213 - The Ultimate Physical Prep Guide for SMU Selection (1-Year Out) Artwork

Terminator Training Show

The creator of Terminator Training Method, Kevin Smith, has been lifting weights and chasing peak performance for the past 17 years, the last 11 of which spent as a member of the US Army Special Forces. His obsession with strength and conditioning, nutrition, health improvement, and personal development have driven him to begin his own journey in the fitness industry. This podcast will include information and conversation on a wide variety of topics, including strength training, endurance training and conditioning, nutrition (for performance, body composition, and health), habit formation, and how to optimize your life. If you're sick of being misinformed or mislead, and interested in leveling up, this is the podcast for you.

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213 - The Ultimate Physical Prep Guide for SMU Selection (1-Year Out)

June 10, 2026 • Kevin Smith

0:00 | 1:26:27

In this episode, I break down how I'd physically prepare for SMU selection over a 12-month timeline, covering running, rucking, strength training, land navigation, injury prevention, and how to structure your training from one year out all the way to selection day.

👉For those looking for a structured training plan, Ruck | Run | Lift can help build the strength and endurance needed for this selection.

Mentioned Podcasts:

Ep. 101: Heat Acclimation

Ep. 95: How to Build a Running Base

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - How to Prepare for SMU Selection (1-Year Guide)
00:04:47 - My Experience at SMU Selection
00:06:07 - How I Trained vs. How I Recommend Training Today

PHASE 1: 12-6 MONTHS OUT (BASE BUILDING)

00:07:19 - Selection Standards: Run, Ruck & Land Nav
00:11:18 - Why Flat-Ground Training Isn't Enough
00:13:07 - Phase 1: Building the Foundation
00:13:40 - Building Elite Run & Ruck Endurance
00:17:07 - Cross-Training Without Beating Up Your Body
00:20:38 - Key Muscles for Selection Success
00:30:53 - Increasing Mileage & Step Count
00:34:06 - Staying Healthy During Prep

PHASE 2: 6-3 MONTHS OUT (TRANSITION PHASE)

00:35:45 - Phase 2: Bridging to Selection-Specific Fitness
00:36:07 - How Much Should You Actually Ruck?
00:41:09 - The Ruck Pace You Should Be Chasing
00:42:59 - Adjusting Your Strength Training
00:43:43 - Speed Work: 200s, 400s & 800s
00:44:59 - Increasing Daily Movement & Step Count
00:46:40 - Land Nav: With or Without a Ruck?
00:47:58 - Ruck Progression & Selection Prep

PHASE 3: FINAL 3 MONTHS (SELECTION-SPECIFIC PHASE)

00:53:42 - Phase 3: Turning Fitness Into Performance
00:54:54 - Why Rucking Twice Per Week Matters
00:56:16 - Heavy Rucks vs. Fast Rucks
00:57:29 - The Biggest Ruck Training Mistake
00:58:44 - When to Start Practicing Ruck Running
01:00:21 - Ruck Running Progressions
01:01:55 - Using Cross-Training to Stay Fresh
01:02:52 - Step Count, Push-Ups & Planks
01:04:01 - Land Nav Under Load & Shaking Out Your Kit
01:04:37 - Fueling: Gels, Carbs & Hydration
01:06:02 - Example Training Week
01:08:20 - Downhill Adaptation Training
01:09:36 - How to Properly Taper Before Selection
01:11:18 - Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

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New SFAS Program (includes 59-page SFAS Personal Dev Guidebook)

New Running Program: TTM Run Advanced

New Selection Prep Program: Ruck | Run | Lift

New Hybrid Program: Jacked Gazelle 3.0

Ebook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition Guide

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TrainHeroic Team Subscription: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)

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Additional PDF programs

2 & 5 Mile Run Program - run improvement program w/ strength work

Kickstart- beginner/garage gym friendly