In this episode, I break down the five most common reasons candidates fail SFAS selection and what you can do to avoid making the same mistakes. We cover fitness preparation, land navigation, team week, mental fortitude, and attention to detail—five areas that repeatedly separate selected candidates from those who get dropped.

Need a proven SFAS preparation plan?
Check out the TTM SFAS Prep Program and Development Plan

Designed specifically for SFAS candidates with structured training for running, rucking, calisthenics, carries, strength, and endurance so you can show up prepared—not guessing.

Referenced land nav episode: Click here

Topics:

00:00 - Intro
03:23 - Fitness Mistakes That Cause Selection Failure
24:09 - Why Candidates Fail Land Navigation
37:56 - Team Week: Why Candidates Get Eliminated
48:18 - Mental Fortitude and Selection Success
57:48 - Attention to Detail: The Silent Selection Killer

—

Questions? Look for bi-weekly Q&A on my stories. I'll answer your questions on IG and here on the podcast.

—

New SFAS Program (includes 59-page SFAS Personal Dev Guidebook) 

New Running Program: TTM Run Advanced

New Selection Prep Program: Ruck | Run | Lift 

New Hybrid Program: Jacked Gazelle 3.0

Ebook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition Guide

—

TrainHeroic Team Subscription: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)

—

PDF programs

2 & 5 Mile Run Program - run improvement program w/ strength work

Kickstart- beginner/garage gym friendly

Time Crunch- Workouts for those short on time

Hypertrophy- intermediate/advanced

Jacked Gazelle- Hybrid athlete

Jacked Gazelle 2.0 - Hybrid athlete

—

New partnerships 

Rice ‘N Grinds (Pride Foods) – 10% off w/ code TTM

MegaFit Meals - 10% off w/ code TTM

—

Let’s connect:

Newsletter Sign Up

IG: terminator_training

Youtube

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Substack

Topics:
00:00:00 - Intro - Sale Announcement
00:05:05 - Fasting While Prepping for Selection
00:10:45 - How to Balance Work with the FIFA World Cup
00:13:38 - Is Being Skinny Fat a Concern While Prepping?
00:18:12 - Ideal Bodyweight for RASP
00:20:22 - How to Train to Perform When Fatigued
00:25:34 - How to Eat Enough Carbs to Support Training
00:26:53 - Do Glasses Disqualify You from SF?
00:27:47 - How to Adapt Ruck | Run | Lift for SUT
00:30:08 - Best TTM Program for Running and Strength
00:32:53 - Is One Hard Set to Failure 2x Per Week Enough?
00:34:48 - Favorite Golf Courses Near Fort Bragg
00:40:35 - Tips for Starting Zone 2 Training
00:44:32 - Best TTM Program for General Fitness
00:46:27 - Where Were Your Clinical Rotations for 18D?
00:48:39 - Should I Cut Body Fat or Improve Training?
00:51:17 - How Often Should You Change Running Shoes?
00:54:50 - Should You Make Up Missed Running Mileage?
00:57:16 - Training for the Q-Course as a Sleep-Deprived Dad
01:03:47 - How Should I Train with 7 Months Until Selection?
01:08:32 - What Should I Cut to Recover Better?

—

Questions? Look for bi-weekly Q&A on my stories. I'll answer your questions on IG and here on the podcast.

—

New SFAS Program (includes 59-page SFAS Personal Dev Guidebook) 

New Running Program: TTM Run Advanced

New Selection Prep Program: Ruck | Run | Lift 

New Hybrid Program: Jacked Gazelle 3.0

Ebook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition Guide

—

TrainHeroic Team Subscription: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)

—

PDF programs

2 & 5 Mile Run Program - run improvement program w/ strength work

Kickstart- beginner/garage gym friendly

Time Crunch- Workouts for those short on time

Hypertrophy- intermediate/advanced

Jacked Gazelle- Hybrid athlete

Jacked Gazelle 2.0 - Hybrid athlete

—

New partnerships 

Rice ‘N Grinds (Pride Foods) – 10% off w/ code TTM

MegaFit Meals - 10% off w/ code TTM

Spoken Supplements: Code terminator_training

Cwench supplements: Code terminator_training

—

Let’s connect:

Newsletter Sign Up

IG: terminator_training

Youtube

Website

Substack

In this episode, I break down how I'd physically prepare for SMU selection over a 12-month timeline, covering running, rucking, strength training, land navigation, injury prevention, and how to structure your training from one year out all the way to selection day.

