CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

Skip,

Thanks! That clarifies things a lot and is in-line with what I've been preparing my guys for.

I think the things to keep in mind are that...
(1) a big chunk of that mileage is optional, and
(2) as little as two miles in that heat will be taxing, so everyone needs to prepare.

Be hydrated and know your limits. Reenacting is not a competitive sport, so let it be known if you're hurting and we'll take care of you. If you don't want to do the march on the Friday prior, don't do it... There's no shame in knowing your limits. We'll see you on Friday and we'll have a great time!

[CUPP]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

Looking forward to the event, looks like it's has the making to be a interesting time. Looking forward to marching and stretching the legs.

[Dan Wambaugh]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

Skip,

I appreciate you taking the time to clarify things for us. I had envisioned a Backwaters style 12 mile march in addition to the regular marches associated with the big event, rather than the marching schedule you outlined above. That is much more reasonable than I had feared, and makes a heck of a lot more sense than what I was picturing in my head.

Thanks again!

[cwpilgrim]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

It is a little different than 12 miles straight.
Backwaters seemed like 12 miles each way uphill in the mud. Nasty.

[chadwick]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

Skip,

I enjoyed hearing all about your plans for the march and the event last week and can not wait for July to get here. I think the march sounds like a great time and guys should have plenty of time to prepare.

We will have medical staff there as well to make sure no soldier gets into trouble.

[Dale Beasley]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

Skip,

What I read into your statement was this...Over a period of 2-3 days, it is possible we will be doing some walking, possible up to 12 miles, divide that by three and you get four. To be on the safe side, I am going to be able to 4 miles and enjoy myself when I get to point "B".

The better shape you are in the more you will enjoy this event.

2 miles today with rifle.

[Mcguire]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

Using Backwaters as a benchmark and a commentary for the preparedness and fitness of many of those that experienced that event and the same people that most probably will comprise a majority of the Company signed up for the adjunct Company at Manassas is unfair and inaccurate. Backwaters took a toll on alot of guys that ordinarily are not affected by physical events. I think the cold wet conditions contributed to fatigue; it's hard to sleep when you are freezing and wet. But mostly the terrain and the boot sucking mud took it's toll. Also at Backwaters a full pack was the rule not the exception. I for one had never seen that type of attrition. But in all fairness, most of the guys I saw fall out did so after the termination of the event and did so on the way back to the parking lot.
Manassas should be different in that packs will not be carried as baggage was historically left to the rear and it's much easier to march when your shoes aren't being sucked off your feet. I'm not diminishing the need to be in shape as heat poses it's own problems, but I am confident that the overall conditioning of the batallion is ready for the challenge.

[CSchneider]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

Don't panic! You want to do an 8 mile march for kicks before the big'un? Show up a day early and do it. You don't want to march? Show up on Friday as planned. You're going to walk a mile each day to get from the campsite to the event site because, well, it's a big'un that's what was advertised.

-Craig Schneider

[FloridaConscript]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

I'm looking forward to the march as well. The light baggage required for summer campaigning as well as sound footwear will cut down on the attrition I believe. Doing 4 miles a day at a mega event is pretty standard I think. I'm getting back in the gym for this one....don't think I can tote the '42 though.

bryant/Cherry Creek Rifles

[Milliron]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

We'll be ready. Bring it on.

[BrianHicks]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

Backawater? What the hell is this 'Benchmark' or whatever every one keeps referring to as some hellish nightmare mud march? Did I miss something?

[LWhite64]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

Hey Bry, how far did we march for the Hodge March? Also, what was that you carried in that other canteen?

[FloridaConscript]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

Lee,
if you want a quart of honey this time around you are on your own hook for that! we can jeer all we want, but that honey saved the day Sunday morning.
also, I'd leave the boots at home this time :)

[Huck]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

Im game, if I can do 15 miles in the middle of the Pawnee National Grassland in about 18 hours, Im game. So guys, start walking now.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Re: CAN YOU WALK 10-12 Miles straight? Start Training!!!

Backawater? What the hell is this 'Benchmark' or whatever every one keeps referring to as some hellish nightmare mud march? Did I miss something?

Brian, I remember a comfortable stroll in the woods. I did see lots of fellows from the front passing behind me and Chris Bopp. We had a fine time walking that morning. I guess we're just odd ducks or all went to some of the same schools.

Skip, good point to remind people to prepare. If I may add... marching is as much mental as it is physical. Even young bucks in great shape can get dispirited and fall out. Don't let that be you. Put the miles in wearing your kit and make sure you aren't going to have a mysterious blister form or your drawers chafe or a strap dig in when you're doing for real. Things like that can get in your head and break you if you let them.