BFT

I find it harder to write the blog than to actually get on and do the task.

This week I followed another 24 hour challenge which was completed by (I think 8) guys in the Army. For anyone in the Army you will know of a challenge called the BFT (Basic Fitness Test). I believe this may have changed slightly in the years since I left, but on the whole the test has remained on the same. And without realising it I suppose I've been running 5k's ever since I joined the Army.

Anyway, back to the test. Each year, the minimum fitness was a 3 mile timed run. When I did it it was in combat boots, but nearing the end of my time in the Army, it was considered that running in leather boots damaged your legs and they then started running in trainers.

Everyone would run as a team for the first mile and a half. You did this in 15 minutes dead (even in the early 80's it seems I knew how to pace without realising it). The 2nd half, again a mile and a half was an individual run. The fastest I ever did this was dead on 8 minutes. I've just checked and if my maths is correct, then I used to run that section of it at 5min18sec pace.

Back to the team running this 24 hour challenge. This team of 8 men were to run on the hour every hour, the BFT test. That is 72 miles each, but at quite a fast pace. And if you think about the test I just explained you will see that this is a big big feat of endurance.

Well done you guys.