“The only easy day was yesterday.”
- Navy SEALs motto

Image: SEAL Training Adventures logo

Ok, I admit, I should be taking it easy for a few more weeks, but I can’t pass up this opportunity as a writer on assignment for Tri-DC Magazine to participate in the week long Special Operations Force Academy starting April 27 and run by SEAL Training Adventures. Navy SEALs are the “best of the best,” and I want to experience what their training is like. I’ve done 24 Ironman Triathlons – i.e. “It’s just another Ironman…” so I am looking for a challenge that will take me outside of my comfort zone.

About the program (from the website): This SIX day event serves the purpose of giving candidates a small taste of what its like to be part of an active duty Special Operations Force (SOF) platoon. We take the toughest evolutions of each SOF military school and pump them into one course.

Disciplines include:
Open Water Swims * Pool evolutions * Heavy Ruck Humps * Mission Prep * Survival * Beach Runs * Toughest PT on the plant * O-courses * Tactical Shooting * AFF Sky diving * Basic SCUBA * Sleep Deprivation * Land Navigation

Am I tough enough? I want to find out.

From the FAQ:
Q: What makes the Special Operations Forces Academy different from other programs?

A: There literally is no other competing program like the Special Operations Forces Academy (SOF/A). Nowhere in existence in civilian or military life will you find a group of instructors from the different Special Operations Force branches coming together for one course. SOF/A instructors have run hundreds of training events over the past 10 years in both a civilian and military capacity. Nowhere else is the combination of evolutions, varied training methods, and world-class proven instruction found except through the SOF/A. In our opinion it is far and away the best, most realistic, and safest, training on earth. No course pushes students beyond their mental and physical limits better than the SOF/A.

I want to be pushed beyond my mental and physical limits.

Given my recent struggle with overtraining, I’m taking a risk in participating. I recognize the risk. My decision to go forward with participating in the SOF/A came down to this single question:

If I could only only do event this year, what would it be?

My options:

• Ironman Triathlon: I’ve done 24 and because of my pro status, I can jump into almost any race at any time. If I miss out on racing an Ironman this year, it’s not a big deal.
• Special Operations Force Academy: I’m participating in order to write an article for Tri-DC Magazine. Now may be the only time the program is offered this year and it could open doors for me as an extreme endurance events participant and writer.

I choose the Special Operations Force Academy.

When I mentioned my decision to participate in SOF/A to my friend and triathlon training partner, Brady, he responded:

“…when you line up for IM, you have *something* to lose (*something* defined differently depending on the race). When you line up for SEAL Challenge, it’ll be more like the day you lined up for IM Canada with Phil .. nothing to lose and the goal to hit the finish line in one piece.”

I want the new challenge.

BTW, there’s also a 24-hour SEAL Adventure Challenge from May 3 - 4. Registration is still open!

Per the website: “The SEAL Adventure Challenge™ is for individuals who seek to answer the question of “Do I Have What It Takes”? SEAL Training Adventures offers a 1 day 24 hour program that will challenge you physically and mentally, and just may change your life. Lessons in team work, and individual excellence will be stressed throughout the event, providing participants with a skill set they will use in many other facets of their lives. Civilian and military participants learn firsthand whySEAL-Trident SEALs are considered the best-trained teams in the US military. This is the closest training to BUD/S outside of BUD/S!!!”

Live boldly!

David

–
David B. Glover
Professional Triathlete, Coach and Race Director
Author of Full Time and Sub-Nine
Personal Web: www.davidglover.net
Business Web: www.enduranceworks.net

© 2008 David B. Glover