KUDOS
First, I want to apologize for not writing to you sooner on this. I ordered your Peak Bagger training plan at the beginning of the year to prepare for a trip to Nepal in March and I should have written sooner after I got back than now.
So, I just wanted to say thanks. Thanks for the plan and thanks for the advice in modifying the plan to fit my needs. Sure the training was rough and the first week I wasn’t sure I was going to even be able to do it. I mean, a 60# sandbag to a 145# guy is no joke! Also, I had never rucked before, so it took a bit for my body to adapt and figure out how to move efficiently with the extra weight. But, after the first week, and the second, I definitely noticed how my body was adapting and even though the workouts didn’t get easier (simply because they kept getting longer) I was able to keep moving through them. I will admit, I got a little zealous the 5th week on one of my rucks and suffered the consequences of a sore knee and foot, to the point I eased up on a couple of the last weeks workouts. I dropped the last 10 mile run and the last two rucks, and focused on the workouts that didn’t put anymore additional stress on my leg.
The results: even with the last week of reduced work in the training plan, I was able to conquer the trails of the Himalayas. 6 days, 4-6 hours a day, 2000-4000 (perhaps more one day) feet vertical ascent and descent (or descent and ascent, depending on the day), at elevations from 6000 to 12500. AND, this was all done with training at 300 ft elevation in Texas.
Many thanks to you and MTI. Honestly, I try to think of things I could do that would require me to do another one of your plans. 🙂
Yours, a believer in well-designed training plans,
– D
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KUDOS
I wanted to say thank you. I just graduated from Ranger School on Friday. I used your plan and had no issues. I felt like I was in the best possible shape I could be and think your program was critical to me earning my tab. I cannot thank you enough. What program and/or advice do you have for me getting back in shape. I really am not too broken down, but at this point I am out of shape except for rucking. Thanks again.
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KUDOS
Rob, thanks for the advice you previously gave me to prepare for this race. I was pleased with coming in the middle of the pack for my age group (51-59) especially for living in Minnesota. I thought you would appreciate the photo I took while hydrating before the race start. I enjoy your programs plus I learn a lot and get reinforcement on my current knowledge by reading your weekly Q&A . Thank You for the good work!
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QUESTION
Do you have any programming recommendations for someone training for Kickboxing or jujitsu tournaments? or MMA fights? I know training for only Jujutsu or only boxing/kickboxing are different and MMA would be more hybrid however since MMA is pretty comprehensive in its requirements for work capacity speed, strength, power etc. I thought you may have some good ideas or programs you already offer on your site. Thank you for your help.
ANSWER
I’ve been asked this many times, – and I’ve never designed specifically for combat sports.
I can offer a couple thoughts ….
1. Because of their high work capacity element, even during training, event/sport-specific work capacity should be a priority. The closer to your fight, the more specific in terms of activity and durations, your work capacity training should be.
2. Strength. Not so much for performance, but for durability. Just 1-2 days/week. Keep it simple … big complex barbell lifts, high weight, low volume. Our Big 24 Training Plan strength exercises and progression is what I’d suggest from our stuff.
– Rob
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QUESTION
I was wondering if you could tell me what I can use for a ruck march since I am currently preparing for the army and I don’t have the IBA helmet but I do have a pack. Thank you.
ANSWER
Ruck Improvement Training Plan: http://mtntactical.com/shop/4-week-ruck-improvement-program/
– Rob
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QUESTION
I love your training regiments and I have been using them off and on since 2009. My question is this. As of the past 24 months I have been injured back to back by what seems to be divine intervention at times. Currently I am recovering from a broken hand and a recently flared lower back (back injury from 2004). I need to restrengthen my core and I tend to over do it and reinjure my back. What program would you recommend for a prior SOF 33 year old guy? I am dying to be back in the shape I was. I am a comms warrant officer now and miss showing up those young whipper snappers. Thanks
ANSWER
I’d recommend you start our stuff with the Bodyweight Foundation Training Plan: http://mtntactical.com/shop/bodyweight-foundation-training-plan/
Don’t be fooled by “bodyweight” – this plan is no joke. As well, it deploys an initial assessment and the follow-on progressions are based on your assessment results. This way the plan automatically “scales” to you’re incoming fitness.
In addition to bodyweight strength training, the plan includes running.
– Rob
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QUESTION
Thanks Rob. I forgot to ask an unrelated question, I’ve never seen anything on the site about it, but is there anything you have or recommend as far as prep for infantry officers course for the Marine Corps?
ANSWER
We’ve yet to design a IOC-specific plan. What I’ve recommended in the past is the Ruck Based Selection Training Plan: http://mtntactical.com/shop/ruck-based-selection-training-program/
– Rob
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QUESTION
I am getting back into weightlifting after an injury for one year (supinator/extensor tendon high grade tear). I am able to squat and deadlift but my flexibility is lacking, which I am working on with ROMWOD stretching workout daily. I can benchpress my body weight (175) x 4 reps for 3 sets and I can only squat about 135 or so because my form is not great, (working on it, lack of flexibility) and deadlift about 185 (again, issue being lack of flexibility). Would I be good starting off with the on ramp training plan or should I start off with the rookie training packet in your opinion based on that. I would take the harder option if the results were better. Thank you.
