Finally going to Army Selection 😁

[pianoteacher]

As some of you know the reason I started running was because I needed to be able to pass the Army Fitness Test for entry into the TA as a Musician.

My terrible eyesight means I was rejected and have been waiting for a waiver. Last night I was told I can go to Pirbright for Selection 😁 I still don't have a waiver but they won't be allowed to fail me on my eyesight! They could of course fail me for numerous other reasons but at least I'm going to have a chance to prove that being blind as a bat does not affect my abilities.

Really looking forward to the run as it's been reduced from 1.5 miles to 2km which hopefully means I'll be faster - although that's only one less lap round the track 🤣

Need to get on with some strength training for the medicine ball throw and the mid thigh pull (not even 100% sure what that is?!?) but it won't be before June so I'll have a few weeks to train x

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Well done Marie. Glad to hear that you are getting the chance to prove how great you will be. All the best for June.

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to Whatsapp]

Thanks Dave! When I get the date I'll see if Abi and Sqkr will pop it in the events calendar on here - the moral support would be appreciated x

[Sqkr Half Marathon in reply to pianoteacher]

We abso-flipping-lutely will 😄

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to Sqkr]

Thanks Sqkr 😁

[Ripcurlrana71 Half Marathon 10 Miles]

Wow - seems like an age ago! Congrats - sure you’ll pass with flying colours. 😬xx

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

I've just found my post from the day I was first rejected. I did week 5 run 2 that day so just about a year ago! x

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon]

Well done Marie, how exciting! Bet you will smash it! 🤗💪❤

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to MutleyShuffle]

Thank you! Are you at parkrun on Saturday? I'm going to try pootling round the first 3km then running the last 2km like a madwoman 😂🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🤣

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to pianoteacher]

How did Parkrun go? I am out of action at the moment, still trying to sort out this bothersome butt. Hope to join you back at Parkrun in a couple of weeks!

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to MutleyShuffle]

I abandoned the idea of a fast last 2km as soon as I realised we were coming back into a really strong headwind 🤣 The first finisher only managed 19:30ish so I think I made the right decision.

Sorry you're still suffering - hopefully see you soon 🤗

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to pianoteacher]

Oh yes that wind was fierce wasn't it! Good job it wasn't like that when I had my green wig on! 🤣

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to MutleyShuffle]

🤣😂🤣 My bunny ears definitely couldn't have coped!

[MutleyShuffle Half Marathon in reply to pianoteacher]

😂

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Excellent! All the best for it xxx

I've just looked up the mid-thigh pull - it appears to be a measure of maximum strength. Interesting, and I want to have a go!!

scienceforsport.com/isometr...

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Thanks for the link Abi! I have to hit 46kgs but some Army jobs require 76kgs so fingers crossed I'll be OK. The old test was carrying 2 filled Jerry cans (20kgs each) for at least 30m and I could do that so I'm hopeful I'll manage it x

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Good luck pianoteacher, you have tried so hard to achieve this. I’m sure your persistence will pay off. 🏃‍♀️👏👏

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy! I'm looking forward to giving it a go x

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Great news....go for it!! We'll all be rooting for you..!

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

You told me in my first post that if I followed couch25k without worrying about speed it would all come together and I'm easily fast enough now. Thank you ❤️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Fantastic news. With your grit and determination (and super speed) you've surely got this? Definitely ready with some moral support for you come 'race day'. Good luck

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda xx

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

You are so ready for it! Although a, mid-thigh pull sounds like a nasty injury 😂

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to Sqkr]

😂🤣🤣

[MsLegs 10 Miles]

Good Luck 😉

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to MsLegs]

Thank you xx

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

That's great. I'm so pleased you're getting the opportunity to prove yourself. I'm sure you'll smash it! 💪😁

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks Jojo! I'm hoping there just checking I'm capable of everything else (I passed my playing audition ages ago) and then I'll get the waiver x

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

What persistence and patience you have demonstrated! I'm wondering why it has taken so long to reach the selection test, presumably as you have been waiting for the waiver, which never came. Well all the very, very best to our piano and clarinet (and probably and the rest) playing super star. Here's to great preparation and a great Army Selection Day!

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon]

Thank you! As you can imagine the Army do like paperwork 🤣 I had to appeal 3 times before I could even begin the waiver process. It was a case of just changing the date on the letter and resubmitting it after each rejection. It's not guaranteed I will get a waiver but hopefully if I do well at selection it will go in my favour🤞