovely wife!), but as you say, its all to provide a better life for the family!!:)

currently training 5 mornings a week - 4 intense circuits and 1 general stuff with loads of stretching -- so cant really do much more
i've always trained at something, so not that daunted by it as such, more just want to get at it!!

Mop a top

vickmackey wrote: »

good for you!
yes, i'm sure you will miss the kids -- remember you saying you had 3??
i've 1 baby and it'll kill me being away from her (and my lovely wife!), but as you say, its all to provide a better life for the family!!:)

currently training 5 mornings a week - 4 intense circuits and 1 general stuff with loads of stretching -- so cant really do much more
i've always trained at something, so not that daunted by it as such, more just want to get at it!!

Yeah single mum of 3 lol!! Need my head examined but really looking forward to it.

You should be grand then! Just watch the steps up and down. There's a pole across the top, you literally use every muscle with the push pull.

vickmackey

Dekkers wrote: »

So there's 6 sessions with 18 in each then.

They'll be rightly through the list by the end of that week.

Incidentally, do we think people in 1st session are ahead of those in the last session, or are we all just bunged in together?

good question! wonder if they are doing them with highers grades on first date....so then potentially first for medicals, then calls......or maybe i am overthinking it?

vickmackey

Mop a top wrote: »

Yeah single mum of 3 lol!! Need my head examined but really looking forward to it.

You should be grand then! Just watch the steps up and down. There's a pole across the top, you literally use every muscle with the push pull.

really you are looking to get in there for a break!!??
i'm a shortass, so not much will my head:eek:
and i'm 14 stone, so hopefully my fat ass will help!:o

Dekkers

vickmackey wrote: »

good question! wonder if they are doing them with highers grades on first date....so then potentially first for medicals, then calls......or maybe i am overthinking it?

I dunno! I know there's a mix of 66 and 67 and possibly the odd higher score so you'd imagine there must be some sort of correlation.

sweet chuck

Shaved Fish wrote: »

In the same group myself! As others have said, I do feel better about the PCA having seen the video the PSNI released.

Its tougher than the video makes out, trust me.

gvillehopeful

Hey just got my forms today. Guess I should expect another bit of a wait until PCA and Medical? Also do those dates come via email or post. And lastly, can I get a haircut been too worried of getting it cut in case the dates came very quick and was under 3cm lol

vickmackey

gvillehopeful wrote: »

Hey just got my forms today. Guess I should expect another bit of a wait until PCA and Medical? Also do those dates come via email or post. And lastly, can I get a haircut been too worried of getting it cut in case the dates came very quick and was under 3cm lol

you should get PCA date in post in next couple of days - though the date will be about 6 weeks away (going by how ours worked)
I've a skinhead (well, ok, i'm baldy!;)), so if i get to medical, they can shave anywhere else they need!!
good luck

gvillehopeful

vickmackey wrote: »

you should get PCA date in post in next couple of days - though the date will be about 6 weeks away (going by how ours worked)
I've a skinhead (well, ok, i'm baldy!;)), so if i get to medical, they can shave anywhere else they need!!
good luck

Cheers. I think I might prefer losing the body hair, scalp is thinning as it is, hopefully after this I'll have a career with a hat to cover it up!

monty46

What scores did you's guys get in ac?? Just wondering as i havent been hone today and dont fancy getting my hopes up for nothing

LG1985

Got my vettin forms this mornin aswel

Kitkat5

How's everyone feeling who has their pca soon? I'm gyming it lots since familiarisation, but hoping I haven't left it too late for the strength for push/pull!

vickmackey

Kitkat5 wrote: »

How's everyone feeling who has their pca soon? I'm gyming it lots since familiarisation, but hoping I haven't left it too late for the strength for push/pull!

