Intensify block, weeks 17 to 21

Week 17 of BUD/S Prep

The long run reaches seven miles and the long swim 2600 yards. Core work steps up. From here the long sessions are the main source of new stress.

The six sessions

DayCardioStrength
MondayLong slow distance run7 milesUpper/Core
TuesdayContinuous high-intensity swim2 x 14 minLower/Push-Sit-Pull
WednesdayInterval run10 repsCore/Push-Sit-Pull
ThursdayLong slow distance swim2600 yardsCore/Push-Sit-Pull
FridayContinuous high-intensity run2 x 14 minUpper/Core
SaturdayInterval swim10 repsLower/Push-Sit-Pull

What changes from week 16

  • Monday, long slow distance run: 6.75 miles to 7 miles
  • Thursday, long slow distance swim: 2500 yards to 2600 yards

The intensify block

Weeks 17 to 21 push the long sessions toward race-plus distances: runs of seven to eight miles and swims of 2600 to 3000 yards. Continuous high-intensity blocks lengthen again. A candidate who has stayed healthy through this block is in a strong position; a candidate carrying a nagging injury should back off the long days rather than the intervals, because the intervals are what move PST scores.

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