| ing a Marine isn’t easy. Basic training is a | | | | and for distance. If you need to start out slow, run |
| grueling experience that will have you exhausted in | | | | for very short distances at first—say, a half |
| no time. If you are thinking about joining the Marines, | | | | mile or mile for the first week or so. Then gradually |
| it’s not a good idea to wait to begin training | | | | increase your distance. The longer you run, the more |
| at boot camp. You need to prepare well ahead of | | | | you will notice that your time on standard distances |
| Basic Training if you’re going to see it | | | | improves. The key is to build up your muscular, |
| through to the end. There is nothing relaxed or easy | | | | cardiovascular, and respiratory endurance. If you can, |
| about Basic Training. | | | | work until you can run a mile in eight minutes or less. |
| When you begin training at home, start slowly. If you | | | | If you smoke, now is the time to quit. You are going |
| try a typical Marine Corp exercise routine you will only | | | | to be running almost every day in Basic Training. |
| end up physically exhausted and mentally defeated. | | | | If you know self defense or have practiced self |
| Set goals and progress steadily over time. Go shorter | | | | defense tactics in the past, brush up on it now. |
| distances, do fewer reps, and use lighter weights to | | | | Martial arts and self defense moves are related to |
| begin with. You should expect to take physical tests | | | | the combat training you will receive as a Marine. No |
| during your training, so it’s important to get a | | | | doubt you will learn something very new and very |
| jump on the game before you arrive. | | | | different, but you will prepare yourself by developing |
| Start your routines early and do it often. Training just | | | | your agility and flexibility. |
| once or twice a week is not going to cut it at basic | | | | Finally, learn to pay attention to the little details. Part |
| training. The better prepared you are ahead of time, | | | | of your Marine Corp training will include very tedious |
| the more likely you are to pass through training | | | | cleaning tasks. You will be expected to be meticulous |
| successfully. If you aren’t used to getting up | | | | about everything from your boots, to your bed, and |
| early, it’s time to set that alarm. In the | | | | your clothes. Everything you have will need to be |
| Marines you won’t have time to dawdle | | | | neat and orderly, so if you’ve got bad habits, |
| around, read the morning paper, and drink a couple | | | | it’s time to change them. When you clean |
| cups of coffee to get you going. Train your body to | | | | your room or your car, be meticulous. Try to keep in |
| wake up early and get moving immediately. Your | | | | mind the expectations of a Marine in everything you |
| body will thank you for it later. | | | | do and deliberately set out to uphold those |
| Run, run, run. You should practice running for time | | | | standards. |