WELCOME TO ADVENTURE OPERATIONS GROUP




Adventure Operations Group (AOG) is a veteran owned company dedicated to the pursuit of adventurer. AOG's Training Programs and Adventures will take you "Beyond Normal Limits". AOG leads epic adventures, instructional programs, leadership training and assessments for individuals and organizations. Our programs are unique and emphasize mental focus, individual skills, leadership and personal achievement. We specialize in Human Performance Training. Working with AOG is the best way to achieve "next level" results for your corporate group or to enhance your personal capabilities. Contact AOG today to learn how we can get you or your team "Beyond Normal Limits".

http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/








Friday, November 22, 2013

AOG Teton Mission Part 3- The Mountain

 
 
 
 
Who:  Brad, Sean, Mark, Brenton and Coach Rob

What: Adventure Operations Group- 4 Day Teton Operator Course (Summer)

Where: Jackson, WY; Teton National Park and other"off grid" spots

When:  August 7-12, 2013

Why:  Fast and light mountain ops and a big final mission

This course will advance the performance and push the limits of motivated individuals and teams.  You are trained by AOG and Exum Guides in leadership, mountain survival, tactical shooting and alpine climbing.  The training is preparation for a big final mission, an epic test of mountaineering skill and endurance requiring total focus and team commitment. 


“The Teton Operator course reminded me that with training, focus and teamwork any mission is possible.” Brenton Reagan
There are few times in your life when you are in a situation that is the absolute edge of your comfort zone.  Having been through a couple already, I knew before we began the climb up the upper Exum Ridge that I was putting myself into one again.  For all the desire I had to attain the summit via that route, my fear of heights had to be overcome for the sake of the team’s success.  Moving through the wall street section and beyond was one of those pivotal moments that literally made me a stronger person.  I left the Teton Mission more prepared for not only future adventures in the natural world, but better prepared to conquer challenges at work with the same determination and techniques for success...focus, positive mental outlook and absolute confidence in the team.  The AOG week truly reinforced those things everyday, in every event we executed with best in class leaders and other team members who don’t settle for anything less than giving it all.”
Sean

The Final Mission: Grand Teton




Day 4:
 
0100 came too fast.  Coffee did little to knock the fatigue from us after our team had pushed hard for the three previous days.  We were in the car and driving to the Exum office at 0130.  We rallied with Brenton, divided up more gear and headed out for the Lupine Meadows trail head parking lot.  We were on the move at 0230.
 


 
Alpine start
 
There was little talk as we moved out at a quick pace, each one following the head lamp in front of the other.  The trail was wide and easy at the start, but it was hard not to think about the 7000 ft of vertical gain that lay in front of us.
 
Water refill, eat GU, move out
 
 
 
We continued marching through the darkness.  After too many switchbacks to count, we turned west and entered Garnet Canyon.  The sound of the alpine stream was lout as the trail carried us close to the water before entering a large boulder garden.  We moved quickly through the boulder garden, but heeded Brenton's advice to "not fall in here".   
 


 
As dawn approached, Brenton halted our team and pointed for us to look over our shoulders.  We turned and saw the valley stretching out below us, and the Snake River beyond that.  We were just over 10,000ft and our first view in the early light was spectacular.
 

First light at 10,000 ft




 We continued on and negotiated the fixed ropes section successfully.  Soon we were approaching the Exum Hut.
 


 


"Since this was a one day summit, and we had a team of four Brenton kept us on a tight schedule at the Hut.  We ate, repacked kit and put on our gear at the same time.  This felt just like other missions I had been on where small teams  move fast and light following tight schedules on their way to accomplish something awesome, while most people are still sleeping".    Brad



Early morning up high
 
It was fun to watch Mark, who had only rock climbed the first time 2 days prior, climb through exposed sections and ledges (Wall Street), and witness the exhilaration of a first time climber overcoming an alpine problem. 
 
Mark the climber

“Fear is the biggest enemy of finding your true capabilities, Faith, and Trust are the biggest enemy of Fear!” Mark


We made it past Wall Street, and up the Golden Staircase.  We climbed as a group, short roping and using body and terrain belays where we could, and moving together like a team of seasoned operators that had been working together for years.  Moving as a roped up team of four, everyone on the team was an active member of making the summit.  Brenton would lead a pitch, establish the anchor site and start off on the next pitch once Sean and arrived and assume belay for me.  We moved like this over most of the upper Exum Ridge. 

