Marine Corps PFT Training/Fall Sports

tpaine7

tpaine7

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Apr 6, 2020
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Many of y’all have seen me on here before, rising senior, applied for the NROTC MO scholarship, etc.

What I found out regarding my states fall sports plan is a bit unsettling. I’m on the varsity football squad, but learned that the season has been suspended indefinitely with all other sports pushed back 1 month. Now I know the season is not officially canceled, but I feel that is what’s going to happen. What I came here to ask is how much would XCountry help improve my run times on PFTs. Clearly constant running will impact my scores, although if that’s the case I could continue run on my own. I also feel the scholarship selection board would rather see me do another sport in place of football (if again, it were to be canceled). The only real reasons to participate in this sport is to get closer to 18m on the 3 miler, be in outstanding shape for NROTC, and another way of feeling pushed. Any thoughts?
 
tpaine7 said:
What I came here to ask is how much would XCountry help improve my run times on PFTs.
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I never ran cross country so I can't say for sure but...

I like the idea of joining cross country in place of football to improve your run times if football is cancelled. It would be a nice point to make during your interview. Gaining speed is probably a function of distance, speed, and heart. In other words, just putting on more miles isn't going to do it. You need to push yourself with interval training and learn to push past pain. More miles, competition, daily practice should help your time if you push yourself.

For what it is worth, DS's observation from a few years ago was that more and more NROTC MO scholarship winners were showing up on campus with cross-country experience and much faster run times than his cohort reported in with.

Me? Not a big fan of running - I did enough to get by and maintain high PFT scores. But please note that each pull up gives you more points than a faster run time. Make sure you max pull ups and sit ups - then focus on your run speed.
 
Yes. Do it. It's safe. It will unquestionably improve your run time. (the sport is literally a 3.1 mile run for time). You might lose a few pounds which will help with pull-ups. Shows you adapt. Show you know how to be a suffer monkey. And if you haven't you'll learn how to stay healthy doing 8m a day and dial in your gofaster's of choice
 
My DS does CC mainly to stay in shape. His times are not competitive, but it keeps him fit. The CC team has been practicing all summer. His love is orienteering and CC keeps him in shape for that.
 
All excellent comments!

I would add that making endurance training part of your normal workout routine is absolutely critical. Would be interested to hear the perspective of O-1 and O-2 Marine infantry officers.

My DS's experience in SFAS was that he needed all of the cardio capacity and strength, but excess bulk was detriment.

Best of luck!
 
@cb7893 - you have it right. While my experience is very dated, I am quite confident in saying that endurance trumps speed in most infantry matters. Anyone who has seen how much gear we burden our Infantry with will know that endurance is a critical component of performance.

The PFT is an easily administered, quick, and simple process to measure some level of fitness. The CFT is now used for more functional strength and fitness. The Endurance test in TBS and IOC are much more likely to indicate one's ability to function under stress, duress, load, fatigue, etc.

Many Infantry Officers are great runners. Some are not. But all can carry a full load all day, every day. They can function without sleep, food, or rest for long periods of time in the field - no matter the weather or conditions.

All are not rabbits and few are the tortoise. They are more like the Energizer Bunny who keeps going and going.
 
Torero_dad said:
Yes. Do it. It's safe. It will unquestionably improve your run time. (the sport is literally a 3.1 mile run for time). You might lose a few pounds which will help with pull-ups. Shows you adapt. Show you know how to be a suffer monkey. And if you haven't you'll learn how to stay healthy doing 8m a day and dial in your gofaster's of choice
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Pull ups are no worry, 27-28 is where I start to die off. Any recommendations on gofasters (brand wise)?
 
USMCGrunt said:
I never ran cross country so I can't say for sure but...

I like the idea of joining cross country in place of football to improve your run times if football is cancelled. It would be a nice point to make during your interview. Gaining speed is probably a function of distance, speed, and heart. In other words, just putting on more miles isn't going to do it. You need to push yourself with interval training and learn to push past pain. More miles, competition, daily practice should help your time if you push yourself.

For what it is worth, DS's observation from a few years ago was that more and more NROTC MO scholarship winners were showing up on campus with cross-country experience and much faster run times than his cohort reported in with.

