I'm definately not unfit, I do maybe about 1-2 hours strenuous exercise a day. However, I'm well aware that some guys, e.g SAS can do 60km of rough terrian with loaded packs in 24 hours. The question is how do I approach a similar level of fitness? I can walk well with a pack, but no way could I do 60k. How do I get myself fitter? Jogging was what I thought of doing in weekdays, and on the weekends going out with a 10kg pack (light) and just walking up and down hills and across rivers and up cliffs for 10h then building it up. However, how do I transform a walk on rough terrain to a jog as I suspect there is a different technique. Also, what's the fastest way to get over fences, rivers and the like? I thought you could add in aspects of parkour when I was trying to get over some today.
Getting fit for bushcraft
- Thread starter fishy1
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How about joining the Army?
Seriously though the TA might be an answer. A chap I know did that for just that reason. Loved it and stayed for years.
Seriously though the TA might be an answer. A chap I know did that for just that reason. Loved it and stayed for years.
Because some people struggled with load carries when I was in Training, we were made to carry weight everywhere we went. It did help and after a while you don't feel it as you become accustomed to carrying it. If you want to be able to cover large distances with weight, you need to TAB or yomp. This is basically walking at a ridiculously accelerated pace such as in Benny Hill sketches, with a bit of running now and then to shake out the leg muscles. It isn't fun though, I have no idea why you would want to do it!
The Combat Fitness Test, or CFT as the Army has to abbreviate everything, is 8 miles in two hours with a load and rifle over varying terrain, normally woodland and tarmac. The load is variable depending on sex and which part of the Armed Forces you serve in, very heavy for Teeth Arms, very light if you are a woman in the RLC! Regardless, you don't get to the end and start running about because you enjoyed it, most people are totally hooped!
I remember doing my CFT before leaving Training Reg at Gibraltar Barracks. I had missed my Troops' CFT as I went to a funeral, so I ended up doing it with the Instructor Course, people who had been selected to be posted to various Training Units as Instructors. They were all older blokes yapping about Germany and how they did their last CFT in 1 hour ten minutes and faster! This was starting to concern me as I was never very good with weight at speed due to my slight build. After two hours, I was first to cross the line with a PTI and had to wait for ten minutes for the rest to turn up with the other PTIs! They'd been bragging and it had backfired on them as it was proven to be just that, talk!
The Combat Fitness Test, or CFT as the Army has to abbreviate everything, is 8 miles in two hours with a load and rifle over varying terrain, normally woodland and tarmac. The load is variable depending on sex and which part of the Armed Forces you serve in, very heavy for Teeth Arms, very light if you are a woman in the RLC! Regardless, you don't get to the end and start running about because you enjoyed it, most people are totally hooped!
I remember doing my CFT before leaving Training Reg at Gibraltar Barracks. I had missed my Troops' CFT as I went to a funeral, so I ended up doing it with the Instructor Course, people who had been selected to be posted to various Training Units as Instructors. They were all older blokes yapping about Germany and how they did their last CFT in 1 hour ten minutes and faster! This was starting to concern me as I was never very good with weight at speed due to my slight build. After two hours, I was first to cross the line with a PTI and had to wait for ten minutes for the rest to turn up with the other PTIs! They'd been bragging and it had backfired on them as it was proven to be just that, talk!
I've a friend at work who does hill running
http://www.carnethy.com/#February
they do a fair bit of running up the pentlands, most weathers, and at night....
http://www.carnethy.com/#February
they do a fair bit of running up the pentlands, most weathers, and at night....
Structured training and injury avoidance is key - many drop out of selection due to lower body injuries. I would suggest weight training 3 times a week to build body strength - include squats and lunges to build body stability with weight. Then stuff like wobble boards as you really need to build your ankle strength for carrying heavy loads.
Gradually build up a long tab every week - start off with a light/medium pack to get your body used to it. Once you can do 30-40km with light/medium weight, start building additional weight and distance. SF generally don't run with weight - they walk consistently quickly over all types of terrain. No more than 10% additional time per week on your long tab.
Recovery is critical - strength gains happen during recovery - not exercise. Ensure adequate rest days after your hard sessions.
Some people are naturally resistant to injury (b*****ds!) but mere mortals will pick up niggles and minor strains. These must be repaired/treated before you continue with training.
Do some searches for training on the internet but, if it looks to good to be true and promises too much in too short a time, forget it. TA may be a way forward - start off with a local TA coy/btn to learn basic skills but you should look at the SF TA units in the long term if you feel you want to really give it a go.
In terms of bushcraft, these fitness aims are way above what 99.9% of enthusiasts
would require.
Good luck!
Gradually build up a long tab every week - start off with a light/medium pack to get your body used to it. Once you can do 30-40km with light/medium weight, start building additional weight and distance. SF generally don't run with weight - they walk consistently quickly over all types of terrain. No more than 10% additional time per week on your long tab.
Recovery is critical - strength gains happen during recovery - not exercise. Ensure adequate rest days after your hard sessions.
