I've been seriously considering joining the Army Reserve as an infantry soldier. I've spoken with a recruiter at a recruiting event and also with the regiment I'm interested in. Both conversations were really encouraging, and they seemed genuinely interested in having me apply.
Here's my concern.
I'm 47 years old, but I'm in good shape. I weigh 245 lbs solid, train in the gym five days a week, can do 50 consecutive push-ups, 10 strict dead-hang chin-ups, and sit-ups aren't an issue. I've also been rucking with a 50 lb pack for over a year and regularly do 5 km or more.
Running is my weakness.
I can comfortably run 1 km, but after that I start struggling. Two kilometres is stop-and-go, and a continuous 5 km is beyond me right now.
I was upfront with the recruiter about this, and they told me not to worry and that my fitness in other areas would serve me well and that my running would improve with training.
The problem is that I'm worried.
I don't want to show up, embarrass myself, or become the guy who's holding everyone else back. At my age, I know I'll have to work harder than most, and I'm completely prepared to do that. I'm not looking for an easy ride, I just want to know if I'm being realistic.
For those of you who have served or are currently serving in the Reserve Infantry:
Here's my concern.
I'm 47 years old, but I'm in good shape. I weigh 245 lbs solid, train in the gym five days a week, can do 50 consecutive push-ups, 10 strict dead-hang chin-ups, and sit-ups aren't an issue. I've also been rucking with a 50 lb pack for over a year and regularly do 5 km or more.
Running is my weakness.
I can comfortably run 1 km, but after that I start struggling. Two kilometres is stop-and-go, and a continuous 5 km is beyond me right now.
I was upfront with the recruiter about this, and they told me not to worry and that my fitness in other areas would serve me well and that my running would improve with training.
The problem is that I'm worried.
I don't want to show up, embarrass myself, or become the guy who's holding everyone else back. At my age, I know I'll have to work harder than most, and I'm completely prepared to do that. I'm not looking for an easy ride, I just want to know if I'm being realistic.
For those of you who have served or are currently serving in the Reserve Infantry:
- Was anyone in a similar position when they joined?
- Is my running likely to improve enough through training if I keep working at it beforehand?
- Am I overthinking this, or should I wait until my running is much stronger before applying?
