SGPT Interviews SEALFIT Kokoro finisher Glenn Bland

You cannot beat the man that will not quit! A famous quote that completely defines Glenn Bland. No matter the cold, the heat, or mountains to climb – Glenn stayed on course to finish his goal. Lesser men would have walked away after the first big obstacle – but that is not the way of a persistent warrior.

Check out this amazing interview with SEALFIT Kokoro finisher Glenn Bland.

SGPT: Tell us about yourself? Where are you from and where do you train?

GB: I was born a military dependent in Stuttgart Germany where my father was stationed in 1965. We bounced around the globe until my father retired in Bakersfield, CA. in 1978.

I’m currently still in Bakersfield where I retired from a long career in HVACR & the solar energy industry. I’m 57 years old, my wife and I have four children and nine grandchildren.

Currently, my wife Tricia and I both have gyms and operate as personal trainers. I train with my clients from 0500-0800 Monday through Friday.

SGPT: Did you have an athletic background growing up?

GB: My siblings and I were introduced to some sports when we were kids but we moved around so much, we never had a chance to stick with it until we settled in Bakersfield.

My brother and I were lucky enough to meet a great boxing coach by the name of Robert Jackson. Because of his great mentorship, we fell in love with the sport of boxing.
In a couple of years he transformed us from overweight kids to competitive athletes.

SGPT: How did you train for the SEALFIT Kokoro event?

GB: Mostly HIIT circuits with lots of running, rucking, and sandbags involved. I change the programming every 6 weeks. In addition to HIIT classes with my clients from 0500-0800, I did three mile runs 3x/week, and 1 long ruck on the weekend.

I made it a point to wear my KOKORO uniform during most workouts. In addition, we do a version of Murph/Body Armor every Tuesday at 0500.

In addition to regular training over the last year, I challenged myself with some 100 mile runs. You will most likely never do anything more challenging than KOKORO unless this is a warmup for BUDS or Selection. Your physical abilities alone will not get you through this event.

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

GB: My first attempt was eight years ago when events were still held at headquarters in Encinitas. I was physically fit but mentally unprepared. I quit K37 after 24 hours. In Kokoro 46 I was med dropped against my will at 24 hrs for broken ribs. In K56 I was med dropped at 34 hrs with hypothermia. In Kokoko 57 I was mentally weak from learning that a dear family member was diagnosed with terminal cancer, quit at 18 hrs. Kokoro Class 61 secured!

I’m grateful for this journey in so many ways, I wouldn’t change a damn thing. The benefits are priceless, 5X more lessons and extended family. It was truly life changing. For me it was “8 years to SEALfit”!

SGPT: What was hardest part of the event?

GB: Log PT was definitely the hardest part for me.

SGPT: What kind of boots /trail running shoes did you use for the event? For training?

GB: I have a few boot recommendations that work for me but take into consideration, I wear a size 14 and have narrow flat feet.

5.11 tactical
Nike tactical
Hoka boots
Altra, Lone Peak

I was really undecided on what to wear for K61 so I called my buddy Allison Grubbs (K46 buddy, legend). She said Lone Peaks and they were great!

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

GB: When it comes to socks and foot care I go with ultra running knowledge that’s been handed down through the years.

I used the Bag Balm ointment on my feet and I like to use“Darn Tough” merino wool socks.

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

GB: Go to a military surplus store and find the cheapest, crappy, low quality, most uncomfortable ruck available.

Do NOT use a waist strap or chest strap or anything else that would make you comfortable. Wear a wet, sandy tee shirt when you practice.

Check out this article “What ruck sack do they use at SEALFIT Kokoro”.

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

GB: I wish I would have practiced more log PT to be a better teammate.

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

GB: I have many tips I’d like to share with anyone considering KOKORO. Here are a few:

GLENN BLAND TIPS to CRUSH KOKORO

Read Mark Divine’s books.

Do Murph often

Do lots of 1-3 mile runs…. fast.

Ruck heavy at least once a week.

Sign up for a few very challenging events prior to KOKORO so your emotions are challenged.

SGPT: What good book are you reading now? Are you listening to any good podcast or audio books your listening to and can share?

GB: I am reading a few books to include “Empire of the Summer Moon” will give you a powerful taste of true suffering.

“American Commando” the story of Evans Carlson and his WWII Marine Raiders.

“War is a Racket” by Major General Smedley D. Butler

SGPT: Many thanks for the interview Glenn. We greatly appreciate you sharing your knowledge and Congrats on finishing Kokoro.

GB: Thank you Coach McLeod for guiding us through K61 and the opportunity to share knowledge from our experience.

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Are you interested in training for an endurance event like SEALFIT 20X, Ironman, GORUCK or a Spartan Race?

Looking to get out of a rut and push forward to beat yesterday now?

Do you just want to increase your human potential so that you can move faster to your goals?

Do you have a big event on the horizon and you want to finish the drill?

Get individual coaching from SGPT Coach Brad McLeod