 
The Exum Ridge route is one of North America's classic mountaineering routes
 
Brad
 
Nearing the end of the final pitch, Brenton motioned for me to move to the side, and we made a gap for Mark and Sean to pass between us.  Mark was the first of our group to step onto the summit, with Sean following close behind.  Our summit was spectacular, and our team was relieved to be there, having pushed hard all morning.    
 
Summit of the Grand Teton


Brad & Sean

 
 

Short break on the way down

 

Back at the Exum Hut

After a quick lunch, we left the saddle and began the hike down back through Garnet Canyon.  The summit was awesome, but we still had to get out as a team.  The "Exfil" is always one of the most important phases of any operation.  We moved fast, but focused on not falling or getting injured.  



A short break during the hike out (Middle Teton in background)

 

The one day summit of the Grand Teton was a great mission, and an awesome end to the week.  Our group had come to Jackson to train hard, move fast and do something big.  We spent three days refining skills and achieving high levels of competence in critical topics that you need to know if you are operating in a mountain environment.  How to move fast and light, and not get hurt in Alpine terrain.  How to pick safe, efficient routes.  How to pack.  Getting water in the field.  How to train like an elite athlete and prepare your body and mind for big missions.  How to focus like a SOF operator.  How to push through obstacles and open your mind to new environments.  How to plan and execute a big mission, as a team.  Climbing the Grand Teton is an epic experience, to do it as a group and watch the transformation of individuals into a cohesive Mountain Ops team was awesome.
 
A big thanks to Brenton and the Exum team, Coach Rob and Mountain Athlete and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort!
 
Contact ADVENTURE OPERATIONS GROUP at brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com to learn more and to reserve a spot on a 2014 AOG Teton Mission.
 
 

Jackson, WY (Info)
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort 6311 Ft Elevation.  Base Camp for the 2013 AOG Teton Mission.  Located 12 miles NW of Jackson, WY.  In the winter the resort boasts some of the most advanced in bounds and back country skiing in the world.  In the summer, the resort serves as a perfect launching point for multi-sport adventures including: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, alpine mountaineering, paragliding, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, wilderness and backcountry travel and family adventures.

Grand Teton National Park Home to the spectacular and awe inspiring Teton Range.  The Grand Teton, the highest peak in the range, rises to 13,770 feet.  The Tetons are home to some of the most challenging and technical alpine climbing in North America and attract thousands of climbers and back country adventurers each year.

Exum Mountain Guides  North America's oldest and most prestigious school of mountaineering.  Exum has been guiding clients on the Grand Teton for over 80 years.  Exum's elite guides offer unmatched instruction, inspire initiative and responsibility and lead their clients through one of a kind mountaineering and climbing adventures as active participants.

Adventure Operations Group A veteran owned company dedicated to the pursuits of modern adventurers and the human performance lifestyle. AOG offers guided adventures, team missions, coaching, leadership training and instructional programs.  Through preparation, elite training and "SOF Focus", AOG leads individuals through transformative missions designed to push the outer limits of personal performance, mindset, teamwork, gear and adventure travel.  AOG shares epic experiences along with our clients as we continue to go BEYOND NORMAL LIMITS.  Get more out of your self, your team and your next adventure with AOG.


 

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

AOG Teton Mission- Part 2




Who:  Brad, Sean, Mark, Brenton and Coach Rob

What: Adventure Operations Group- Teton Operator Course (Summer)

Where: Jackson, WY; Teton National Park and "off grid" spots

When:  August 7-12, 2013

Why:  Fast and light mountain ops and a big final mission

This course will advance the performance and push the limits of motivated individuals and teams.  You are trained by AOG and Exum Guides in leadership, mountain survival, tactical shooting and alpine climbing.  The training is preparation for a big final mission, an epic test of mountaineering skill and endurance requiring total focus and team commitment. 

Background 
Jackson, WY and the surrounding Teton's are the perfect environment for extreme outdoor challenges, advanced multi-sport adventure travel, tactical and survival awareness and human performance training.     

 
The Mission 
In August 2013 Adventure Operations Group and Brenton Reagan (Exum Mountain Guides) teamed up for 4 days in Jackson, WY.  The Teton Operator course is an exclusive offering from AOG and is designed as a multi-day mountain adventure course with a big final team mission.  The goal was to push the limits of fast and light alpine movement, mountain survival, leadership, tactical shooting, downhill mountain biking and climbing.  We tap into the elite training environment of the Tetons and the warrior mindset to master individual challenges, learn advanced team skills and go "Beyond Normal Limits."

Now scheduling for summer 2014 courses.  Contact brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com for more info.

