SGPT Interviews Kokoro Finisher Josh Carter

How often in life do you get to find out your “why”?

Former Teacher and Josh Carter digs deep at SEALFIT Kokoro 51 to realize his why and finish the drill. Check out this interview as he prepares and finally conquers the biggest challenge of his life.

SGPT: Tell us about yourself?

JC: My name is Josh Carter. I am a 45 year old retired HS teacher (decision I made after Kokoro 51) and now I am the owner of a youth athletic performance facility (‘Arsenal Performance’). Married to Jennifer Carter of 23 + years. Father of three Jamison (14), Jackson (12), Jillian aka Bean (9).

SGPT: Did you have an athletic background growing up?

You: In HS I played 4 sports for 4 years (football, basketball, baseball and track). I continued to play baseball in college at Young Harris College.

SGPT: How did you train for the Kokoro event?

JC: I bought ‘8 weeks to Sealfit’ and followed it to a “T”. I also used SGPT Training prior to the event mainly through Facebook. That is how I started my prep for the event. I would also just go out and ruck and run with a weight vest to begin with and went with a heavier ruck after some time training.

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

JC: I was a part of Kokoro class 51 right outside Temecula,CA. It was by far one of the most challenging things I have done in my life. I went into it thinking it was about me and what I could do, but I soon found out that it is really about those around you. When I focused on pouring into others the event became much easier mentally.

SGPT: What was hardest part of the event for you?

JC: The most difficult thing for me was being in the Pacific Ocean at night. The cold for extended periods of time mixed with fatigue about put me over the edge. Every time that I thought it was going to end they sent us right back into the water, a little further out every time.

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

JC: For me, I would definitely spend more time on the log. Holding in the front rack position doing lunges.

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

JC: I used the Nike SFB Field 2 8” boots. I chose these boots because the break in period was shorter and they performed a lot like athletic shoes.

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

JC: I used a silky stocking under Nike SFB tactical socks. It worked for the most part, but your feet are wet all the time, so it is just a matter of time until your feet break down.

SGPT: What kind of ruck backpack did you use for training?

JC: I used a GORUCK backpack to train in. I wished I would have used one less comfortable. At the event, comfort was not on their mind when they chose the ruck backpack.

SGPT: What book are you reading now?

JC: I am reading ‘Never Finished’ by Navy SEAL David Goggins.

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

JC: #1 -Have a real purpose on why you are there and what you want to get out of it. You can lean on that when it gets tough.

#2 – It’s not about you, so get that out of your head. Be a good teammate. Once you focus on others your experience will suck less. If you don’t take this approach then the obvious (pain, frustration, anger) will take control and you will fail the ultimate goal.

SGPT: Thanks for the interview, Josh. We greatly appreciate you sharing your story.

JC: Thank you for reaching out and asking about my experience. I hope that this can be of some use by someone going through this type of experience.

About the Author:

Are you interested in training for an endurance event like SEALFIT 20X, GORUCK or a Spartan Race? Do you want to increase your human potential so that you can move faster to your goals?