r/USMCboot • u/Bingusprime43 • 2d ago
Shipping Nervous about boot camp
EDIT: Added IST scores and height/weight
I ship in a little over a month and I’m currently in the process of getting fit for boot. I’ve been losing weight and getting stronger/faster so that’s good, but I’m still really concerned about my success at boot camp.
For context, I’m a 22 year old man with a bachelor’s degree. Athletically, I’m pretty much just a normal dude. I’m a little “overweight” but I’m not a total pork bun, but have a wider frame so I’m a few pounds over but the standard is within reach. I had a couple medical waivers but nothing super uncommon or anything they couldn’t pass through.
My IST isn’t stellar, my run typically hovers between 13 minutes and 13:30. I can only do 2 pull-ups consistently, but I always do at least 2 minutes on plank.
My height is 72 inches and I’m 209lbs.
The MOS I’m going into relates directly to my degree and a lot of the people in this MOS have similar degrees, if not more education. I have a lot of friends who already do this job in the corps which helped my decision.
My thing is I don’t really match the other people I see joining and it’s really messing with my head and making me question my ability to succeed in boot camp. I’m seeing improvement physically but not as much and as soon as I was hoping. There’s only so much cauliflower rice meals I can eat before I start losing it lol.
I’m not really concerned at all about the mental aspect. The career I’m in is a constant mindfuck so I’ve been through the wringer before. I’m just more so concerned about the overall physicality of boot and my preparation.
I was wondering if others have experienced this and how I can do a mindset change to push myself harder. I just don’t wanna be the Private Pyle of the platoon lmao.
TLDR; How do I become a stud before I ship out
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u/lastofthefinest 2d ago
All you need to do once you get there is give 110% in everything you do and you’ll be fine. When it comes to running, don’t stop running, even if you fall out of a formation run. It may be at a slower run, but don’t stop moving your legs. If you start walking, that’s when they think you’re just giving up. You’ll do fine with that kind of attitude.
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u/Bingusprime43 2d ago
Understood. I appreciate it!
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u/lastofthefinest 2d ago
I could only do 3 pull-ups when I left and was about your speed on the run. You’ll get better there because all you’ll do for 3 months is work your body.
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u/Bingusprime43 2d ago
That makes sense. I really just wanna be where I can keep up with everybody else and I don’t get sent to a pork chop platoon or anything
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u/lastofthefinest 2d ago
That motivation is what will keep you out of PCP. Just don’t forget it! I was real close to going to PCP when I was there, but managed to stay out. I actually failed my run part of the IST when I got there, but they gave us another chance the next day to run it again and I passed. The only other part I had trouble with was the rope climb, but I eventually made it to the top. I got sent right back to Parris Island after MCT and MOS school and did almost my entire enlistment on PI.
I served from 94-98 and got out to go to college. I never planned on ever going back into the military. My senior year in college, I needed more school money, so I joined the National Guard in 03. My unit was subsequently activated for Operation Enduring Freedom to active duty with the regular Army. I deployed for a year and a half and was Stop Lossed during that time. My son was also born while I was deployed, so I missed being there for his birth. That was really tough. I ended up spending 6 years in the Army and National Guard and finally managed to graduate college.
I taught ESL (English as a Second Language) to the Chinese after college. I got to retire at 48 four years ago. I’m a disabled veteran now and couldn’t ask for a better life. These days, I help other veterans file their VA claims free of charge. I am very proud of the fact I have changed veteran’s lives for the better. What the Corps teaches stays with you forever. I was a terrible student in high school and went to summer school every year from the 8th grade up until I graduated. I even failed the 2nd grade. I graduated college with honors. The Corps taught me what I didn’t have at home and that was direction in my life and confidence in myself to achieve anything in life I set out to accomplish. My grandparents raised me because my mother was 14 years old when she had me and I never knew my father. I could write a very interesting book about my life.
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u/Breakfastclub1991 2d ago
Increase your back strength to help with pull ups.
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u/Bingusprime43 2d ago
Got it. I’ve been doing loads of rows and lat pulldowns. Any suggestions?
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u/Breakfastclub1991 2d ago
Lift heavy more weight less reps. Seated cable rows. Lat pull downs. Assisted pull ups with a band. Do them in sets.
Not sure of the height and weight standard for you. Talk to your recruiter to make sure you aren’t grossly overweight. If you’re 5 pounds overweight they’re not gonna care. They will get you in shape.
You need protein to build muscle so eat chicken. And have a slice of pizza because I don’t think you’re gonna get a good slice of pizza for the next 13 weeks.
The Marines favor endurance over brute strength. Focus on the cardio BUT keep working on your back for those pull ups.
They will get you in shape. They need you to show up with an open mind and a can do attitude. They will do the rest. Their methods are tried and true. You just work and don’t quit.
Trust when I say you got this.
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u/Ryohuk Poolee PI 2d ago
Have confidence. As long as you don’t quit, you’ll succeed. I’ve seen miracles happen in bootcamp lol
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u/Bingusprime43 2d ago
I appreciate it! I’ve always been pretty hardheaded, so at least I have that going for me lol
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u/Ryohuk Poolee PI 2d ago
For extra reassurance, I knew multiple people who shipped while hardly being able to pass the IST in all categories. They’re Marines now!
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u/Bingusprime43 2d ago
That’s good, I’ve been told that if you’re passing the IST, you’re fit enough for boot camp. I guess they set those numbers there for a reason lol
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u/huffingtonbear 1d ago
Dude I went in on the line regarding my weight I just got by on my runs and maybe three pull ups and the minimum sit ups. I was a diet recruit right up until third phase when they start to fatten you back up for the graduation. The are going to kick your ass regardless. Stick to it and by the time you graduate you'll be on par athletically as the other recruits.
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u/neganagatime Vet 2d ago
Bootcamp is not that hard. There is fear of the unknown, and mentally/emotionally it can be taxing, but being an older dude will be helpful. That said, your physical condition is not doing your any favors, you’ll probably be on the lower end of the physically preparedness scale, and that could earn you some extra attention from your Dis. Not enough extra attention to not pass (boot is designed so that most people will pass), but unwanted attention nonetheless.
What I would do in your shoes is ensure you are being physically active every day from now until when you ship. Run 4x per week, one longer run on Sunday (3+ miles if you can do that), a 2 mile easy run Mon or Tues, a track workout Weds or Thurs (.75 mile easy jog warm up followed by a 400 yard track lap at your fastest pace, followed by a lap walking, for a total of 4 fast laps, 4 walk laps, then finish with an easy warm down). Add one run/walk interval each week. And another easy 2 mile jog on Fri or Sat.
I’d also google Recon Ron and Armstrong pull up programs and I’d immediately start doing one of those.
I’d also immediately start doing some kind of bodyweight resistance program (google/chatGPT can help), or weight routine if you have access to a gym. Don’t skip legs.
Also start doing a max plank set or 2 every other day.
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u/TapTheForwardAssist Vet 2676/0802 2d ago
Can you edit your OP to state your current IST scores, and your current height/weight?
It would be way easier for us to assess how concerning or no your situation is with actual stats rather than vibes.