The Army

My whole family has been involved with the military in some way or other for as long as I can remember. I’ve always considered a career in the forces-but it was always kind of viewed as my little sister’s career, not mine. I was the dippy older sister- who loved her music, whereas Lilymay is the tough, fit, athlete who was destined for a life fighting for Queen and Country. But over lockdown, I genuinely began to consider joining up. I obviously wanted to finish uni first, but after that the forces seemed like a viable option for me- especially as I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career.

One day I decided to do some research- and just see what the requirements for entering the army actually were. The first thing I discovered was, I was no where near fit enough.

The army fitness tests include a variety of strength tests, including a Medicine Ball Throw (where you have to throw a 4kg medicine ball at least 2.9m) and the Mid Thigh Pull, where you are required to pull a bar upwards for 5 seconds, then rest and repeat, pulling 46 units or more to reach the lowest soldier entry standard. However, the test that stuck out to me as being unachievable, terrifying and the monster of the three was ‘The Run.’ The title itself scared me. ‘The Run’ just sounds incredibly ominous and intimidating. After recovering from this beast of a heading, I gathered up the strength to read on, and I discovered that ‘The Run’ was a 2km (1.2m) run, after an 800m (0.5m) warm up jog, in between 6 min 30 and 7 min. You have to run the 2km in 11m and 15s to meet the lowest soldier entry standard.

For a runner- this would be a doddle. The average running pace for a 5k for women between aged 16-19 is 12:09 minutes per mile[1]-which is a very steady jog- and ‘The Run’ is considerably shorter than a 5k. You could effectively sprint the whole thing. However, I hated running. I’d attempted it many times before- but just had vivid memories of pain, pain and more pain. But I knew that I needed something to get excited about- something to focus on. Therefore, I set myself the goal of running a mile, slowly, without stopping.

Now before I go any further I must point out that my Mother, Francette, was my personal cheerleader and fitness coach throughout this whole journey. She was the one who ran with me, dealt with my moaning, motivated me day by day- and supported me continuously. Without her, I would not be where I am right now.

Anyway soppiness aside, my mother found us a completely flat one mile stretch near my home and I attempted my challenge. And I did it. First time. I mean it really hurt- I couldn’t breathe at all after, and I felt extremely uncomfortable the whole time (I had a serious aversion to lycra) but, I did it. And eventually I ran 2 miles, then 3- then began to up my pace as well as my distance- and here we are.

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/average-mile-time#men-vs-women