Running During Plebe Summer

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cstamm

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I have heard from just about everybody (alums and current midshipmen) that you should run almost everyday to prepare for plebe summer. But I was wondering how much running plebes actually end up doing over the course of the summer. Does anybody know how much running occurs per day and the average pace expected of the plebes?
 
cstamm said:
I have heard from just about everybody (alums and current midshipmen) that you should run almost everyday to prepare for plebe summer. But I was wondering how much running plebes actually end up doing over the course of the summer. Does anybody know how much running occurs per day and the average pace expected of the plebes?
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See https://www.usna.edu/PlebeSummer/_files/documents/2013/2017 Exercise Routine.pdf for USNA's guidance on getting physically prepared for Plebe Summer. It indicates runs up to 4.5 miles at a 7-8-minute per mile pace, interval and sprint training.
 
According to the Plebe Summer videos on Youtube, a plebe will run 103 miles over the course of the summer, which is just over 2 miles per day. I have also heard from current mids that for long runs, plebes are grouped according to their speed.
 
People are just talking about the official pep numbers. Don't forget that as a plebe you will be chopping everywhere in Bancroft hall and running to and from trainning events on the yard.

I found running to be the easy parts, what was more painful was constantly being on your feet and on the go. Along with the speed walking anytime we were not running.
 
Nemo nailed it. You are on your feet and run and march everywhere. PEP is a gradual progression of 2 or so miles and grows to about 5. Running at PEP can vary between intervals, a platoon run, individual run or grouped by speed. Sunday’s are usually an off day of PEP. So throw in a 3-4 mile run, drill in the evening, chopping, marching to classes and then intramurals and you can be in the 8 miles range easily on a given day. Oh throw in a possible swim class that day too (which actually ends up feeling pretty good). It’s a lot of wear and tear and if your body isn’t used to it, can cause shin splits and stress fractures.
 
My advice is simple..the more you train now, the easier Plebe Summer will be. Plebe summer is both physical and mental -- you really cannot prepare or train for the mental aspect, but if you are properly prepared physically, that's one less element to the mental game you have to deal with.
 
As a BGO my Class of 2019 Mid often shares things with me to pass on to my candidates. Time and time again she's told me that for the appointees, the three most important thing that they can do before plebe summer is run, run and run. And when they think they've run enough they should go out for a run. She personally wished she had heeded that advice. Would have made plebe summer a bit less stressful. And now she will be a Detailer for the incoming class of 2022..and how is she getting ready to lead these Plebes? By running. Everyday.
 
You will run just about everywhere you go during Plebe Summer. Make it easy on yourself, and just run everyday. Don't overdo it, though. You don't want to be "that guy" that's on chit for shin splints during the first week. I probably ran an average of 3 miles per day during the months leading up to I-Day. If running becomes easy, it's one less thing you have to be stressed about.
 
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