Prep for Plebe Summer - running

tsparks21

USNA Class of 2020
Joined
Nov 9, 2015
Messages
22
I was wondering if it was worth getting a pair of combat boots to start running in to get used to it before Plebe summer. I know they will give us issued ones we have to wear but getting used to running in boots seems like a good idea. Also are there any suggestions on running shoes (that are actually good rather then just sneakers) or boots to get (if it's beneficial)?
 
Second going to running store. Good running shoes can get pricey, but personally it is worth it. Also ask how many miles you should put on them and track it.
 
You get combat boots issued on I day but you don't run that much in them, unless you ended up in 13 Company delivering the football to Army Navy game! ;)

They will be with you during Seatrial.
 
Second going to running store. Good running shoes can get pricey, but personally it is worth it. Also ask how many miles you should put on them and track it.

tracking is a must. The mapmyrun app (i'm sure others do too) has a mileage tracker for your gear - you can even put in the make and model of the shoe. I am always surprised at how quickly the miles add up. Getting shin splints or joint pain is not the ideal way to track it. ;) I'm an Asics addict.
 
I finally broke down and got a pair of Brooks and Asics a few years ago. Now only buy Asics as they work well for me. I stay in the same model of shoe even and just buy the new version each year. I do track mine and bettering working out, walking the beast, working on the house, etc I put 5-8 miles a day on my sneakers and another .5-2 in my work shoes.
 
My mids #1 request during plebe summer was running shoes. He got shin splints during plebe summer from using running shoes that looked cool but didn't really work for him. Later, found another un-cool brand at the running store in DTA and hasn't had a problem since. Same brand his fashion blind dad has used for years. Apparently, usna is not a fashion show.

Moral of story, take the time now to find a good pair of running shoes that fit regardless of the look. A good running store will take the time to get you into the right pair. Buy a backup pair for plebe summer and have your parents mail it to you at the mid point.
 
My mid is a runner and always has at least 2 pairs of trainers in the rotation. He showed up for Plebe summer with 2 broken in pairs. Mid-store has a decent selection of Brooks, Asics, etc... if you know what works for you and need to replace.
 
IMHO, I would clarify that "local running store" does not mean Footlocker or Dicks. It means a true, dedicated running store. Well worth the nominal extra cost. And if the shoes and your body feel "right" after 25-50 miles, buy a duplicate pair online (cheaper). Shoe life varies with the shoe and runner, but expect 300-400 miles from a top quality make/model running (versus racing) shoe.
 
IMHO, I would clarify that "local running store" does not mean Footlocker or Dicks. It means a true, dedicated running store. Well worth the nominal extra cost. And if the shoes and your body feel "right" after 25-50 miles, buy a duplicate pair online (cheaper). Shoe life varies with the shoe and runner, but expect 300-400 miles from a top quality make/model running (versus racing) shoe.

YES! the "sporting goods" stores do not carry the same quality shoes!!! Call an orthopedist for a recommendation.
 
YES! the "sporting goods" stores do not carry the same quality shoes!!! Call an orthopedist for a recommendation.
Plus they don't have the same knowledge. I don't 'track' my miles on my shoes because I have 4 pairs I rotate (one trail, two of the same traditional running shoe and one that's more lightweight and breathable) all Newton. I do pay attention to the tread on the bottom and if I start to get more aches than normal it's a good indication the shoe needs replaced. Definitely not about fashion, it's about function. Newton's are a VERY popular running shoe with runners/athletes, and also VERY brightly colored. Take some getting used to due to the lugs and the low heel to toe drop. I ran over 1000 miles in 2015.
 
+1 for the local running shoe store. My DS would always buy shoes based on looks. Last year we went to the local store based on his track coaches reccomendation. We started to look around the store and the salesman, the owner, started asking questions on the type of running he did. He measured his foot. Had him walk so he could evaluate his stride. He then went in the back and brought out 3 different pairs of shoes. All three fit better than any running shoe my DS had ever worn. He picked out the best of the three. We will never buy a running shoes anywhere else. When I got home I checked the Internet. We may have paid $5 more than the cheapest place online. It was the best $5 I have ever spent.

If you don't know where that type of running shoe store is, just ask your schools track coach. They will know.
 
I seem to recall that during a briefing over CVW that the total mileage ran over Plebe Summer was 96 miles.

I get there is a lot of time marching and doing athletic activities but do they really run that much?

3-4 miles a day is hardly significant mileage
 
They will run 2-5 miles a day, maybe 6 at the most. But I would say a Plebe can easily double that mileage daily if not more between sports period, running around in Mother B, marching, drill, formations, and all the other fun they have. If they put a mileage tracker daily, I would say a Plebe could easily do 6-10 miles a day on their feet and even more if they do some things like O course or E course, or have some motivated Detailers who want some extra training! Except when in class they spend a signifying among if time on their feet and sometimes they great a break with flutter kicks or push ups.
 
Are they authorized 2 pair of running shoes?

Isn't most of the 'on their feet' time split between running shoes, low quarters and boots.

I know they are active and on their feet, it just seems recommendations for 'extra' pairs of running shoes is overkill

Though nothing is as nice as putting on wet shoes from the previous day's rain
 
I by no means mean to suggest they need two pairs, rotating (like I do) makes them last longer but makes it harder to track mileage. I have a large closet though and space is limited in Mother B. Besides, if they are anything like my DS no matter how good of shape the last pair is once there is a new pair the old ones never see the light of day. One pair should last well through Plebe Summer and beyond.
 
My mid showed up for Iday with 2 pairs. It was not a problem. As an XC runner, he was used to running a lot more than they did over Plebe summer.
 
1 is fine. Just wear them to I Day. They will be in all kinds of shoes all day long. Some days they may have the chance to 'try in' and 'model' them for their Detailers!
 
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