👉For those looking for a structured training plan, Ruck | Run | Lift can help build the strength and endurance needed for this selection.

Mentioned Podcasts:

Ep. 101: Heat Acclimation

Ep. 95: How to Build a Running Base

Timestamps: 

00:00:00 - How to Prepare for SMU Selection (1-Year Guide)
00:04:47 - My Experience at SMU Selection
00:06:07 - How I Trained vs. How I Recommend Training Today

PHASE 1: 12-6 MONTHS OUT (BASE BUILDING)

00:07:19 - Selection Standards: Run, Ruck & Land Nav
00:11:18 - Why Flat-Ground Training Isn't Enough
00:13:07 - Phase 1: Building the Foundation
00:13:40 - Building Elite Run & Ruck Endurance
00:17:07 - Cross-Training Without Beating Up Your Body
00:20:38 - Key Muscles for Selection Success
00:30:53 - Increasing Mileage & Step Count
00:34:06 - Staying Healthy During Prep

PHASE 2: 6-3 MONTHS OUT (TRANSITION PHASE)

00:35:45 - Phase 2: Bridging to Selection-Specific Fitness
00:36:07 - How Much Should You Actually Ruck?
00:41:09 - The Ruck Pace You Should Be Chasing
00:42:59 - Adjusting Your Strength Training
00:43:43 - Speed Work: 200s, 400s & 800s
00:44:59 - Increasing Daily Movement & Step Count
00:46:40 - Land Nav: With or Without a Ruck?
00:47:58 - Ruck Progression & Selection Prep

PHASE 3: FINAL 3 MONTHS (SELECTION-SPECIFIC PHASE)

00:53:42 - Phase 3: Turning Fitness Into Performance
00:54:54 - Why Rucking Twice Per Week Matters
00:56:16 - Heavy Rucks vs. Fast Rucks
00:57:29 - The Biggest Ruck Training Mistake
00:58:44 - When to Start Practicing Ruck Running
01:00:21 - Ruck Running Progressions
01:01:55 - Using Cross-Training to Stay Fresh
01:02:52 - Step Count, Push-Ups & Planks
01:04:01 - Land Nav Under Load & Shaking Out Your Kit
01:04:37 - Fueling: Gels, Carbs & Hydration
01:06:02 - Example Training Week
01:08:20 - Downhill Adaptation Training
01:09:36 - How to Properly Taper Before Selection
01:11:18 - Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

—

New SFAS Program (includes 59-page SFAS Personal Dev Guidebook) 

New Running Program: TTM Run Advanced

New Selection Prep Program: Ruck | Run | Lift 

New Hybrid Program: Jacked Gazelle 3.0

Ebook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition Guide

—

TrainHeroic Team Subscription: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)

—

Additional PDF programs

2 & 5 Mile Run Program - run improvement program w/ strength work

Kickstart- beginner/garage gym friendly

Time Crunch- Workouts for those short on time

Hypertrophy- intermediate/advanced

Jacked Gazelle- Hybrid athlete

Jacked Gazelle 2.0 - Hybrid athlete

—

New partnerships 

MegaFit Meals - 10% off w/ code TTM

Rice ‘N Grinds (Pride Foods) – 10% off w/ code TTM

—

Let’s connect:

Newsletter Sign Up

IG: terminator_training

Youtube

Website

Substack

NEW PARTNERSHIPS (both are legit)

Rice ‘N Grinds (Pride Foods) – 10% off w/ code TTM

MegaFit Meals - 10% off w/ code TTM

Today's Q&As:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:42 - Espresso vs regular coffee
00:05:00 - Is doing bodyweight lifts daily adding too much volume?
00:07:15 - Are weighted movements better for building abs?
00:11:58 - PEDs in the SOF pipeline / career
00:20:13 - Struggling to hit carb targets
00:26:41 - Improving push-up performance for SFAS
00:28:50 - Managing Army PT + hard training
00:33:45 - Travel during an SF career
00:35:59 - Lowering stress/cortisol as a hybrid athlete
00:47:11 - Thoughts on stretching post run?
00:48:57 - AFT prep with one month to go
00:51:55 - Using Ruck | Run | Lift for ultras
00:53:13 - Reason for OTC failure
00:55:53 - Are heart rate monitors necessary?
00:57:57 - Using straps while training for selection
01:04:18 - Mindset for injuries
01:06:56 - Flatland vs hills for rucking
01:08:17 - Is it worth cutting at 18% body fat if I can run a sub 35-min five-mile relatively easy for SFAS?
01:10:34 - Are there plans to make the self-development guide from the new SFAS plan available standalone?
01:11:36 - Eating back workout calories while cutting

—

Questions? Look for bi-weekly Q&A on my stories. I'll answer your questions on IG and here on the podcast.

