Difficulty passing running test

[davidsmom]

My son, David, is currently in Basic Training - scheduled PIR 10/15/10.  He was unable to pass his running test the first time and he was off by about a minute.  Other than that, he is thriving and with Navy Life and has no complaints and is doing well in other areas.  I'm hoping that he passes so that he can graduate with his group. If he doesn't pass the running test when his unit does Battlestations, does that mean that he doesn't do Battlestations with his unit?  If he hasn't passed the running in time for his PIR, how long does he have to pass before he gets discharged?    If he is delayed, does he do his Battlestations with another Unit?  Hope someone can provide info to at least some of my questions.

 

[Kathy (AOMom)]

My daughter had difficulty in this area also, every letter I got she said, send me "runners legs" she did not like running and was not good at it, but she didnt give up, and she passed with her division on her PIR date, all went as planned.
they will work with your recruit to help him pass, sometimes they work one on one, they dont want him to fail. Keep hoping , and sending him positive letters, I used to make up cheers for my daughter silly little chants that 1. made her smile 2.she always knew I was rooting for her! He has almost an entire month to get up to speed....that is good, he will be fine, a lot think they arent going to pass and then they find that extra minute inside themselves. Until you get the phone call from him, I wouldnt even think about him not graduating on his PIR date, just keep supporting him, cheering him on, send him positive vibes!

[davidsmom]

Thanks for the encouragement. I know that they are getting a lot of support from the RDCs. David said that he's gotten some great tips from them. I'm just a worrier (just remember - you never stop worrying about your kids) and for some reason I'm almost obsessing about this today. My lettter yesterday was very encouraging. I was asking him what he wanted to do in the Chicago area since we lived just outside Chicago for 12 years. We have lots of favorite places we used to go to as well as some new places we want to see. I'm very excited about PIR and will try to keep a positive attitude. When is your husband's PIR? Where does he go afterward?

[davidsmom]

Thanks forthe encouragement. I read yesterdays letter over several times before I mailed it and am certain it sounded very positive - discussing our upcoming trip to Chicago for PIR and describing the Phillies and Eagles wins yesterday, our trip to the beach, etc. His division did well on their first test, so they even got an extra phone call last Thursday. I'm glad I posted my quesion. Hopefully I'll stop obsessing about this and remain positive.

[Anti M]

It isn't that unusual to fail the first run. I surely did, but they pushed and pushed and I made it. If he falls too far behind, he will be sent to the fitness unit, but I don't know the details of how it works these days. Hopefully someone can provide the info if it is needed. But he'll make it, you'd be surprised how deep a recruit can dig to stay with their unit.

[dualM]

That's true. I broke by foot and still ran, but medical still wouldn't let me through even after I passed.

[davidsmom]

AuntieM - That was very encouraging - Thanks for taking the time to reply

[Tara S]

Just want to give you more words of encouragement. My son just graduated and is now in Pensacola. He is physically fit and worked out a lot, but he still had trouble with the running test. They work with the recruits, he took the test again and passed it by quite a bit. Failing the first time is not a big deal, just encourage her to keep trying!

[ProudNvyMom]

Mine also failed the running test, got that call on the Monday morning he was to do Battle Stations that evening, cancelled my plans of attending PIR on Wed, received call Thursday afternoon saying he passed running was to do Battle Stations that night and graduate with his division on Friday morn. Was up all night and through graduation(PIR 10/1), but was so happy he made it. Unfortunately, I had cancelled my plans and could not attend;( So, keep the faith, things change fast.

[wheeljl01]

My son had the same problem and he could not do his battlestations until he passed the running test. He unfortunately did not pass in time for his PIR but the following week he passed his running than was able to do his battlestation. They work with them several times until they pass. So I would not worry to much take it from someone who has been there. Now my son is at his A school thriving and still excited with his decision to join the Navy.

[davidsmom]

Thanks for all of the encouragement since I last checked this discussion. David is doing great in basic, but he had a bit of a setback. The dermatologist found a darkening on his back and biopsied it. They don't think it's anything, but they had to do it. Because he now has stitches, he wasp ut on light duty and now cannot practice running. However, his RDCs are very encouraging. His division is doing very well and David is doing well also. (He got an extra call yesterday because he got the highest score on a test). His RDCs are quite certain that he will pass the running and graduate with his division.

Thanks again to all of you ---

[Vickie]

davidsmom~ IF for some reason your son does not pass his PIR we have a special forum for us mom's who's kiddos were set back. You can go to http://www.navyformoms.com/group/fitprogram and read up on what to expect IF he is placed in FIT. My son was set back when he missed his run a little over a year ago. He has now moved from GL after completing his A school and is stationed in Dalhgren, VA for C school. Just to give you a short run down on what to expect should this happen. IF he doesn't pass by the time his group is scheduled for PIR then he will be moved to FIT. He will run twice a week in FIT until he does pass. Once he passes he will then do battlestations with another unit and once he completes that he will then be moved into the temporary hold unit until time for him to go to A school. He will not participate in the PIR ceremony. While in FIT he MIGHT get to call you on Sundays but otherwise it is the same as the other units as far as visitors and stuff. My son missed his run by 4 seconds so the RDCs actually ran with him the day that he passed to help pace him. My son has never been a runner so he still struggles with the run part of his PFT. Each sailor must pass an annual PFT and if they as struggling then they get help and work extra on that part. Hang in there and I hope that he passes and is able to graduate with his group. BUT should you have any questions or just want to know what MAY happen please check out the FIT forum. We have a wonderful group of very supportive moms who have been where you are. (((HUGGS))) and stay positive!!!

[davidsmom]

Thanks so much for the suppport. I got another call from David on Saturday and he thought he may get to try the running test again later that day since he is off limited duty. He still sounds great. Just as an aside from the running, I can't believe how much he has changed since he has been at Great Lakes. I'm going to give a check on the FIT group and then maybe get some work done. It's so hard for me to concentrate these days. I'm just on pins and needles now.

David will be in SC for nuke school when he finishes basic.