Day 3
 
 
Day 3
 
After a great breakfast in Teton Village, the team departs for our first evolution.  Today we would be joining Coach Rob Shaul, owner of Mountain Athlete for a special event.  We linked up with Rob at an undisclosed mountain training site for a custom session of his elite "range fitness" training.  A large and growing number of Rob's clients are drawn to the military and tactical focused products of Mountain Athlete, known as Military Athlete.  Rob has created a custom curriculum designed to replicate the body's physiological reactions to the stresses of combat.  Through a series of tailored and timed events, Rob slowly and progressively builds students heart rates, reduces fine motor skills and then leads them through advanced pistol and rifle drills for time.  The effects of even minor physical exertion are dramatic and immediately visible as missed shots, missed times and overall inconsistent performance is typically experienced by all.  The need for maximum functional fitness is constantly reinforced to all who sign up for Military Athlete courses. 
 


Shot timer, burpees and shooting
Focus


No mistakes when your up against Coach

Shot timer pressure
Fun competition, great training, "Beyond Normal Limits"

 
Fitness for action

The range fitness evolution was great fun, but more importantly great training.  After a few hours on the range with Coach Rob, it was clear that we all needed more work on our tactical fitness.  You can never stop training and improving.  The basics should always be your focus, but demonstrating fine motor skills under stress is an important facet of training that was reinforced by our Military Athlete session.   
 
Today the training was over after our range fitness session and we drove back to Teton Village laughing about who was top shot, who cheated on burpees and who broke rule #1 on the range.
 
Our afternoon was spent planning, prepping gear, shopping for food, relaxing and most importantly, thinking about what was in store for us the next day.



The final op


Jackson, WY (Info)
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort 6311 Ft Elevation.  Base Camp for the 2013 AOG Teton Mission.  Located 12 miles NW of Jackson, WY.  In the winter the resort boasts some of the most advanced in bounds and back country skiing in the world.  In the summer, the resort serves as a perfect launching point for multi-sport adventures including: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, alpine mountaineering, paragliding, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, wilderness and backcountry travel and family adventures.

Grand Teton National Park Home to the spectacular and awe inspiring Teton Range.  The Grand Teton, the highest peak in the range, rises to 13,770 feet.  The Tetons are home to some of the most challenging and technical alpine climbing in North America and attract thousands of climbers and back country adventurers each year.

Exum Mountain Guides  North America's oldest and most prestigious school of mountaineering.  Exum has been guiding clients on the Grand Teton for over 80 years.  Exum's elite guides offer unmatched instruction, inspire initiative and responsibility and lead their clients through one of a kind mountaineering and climbing adventures as active participants.

Adventure Operations Group A veteran owned company dedicated to the pursuits of modern adventurers and the human performance lifestyle. AOG offers guided adventures, team missions, coaching, leadership training and instructional programs.  Through preparation, elite training and "SOF Focus", AOG leads individuals through trans formative missions designed to push the outer limits of personal performance, mindset, teamwork, gear and adventure travel.  AOG shares epic experiences along with our clients as we continue to go BEYOND NORMAL LIMITS.  Get more out of your self, your team and your next adventure with AOG.

Contact brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com for information about scheduling a 2014 AOG Teton Mission.

www.adventureoperationsgroup.com
www.adventureoperationsgroup.blogspot.com



 

Monday, November 18, 2013

AOG Teton Mission- Part 1



Who:  Brad, Sean, Mark, Brenton and Coach Rob

What: Adventure Operations Group- Teton Operator Course (Summer)

Where: Jackson, WY; Teton National Park and "off grid" spots

When:  August 7-12, 2013

Why:  Intense mountain ops course with a big final mission

This course will advance the performance and push the limits of motivated individuals. You'll be trained by AOG and Exum Guides in leadership, mountain survival, tactical shooting and alpine climbing.  The training is preparation for a big final mission, an epic test of mountaineering skill and endurance requiring total focus and team commitment. 

Background 
Jackson, WY and the surrounding Teton's are the perfect environment for extreme outdoor challenges, advanced multi-sport adventure travel, tactical and survival training.

 
The Mission 
In August 2013 Adventure Operations Group and Brenton Reagan (Exum Mountain Guides) teamed up for 4 days in Jackson, WY.  The Teton Operator course is an exclusive offering from AOG and is designed as a multi-day mountain adventure course with a big final team mission.  The goal was to push the limits of fast and light alpine movement, mountain survival, leadership, tactical shooting, downhill mountain biking and climbing.  We tap into the elite training environment of the Tetons and the warrior mindset to master individual challenges, learn advanced team skills and go "Beyond Normal Limits."
 
