SGPT Interviews Kokoro grad McCall Tomeny

SGPT Interviews Kokoro grad McCall Tomeny
Kokoro Class #29 August 2013

SGPT: Tell us about yourself?

MT: I’m a 21 year old college basketball player at Loyola University in New Orleans, I’m a junior and majoring in Finance. I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and have always had a passion for bettering myself, whether physically or mentally.

SGPT: Did you have an athletic background growing up?

MT: I’ve played competitive basketball since the sixth grade, but other than that not really. I haven’t ever thought of myself as the best “athlete”, but rather as someone who works hard to improve my craft. That’s pretty much the only way I’ve been able to carve out a niche for myself in basketball.

SGPT: How did you train for Kokoro?

MT: I prepared for Kokoro by doing high altitude training in Colorado at Aspen Crossfit. There I worked a lot on not only my strength, but also my endurance through several “Hero WOD’s”. I also ran a few 5K’s to prepare for the lengthy runs at Kokoro. Another thing I did that ended up being big for me was several long rucks in the mountains with a 45lb weight vest on.

SGPT: Tell us a little about the event?

MT: Kokoro was above and beyond the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. It’s really hard to put into words exactly how the event went without giving too much away. Not knowing what’s coming next is not only the fun part, but I believe the one thing that keeps you sane over the 50+ hours.

SGPT: What was hardest part of the event?

MT: I know it sounds silly because of how difficult some of the evolutions are, but for me Murph was the hardest part mentally. As a taller guy, a WOD like Murph (especially with a heavy ruck on) is quite a challenge. I was so frustrated during that evolution, especially when we kept getting put in the ice bath. However, the biggest grind was without a doubt the hike on the final night. The sleep deprivation really started to create some weird hallucinations for me when we were on the mountain. I think I fell asleep while walking at one point.

SGPT: What is one thing you wish you would have done to get ready for Kokoro?

MT: I really wish I would have spent a lot more time working on my shoulder and hamstring mobility so I could be more comfortable in a bottom overhead squat. I haven’t really spent any time working on my overhead squat, and during the grinder/sandbag PT, that would have been a great skill/strength to have.

SGPT: Any tips for up and coming athletes that want to do Kokoro?

MT: I would prepare the same way I did if I had to do it again. I started CrossFit for the first time three months prior to Kokoro to prepare, and saw gains in every area that I never could have imagined. It’s definitely something I will continue with as I go into basketball season.

SGPT: So your shipping out for the Navy tomorrow and on to BUDS?

MT: While preparing for Kokoro, it really became a thought of mine after I finish college. After finishing Kokoro, it became more of a vision rather than just a thought. While I wouldn’t be at BUD/s any time soon, it is definitely a strong possibility a few years down the road.

SGPT: Many thanks for the interview

MT: No, thank you. I really hope that my advice is able to help out anyone who is thinking of giving Kokoro a shot. You will not regret it.