Beast Mileage

TEI

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2011
Messages
11
I keep reading about all the running that the cadets do at beast. Will some former or present cadet please clarify for me, how much (miles per day) running do the cadets do at Beast?
 
You alternate between running and muscular strength PT. On running days usually 3-4mi.
 
You only end up running approx. 4 miles on running workout days. The other days are muscular strength. However, you'll end up doing a lot of marching/walking everywhere.
 
should be more concerned about preventing shin splints and blisters. I doubt things have changed too much since I graduated so not all new cadets are expect to 6 minute mile for 4 miles. You will be pushed and you will improve.

As for shin splints and blisters, getting your body/feet used to running and fitting shoes and boots.
 
are those "barefoot shoes" allowed during Beast, and/or academic year?
 
I doubt vibrams "toe shoes" are allowed. We are not allowed the wear them with the PT uniform in the regular army
 
There was a discussion about these types of shoes around this time last year. I don't remember if they were allowed or not but I do remember current plebes pointed out that that was something that caused you to stand out at Beast, drawing unwanted attention.
 
Under AR 670-1 (Army Regulation) it says that what shoes you wear are based on what your commander says is allowed. My dad said however (1SG in the Army) that most commanders dont allow them because most people dont know how to properly run in them and it causes leg problems.
 
well that's awesome! I have a pair that are hot pink, so I will not even be bringing mine.
 
Even if they were allowed, I would not recommend them for beast.

In theory, yes, barefoot running is healthier and lends itself to more efficient biomechanics. No one really argues that anymore.

However, the reason why you don't see the majority of runners (myself included) using them often is because they are hard to transition into after one has been leading an entire life in traditional running shoes with heel inserts. The sudden lack of support causes the leg to do things that it has not done before, and can easily cause stress fracures and shin splints. An extreme, but parallel example would be taking someone with muscle atrophy and expecting them to bench press their max. Something will give.

Vibrams and shoes marketed similarly (Nike Frees come to mind) can be great, but have to be worked into gradually. Beast, when new cadets are pushed to their limits, is not the time to reverse 17+ years of biomechanical dependence on a heel inserts. Even if you are used to them, as mentioned before, attracting attention probably isn't the greatest idea.
 
I remember reading the conversation about Vibrams last year, before reporting for R-Day at the Prep.

Regardless of whether they are allowed or not, the general feeling is you don't want to stick out. Trust me, no matter how subtle you may think they are, Vibrams will be seen by everyone; you will be judged and/or singled out.
 
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