—

New SFAS Program (includes 59-page SFAS Personal Dev Guidebook) 

New Running Program: TTM Run Advanced

New Selection Prep Program: Ruck | Run | Lift 

New Hybrid Program: Jacked Gazelle 3.0

Ebook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition Guide

—

TrainHeroic Team Subscription: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)

—

PDF programs

2 & 5 Mile Run Program - run improvement program w/ strength work

Kickstart- beginner/garage gym friendly

Time Crunch- Workouts for those short on time

Hypertrophy- intermediate/advanced

Jacked Gazelle- Hybrid athlete

Jacked Gazelle 2.0 - Hybrid athlete

SFAS Prep- Special forces train-up

—

Rice ‘N Grinds (Pride Foods) – 10% off w/ code TTM

MegaFit Meals - 10% off w/ code TTM

—

Let’s connect:

Newsletter Sign Up

IG: terminator_training

Youtube

Website

Substack

Memorial Day Sale! 20% off all pdf training programs. Limited time. 

Overrated/ Underrated Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:46 - Using candy as a carb source

04:44 - Intermittent fasting

08:53 - Deadlifts for RASP/Selection prep

12:06 - Energy drinks

16:05 - Red light sauna for recovery

19:58 - Lean bulking

24:34 - 18Xs needing to be running and rucking 35+ miles per week prior to shipping out

27:39 - Outsourcing as a means to close knowledge gaps

31:00 - Cardio right into lifting for endurance and fatigue resistance

33:30 - Laying up on par fives

34:37 - Athletic Greens

35:36 - Stretching every day

38:24 - Calling out officers respectfully as a lower enlisted

40:32 - Waking up at 5AM if not necessary

44:35 - Cottage cheese

46:40 - Active recovery

49:45 - 30/60s and 60/120s for running conditioning

53:06 - Standing up when shaking someone’s hand

—

New SFAS Training Program (includes 59-page SFAS Personal Dev Guidebook) 

New Running Program: TTM Run Advanced

Ebook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition Guide

—

TrainHeroic Team Subscription: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)

—

PDF programs

2 & 5 Mile Run Program - run improvement program w/ strength work

Ruck | Run | Lift - Selection Prep program

Hypertrophy - intermediate/advanced

Jacked Gazelle 3.0 - Hybrid program

Jacked Gazelle- Hybrid athlete

Jacked Gazelle 2.0 - Hybrid athlete

SFAS Prep- Special forces train-up

—

AFFILIATES

Rice ‘N Grinds (Pride Foods) – 10% off w/ code TTM

MegaFit Meals - 10% off w/ code TTM

Spoken Supplements: Code terminator_training

Cwench supplements: Code terminator_training

—

Let’s connect:

Newsletter Sign Up

IG: terminator_training

Youtube

Website

Substack

Mother's Day Sale: Get any TTM training program 25% off with code MDAY25.

If you're interested in a program for a special lady in your life, these are my wife's favorites: 
Kickstart (16-week beginner program)
Hypertrophy (19-week intermediate to advanced program)
Time Crunch (8-week minimal time and equipment)

New partnerships (both are legit)

Rice ‘N Grinds (Pride Foods)
Fast, high-quality carbs. Easy win for fueling performance.
10% off with code TTM

MegaFit Meals
Best meal prep I’ve used. Saves time, keeps nutrition dialed.
10% off with code TTM

—

New SFAS Program (includes 59-page SFAS Personal Dev Guidebook) 

New Running Program: TTM Run Advanced

New Selection Prep Program: Ruck | Run | Lift 

New Hybrid Program: Jacked Gazelle 3.0

Ebook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition Guide

Today's Questions: 

