Foundation block, weeks 1 to 6

Week 5 of BUD/S Prep

The long run reaches four miles and intervals move to six reps. If the week 1 PST is more than a month old, this is a reasonable point to retest and re-read the pace chart.

The six sessions

DayCardioStrength
MondayLong slow distance run4 milesUpper/Core
TuesdayContinuous high-intensity swim17 minLower/Push-Sit-Pull
WednesdayInterval run6 repsCore/Push-Sit-Pull
ThursdayLong slow distance swim1400 yardsCore/Push-Sit-Pull
FridayContinuous high-intensity run17 minUpper/Core
SaturdayInterval swim6 repsLower/Push-Sit-Pull

What changes from week 4

  • Monday, long slow distance run: 3.75 miles to 4 miles
  • Tuesday, continuous high-intensity swim: 16 min to 17 min
  • Wednesday, interval run: 5 reps to 6 reps
  • Thursday, long slow distance swim: 1300 yards to 1400 yards
  • Friday, continuous high-intensity run: 16 min to 17 min
  • Saturday, interval swim: 5 reps to 6 reps

The foundation block

Weeks 1 to 6 build the base. Distances are short enough that a candidate who passes the PST minimums can finish every session, and the point is to establish the six-day rhythm: three runs, three swims, strength or calisthenics every day. Core work is two sets of each exercise. If a session feels easy, that is by design. Adaptation comes from consistency in this block, not from intensity.

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