 
Now scheduling for summer 2014 courses.  Contact brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com for more info.
 

Day 1 & 2

Day 1: 0745- The AOG team meets Brenton Reagan, Senior Guide with Exum at the Gondola in Teton village.  After a short Gondola ride, we're off on the first mission, a Cody Peak run.


Cody Peak Run
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (fast hiking, running, scrambling)
Gear: Small Pack, lightweight shell, 1 liter water, running shoes, sunglasses


Cody Peak (10,800)
 
 
 

This was a short, fun conditioning session designed to get the team accustomed to moving fast and light at a higher altitude

"The Cody Peak run is a great conditioning event for those not accustomed to moving at altitude.  The pace is challenging, but the goal is for all to finish, have fun, try out their gear and to practice some basic alpine movement skills." Brad

Fast and light is the rule

From Day 1, the pace of the course is challenging and follows the standards normally reserved for Special Operations and Military mountaineering clients.


The finer points of maintaining balance and control while down climbing steep terrain




Downhill Mountain Bike
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty:  Moderate to Advanced
Gear: Approach shoes, shorts, t-shirt or base layer shirt, eye protection, small pack (light snack, hydration bladder) Your mountain bike, helmet and body armor will be provided.
 
 

Kitted up and ready to go big, and fast

"The feeling you get when putting on helmets and armor, adjusting your equipment to fit perfectly and preparing yourself mentally for the "red zone" is familiar to all warriors, regardless of the type of battle one may be preparing for." Brad




 Warrior mindset not included, but highly encouraged
 
 
 
 
For 3 hours we blasted steep trails, high speed turns and landed big jumps.  Downhill Mountain Bikes are meant to be ridden all out.  We completed 10 runs on the course before heading back to refuel, change clothes and prep for the next mission.
 
 
"Pushing your limits in new environments is a great way to reset your adaptability and improve leadership skills.  AOG's missions call for a higher levels of skill and performance and always go Beyond Normal Limits" Brad
 
 
 
Warrior Fitness session at Mountain Athlete
Time: 60 Minutes
Difficulty: Strenuous, advanced functional fitness workout
Gear: PT shorts, Shirt (that you don't care about), running shoes, 1 liter water
 
 
Mountain Athlete, and owner Rob Shaul are dedicated to training the most elite athletes in the world.  Some of Jackson's best free skiers, climbers, professional guides and endurance competitors train with Mountain Athlete.  Their programs are so popular with extreme athletes that naturally the Special Operations and other military units are drawn to the elite human performance programming. 
 
 

 
 
After arriving at the gym, we were met by Coach Jordan, one of the full time Mountain Athlete trainers.  He led us through a quick orientation to the gym layout, and briefed us on the custom WOD he had prepared for us.  Pain soon followed.  There were few pictures taken of the suffering.  Any hope that Coach Jordan was planning to take it easy on us quickly diminished.  After the morning Cody Peak run, downhill mountain bike session, and a 60 minute WOD, we were ready for some serious grub and sleep back at Teton Village.
 
 
 Mark recovering
 
 
As our team worked through 60 minutes of the most elite fitness programming available anywhere, it was clear to the team that we still have a lot to learn about training.  I can't wait for the next chance to work out there!
 
The gym, and the athletes that train there inspire elite performance.  Want to learn more about our workout or become a mountain athlete client?  Check out their website at: www.mountainathlete.com or join us for the next AOG Teton Mission to find out!
 
Day 1 missions complete: Cody Peak run, Downhill mountain bike course and Mountain Athlete session. 
 
Day 2
 
Day 2: Mountain Ops- Rock climbing and Team Alpine Movement
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate- hiking, bouldering, technical climbing (up to 5.7)
Gear: Lightweight hiking pants, synthetic t-shirt, approach shoes, day pack (lunch, 1 liter water, sunscreen, sunglasses, lightweight base layer top/bottom, rain shell
 * All rock climbing equipment provided
 
 

 
 
 
 
Learn route finding and mountain navigation
 
 
The pace for day two continued to move rapidly. Our team progressed quickly through bouldering, balance on rock, basic climbing holds and movements, rope management, belaying, route finding and alpine team movement.  One of our team, Mark, was a first time rock climber.
 
