SGPT: Tell us about yourself?
KD:I grew up in Alabama, became a SEAL by age 18, deployed all over including Afghanistan and since I got out I became a sponsored professional shooter with my own company.
SGPT: Did you have an athletic background growing up?
KD: Yes. Varsity letters for football and track from the 9th grade to the 11th. Cross country my senior year to prep for BUD/S.
SGPT: Which BUDS class did you go through? What was the hardest part of BUDS for you?
KD: I was in BUDS Class 201, Hardest part for me was pool comp in second phase. I passed but it stays in my mind as the most difficult evolution for me personally.
SGPT: Please tell us about the Haleyville fundraiser.
KD: I’m running the 34 mile route, which is usually walked, and changes each year to represent Mark’s age that year- to honor Mark Forester, a CCT operator who was KIA in Afghanistan, we are both from Haleyville and our families grew up together, and also to raise money for The Mark Forester Foundation which provides a scholarship each year to a student from out high school.
SGPT: That is a long distance to run. How are you training for this event.
KD: I’ve ran a number of ultras before, mostly 50 milers, so I luckily have the experience to fall back on. I’m basically doing back to back long days of 3-4 hours each and another 2 or 3 one hour long runs each week, ending about two weeks out from the May 16 race day with a nice taper. This run ends up being a 50K plus a couple miles but the hilly terrain of The Ville is my biggest concern. Shouldn’t be an issue though.
SGPT: How can athletes register or donate online if they live far away?
KD: Go to www.markaforester.com and click the donate tab which will take you to their Paypal page. To register, click on registration.
SGPT: Tell us more about your shooting school.
KD: I wouldn’t say I have a school per se, I don’t own a range. About 90% of my business is gov/Mil and I train those guys on pistol, carbine, scoped rifle and CQB. I only do around a dozen of maybe 14 open enrollment classes each year which anyone who can pass a background check and has decent experience with shooting can attend.
SGPT: If someone wanted to train at your school what would be the best way to get in touch and start?
KD: Visit my website and check out what you might be in to.
SGPT: Many thanks for the interview Kyle.
KD: V/R, Kyle Defoor
SEALgrinderPT is a proud donor to the Navy SEAL Foundation
Questions from our SGPT athletes.
It gives a good inside look at what happens day to day and what to expect.
You will still have to train hard and be ready for that day.
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