just want to get at it!!! the waiting is nightmare!
going on what the young ladies on the show&tell day said, the main thing is to make sure you use your whole body, not just your arms. and not to focus on speed/trying to do it too fast, more better to have more power at slower rate, as its the force thats measured, not the amount of times it moves...hard to get a machine to mimic it tho at the gym.
do you mind saying- are you the 1st or 2nd day of pca? and early / mid/ later time slot (we obviously arent giving specific details on this)

Kitkat5

vickmackey wrote: »

just want to get at it!!! the waiting is nightmare!
going on what the young ladies on the show&tell day said, the main thing is to make sure you use your whole body, not just your arms. and not to focus on speed/trying to do it too fast, more better to have more power at slower rate, as its the force thats measured, not the amount of times it moves...hard to get a machine to mimic it tho at the gym.
do you mind saying- are you the 1st or 2nd day of pca? and early / mid/ later time slot (we obviously arent giving specific details on this)

First day, middle ...

I'm looking forward to it too! Just really hope it goes my way. I wish the machine was a wall and then I could really push my body into it, I'm not sure I'll be able to get the technic right.

Mop a top

Kitkat5 wrote: »

First day, middle ...

I'm looking forward to it too! Just really hope it goes my way. I wish the machine was a wall and then I could really push my body into it, I'm not sure I'll be able to get the technic right.

Not sure if you know but you get invited to a PCA familiarisation day. You can complete all the obstacles individually as much as you like and have a go at the push pull. They'll tell you if you're doing enough and the girls give you good advice and a demo on how to do it.

vickmackey

Kitkat5 wrote: »

First day, middle ...

I'm looking forward to it too! Just really hope it goes my way. I wish the machine was a wall and then I could really push my body into it, I'm not sure I'll be able to get the technic right.

the only things in the gym that will help build strength in that muscle area are press-up types / bench press / seated chest press movements for the forward action, and seated / standing rows for backward pulling motion... if you try to build your strength in them (you still have time) and then do each exercise for 30 secs as heavy and hard as you can -- the time limit is 20 secs, so if you really practice for 30 secs, the 20 will not seem as bad when you are wrecked after circuit -- even practice jogs/sprints and then straight on to pressups & standing rows....
hope that is of help
oh, and good luck!!

vickmackey

Mop a top wrote: »

Not sure if you know but you get invited to a PCA familiarisation day. You can complete all the obstacles individually as much as you like and have a go at the push pull. They'll tell you if you're doing enough and the girls give you good advice and a demo on how to do it.

the staff were very helpful:)

pcplod

Just make sure yous all bring copious amounts of water!!!

Mop a top

pcplod wrote: »

Just make sure yous all bring copious amounts of water!!!

Definitely!!!! The air in the gym was so dry we were all coughing our lungs up by the end of it

vickmackey

Mop a top wrote: »

Definitely!!!! The air in the gym was so dry we were all coughing our lungs up by the end of it

funny, everyone has mentioned tha air in the hall -- they must put the heating up for the day of the test!! :eek:
thanks folks....i'll defo have to wear a nappy as i'll already be wetting myself!:o

pcplod

Mop a top wrote: »

Definitely!!!! The air in the gym was so dry we were all coughing our lungs up by the end of it

i think i was the worst off in my session, i hobbled out of the hall and uttered the words "f*****g hell" lol

Mop a top

pcplod wrote: »

i think i was the worst off in my session, i hobbled out of the hall and uttered the words "f*****g hell" lol

First girl in at ours was supposed to go to her granddad funeral afterwards but broke her ankle on the drop down from the wall. Had a couple throw up too. Positive mindset helps, I wasn't too positive before and after but on the way round I was then the doubt sets in when you're trying to read their faces lol

pcplod

Mop a top wrote: »

First girl in at ours was supposed to go to her granddad funeral afterwards but broke her ankle on the drop down from the wall. Had a couple throw up too. Positive mindset helps, I wasn't too positive before and after but on the way round I was then the doubt sets in when you're trying to read their faces lol

oh aye that was the same session as me, i forgot about that girl!!!!!! Ok maybe i wasn't the worst off.......