Some people are naturally resistant to injury (b*****ds!) but mere mortals will pick up niggles and minor strains. These must be repaired/treated before you continue with training.
Do some searches for training on the internet but, if it looks to good to be true and promises too much in too short a time, forget it. TA may be a way forward - start off with a local TA coy/btn to learn basic skills but you should look at the SF TA units in the long term if you feel you want to really give it a go.
In terms of bushcraft, these fitness aims are way above what 99.9% of enthusiasts
would require.
Good luck!
I actually do walk naturally fast, as when I walk I generally want to get somewhere as fast as possible. I guess I'll just try upping it to my maximum and practising. I can power walk faster than my jog.
I guess you would get used to the load if you carried it alot as overweight people do.
I guess you would get used to the load if you carried it alot as overweight people do.
Ahhhhhh, the theme tune to my life!
SimonM
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
The level of fitness that you describe is just not needed for the majority (any?) of bushcraft.
The level of fitness that you describe is only achieved by a few ... and then only with a huge time commitment and bags of effort, blood, sweat and tears. Fitness is more than just physical tho, you have to have a certain mental attitude to even want to carry heavy loads over 60km in such a short time.
For many of us, the aim of bushcraft is to get out and chill out ... not push ourselves to the limit! If you are really sure that is what you want then I second the opinions already given - join the TA, excel at that, then move on to SF TA.
HTH,
Simon
The level of fitness that you describe is only achieved by a few ... and then only with a huge time commitment and bags of effort, blood, sweat and tears. Fitness is more than just physical tho, you have to have a certain mental attitude to even want to carry heavy loads over 60km in such a short time.
For many of us, the aim of bushcraft is to get out and chill out ... not push ourselves to the limit! If you are really sure that is what you want then I second the opinions already given - join the TA, excel at that, then move on to SF TA.
HTH,
Simon
Hi Fishy,
I have to say that I agree with what's already said here but if you really want to get to that level, you really have to train up to it.
As Mikey P said, weight training will prepare your muscles for what you require. Think of the stress your joints will be under as well.
I was a PTI in the army and saw a lot of people injured trying too hard too soon especially those training for para courses and selection and that's people who considered themsleves pretty fit.
The only way to train for this is to increase your speed and increase the weight in your pack gradually. To train for the cardio-vascular aspect, the best way is to use the fast-slow-fast technique (don't run as it adds even more stress to the joints). Also add in a few hills.
Hope this helps - but look after yourself. If you don't do it right, you'll end up with serious injuries and stress fractures and your bushcraft days will end early.
Pablo.
I have to say that I agree with what's already said here but if you really want to get to that level, you really have to train up to it.
As Mikey P said, weight training will prepare your muscles for what you require. Think of the stress your joints will be under as well.
I was a PTI in the army and saw a lot of people injured trying too hard too soon especially those training for para courses and selection and that's people who considered themsleves pretty fit.
The only way to train for this is to increase your speed and increase the weight in your pack gradually. To train for the cardio-vascular aspect, the best way is to use the fast-slow-fast technique (don't run as it adds even more stress to the joints). Also add in a few hills.
Hope this helps - but look after yourself. If you don't do it right, you'll end up with serious injuries and stress fractures and your bushcraft days will end early.
Pablo.
I like to chill, but I also like to push myself to my limits, to do the absolute best I can at everything I do. I don't intend to carry my pack 60k a day all the time, but if you can do this, carrying a lighter pack 20k in should be a doddle (relatively speaking).
I don't particularly want to join the TA, as I don't personally agree with it in any shape.
I don't particularly want to join the TA, as I don't personally agree with it in any shape.
I dont think its neccisary.
However Im looking to do a few walks, one I like the sound of is the Dorset coastal path.
Some bits are wild, and from personal experience, the hills into and out of West Bay (a lovely hole in the wall resort sourh of Bridport) need negotiating on hands and knees they are so steep.
I can walk but Im not used to loads.
So I have loaded my rucksack with 2 litre bottles filled with water.
Each bottle weighs 5lb (I checked) Im going to take a few walks, get used to them.
At the moment 20lb feels like a ton....
However Im looking to do a few walks, one I like the sound of is the Dorset coastal path.
Some bits are wild, and from personal experience, the hills into and out of West Bay (a lovely hole in the wall resort sourh of Bridport) need negotiating on hands and knees they are so steep.
I can walk but Im not used to loads.
So I have loaded my rucksack with 2 litre bottles filled with water.
Each bottle weighs 5lb (I checked) Im going to take a few walks, get used to them.
At the moment 20lb feels like a ton....
I don't think fitness is that important for bushcraft? Most of the skills for bushcraft, food gathering, shelter building, cooking etc. don't require any fitness.
That said, it is nice to be fit.
I wouldn't bother with the TA, the fitness looks like a bit of a joke from what I have seen(not that I have seen much to be honest) & you would probably find yourself out in afganistan.
