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About Dean Kamazes:

Athlete and bestselling author, Dean Kamazes was recetnly ranked by a TIME magazine poll as one of the "Top 100 Most Influential People in the World." A passionate advocate for healthy, active living, his message has been so well received no because he runs hundreds of miles, but because he inspires others to be the best they can be.

Read more at http://www.ultramarathonman.com/.

I had asked Dean to reflect upon what recruits face at BUD/S and to write down any suggestions he might have that would help you guys deal with BUD/S.

Dean Karnazes on Endurance: 

A simple technique I use is something I just call, "baby steps."  When we're in the midst of a daunting endurance challenge and start feeling the pain and suffering, we tend to focus on the time and distance still required to get through it.   Psychologically, this can be devastating.  When you're already fatigued, looking at the entire sum of distance or time still outstanding can be overwhelming and demoralizing, leading to thoughts of quitting or dropping out.

Instead of thinking about what's still in front of you, try to focus on being in the moment and don't let your mind get ahead of you.   Just put one foot in front of the other to the best of your ability, and try not to think about what still lies ahead.  Do you best in the next ten feet.  Repeat.  Take baby steps.   Stay in the present.

Often you will pull through the low point and emerge reenergized.  Marguerite De Angeli, recipient of the prestigious Newbery Medal, once wrote: "Thou hast only to follow the wall far enough and there will be a door in it."

By taking baby step, I've been able to successfully complete ultramarathons of 200-miles and more and have been able to finish endurance events lasting over eighty continuous hours without stop.

For more, visit: www.UltramarathonMan.com

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