Recruit beats run record

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 437, 19 May 1992, Page 7

Recruit beats run record

BY

JO

HOWIE

Private Neal has just completed his basic training during which he achieved one of the fastest times for the 2.4 km run, which is part of the Required Fitness Level Test (RFL) Corporal Toomer, a Waiouru Physical Training Instructor said very few soldiers run under eight minutes, and about two per cent run under 7.45 minutes. Private Neal ran this distance in 7.27 minutes. During his RFL he completed 102 sit-ups, and 52 press-ups, which are also very high scores. A Grade one pass for the RFL requires a soldier to complete the run in less than 10 minutes, and achieve 55 sit-ups, and 30 press-ups. All serving soldiers are required to pass the RFL twice a year, and those who do

not must participate in remedial fitness training. Corporal Toomer said Private Neal also easily won the recruit cross country, finishing the seven mile course in 40 mins 28 secs. Private Neal said it has only been during the last year that he has started to run on a regular basis, running between eight and 40 km per day, five times a week, and said he has never run competitively. He said he prefers running longer distances so he can 'build into the run*. He said he has enjoyed his basic training, particularly the field phases, weapon handling, and physical training. He looks forward to joining the Infantry and starts in 1 RNZIR Linton next week.