running in tironut

[coasttocoast]

Hey everybody

I'm in college, thinking of taking some time off to either make aliyah or do mahal. My only issue is this: I get really, really bad shin splints. We're talking bad pain that lasts two weeks after just three nonconsecutive days of running. A sports medicine specialist suggested I not run on pavement, but these days even dirt sometimes gives me trouble. Hiking and marching are no trouble for me, it's just high-impact activity that gives me problems. I'm wondering what exactly running consists of in tironut: what kind of surfaces do recruits run on? Do combat boots provide adequate support? and does each day in tironut involve running?

[rafi]

Hey everybody

I'm in college, thinking of taking some time off to either make aliyah or do mahal. My only issue is this: I get really, really bad shin splints. We're talking bad pain that lasts two weeks after just three nonconsecutive days of running. A sports medicine specialist suggested I not run on pavement, but these days even dirt sometimes gives me trouble. Hiking and marching are no trouble for me, it's just high-impact activity that gives me problems. I'm wondering what exactly running consists of in tironut: what kind of surfaces do recruits run on? Do combat boots provide adequate support? and does each day in tironut involve running?

You will run every day in Tiranut. On gravel, macadam on grass on rocky roads.

I don't know if you are already using orthodics, but they are a tremendous investment, and if you have them upon arrival, then you can get good boots that they fit into. I recognize the impact issue, but what about just being on your feet for extended periods of time. If you are hours at a post, in a vest, boots and helmet, it can get rough on anyones feet.

The other real possibility is that you get a proper diagnosis, get a profile that is suitable for your condition, and serve with honor doing something that won't involve running.

Last bit of advice I always give those still in college: take a leave of absence instead of dropping out. It costs the same and you are not closing a door. A good friend just got out of MAHAL, and he was able to extend his leave an extra year, and he is now back in the states in college after completing MAHAL. And he had no grief about losing credits, transfering credits, pre-reqs, etc.

Good luck!

[coasttocoast]

thanks a lot!

Standing is no problem with me, in fact, running on gravel may not give me nearly as much trouble. Are you sure I won't encounter trouble if I want to use an orthotic?

As for going into a non-combat unit, it's just not as attractive an option to me, although I would still get a chance to serve.

[rafi]

thanks a lot!

Standing is no problem with me, in fact, running on gravel may not give me nearly as much trouble. Are you sure I won't encounter trouble if I want to use an orthotic?

As for going into a non-combat unit, it's just not as attractive an option to me, although I would still get a chance to serve.

Orthodics are not a problem. Have a note from a doctor.

Other things to consider which you need to think about, and only you know the answer include: Jumping 6 feet off the back of a truck, being on the top bunk of a bunk bed, and the like.