Mindset | Running

The Value Of Ultra Endurance Events for Special Forces

ByDave March 5, 2024December 2, 2024

There’s no greater proponent of strength training for selection than me

But there are undoubtedly major benefits to ultra-endurance

And they’re not just physical benefits

Data shows that ultra-endurance athletes have a higher threshold for pain than other athletes.

And it makes sense.

These are athletes who are running for 50, 100, or even 200+ miles at a time.

While they’re not physically strong in the sense of picking up a heavy deadlift off the floor, their mental resilience is unrivaled

My message is NOT to sign up for an ultra on a whim, but I do recommend you incorporate back-to-back long, hard sessions in the lead-up to selection.

Here’s an example of how you can incorporate back-to-back long runs and rucks:

Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Prefatigue Circuit	Ruck – 10 miles @ Zone 2	Rest & Recover
Run – 20min @ RPE 7
Ruck – 80min @ Zone 2

If you would like a deep-dive on this training, let me know

Dave

I'm a coach with a passion for helping athletes dominate the toughest selection courses in the world. Over the years, I've trained well over 100 athletes for Special Operations selection courses, including SFAS, RASP, Air Force A&S, BORTAC, SWAT, and MARSOC A&S. My mission is to bridge the gap between traditional performance training and the unique demands of tactical and military athletes.

I got my start coaching hybrid athletes, blending strength, endurance, and hypertrophy training to achieve peak performance. As I worked with more tactical and military athletes, I realized there was a need for a specialized approach tailored to the grueling physical and mental challenges of SOF selections. This realization drove me to focus on prepping SOF candidates for success, combining cutting-edge research, proven training methodologies, and real-world experience.

Whether you're preparing for selection, seeking to level up your fitness, or simply curious about what it takes to thrive in these elite environments, I hope you'll find the information I share helpful.