SGPT Interviews 20X grad Brian Hicks

SGPT: Tell us about yourself?

BH: I’m 31, married, and have a brand new baby girl at home. I’m also a Firefighter/Paramedic.

SGPT: Did you have an athletic background growing up?

BH: I grew up playing football and baseball year round from the age of 5 through the end of high school.

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

BH: I really didn’t. My workouts were really sporadic and not consistent. I went to 20X with the mindset that it was going to be a starting point for a new, focused, and motivated me.

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

Push Yourself to a New Level – Prepare for SEALFIT Kokoro

BH: It was held at SEALFIT HQ in Encinitas. The weather was perfect and the water wasn’t too cold. There were 13 of us from all over the US and Canada. We worked well as teams and I believe everyone had a great time. I’m sure everyone had tough moments. I know I did, but everyone made it through to the end. I really enjoyed the team evolutions, especially Log PT and Tire PT. It’s a cool feeling when 5-6 people are throwing around a 300+ lb. log in unison. Getting “wet and sandy” was great too. The coaches were tough, motivating, and at times would throw some humor into the mix, which would help me center myself. I was fortunate to be in this experience with great, hardworking people. Everyone had great attitudes. Overall, it was physically the hardest thing I have ever done. I had a great time.

SGPT: What was hardest part of the event?

BH: Physically, rucking under weight and under load in soft sand was really hard. I underestimated that. The training hikes I did do were always on hard, dry trails.

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

BH: I wish I would have just been consistent with my programming. Between work and family life it was easy to have an excuse to skip days. Lack of training equals pain and suffering at 20X.

SGPT: Any tips for up and coming athletes that want to do this type of event?

BH: Have a strong reason, your “WHY”, for being there. 20X isn’t something you just decide to go do one weekend. Have a purpose for yourself and why you are there. Unlike other events, at the end of the day you don’t get a meaningless headband, T shirt, or Velcro patch for completing the SEALFIT 20X. You get the experience of learning about yourself and how what you previously thought wasn’t possible or “hard” was. You literally expand your physical and mental barriers 20 times. You should use that experience to further better yourself.

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

BH: I used the Nike SFB Field boot. I’ve had them about 4 months and they were well broken in. Super comfortable.

SGPT: Did you use double socks or body glide on your feet to prevent blisters? If not what type of sock and what were your results?

BH: I used body glide, Smart Wool liner socks, and Darn Tough socks.

I followed your advice to the letter and I had ZERO foot issues.

My feet were fresh with no hot spots at the end of the day.

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

BH: I used the GORUCK Radio Ruck with a 35lb Steel Plate from SHPlates.com and a 40lb GORUCK sandbag.