I see you mention parkour, this is a great deal of fun, start with easy stuff like vaulting, it can be very usefull for getting over gates quickly when being chased by a dog.
Orienteering is a great way to stay fit & hone your map reading skills. Check out The British Orienteering website to find out about what is happening in your area.
That said, it is nice to be fit.
I wouldn't bother with the TA, the fitness looks like a bit of a joke from what I have seen(not that I have seen much to be honest) & you would probably find yourself out in afganistan.
I see you mention parkour, this is a great deal of fun, start with easy stuff like vaulting, it can be very usefull for getting over gates quickly when being chased by a dog.
Orienteering is a great way to stay fit & hone your map reading skills. Check out The British Orienteering website to find out about what is happening in your area.
In addition to what has been said above, it's important that you broaden your training, don't just go for the heavy pack long distance because it will create a lot of stress and develop your muscles in a selective and unbalanced way. Think triathalon as an example of a good mix of training styles, or if you like the idea of the yomping, something like the marine training programme since thats been publicised fairly widely.
When I was younger I volunteered to be posted to 216 (Para) Signal Squadron in Aldershot. Those boys lived and breathed to TAB! your average fit person will TAB with 30lbs on their back (not including the weight of water and food) at approx 3-4km/hr as a Para they were expected to reach 5km/hr.
While I was there doing Pre-Para selection there were lads from the Sqn training for SAS selection and they were reaching 5-6km/hr constantly over long distances.
The lads from this particular Sqn after passing 'P' Company took part in an annual 40 mile race (which they only lost a handfull of times!) called the Landyard Trophy. It was a Royal Signals event which consisted of a 40 mile race over the Brecon Beacons carrying 40lbs (Not including water / food, so the guys would generally start out with bergens weighing over 50lb).
This race has constantly been won with a time around the 8hr mark. Which believe you me is shifting some, I know from personal experience!
Training consisted of long runs without weight over alternating & undulating terrain, Fartlek training on an athletics track and out on the training area, lots & lots of hill reps, swimming sessions, weight training in the gym (mainly upper body), and a build up in distance & weight carried on TABS over a period of about 4 weeks in the Brecons until eventually we were carrying 60lb over 25 mile.
It isn't easy and I don't care how fit you think you will get you will still suffer, and quite frankly if your doing this on your own with no-one to push you it will be very hard mentally because it will be very easy for you when your getting tired to slow the pace down!
But hey, if its your goal who here can knock it. Good luck.
As for needing to be that fit for bushcraft, no-way! In fact your bushcraft will probably go out of the window because you will be too busy training to reach that sort of level of fitness!
While I was there doing Pre-Para selection there were lads from the Sqn training for SAS selection and they were reaching 5-6km/hr constantly over long distances.
The lads from this particular Sqn after passing 'P' Company took part in an annual 40 mile race (which they only lost a handfull of times!) called the Landyard Trophy. It was a Royal Signals event which consisted of a 40 mile race over the Brecon Beacons carrying 40lbs (Not including water / food, so the guys would generally start out with bergens weighing over 50lb).
This race has constantly been won with a time around the 8hr mark. Which believe you me is shifting some, I know from personal experience!
Training consisted of long runs without weight over alternating & undulating terrain, Fartlek training on an athletics track and out on the training area, lots & lots of hill reps, swimming sessions, weight training in the gym (mainly upper body), and a build up in distance & weight carried on TABS over a period of about 4 weeks in the Brecons until eventually we were carrying 60lb over 25 mile.
It isn't easy and I don't care how fit you think you will get you will still suffer, and quite frankly if your doing this on your own with no-one to push you it will be very hard mentally because it will be very easy for you when your getting tired to slow the pace down!
But hey, if its your goal who here can knock it. Good luck.
As for needing to be that fit for bushcraft, no-way! In fact your bushcraft will probably go out of the window because you will be too busy training to reach that sort of level of fitness!
D'you already do that? - I do some, and it's definitely not something you want to do with a pack on your back - get your balance all screwed up and stuff
Although if you don't have a pack, go for it - it's good fun
I was thinking of trying parkour with a pack, I'm sure I can train myself to balance with a pack. I was only planning on doing pretty basic stuff like vaulting gates, as I could see it being extremely difficult to roll with a bag.
I have a friend for motivation.
I do a bit of orienteering, don't do it that often but I have won the odd local competion.
I have a friend for motivation.
I do a bit of orienteering, don't do it that often but I have won the odd local competion.
Scots_Charles_River
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Do long hillwalks
. I did 22km yesterday in 6hrs. flat then 1hr uphill to a summit.Lochnagar and the Glenshee round are both long walks, not that much climbing but will gove hill fitness and TAB fitness. Camp overnight will add wt and fittnes to.
Ranulph Fiennes believes in running. He certainly knows about endurance.
I'll swap this book of his on this topic for something.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ranulph-Fie...d_bbs_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203287275&sr=8-4
Nick
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