Mop a top

pcplod wrote: »

oh aye that was the same session as me, i forgot about that girl!!!!!! Ok maybe i wasn't the worst off.......

Poor girl. Felt so sorry for her. Found out at the medical that she definitely broke it. They'd offered her another date at the end of April but she wouldn't have been able to do it then. Wonder if they'll let her pick up where she finished off at in this new 2014 campaign?

vickmackey

Mop a top wrote: »

First girl in at ours was supposed to go to her granddad funeral afterwards but broke her ankle on the drop down from the wall. Had a couple throw up too. Positive mindset helps, I wasn't too positive before and after but on the way round I was then the doubt sets in when you're trying to read their faces lol

ok, never mind wetting myself......think i've just soiled myself!!:eek::o

Mop a top

vickmackey wrote: »

ok, never mind wetting myself......think i've just soiled myself!!:eek::o

Lmfao!!!!! You can imagine how the rest of us felt lol

LG1985

I think im gonna boke after readin that!!!

Mop a top

Lol not that bad my lovely. Positive thoughts and preparation

LG1985

So everyone keeps tellin me

Kitkat5

vickmackey wrote: »

the only things in the gym that will help build strength in that muscle area are press-up types / bench press / seated chest press movements for the forward action, and seated / standing rows for backward pulling motion... if you try to build your strength in them (you still have time) and then do each exercise for 30 secs as heavy and hard as you can -- the time limit is 20 secs, so if you really practice for 30 secs, the 20 will not seem as bad when you are wrecked after circuit -- even practice jogs/sprints and then straight on to pressups & standing rows....
hope that is of help
oh, and good luck!!

Thanks! that is helpful and reassures me abit because I've been doing a machine that works you chest by pushing arms in and back, one where you pull back and one for shoulders where you pull down, not sure what they all are but I can manage 25- 30 kgs in them so hopefully that will be enough!!! Although I have to bench press the bar at the gym with no weight on it, cause the bars so heavy! Hurts so much the next day, but it's good work out pain!

vickmackey

Kitkat5 wrote: »

Thanks! that is helpful and reassures me abit because I've been doing a machine that works you chest by pushing arms in and back, one where you pull back and one for shoulders where you pull down, not sure what they all are but I can manage 25- 30 kgs in them so hopefully that will be enough!!! Although I have to bench press the bar at the gym with no weight on it, cause the bars so heavy! Hurts so much the next day, but it's good work out pain!

If it's an Olympic bar, then it's 20kg alone! So you sound like you're doing great! And remember you'll have your bodyweight and momentum and adrenaline on the day!!

Choobs

Kitkat5 wrote: »

Thanks! that is helpful and reassures me abit because I've been doing a machine that works you chest by pushing arms in and back, one where you pull back and one for shoulders where you pull down, not sure what they all are but I can manage 25- 30 kgs in them so hopefully that will be enough!!! Although I have to bench press the bar at the gym with no weight on it, cause the bars so heavy! Hurts so much the next day, but it's good work out pain!

General barbell/compound movements are what you want. A general strength program involving the big three (bench, squat, deadlift) with a barbell row and an overhead press would be good. To get more advanced than that I'd actually say a relatively close approximation for building total pushing strength is the barbell push press. Pulling would be approximated by deadlifts and perhaps a pendlay row, but get general strength training with free weights rather than on the machines so you can get your whole body involved

Mop a top

Kitkat5 wrote: »

Thanks! that is helpful and reassures me abit because I've been doing a machine that works you chest by pushing arms in and back, one where you pull back and one for shoulders where you pull down, not sure what they all are but I can manage 25- 30 kgs in them so hopefully that will be enough!!! Although I have to bench press the bar at the gym with no weight on it, cause the bars so heavy! Hurts so much the next day, but it's good work out pain!

Chick I haven't been gyming it. I'm just out running a couple of times a week. Horse riding twice a week and kick boxing. You should be grand