Mark gets a class on rope management and belaying
 
Fist time climbers will advance quickly and safely through the basics in the perfect classroom
 
 
 
"The terrain in the hidden falls area was perfect for rapid skill progression and before we knew it we were three pitches in.  The team was doing great, but I was most impressed with Mark, who before today had never rock climbed.  He was motivated, had a great attitude and grasped the techniques quickly.  Brenton had Mark belay me up an easy section and I can already sense that Mark truly feels he is learning new critical skills and is an active participant of our mountain team." Brad
 
 

Small teams rely on every member for survival
 
 
We complete the last pitch and scramble to a large table top rock where we break for lunch.  After a few team pics, Brenton reviews everything we've covered this morning. 
 
 

 
 
 
Day two continued: Tactical Marksmanship refresher
Time:  2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (M4 Rifle and 9mm Glock pistol instruction)
Gear:  Long Pants, shirt, hiking boots, eye protection, M4, Glock 9MM (or similar), Small Go bag (snack, 1 liter water)
 
We spent the afternoon at a nearby range.  After a quick intro and safety brief, we headed to the pistol range for some work on the basics. 
 
 


Reviewing the fundamentals 
 
 
Slow aimed fire, both eyes open 
 
Whether leading pitches, backcountry ski routes or working the M4, Brenton has focus.
 
Brad works with Mark on mastering the M4 
 
 
Another well deserved winner at one of the many great restaurants in Teton Village after a long day of climbing and shooting
 

 
 
Jackson, WY (Info)
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort 6311 Ft Elevation.  Base Camp for the 2013 AOG Teton Mission.  Located 12 miles NW of Jackson, WY.  In the winter the resort boasts some of the most advanced in bounds and back country skiing in the world.  In the summer, the resort serves as a perfect launching point for multi-sport adventures including: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, alpine mountaineering, paragliding, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, wilderness and backcountry travel and family adventures.

Grand Teton National Park Home to the spectacular and awe inspiring Teton Range.  The Grand Teton, the highest peak in the range, rises to 13,770 feet.  The Tetons are home to some of the most challenging and technical alpine climbing in North America and attract thousands of climbers and back country adventurers each year.

Exum Mountain Guides  North America's oldest and most prestigious school of mountaineering.  Exum has been guiding clients on the Grand Teton for over 80 years.  Exum's elite guides offer unmatched instruction, inspire initiative and responsibility and lead their clients through one of a kind mountaineering and climbing adventures as active participants.

Adventure Operations Group A veteran owned company dedicated to the pursuits of modern adventurers and the human performance lifestyle. AOG offers guided adventures, leadership training and instructional programs.  Through preparation, elite training and "SOF Focus", AOG leads individuals through transformative missions designed to push the limits of personal performance, mindset, teamwork, gear and adventure travel.  AOG shares epic experiences along with our clients as we continue to go BEYOND NORMAL LIMITS.  Get more out of your self and your team with AOG.


 



Wednesday, October 30, 2013

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. "   Theodore Roosevelt






Long before I started AOG, I read this quote hanging on the wall in a small office, in a non-descript building on Hunter Army Airfield near Savannah, GA.  It was in a simple frame and stamped with a unit crest that signified that it had been presented by those who truly understood what it meant to be in the arena. It stopped me in my tracks the first time I read it.  The context at the time was that I was in my first arena, learning the great enthusiasms, about victory and how to dare greatly.  I wasn't alone. I was surrounded by others also in the arena, like minded volunteers for the extreme.  Brothers who helped define it and share it.  They were, as we were reminded daily, "Modern Day Spartans". 

We knew that we were doing the unspoken deeds that most would never know or care about, and that quiet knowledge was the glue that bonded us.  The coolest thing was the recognition that we were all dedicated to the cause, the mission and pushing the limits.  There was no chance of finding a cold or timid soul in that company.  We were, united, of our own accord.

Years later, I find myself in another, different arena. Full of stress, chaos and disunity of thought and action.  When I look around, I sometimes barely recognize my environment or the people in it.  There are those who know neither victory nor defeat, nor ever will.  Those who work in ways that are unfamiliar, ways that are learned from years of modest enthusiasm, selfish devotions or just simply untrue causes.  Those who seek to divide, maintain the status quo and advance themselves by a willingness to endure a soul crushing existence of middle of the road word and deed.  They promulgate a negative bandwidth of communication and endeavors aimed at anything but actual success, victory or the team life.

