21 SAS reserve selection: how I'd prepare

1. Understand what you are applying to

Reserve service demands time beyond the physical challenge. In 2015–2016 I experienced the difficulty of combining Army training and civilian commitments. Check today's requirements with the recruiting unit; my account is historical, not current policy.

2. Get current requirements from the source

Entry criteria, training opportunities and assessment standards can change. Confirm them directly with the Army, not a historical article. If strenuous physical preparation is appropriate, seek advice from a qualified coach or clinician where needed.

3. Build an aerobic base long before you build speed

Everything I have ever done in endurance — my first marathon off three miles a week, four marathons in four weeks, twenty-seven hours on my feet in Madeira — came from the same boring thing: consistent, mostly easy mileage, week after week, for months. If you can't currently run comfortably for an hour, that is your project for the next eight weeks. Nothing clever. Just do not miss the runs.

My write-ups of how I built that base are here: preparing for a 42-mile ultramarathon, my first marathon and four marathons in four weeks.

4. Build load-carrying capacity cautiously

Running and carrying loads use different capacities. Sudden increases in load or distance may cause injury. Progress conservatively, focus on technique and recovery, and work with a qualified coach if you are unsure. Do not copy claimed selection loads from internet forums.

5. Pay attention to feet, kit and nutrition

In endurance events I've learned how badly unsuitable footwear, poor fuelling and untested kit can affect long outings. Test equipment sensibly and pay attention to early signs of pain or injury. These are lessons from my races, not a claim to know why SAS candidates fail.

6. Resilience includes good judgement

In my endurance experience, consistency, pacing, sleep, recovery and smart decisions mattered more than bravado. Do not deliberately train through injury or attempt dangerous sleep-deprivation or exposure drills to imitate military selection.

7. An illustrative twelve-week progression—not a prescription

This is only a broad example of training phases, not official selection standards or a programme tailored to your circumstances. Qualified coaches should adapt training to ability, health and recovery.

• Early phase: Build a sustainable aerobic and strength-training routine without sudden load or mileage increases.
• Middle phase: Introduce appropriate hills and walking as tolerated, maintaining rest and sensible progression.
• Later phase: Consolidate fitness and learn civilian navigation skills under qualified supervision where appropriate.
• Final phase: Prioritise recovery and avoid last-minute attempts to make up missed training.

8. Read my application—and why I stopped before selection

The two diary posts cover what happened rather than what should happen: part one, the application and part two, the ATC Pirbright weekend.\n For the complete dated overview see my preparatory Army training journey,\n why I decided not to continue towards selection,\n and my separate training experience in Georgia.

Questions?

Reply to the address you signed up with, or ask me anything at deepak@pearllemon.com. If you find something here that contradicts current Army guidance, tell me and I will correct it.