SGPT Interviews SEALFIT 20X graduate Hector Robles

SGPT: Tell us about yourself?

HR: I am a 55 year old proud father of two young men , Adam and Jonathan. I am originally from Colombia and grew up in New Jersey across from Manhattan . I am a Chemical Engineer who came to Puerto Rico 30 years ago with GE and for the last 17 years have been operating my own business.

SGPT: Did you have an athletic background growing up?

HR: I never had any experience in competitive team sports. At 14 I started weight lifting and running then went on to playing the racquet sports such as Tennis , Rackquet ball and Squash. In the last 4 years I got into Crossfit.

SGPT: How did you train for the SEALFIT 20X event?

HR: I submitted to the programming of my Coach Jose Mendizabal. The program had daily varying routines with Work capacity , Stamina , Durability components. I was committed to the program and even if I was on the road I would locate a Crossfit box that would allow me to do my own routine.

SGPT: Tell us a little about the event? Where was it?

HR: The event was in Salinas, Puerto Rico. A great location that was ocean front in a sleepy suburban town. We had a great time participating in 20X although it was very demanding we had the opportunity to Ruck to a nature preserve and perform different evolutions on some spectacular beaches. The whole 20X experience is hard to describe in words but it was a demanding event in every sense from the physical , mental ,emotional as well as a test of your will.

SGPT: What was hardest part of the event?

HR: There were several each for varying reasons. Some of the water events due to my fear of the open ocean . Handless burpees was frustrating as I could not get up without assistance and the return Ruck with the additional weight was physically challenging

SGPT: What is one thing you wish you would have done to get ready for 20X?

HR: I wish I would have swam more in my gear

SGPT: Any tips for up and coming athletes that want to do 20X?

HR: Train seriously minimum 4 months prior to the event and make sure you meet the standards.

SGPT: What kind of boots did you use for the event?

HR: Oakley Amphibian boots

SGPT: Did you use double socks or body glide on your feet to prevent blisters?

HR: Only used a single pair of socks. The 5.11 Tactical socks with copper and transdry cotton. I did put some Desitin on my feet and brought a spare set of socks to change into during the afternoon break.

SGPT: What kind of ruck did you use for training and the event?

HR: I used the GORRUCK back pack for the event. For training I used the GO Ruck sack and the PWR sand bag, as well.