03:13 — Hill training for selection prep
05:38 — Pool skills on rest days?
07:12 — Best program for 20–30 mile weeks + strength gains
07:48 — Turning Jacked Gazelle 3 into an 8–9 day split
09:37 — Top 3 grip exercises for SFAS
12:40 — Best TTM program for Q-Course students
14:03 — Differences between the Jacked Gazelle programs
15:53 — Can mountain biking build your run base?
16:58 — Best way to learn auto-regulation
22:54 — SFAS breakdown after Gate Week
24:53 — AM vs PM workouts
30:33 — Training while sick
33:10 — Tight muscles in the morning: age or something else?
40:04 — Does cadence matter for Zone 2 running?
43:10 — Does upbringing impact SOF performance?
47:32 — Favorite training gear and shoes
51:36 — Does speaking multiple languages help selection odds?
53:55 — Intra-workout carbs & glycogen supplements: worth it?
54:28 — Optimizing SFAS prep while constantly in the field
58:10 — How to bridge the gap between the 2&5 Mile Program and race day
59:06 — Dieting on a budget

—

TrainHeroic Team Subscription: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)

—

Let’s connect:

Newsletter Sign Up

IG: terminator_training

Youtube

Website

Substack

Timestamps

Intro 0:00 (SFAS program update!)

2:55 -SFAS Boots

5:45 -restaurants in Sopines NC 

7:54 -Plyos running high MPW

8:49 -high schoolers pursuing SFAS/RASP

11:49 -too small for SFAS

14:36 -TRT/Peptides

17:07 -#1 priority for 18X

20:34 -Ranger school as PL

25:41 -Cardio in bulk

28:25 -Run w/ ankle injury

31:36 -Gatorade liquid carbs

33:15 -Gallon of water/day

37:20 -Meal frequency high carb 

40:33 -2 Mile gains

43:53 -lifting chalk

46:17 -street lifting SFAS prep

47:59-Re-doing JG?

49:13-pacing 400/800m repeats

51:21 -Potatoes v. rice

53:18 -skinny guys at selection

54:40 -running skill

56:54 -Metcons (Q-course, pre selection)

58:41 -suck less at rucking

1:00:31 -My height & weight

1:00:48 -Uncrustables!

—

New Running Program: TTM Run Advanced

New Selection Prep Program: Ruck | Run | Lift 

New Hybrid Program: Jacked Gazelle 3.0

Ebook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition Guide

—

TrainHeroic Subscription: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)

—

PDF programs

2 & 5 Mile Run 

Kickstart

Time Crunch

Hypertrophy

Jacked Gazelle

Jacked Gazelle 2.0

SFAS Prep

—

Rice ‘N Grinds (Pride Foods) – 10% off w/ code TTM

MegaFit Meals - 10% off w/ code TTM

Spoken Supplements: Code terminator_training

Cwench supplements: Code terminator_training

—

Let’s connect:

Newsletter Sign Up

IG: terminator_training

Youtube

Website

Substack

🔥 25% off all SOF prep programs. No code needed.

New partnerships
Rice ‘N Grinds (Pride Foods)- 10% off with code TTM

MegaFit Meals - 10% off with code TTM

Topics

00:00 Intro

04:15 - Dropped 3 min off my 5K… can TTM Run Advanced make me faster?

06:01 - Fasted Z2 runs

09:32 - Essential types of runs during a base phase

14:36 - Cutting but scale isn’t moving: what now?

16:47 - Ideal 1-year plan using TTM programs

18:11 - Skip Z2 when joints feel beat up?

22:01 - Ideal body comp for the long walk

26:00 - Speed work + leg day

28:39 - Lose weight before ruck running?

32:33 - Daily push-ups/pull-ups ok?

36:06 - Best carbs for lean bulking

37:53 - What I eat in a full day

42:19 - Mentzer/Yates style: worth it or overhyped?

46:19 - Metcons during Q-course

49:34 - T-850: build strength + keep running?

