NROTC-MO

Bear-

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 27, 2011
Messages
105
Hello,

I'm posting here today to ask about the run time requirement. While I can do 10 pullups and 80 situps in 2 minutes, I'm not built like a cross country runner and I'm not sure I will be running 3 miles in under 18 minutes by senior year. My 3 mile time right now is around 22-23 minutes (6:35 1-mile), and while it will improve, I play varsity hockey in Minnesota and I cannot be skinny because I am short and would get killed. While my pullups will increase by senior year as will my situps, what is the threshold for the run? Would 21 minutes suffice if I have strong academics, volunteer work and extracurriculars? I know you should shoot for maximums but with hockey going year round I'm feeling nervous about the run time. And I am a sophomore.

Thanks,

Bear
 
Hello,

I'm posting here today to ask about the run time requirement. While I can do 10 pullups and 80 situps in 2 minutes, I'm not built like a cross country runner and I'm not sure I will be running 3 miles in under 18 minutes by senior year. My 3 mile time right now is around 22-23 minutes (6:35 1-mile), and while it will improve, I play varsity hockey in Minnesota and I cannot be skinny because I am short and would get killed. While my pullups will increase by senior year as will my situps, what is the threshold for the run? Would 21 minutes suffice if I have strong academics, volunteer work and extracurriculars? I know you should shoot for maximums but with hockey going year round I'm feeling nervous about the run time. And I am a sophomore.

Thanks,

Bear

A 23:00 3 mile run would net you 70 of 100 points for the run. Not great but not bad. 10 pullups net you 50 of 100. And 80 situps net you 80 of 100. That's 200 if my math is right. That's a second class, as opposed to a first class, score. If you were already in a unit you'd be on remedial PT (5 days a week).

The best way to improve your score is to improve your pullups. They are worth 5 points each. So if you max pullups (20) and keep the other scores, you're now at 250 which is a first class score. I would think the upper body strength would help out in hockey as well.

You do need to work on this stuff but you have 2 years to do it, so no worries. You can achieve it.

You can find out more about the Marine PFT scoring along with height and weight standards here:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marines/l/blfitmale.htm

Of course the closer you are to 300 the better, but you don't need 300 to get the scholarship. It's the total package that they look at. Good luck!
 
If you`re a sophomore (like me) then you still have plenty of time. Don`t worry too much...but do work on it. Running has the stigma that it`ll make you very skinny. A lot of guys on my track team are perhaps a little more wiry than some, but they are pretty muscled too. Just run a little each week, and gradually run more and more as time goes on....you`ll get to the point you want to be. :thumb:

I`m on varsity track, so if you have any specific questions about running or anything, shoot me a PM.
 
Thanks to all who replied:

Pullups: I have been constantly getting these up from 2 a year ago to 10 now, and will continue to get them up. Good to know 5 points per pullup.

Run: I'm 5'8' 153, so weight isn't much of an issue, I just brought up the weight because the only kids who can run around an 18 minute 3 mile at my school are the cross country runners who are very skinny. Thanks for the input I will definitely continue to work on it. Good to know a 21 minute 3 mile is acceptable.

Situps: This is an exercise I don't have an issue with. I said 80 because I thought I read in another thread that was the maximum, but I just tested myself and got 92 in 2 minutes.

Thanks again for the quick and helpful responses
 
Concur with everything being said here. Fastest way to gain points in doing pullups. Also, remember to perform all these exercises with very good form, do not cheat in any way, it will only hurt you. When you are tested they will be looking at this very closely. You don't want to have to do 25 pull ups to get 20 counted or have 20 sit ups not counted. Congrats on starting the process early, plenty of time to work on these things. Best of luck!
 
A trick that this site illustrated when DS was going through the process was placing a pull up bar in the doorway of your bedroom.

Everytime you enter or exit set a limit that you must do to exit and re-enter. Increase the amount weekly.

We did this with DS. You will be amazed how many times you enter and exit your room everyday. . He went from 3 to 13 within 8 weeks. He maxxed within months, 18 is max for the AFA.

The bar costs about 20 bucks, it is well worth the investment.

I also agree with NavyHoops, do the form properly. This site is littered with scholarships recipients that don't pass the PFT at college on the 1st shot.

You have the time, you are a sophomore. You have 18 months+ before you submit. Take the time, make sure you have the correct form. You will be fine for the PFA if you do it right.

Exercising to meet the standards is easy. Being competitive academically is a different issue. They call it WHOLE CANDIDATE SCORE is because it is the WHOLE CANDIDATE.

Make sure you have addressed every aspect, Academics, ECs and PFA. Don't wrap yourself up on only one portion.
 
Max the sit-ups. It's less about strength and more about muscle memory to be honest. Get with a partner before you test so you can get used to doing them the right way. Max sit-ups is 100 by the way, not 80.

Something to keep in mind is that not only do you need a 225, you need over a 65% in each event so you need to get to at least three more pull-ups. You've got time.

21:00 is an okay run time for males. Sub 20:00 would be better...most guys in my TBS platoon ran between 18-20:30, with some outliers on either side (the ones on the slow side were mostly priors).

Oh, and max the sit-ups.
 
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