Forward Movement Magazine SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | Page 25

be physically demanding? Absolutely. Especially when your body isn’t used to that kind of activity or additional stress such as 5-12 mile long marches carrying a 25-35 lb. ruck sack, experiencing food and sleep deprivation (not near as bad as what special forces or rangers endure); however, I went into basic training pretty prepared and that helped me out greatly. Before going in I ran everyday, slowly increasing my distance and trained with lots of push ups and core work. I’d even throw a 25 lb. plate in a backpack and walk on the treadmill set on an incline. Preparing yourself in advance is really going to help you succeed. I remember thinking that I wasn’t going to be good enough and that I’d have a difficult time; I ended up achieving th