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View Full Version : DEA PTT done (for now) and some info


netman1019
05-12-2003, 16:23
Hi folks,

Today I completed my PTT out of the Newark, NJ office and we couldn't have asked for better weather. It was in the low to mid 60's and overcast.

The minimum to pass is 10 points however, Newark won't refer you for an academy slot (once you've passed your poly and BI naturally) until you score 15 pts minimum. This is in line with DMClark emphasizing the 15 point cutoff (would he ever steer us wrong? :))

I was pretty happy upon learning that I scored a 19. Even better is that I missed two additional points by a tiny bit, so I definitely will be able to improve. I should be able to get in the 20's no problem for the Recertification.

Our PT instructor emphasized some points I want to share:

Pushups - you have to make sure you go down low enough. I'd say train with something the size of a fist or cup underneath so you're doing them right.

Pullups - keep the body straight. Our instructor had his hand in front of us so our legs wouldn't lift.

Running - Do a lot of it. :) Seriously, our guy said he was down in Quantico awhile back and the latest class had been several weeks in and were running 8 miles. I think the way he put is that the instructors at Quantico run like deer.

Weight lifting - Interestingly the academy doesn't allow the students to do any weight lifting until after being in the academy for several weeks (can't remember the exact time frame). I suppose this is to make sure your conditioned well and won't injure yourself.

Situps - One of my fellow applicants had a good tip for the situp event. When laying back down, don't be so concerned about controlling the movement, let gravity take you down. If you do that you'll conserve more energy. We had a female applicant who used this strategy, she kicked butt and nailed like 82 situps. She just let her back hit the floor, no soft landing. However don't let it hit too hard.

Here's another interesting point our instructor made: He said the easiest part of the physical training at the academy is the 3 PTT's. Another point our Newark PT instructor said was that the instructors are VERY strict on technique. If you aren't going down low enough on the pushups after the first one...their fist goes underneath.

Hope that helps.

Jim

FedsOnly
05-12-2003, 16:47
Netman,

Thanks for the tips. I have my PTT in about 2 weeks. I did a dry run a couple days ago and didn't do so well. I got 10 pts, but it was 96 degrees and I hadn't eaten much that day. I ran out of juice after my first 2 laps.

I'm off to the track to do some sprints.

netman1019
05-12-2003, 17:03
Best thing I did with the 2 mile was running a local 2-mile semi-hilly course when I tested myself. When it comes time to do 8 laps on a track...you'll kick butt. It's sort've like warming up with 2-3 bats when you're on deck. However don't run hills TOO much or you'll end up injuring your legs.

On my neighborhoodl 2-mile hilly course I was getting about 15:10, however at the PTT event today I ran a 14:37, and I know I can run more outside than I actually do. One other thing I have to work on is increasing my mileage.

Other thing I did was to have 2 bananas about two hours before the event and water, water, water, not the the point where my stomach felt like a full hot water bottle, but hydrated. Naturally I had the goto the bathroom when I got to the PTT, but at least I was hydrated.

Also, I took the advice of a friend and whenever I work out on the treadmill now, I put the incline at around 3.0 or slightly higher. It's not the same as running outside however it simulates running outside better than if the machine was level...the treadmill doesn't help or pull you along as much.

Bottom line with running is to run outside as much as possible. Treadmills (in my opinion) aren't bad. I like using 'em when I'm working my heartrate. However they won't get you ready for an 8 mile run in hot weather down in Quantico.

The other thing which I think helped me a lot was getting enough sleep. I would've been dying on the 2-mile had I not gotten a good night's rest.

Jim

Perezi
05-12-2003, 17:03
Careful on those "gravity" situps. They may be great to bang out those numbers but you will pay a price.

Did the PTT last week used those gravity situps and all that slamming down of your back will definitely leave a mark, uh ... just south of your back. :eek:

netman1019
05-12-2003, 17:11
Perezi,

Good point. When training for the event, I'd avoid doing the gravity situps...easy way to injure your back.

I guess point I was trying to convey is to conserve your energy on the "down" part of the situp during your actual PTT since you working so hard on the "up" motion. However, when TRAINING for the PTT, I think it's crucial to concentrate on both the "down" and "up" motions.

Jim

X21
05-12-2003, 22:27
On situps, what works for me is a lot of crunches. This may not work for everyone, but I do abs 2-3 times/week, high reps (200-300/session) and high intensity. The key is to condition the abs so well that you do not resort to bad form like pulling on the neck or arching the lower back. For me, I know I'm working hard enough when my abs get so tight that when I relax it's difficult to breathe. Sadistic, I know.

I almost never do actual sit-ups, usually crunches and supine bike. Last PTT, I maxed the SU with 1 second left. Also, extra flab around the middle doesn't help the sit-ups or the run.

For the run interval training is the best way to improve 2 mile run time.

Chainring
05-12-2003, 22:58
Physical fitness has been an integral part of my routine for most of my life. More so in the last 4 years as I have picked up bicyle racing and have had to really learn how to properly train to be competitive. One of the simplest things I have learned about training is that there are no short cuts. If you want to run faster, you have to run faster, not roller blade. If you want to do more pushups, you have to do more pushups, not more bench press. While I believe that crunches are a great excercise (and please don't take offense) I don't believe it is better than doing situps if you want to improve your situps. The simplest training advice I can offer anyone preparing for the DEA PTT is to focus specifically on what is going to be on the test. Do it often and don't cheat yourself. On the days you might feel unmotivated to do the same ole routine then it is better to cross train than not train at all. But the core program should remain the same.

For the record, I scored 42 on the test. My weakness is pushups. I'm still working to build my cyclist upper body back up. And I'm not spring chicken either. I'm 36.