Intro: Jimming

[IEDmagnet]

Before I catch too much hell, shin splints or no, I was still running mid-12s to low 13s in my teens and 20s till about 28.


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[Jimming]

Roger that, IEDmagnet. I will make an appointment with a professional to have my feet examined in the near future when time permits.

[Jimming]

Rangers,

I learned a lot this last month. At the beginning of May, I spoke with a former Special Forces officer whom I met through a family friend. I had lunch with him, and we walked around town discussing the military and all of the different options that I have, and how I should go about deciding on my future. To keep things very simple, he essentially told me to spend my summer exploring every option, in every branch of the military that interests me. Though I have already done this back in middle school, I still want to follow through with his advice. I doubt that my desire to be a Ranger will change.

He also gave me his personal opinion on how I should spend my first 4 years in the military; Act as though you want to make a career even if you don't want to. Take all of the advancement opportunities you can. Then, if you choose to make a career, you have a ton of open doors. If you choose to leave the military, no harm is done.

I have everything that he mentioned to me written down so that I do not forget it. I have also completely memorized the Ranger Creed. I purchased the Ranger Handbook and have begun to go through it. I will re-read through it over the summer and take notes.

Though I am not going to college, my parents still wanted me to look at some schools. We recently took a trip to South Carolina, and while there, we visited the Citadel Military College. It was a very different type of college; extremely strict rules, barracks, uniforms, drills, etc.. Just like most other military academies. I told my parents long ahead of time that I was still going to enlist. Even with that, they wanted to take me to see the school while we were down south.

I am in touch with my recruiter. He is telling me that I should take the ASVAB in November or October right before I sign. I would like to get the ASVAB out of the way over the summer and am talking to him about that. I will keep you updated on what happens with that.

Lastly, my stress reactions are almost gone. At the beginning of June I will be able to start running again. This time I will be taking it slow from the start so I don't mess my legs up again. I have yet to get an appointment with a specialist to look at my feet. I have a physical this week, so I will ask my doctor who he recommends that I see. I have been biking for the last month and a half, and I look forward to seeing how that effects my running when I start up in June.

PT Test:
Pushups - 95 (2 min)
Situps - 96 (2 min)
Pullups - 19
2 Mile Run - stress reactions, see previous posts

[Jimming]

Rangers,

I failed to inform you that I was having surgery to have my tonsils taken out this month. I had the surgery a week ago, and have been stuck at home since then. Obviously, I am not able to complete a PT test because of the recovery. I am supposed to be better in about 10 days, hopefully less. I spoke with my recruiter a long time ago, and this surgery will not at all interfere with my enlistment.

I will update you once I am well.

[Jimming]

Rangers,
I have not made an update for too long. I have no excuse and am pushing out 50+1.

My parents have decided that it is best to sign with me to enlist. I have been going through the process of getting my records to my recruiter along with my other information, and will hopefully be attending MEPs next week to secure an 11x Opt. 40. I am extremely excited for this. I've been studying for the ASVAB and will be cramming for the test over the next week to try and score well. I'm not concerned about passing the ASVAB at all, but I want to score in the 80s or 90s. My time in the Sea Cadet Corps will get me a promotion to E-2, but nothing else. I will update you about my enlisting as soon as I am through with the process.

I have finally begun my senior year of high school and will graduate in May of 2015. My schedule is very easy, and I have been lucky enough that my schedule allows for me to lift weights for 3 hours a day. My PT scores will hopefully be improving quite rapidly as the school year goes on.

My shins recovered a few months ago and I began running again. I have good shoes and insoles now, and have spoken with a handful of different runners and medical professionals, as well as doing my own research. I found that the main issue that was causing my shin problems was my form. I am now doing fore-foot striking rather than heel striking, which greatly reduces the stress on my shins. I am running every other day so as not to over-work my legs, and I am making gradual process in building up endurance. As time goes on I will be gradually increasing the frequency and distance of my runs.

I will post PT scores in the next few days when I have enough time.

- Jamie

[Jim]

Good progress. Keep us updated on your progress. and never, never quit!

[Jimming]

Rangers,
I have been instructed by my doctor and by other runners to not jump faster paced running. I am running longer distances but at slower paces, and upping the pace too quickly might cause me to get the same injury again. Once I have worked my way up to a faster pace mile, I will post a PT update so as to prevent any further injury.

- Jamie

[Jim]

Rangers,
I have been instructed by my doctor and by other runners to not jump faster paced running. I am running longer distances but at slower paces, and upping the pace too quickly might cause me to get the same injury again. Once I have worked my way up to a faster pace mile, I will post a PT update so as to prevent any further injury.

- Jamie

While you are taking it easy, please memorize the Ranger Creed and begin living your life by it. Never, never quit!

[Jimming]

Roger Ranger Jim.

[Jimming]

Rangers,

Just went to my recruiter to set a date for MEPS and to reserve an 11x opt. 40. He said that there are none currently available, only a 13f opt. 40. I told him I will wait until I get an 11x opt. 40.

He said that he will be contacting the recruiting command and checking computer daily to try and make reservations. I am going to talk around and see if I can find anything. I will let you know what happens.

- Jamie

[Jimming]

Rangers,

I contacted the 75th Ranger Regiment Recruiting and got a quick response. They told me that 200 11x Option 40s are released at the beginning of each month. Lucky for me, October starts in less than a week. I let my recruiter know and will update if/when I reserve my job.

- Jamie

[rangerjd]

Jamie, I've enjoyed reading all of your posts on here and learning a little about you. You sound like a motivated young man with a desire to be a ranger. Don't lose your motivation, keep pressing toward your goal. Listen to what the other ranger have to say, it is all good advice. As far as your shin splint are concerned, try to find a place to swim at least once or twice a week, it does help. Also, I had a medic one time tell my to do flutter kicks with my toes curled upward and my feet pulled unward toward my knees. It tightens and strengthens the muscles in the shin area. Some of the best advice I ever got. Drive on and Never quit. RLTW

[Jimming]

Roger rangerjd, I'll give those exercises a shot. Thank you got the advice. I will not lose sight of my target.

I actually did some research on the anatomy of the lower leg, and spent some time poking around my calves. It appeared as if my soleus muscle was swollen or bruised from running. I called my doctor and he confirmed that this was a common injury and it will heal over time if I run, ice, and take anti-inflammatories. So far my legs are feeling better by the day.

It only took a day, but my recruiter has secured an 11x Option 40 for me and I go to MEPS in a week. I'm extremely excited and will let you all know how it goes.

[Jim]

It only took a day, but my recruiter has secured an 11x Option 40 for me and I go to MEPS in a week. I'm extremely excited and will let you all know how it goes.

Let us know how things work out. Never, never quit!

[Jimming]

Roger Ranger Jim.