Old Man Fitness: Establishing a fitness baseline

I’ve been asked on multiple occasions over the years what I consider the be a good measuring stick when it comes to fitness, and just about every time, I respond with the same canned answer: fitness is a personal journey, and I’m not here to tell you how to pursue it. I really do mean […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 12, Day 1

It is time for our Sunday morning Rucksack march. Do a quick warmup of pushups and sit-ups before beginning. Head out over varied terrain and try to go as fast as you can without running. The standard is 120 minutes, maximum. Your goal should be to come in much quicker. Stretch well both before and […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 11, Day 7

Back in the gym this Saturday morning for a shoulder and back workout. Pull-ups, Deadlifts, Side Raises and Shoulder Presses. Followed by a four-mile run in 32 minutes or less. Log your numbers down in the workout notebook and stretch well. Training: More Preparation for the UBRR: 3 x 10 Lat Pulldowns, rear 3 x […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 11, Day 6

It is Friday so that must mean that it is Leg Day at the gym. Starting with Squats – (front, dumbbell goblet, and barbell), then some lunges and the weighted sled push. If your gym doesn’t have a sled, you can substitute a Fireman’s carry.  And then finish the workout with a five-mile run. Mark […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 11, Day 5

Thursday morning is a Chest and Triceps workout at the gym before heading out for a 5-mile run. Flat and Incline Bench Presses as well as Flies, Pushups, Pushdowns, and Dips ought to have your triceps feeling the pump. Then a 5-mile run over varied terrain in 40 minutes or less. (Be safe out there […]

Athens Military Games 0.18

If you do Cross Training and you are looking for an excuse to see Acropolis up close and swim in the Aegean, I have one for you. Look no further than the Military Games this May in Athens. What it is, is a sporting event exclusively for Armed and Security Forces, former and serving, with […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 11, Day 4

Wednesday is a back and shoulder day at the gym followed by a 6-mile rucksack march. Look to better the time that is the standard which is 90 minutes and remember to hydrate throughout the march. Don’t forget to mark your progress in the workout log book and stay hydrated. Training: More Preparation for the […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 11, Day 2

Monday morning, we kick our week off right. Head to the gym where we’ll do our workout with the basics of pushups, sit-ups, and crunches, then to the bar for V-ups, pull-ups and dips before a 4-mile run. Remember to stay hydrated and mark your progress in your workout log book. Training: More preparation for […]

Old Man Fitness: Combating plateaus in the gym and in your head

I’ve never been the type of guy that liked working out in new, shiny, clean gyms. Throughout high school, college, and Marine Corps sports, I always found solace lifting in grimey cave-like gyms, with damp concrete floors and music playing too loud to permit any sort of conversation. If I could commute to Rocky Balboa‘s […]

One of many failures as a Ranger: Learning from your mistakes

“The greatest teacher, failure is,” said Yoda. Or if Winston Churchill is more your speed: “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” When I was a gun team leader in the 3rd Ranger Battalion, I felt like I knew what I was doing. I struggled from switching from a position […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 11, Day 1

It is time for our Sunday morning ruck march. Since it is Super Bowl Sunday, we’re going to do a super-ruck this morning before the expected rain/snow get in. It is an eight-mile course today over varied terrain. Strive to better the standard time of 120 minutes. Do a quick warmup of pushups and sit-ups […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 10, Day 7

Back in the gym this Saturday morning for a shoulder and back workout. Towel pull-ups if you have no access to ropes or climbing ropes if they are available. Followed by a four-mile run in 32 minutes or less. Log your numbers down in the workout notebook and prepare for a long ruck on Sunday […]