50:19 - Plyos as run warm-up

51:13 - If I went back to SWIC: what I’d do daily

53:50 - How to start a PT business

New Running Program: TTM Run Advanced

New Selection Prep Program: Ruck | Run | Lift 

New Hybrid Program: Jacked Gazelle 3.0

—

TrainHeroic Team Subscription: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)

—

PDF programs

2 & 5 Mile Run Program - run improvement program w/ strength work

Kickstart- beginner/garage gym friendly

Time Crunch- Workouts for those short on time

Hypertrophy- intermediate/advanced

Jacked Gazelle- Hybrid athlete

Jacked Gazelle 2.0 - Hybrid athlete

SFAS Prep- Special forces train-up

Ruck | Run | Lift - Selection Prep

—

Let’s connect:

Newsletter Sign Up

IG: terminator_training

Youtube: Terminator Training Method

website: terminatortraining.com

Substack

In this episode, I have the privilege of interviewing Cody McBroom, founder of Tailored Coaching Method. We dive into a practical conversation on fat loss, performance nutrition, and the key mistakes keeping most people from getting results.

Connect with Cody: IG | YouTube

Topics

• 00:00 – Intro
• 01:54 – Cody’s Background 
• 05:50 – Early Coaching Lessons & Principles  
• 15:29 – Performance vs Aesthetics: Body Fat, Health, and Long-Term Mortality  
• 18:13 – Sodium, Food Choices, and Scale Spikes  
• 19:51 – Nutrition for Hybrid Athletes vs Gen Pop  
• 20:45 – Carbs Are the Performance Lever  
• 21:27 – How Much Protein You Actually Need  
• 23:46 – How to Fuel Training (Pre/Intra)  
• 28:14 – Why You’re Not Losing Weight
• 32:07 – Macro Setup That Actually Works 
• 33:07 – The Problem With Low Carb Diets 
• 38:53 – All You Need Are 7g of Fat Per Day  
• 48:07 – Food Tracking: The Skill Most People Avoid  

—

New Running Program: TTM Run Advanced

New Selection Prep Program: Ruck | Run | Lift 

New Hybrid Program: Jacked Gazelle 3.0

Ebook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition Guide

—

TrainHeroic Team Subscription: T-850 Rebuilt

—

PDF programs

2 & 5 Mile Run Program - run improvement program w/ strength work

Kickstart- beginner/garage gym friendly

Time Crunch- Workouts for those short on time

Hypertrophy- intermediate/advanced

Jacked Gazelle- Hybrid athlete

Jacked Gazelle 2.0 - Hybrid athlete

SFAS Prep- Special forces train-up

Ruck | Run | Lift - Selection Prep

—

Rice ‘N Grinds (Pride Foods) – 10% off w/ code TTM

Spoken Supplements: Code terminator_training

—

Let’s connect:

Newsletter Sign Up

IG: terminator_training

Youtube: Terminator Training Method

website: terminatortraining.com

Substack

Partnered with Pride Foods (Rice ‘N Grinds). Delicious, quick, high-quality carbs. Use code TTM for 10% off.

00:00 - Intro
 04:32 - Training with a broken hand
 07:29 - Low-impact cardio options
 10:45 - Tapering stimulants pre-SFAS
 15:37 - Building a proper base phase
 18:43 - When to deload
 24:12 - Cutting without losing performance
 28:53 - Fixing lower back tightness
 32:29 - Dropping mile time in 4 months
 34:27 - Pace count for SFAS rucks
 38:12 - Fixing strength imbalances
 42:46 - Breakfast for hard morning sessions
 45:13 - Zercher vs front squats
 47:03 - Is leg drive cheating?
 49:28 - Bodybuilding for tactical athletes
 52:32 - Posterior chain without deadlifts
 55:41 - Long Walk strategy for SFAS

PDF programs

New Running Program: TTM Run Advanced

Selection Prep Program: Ruck | Run | Lift 

Hybrid Program: Jacked Gazelle 3.0

Ebook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition Guide

2 & 5 Mile Run Program - run improvement program w/ strength work

Kickstart- beginner/garage gym friendly

Time Crunch- Workouts for those short on time

Hypertrophy- intermediate/advanced

Jacked Gazelle- Hybrid athlete

Jacked Gazelle 2.0 - Hybrid athlete

SFAS Prep- Special forces train-up

Ruck | Run | Lift - Selection Prep

—

TrainHeroic Team Subscription: T-850 Rebuilt 

—

Rice ‘N Grinds (Pride Foods) – 10% off w/ code TTM

Spoken Supplements: Code terminator_training

Cwench supplements: Code terminator_training

—

Newsletter Sign Up

IG

Youtube