Me? Not a big fan of running - I did enough to get by and maintain high PFT scores. But please note that each pull up gives you more points than a faster run time. Make sure you max pull ups and sit ups - then focus on your run speed.
Click to expand...

Pulls ups and crunches are no problem, my ability to hold a fast pace is what’s challenging, CC would definitely help with that. Thanks for your comment.
 
@tpaine7 -What was your PFT score? (I think I remember you posting you took it) Sounds like you are maxing out the pullups. How are your crunches? Not sure where you live, but run early in the am before the heat sets in and try and get your PFT scheduled for early or wait closer to the NOV board. Good luck and good job on your perseverance!
 
I've paid for a lot of shoes for two HS/College runners ( about 24k miles over 5 years think 500-1000 miles per pair) over five years and I recommend you get your first pair from the local running store, not a big box store. They will take a minute to assess your feet and gait and provide options. You probably won't get the absolute lowest price, but those shops will offer a generous no-fault exchange/return policy and that lets you dial in the right show. Then you are autopilot to replace when worn.

Best pair/brand is the one you like and doesn't create problems for feet or knees. NOT the most expensive.

I recommend everyone buy local when they can. But if you can't/ there is no local the there various online shops. I frequent the one named after Wyl W Coyote's enemy the r#$$%^nner

In other news... you are an animal. Your PFT is gonna smoke... Start putting the three together and in order as its a whole different beast to do them in series.
 
And it is worth repeating: the PFT is a not a golden ticket. It is part of an entire package that includes grades, test scores, recommendations, extracurriculars, an application with essays, and an interview. In my humble opinion, ALL are important.
 
EEBTTF said:
@tpaine7 -What was your PFT score? (I think I remember you posting you took it) Sounds like you are maxing out the pullups. How are your crunches? Not sure where you live, but run early in the am before the heat sets in and try and get your PFT scheduled for early or wait closer to the NOV board. Good luck and good job on your perseverance!
Click to expand...

I haven’t ran it yet, I have ran practice tests but no official. I’m planning to run it soon. My recruiter said whenever they hold their PFT in Portland (Oregon). I’m just getting all my paperwork gathered up and getting ready to send it to the board. I’m currently in Texas and running down here sucks, but what can you do. Thank you!
 
Torero_dad said:
I've paid for a lot of shoes for two HS/College runners ( about 24k miles over 5 years think 500-1000 miles per pair) over five years and I recommend you get your first pair from the local running store, not a big box store. They will take a minute to assess your feet and gait and provide options. You probably won't get the absolute lowest price, but those shops will offer a generous no-fault exchange/return policy and that lets you dial in the right show. Then you are autopilot to replace when worn.

Best pair/brand is the one you like and doesn't create problems for feet or knees. NOT the most expensive.

I recommend everyone buy local when they can. But if you can't/ there is no local the there various online shops. I frequent the one named after Wyl W Coyote's enemy the r#$$%^nner

In other news... you are an animal. Your PFT is gonna smoke... Start putting the three together and in order as its a whole different beast to do them in series.
Click to expand...

I’ll talk to my dad and figure out what he wore to OCS. We have an local shoe store for running shoes here. My mom is also a distance runner so I’ll get a good pick. Thanks again sir.
 
USMCGrunt said:
And it is worth repeating: the PFT is a not a golden ticket. It is part of an entire package that includes grades, test scores, recommendations, extracurriculars, an application with essays, and an interview. In my humble opinion, ALL are important.
Click to expand...

I definitely agree. My essays are very good (of course, that’s coming from me). I’m just focusing to get a killer PFT score as of right now because most everything is completed.
 
I had a similar situation my senior year. Never played any sports in highschool but wanted to become a Marine Officer. Joined the XC team senior year and shaved off 4 minutes on my 3 mile time. I was awarded the four year scholarship.

Joining the xc team is a solid option but you can easily google search “5k training plans” and work out on your own time. Stay consistent with it and you will improve.

XC will improve your run time no doubt but you cannot neglect other forms of training. CFT and PFT require different forms of fitness. Make sure to maintain a well rounded training regiment.
 
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