It is in these times when I must retreat from this arena.  To seek the solace in the familiar feel of the wilderness, of a ruck, wet feet and a time hack.  To move fast, light and far.  To rage against the normal limits that exist somewhere between victory and defeat.  To feel pain, discomfort and to remember the truth that it makes me stronger.  To seek the undiscovered parts of my soul in this world as I find new ways to test myself, lead others and exceed the standard.  To find familiar bonds of brotherhood, new missions and to keep faith with the accord of warriors that are entering their first arena.

These are the times that you must focus on keeping the fire of your soul stoked. Question the status quo.  Liberate yourself from the oppression of predefined boundaries.  Go beyond normal limits.

Are you in the arena?

B-rad
ADVENTURE OPERATIONS GROUP

Friday, October 11, 2013

AOG Q&A with Travis Rolph of Mayflower Research & Consulting

At AOG our mission is to train for “beyond normal limits” mindset and performance.  Drawing inspiration and influence from the Special Operations community, as well as other elite performers and outdoor athletes, we lead individuals and teams to accomplish more than they imagine possible by applying “SOF Focus”.  The principles of SOF focus are grounded in the truths of Special Operations Warriors and in the mindset of constant preparation and improving capabilities that all elite performers possess. 

AOG recently caught up with Travis Rolph, retired 5th SFG Green Beret, owner of Mayflower Research & Consulting and modern day adventurer, to hear about his most recent mission, competing in the Grand to Grand Ultra race.  The Grand to Grand ultra is a 7 day stage race that covers approximately 169 miles over an epic course. 
 


What was your motivation for this mission?  "To see if I could do it" and “ I needed a 7 day break with no cell phones”.  
Travis also said that the preparation process itself was a huge factor in his decision to run this race.  The discipline and focus required to get ready for such a big race was something he looked forward to.  Each day he forced himself to stop working at a set time and to put in the training miles necessary to prepare his body for running long distances day after day.  
Prior to training for the Grand to Grand Ultra, one of the most epic stage races in the United States, Travis had never run a sanctioned race longer than a 10K. 
What was the most critical component of your training plan?  

“The most important physical component was focusing on back to back high mileage days”. 
Travis, like many of us follows a balanced training plan of cardio/strength/agility.  For the G2G however, he backed off of everything except long distance conditioning and cardio. 

“The most important mental component was food planning”.  
Participants in the race had to carry all of their food for the entire 7 days.  There was a 2000 calorie per day minimum established by the race rules.  Travis made his own food for the race, and ate more than 2000 calories/day.
What was the biggest challenge of the race? 
“Dryness of the weather”- Living and training in the Southeastern US, Travis was accustomed to running in high heat, but also high humidity.  The dryness of the weather in Arizona fundamentally changed the way his clothes and gear interacted with his body, causing unanticipated challenges due to blisters and chafing. 
“Choice of shoes”- As a Green Beret Travis was no stranger to moving through sand in desert environments, but his choice of shoes for this race, (semi porous running shoes) proved to be less than optimal for the deep, fine sand. The shoes collected sand worse than he anticipated causing complications from severe blisters.  On the longest leg of the course, he stopped nine times in one day to dumb sand out. 
Mayflower gear is some of the best in the business.  As someone who knows the importance of good gear for our Special Operations Forces, do you think that gear plays a role in an individual’s mindset?  In other words, do you think that individual’s perform at a higher level knowing they have the best gear? 
 “Combat is a stressor, running 30 miles a day is a stressor and in each case there are numerous sub stressors.  When you can remove stressors, you perform better.  Good kit allows you to focus on the mission”.  
 
How would you describe the mental advantage that SOF Operators have over others when dealing with everyday challenges and obstacles? 
 
“We’re all A type’s who accept challenges and jump in with both feet.  We’re all highly confident, analytical problem solvers”.  SOF types know how to work smarter not harder and think their way through problems.  Multi-Tasking with the ability to prioritize the important from the not important is critical.  “What does the outcome need to be”?  “What are the steps to get there”?  The type of training we do, and the way we do it, contributes to the SOF Analytical mindset, (or what we at AOG call SOF Focus).   Once you know the required outcome, and identify the steps to get there, you rely on your training and mindset to push through to the end.        
 
 
Congratulations to Travis for completing one of the most epic and challenging ultra foot races in the world!  Great job on your first ultra! Travis embodies the true spirit of AOG and is an inspiration to all of us to keep pushing "Beyond Normal Limits".  De Oppresso Liber.
 
Travis's next adventure may be another ultra marathon to validate some gear changes.  He's also working on a special project.  We're unable to reveal any details at this time, but look for updates from Travis and Soldier Systems in the near future and stay tuned for a possible future joint Op between Travis and AOG.
 
B-Rad