DEP Primeraman- Mentoring Update Thread

[Primeraman]

Roger that, Jeff. Happy Mother's Day everybody! Mike, give your mother my best wishes. Glad to hear she is doing better.

[IEDmagnet]

Thanks... well wishes to your Mother also. She raised a good one. Enjoy your day, Wednesday is shaping up to be an outstanding day for you.

[Kilted Heathen]

Link up @ 0900hrs tomorrow for a graduate level seminar on killing for fun and profit in a downward economy.

[IEDmagnet]

Link up @ 0900hrs tomorrow for a graduate level seminar on killing for fun and profit in a downward economy.

Spoke to him a little while ago at work. He's pumped Brother. Do what you do best....

[Kilted Heathen]

Spoke to him a little while ago at work. He's pumped Brother. Do what you do best....

I'm not just a pretty face...

[Primeraman]

Tomorrow's gonna be great.

[IEDmagnet]

I'm not just a pretty face...

Not to mention your definition of pretty is off by a bit.

[Primeraman]

Reporting back in after linking up with Heathen today. Today was great. I was able to observe a lot, and apply some of the things that Heathen is teaching me. It was great to see him instruct and have a basic knowledge of what he was talking about. It was a lot of information at a fast pace but I loved every minute of it. I finally got to put a face with Heathen's name. Today was a big motivator and gave me even more motivation to reach my objective and the goals I've set for myself. I'll check back in here in a bit, I've got some PT to do.

[Kilted Heathen]

PT is free motherfucker

[IEDmagnet]

Good deal, you already have your deadline for your next PT test.

Continue to LEARN (as opposed to memorizing) everything Kilted has given you, continue to learn the General Orders and Values, given our discussion earlier, I want you to do a little research on jobs within the 18 CMF, get an idea about what is out there. Do not forget you have a wealth of first hand knowledge on that subject lurking this board. No need for a report back when you do this, but I think it will also help in solidifying your long term goal.

I also want you to read the Ranger Creed. Even as a RFS, I remember every word of it... and tried to live it every day. As long as Kilted is good with this assignment, read it, and post what your take on it is. Doesn't have to be a novel. Just your thoughts on what it means.

Feel like your catching a lot of work yet? It pales in comparison to what is coming. I am also preparing you a power point on "call for fire" and some Mortar stuff (opsec friendly) to round out the Infantry MOS. Who knows, you might get lucky and be a Chucker. Expect that on target Sunday/Monday time frame.

Glad to hear your motivation and resolve growing stronger...I'll call you first of next week to check in again.

[Primeraman]

I've already learned the Ranger Creed. It was one of the first things I did once I decided that the Army was my branch of choice and that Ranger was the path I wanted to take. The Ranger Creed, Roger's Rangers, Darby's Rangers, and Point du Hoc were all major deciding factors in my choice. I did an incredible amount of research before making my decision. The Ranger Creed to me means excellence and honor in everything you do. Not just while you are in the Army but in everyday life. No matter what you do, give it all you have. Be a leader and show others around you a higher standard to follow. Never quit, give up, or surrender to anything or anyone. It's about being the best man and soldier you can be and always striving for excellence. The Ranger Creed to me also means kicking ass and completing your objective no matter what the cost, and understanding the importance of your mission. Like I said in my Intro thread I like to use the Creed as a motivator to push myself "Further and Faster" everyday and will continue to do so.

Yes, I'm getting a lot of information thrown my way.....but bring it on. I'll absorb as much as I possibly can. After meeting with Heathen I'm more motivated to learn.

PS that was only a mini-novel. :)

[Kilted Heathen]

You've...already learned the Ranger Creed?

You didn't bother telling me.

You know the deal....don't forget the Ranger in the Sky.

[Primeraman]

Roger that, Sergeant.

[Primeraman]

An update has been requested. For starters, I've just been jogging a 5 mile everyday instead of a 2 or three mile. I can't run the full 5 miles with out stopping here and there for just a couple of paces. I walk for maybe 30 seconds to a minute and then start up again and try to go for as long as I can. I'd say normally around the 2 mile mark is where I really start feeling it. I'm just going to keep pushing on though until I get my time down. As it sits, I'm hovering right around 50 minutes for the 5 miler. The time of day and heat varies my time. My goal is to get it down to 37:30 by Basic, September 4. I've got quite a ways to go, but everyday I can push it a bit further. I know its working

I bought my first pair of boots about two or three weeks ago. I bought a pair of Rothco desert Tactical boots, the ones with the zipper on the side. The boots fit well and are comfortable enough. They are finally starting to not be nearly as stiff as they were upon initial purchase. I've done a 5 mile ruck with no weight, just my camelpak. I'm probably going to try my first 10 mile this weekend. I'm pretty confident that it will go well. I'm sure I will be sore. My feet have adjusted well to wearing boots. No blisters yet. The back of my heals were getting a little sore but it is getting better. I wear them as much as possible. I've been doing some mild construction and yard work with them on.

My push ups are going well, as are the pull ups. Doing a set of 50 push ups still gives me a great burn and gets my breathing and heart up. I've been doing more sets throughout the day as well. Most "workout plans" I've read said to give a day here and there of rest. However, I've been doing at the very least a few sets of 50 a day. It doesn't feel like I'm straining myself too bad. My pull ups have gone done a bit with just 7-10 reps each set. I've been on youtube and have watched some videos on the proper way to do them. I try to pretend as if a Drill Sergeant or RI is standing in front of me so that I can keep my body from swaying when doing them. Obviously, its much more difficult when trying to stay steady the entire time.

Now on to my sit ups and core routine. About three weeks ago I pushed myself a little to hard when doing my workout. I've had sore abs before but I really think I pulled or tore something. For the last few weeks I've only been able to do sets of about 15-20 sit ups without getting a terrible pain in my in my stomach. Its hard to describe the feeling. It's almost like a charlie horse feeling, but I literally can't breathe. This is the first week I've been able to start getting back to sets of 30 or so. I try to space my sets out so that I don't strain myself again. I so some other core workouts as well. Like holding various positions for an extended amount of time, doing leg lifts, and bicycle kicks as well. Any theory as to what I did to my abs or any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

This week I started my swimming routine as well. My parents have your average in ground sized pool. I'm going to actually measure it today to calculate my laps and distance. As it sits, I've just been doing 100 laps breast stroke. I try not to touch or push off the wall. The pool isn't that big so I'm assuming 1 mile is going to be much more than 100 laps. My goal is to be swimming 1 mile every other day. I can feel this working my legs, upper body, and cardio all together. I'm hoping it will improve my run time. I've been doing much less lifting. I still sneak in a few bench presses, curls, and military presses a week though. I just use low weight with a lot of repetitions when I do it. After going to visit Heathen I've noticed that most of the Cadre down there are in excellent shape, but aren't giant body building monsters. I'm trying to keep my size down. Sorry for the novel ladies and gentlemen. Any more advice or constructive criticism is welcome. Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend.

[IEDmagnet]

Sounds good troop, keep it up. Comms inbound tomorrow afternoon.