500 rounds of 5.56 loaded into strippers and bandoliers packed into a canvas shoulder bag along with a half dozen magazines, followers, and a cleaning kit weighs 19.8 pounds. Water weighs in at about 6 pounds (close enough) to a gallon. You can't operate without water and I figure on at least a quart an hour in the heat of the day.
You're going to have to weigh your own weapon and body armor. Assuming you have a fighting vest, figure in the ammo that's preloaded into your magazines.
And that's just stepping off your porch to go pick a fight.......
If you have to scoot, think about your git kit. My summer kit weighs about 25 pounds, my winter gear is about 10 pounds heavier.
Are you up to this? Does your everyday excercise or job give you the strength and stamina to deal with reality when your world suddenly falls to pieces?
If you can't remember the last time you walked more than a mile, you're screwed, plain and simple.
I'm not telling you to go on an extreme excercise regimen, but at least get yourself in good enough shape to outlast any unexpected situations. Walk instead of driving to the corner store. Take the stairs. Do your own yardwork and fire Jose.
Oh yeah. Drop 20 pounds.
Excellent advice, Kenny.
ReplyDeleteOh....and STOP SMOKING! You'll be amazed how fast your wind comes back.
drjim has a point. It is amazing how I see people in traffic and think, "how can you smoke in your car?" Keep in mind I was a smoker for about 20 years. Your advice, as usual, is 100% on point. Our tribe met in regards to stamina and to make a personal goal, I quit taking the elevator at work. I figure my legs still work quite well, what is the worse that can happen for me to walk to and from the 3rd floor in our building to get to the office? At first, you may not like the change, but keep in mind your end goal. Eventually it will become muscle memory and the act will be no more harsher than breathing.
ReplyDelete"A pint's a pound the world around", therefore 8 lb/gal for the water.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back, brother.
Fuck Obama.
Thanks for making my load that much heavier, JC.....
ReplyDeleteGood ditty to remember, though.
I quit drinking and smoking almost 24 years ago. I was in great physical shape until this year, when arthritis started to rear its ugly head in numerous parts of my body. I still routinely outwork people a third my age. But longterm bugout endurance? I doubt I have it. But I wouldn't just sit on my ass and wait, you betcha not.
ReplyDeleteAmen brother.
ReplyDeleteI take the dog for a walk on weekends. We do an hour to an hour and a half. Good exercise, meet the neighbors, and scout the home AO all in one.
"drop 20 lbs"
ReplyDelete...... or in my case I'm ashamed to say, drop 80lbs & keep going.....
Wise words and welcome back, particularly given your Family obligations at this time.
Glad to see you back, and concur! I walk on the golf course, so I get 4-5 MILES usually... Would be a LOT less if I could hit the damn ball straight! :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad you brought this up . Sandman at OVM has posted some excellent and realistic fitness target`s. These people have got their shit together.Check em out.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back on the interwebtubez. I stopped smoking after my heart attack, eleven years ago last month. Was walking 3 miles a day after I got my stents. Then my knees went and I gained about 50 lbs. Got to to drop the weight. The doc keeps poking me in the gut and saying - "that is a diabetes factory."
ReplyDelete