Ironman Triathlon vs CFA

Not to mention, from the sounds of it you’re authoritatively comparing three things you’ve never attempted or even begun to train for (CFA LIII with your BS 300 hour estimate, marathons and triath).

BS - Don’t get snotty about ultramarathons vs. Ironmans. Take it easy, I’m sure jack meant no personal disrespect.

brain_wash_your_face Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > What’s harder SEAL school or CFA or Ironman? My brother went through SEALs training (BUDs) and said it’s an absolute nightmare. He has cross trained himself to be extremely strong without sacrificing his running ability. Some people may be able to run marathons in their sleep but I doubt anyone has ever gone through BUDs thinking it was a cake walk. Nothing (Ironman, Ultrathon, Marathon, etc…) compares to special forces training.

I agree with Cuckrox8. I made my special ops experience and there is one very distinctive edge: constant discomfort. Prolongued exercising (tri or cfa) makes you an expert in coping with the stress associated that very specific task. In special ops training you will have to endure a constantly changing sources of stress. Adapting to it is very demanding and difficult. I don’t want say long distand tri or running is not difficult, but the long training periods help you to master the mental challenges attached to it. You can go all out without having to worry that the “set of rules” or the “playground” is changed. That makes it easier. On the other hand, in special ops training you will never no what is going on or how long it is going to last. I experienced this a far more difficult and stressful (both physically and mentally).

^^Agree, that’s why I asked the question. Just trying to bring a little reality. I would actulally say that endurance events are the easiest, simply because you know exactly what to expect and you only need to be proficient in one skill (marathon) or only three (triath). CFA is tougher because you do not know exactly what to expect on exam day and you need to be proficient in a variety of mental calithetics. BUDs is undoubtably tougher, than either. Anybody ever go through some sealfit workouts (SEAL acquaintance of mine recommended)? Probably the hardest workout in terms of volume and varied training I’ve experienced and I was rested and especting it. Imagine that when you are exhausted and taken by surprise.

No, but here’s a training manual for those who wish to give BUD/S training. This is supposed to prepare candidates who are serious about passing. http://sealswcc.com/navy-seals-physical-training-guide.aspx

TDIGZ Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > No, but here’s a training manual for those who > wish to give BUD/S training. This is supposed to > prepare candidates who are serious about passing. > > http://sealswcc.com/navy-seals-physical-training-g > uide.aspx i think i’m going to start using that set guide - i was just challenged to running a >20min 5k and look forward to getting it.

Try running that same 5k in combat boots and fatigues on soft sand.

i’m sure running it backwards up the side of a mountain would suk too, but that’s not what i’m going for here. just time and bragging rights.

Black Swan Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Not to mention, from the sounds of it you’re > authoritatively comparing three things you’ve > never attempted or even begun to train for (CFA > LIII with your BS 300 hour estimate, marathons and > triath). Take a chill pill. It was an honest question for everyone’s comments. No insult or disrespect intended. You may have your own views, and so do other people. There is no need to be angry. Fact is, I have never tried doing either L3 CFA or Ironman Triathlon. Hence, the post. I have done a few long-distance marathons while studying for L1 and L2, though.

My first Ironman is in Boulder on 6/9/19 - currently in Winter Park doing high elevation training to prepare.

Ironman’s ive done in past 5 years: Whistler, Monte Tremblant, Cabo, Coeur d’Alene

Half Ironmans I’ve done past 5 years: Oceanside (multiple times), Vineman (multiple times), Boulder, Lake Stevens

Both Triathlon and CFA requires lots of discipline. I work out twice a day to train my body, and study all the time to train my brain. It’s especially difficult to do both Ironman training, CFA studying, work full time and spend time with the family.

Unfortunately, any idiot can complete an Ironman as the MPS is quite easy (17 hours). Not many idiots can pass the CFA.

you trying to get lit after?!?!?

That’s pretty damn impressive to be honest. I have friends who train for triathlon and it’s seems like a 2nd full-time job. Can’t imagine adding studying CFA on top of it. I have trained and ran 1 marathon per year while studying for CFA and even that can get quite hectic. And I don’t even have a family of my own.