ANSWER
I’d recommend you focus on strength with Big 24 Strength V3: http://mtntactical.com/shop/big-24-strength-training-program-v3/
This plan is built so it “scales” to your incoming strength. It’s focused, and no joke – and a great way to build strength fast – as well as get lots of practice with the lifts.
– Rob
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QUESTION
I have finished the Alpine Rock climb Training Program a while back and really enjoyed it. I just finished up with 10 years in the Army and have started pursuing the IFMGA route and am curious as to if there were major differences between the Alpine Rock and the AMGA Alpine Guide Course Training Plan before I try a different rock plan.
ANSWER
Yes, but not significant.
I’d recommend the Alpinist Fitness Assessment Training Plan: http://mtntactical.com/shop/alpinist-fitness-assessment-training-plan/
– Rob
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QUESTION
First, I want to give you and your programming some kudos. A few months ago my section and I had the highest average APFT score in my unit. An overall improvement in all of our performances. We used your APFT improvement program along with mission specific PT.
Last week, my unit agreed to purchase eight of your sandbags online for my section’s PT. The sandbags are still in the mail. I haven’t used sandbags before for PT. Do you have a recommendation for newbies with sandbag PT? In your experience, what is the best method in filling them and securing the opening? I’ll be using the APFT improvement program again along with sandbag PT. Thank you in advance.
ANSWER
Filler
We’ve used two. First – wood pellets used for pellet stoves. These work great, but eventually get ground down and become super dusty …. and need to be replaced about once per year.
Second – rubber mulch made from ground up tires. You can purchase this at any home depot or Lowes.
To Secure
I tie our bags closed with parachute cord, and wrap the cord with a strip of duct tape. Simple and effective.
Bags & Plans
To start, I’d make all 60# bags. For men, this is a great place to start.
Training Plans – we don’t have a sandbag-only plan, but one of our most successful plans ever is the Sandbag/Weightvest/Dumbbell Training Plan: http://mtntactical.com/shop/sandbagweight-vestdumbbell-training-plan/
You’ll need a few pairs of 25 pound dumbbells and can use your IBA’s for weight vests.
Another Plan to Consider is the SQAD PT Training Plan: http://mtntactical.com/shop/squad-pt-training-cycle/
– Rob
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QUESTION
My name is Jeff and I’m one of those idiots trying to climb the Highest point in all 50 States. I’ve got 44 down but several big ones are still in the way. I’ve used the Peak Bagger plan the last two years and as much as I hated it while doing it, it’s exactly what I needed to be doing and it works. I’d like to look in to something similar to do in my offseasons or to get geared up in the preseason. The Mountain Base plans seem like the right direction but… I live in a smaller town in Texas and have zero access to a rock gym. Are there any substitutions you would make or do you have plans for more of a Hiker/Backpacker plan in the near future? Just let me know and thanks!
ANSWER
I’d recommend you start with Mountain Base Helen (http://mtntactical.com/shop/mountain-base-helen/). It offers an alternative for folks without a climbing wall/gym.
– Rob
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ANSWER
I just recently passed my interview for ATF special agent and I will be headed down to Glynco Georgia in about six months. I was looking at your training programs and everything you have on your website lasts a few weeks. What is the best way to prep for something that far away, I have plenty of time but I cant find any plans that last that long, thanks.
QUESTION
6 months 4 approx. 24 weeks.
I’d recommend beginning our stuff with the Patrol Officer Training Plan (http://mtntactical.com/shop/patrol-officer-training-plan/)
then following it with …..
LE Whiskey (http://mtntactical.com/shop/whiskey/), then …
LE Tequila (http://mtntactical.com/shop/tequila/), then ….
LE Bourbon (http://mtntactical.com/shop/bourbon/)
Each of these plans is 6 weeks long and should get you pretty close to school.
These plans can be purchased individually. As well, all come with a subscription to the website.
– Rob
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QUESTION
I’ve been using your programs for a while and have a question for you. I’m 49 years old and have just been selected as a Warrant Officer Candidate. Based on some of your other training I’ve done and your comments about age 45+ athletes, I’ve discovered that I can’t keep up with some of the programs. I plan on following your Army OCS program to prepare for WOCS, but do you have any suggestions for us “older” guys?
ANSWER
I’d recommend the Army OCS plan. You should be fine.
– Rob
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QUESTION
I just finishing the 6-week 357 Program. I wanted your take on how long to rest and recover before launching into my next training cycle.
I am prepping for the Alpine training program next.
My body feels pretty damn tired. But I have made significant strength gains..
I was going to rest approx 1 full week, with some light exercise a day or two at the gym followed by a day or two of easy trail running.
Your thoughts and suggestions are highly valued.
Thanks!
ANSWER
One week of full rest or unload.
I’d recommend the Alpinist Fitness Assessment Training Plan next: http://mtntactical.com/shop/alpinist-fitness-assessment-training-plan/
– Rob