Body Weight

[swarm726]

Rangers, I have a question regarding body weight correlating with RASP and staying in a Battalion. I am currently 6'2 and 210 lbs. and average in the 290's for my APFT. Would weighing 200 plus lbs. be an issue concerning ruck marches and having day after day endurance through RASP?

[colt1rgr]

If it did I would have been a dead man, since entire time I was in BN I was 6'1" 220. Those who knew me back in the day know I could roadmarch a camel into the desert floor. AT 45 I can still step it out pretty good. Its what's in your heart, you'll be fine!

[swarm726]

Roger that Ranger colt1rgr, any personal tips for knocking out road marches as a bigger guy?

[colt1rgr]

Yep! Don't "over do it". Train for endurance, long, slow runs coupled with short fast runs in between. Road march once or twice a week at the most. Consistency is the answer. When I first hit RIP and BN it kicked me in the 4th point of contact but I didn't quit, before long I was walking folks into the deck. Condition your feet NOW, it will pay off LATER!

[Ranger Bill]

My perspective is to focus on running distance and only ruck with with weightwhen you have to. Build your strength and endurance without injuring yourself. And then when you have to, you will be able to. But I'm only 60, smoke cigars and drink, and can still max the PT test, so what the hell do I know?

[swarm726]

Roger that Ranger Bill & Ranger colt1rgr, the professional advice is very much appreciated I will capitalize on your tips and keep working my ass off.

[dbmtrman]

Road Marching is nearly all mental. You just have to find your 'happy' place, and don't stop. Although getting blisters on a 27 miler really sucks. So get your feet conditioned, as has been said by previously stated by other posters.

[swarm726]

Ranger dbmtrman, would just doing road marches be enough to condition my feet or are their other ways?

[dbmtrman]

Ranger dbmtrman, would just doing road marches be enough to condition my feet or are their other ways?

Breaking in your boots and changing socks on every break, is a big part of it. Nearly everytime we had a long road march there would be guys whose feet looked like raw meat. Once you get to that point when you have a hot spot, need to be careful, once the blisters start, it can get bad fast. My roommate in Batt was training for Selection and he used to inject his blisters with toughskin. I've been out for a long time, so not sure if they still use that stuff. Of course the boots we were issued back then, sucked. Footwear is much better these days.

[swarm726]

Thanks Ranger dbmtrman, I appreciate it.