Sorta OT: Survival Training and triathlons

Triathlon Forum
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All this talk about survival in disasters, whether man-made or natural has got me thinking. We (as triathletes) spend thousands of dollars a year in coaching fees, equipment, race fees, traveling costs, extra food, etc…but it’s mostly on stuff that is in physical form.

I just got back recently from an experience I will always remember…tackling one of the BOSS (Boulder Outdoor Survival School) 4-Day Field Courses, a company that I found (I think) via Action Tom’s website. And for those that have read “Deep Survival”, there’s nothing like personal experience to elucidate the idea that in an uncertain environment, the most important skills to have are mostly in your brain. It’s a matter of perspective and frame of mind. And while I only had a small taste of it (4 days isn’t really that long), it definitely made me more aware of how flexible our minds must be to confront this uncertain world. I make no mention of my personal experiences on the course, as they can only be experienced, and I am unable to put it into words. But it was worth every moment. Definitely makes all the hard training sessions I’ve had before seem easier by comparison…and that’s something that can only make your life, your training, and your racing even better.

Check them out at: http://www.boss-inc.com/

Their 2006 calendar just went up…I highly recommend
attending one of the field courses. Of course, I realize that most people will think that the whole concept is nuts, but for those that “understand”, mark your calendars.

Dave

PS: I’m not affliated with BOSS in any way, other than as a customer.

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Looks really good, I like this part of their Q&A section:

Q: If I am allergic to everything, what can I eat?

**A: **In recent years, we’ve noticed a growth in what we now call “Foodisms” on the trail. It started, simply enough, with medical allergies to peanuts. In response, BOSS began to offer peanut-free GORP (raisins and peanuts), even offering some students a cashew/raisin alternative. Then some people were allergic to the raisins (sulfur dioxide is sometimes used to preserve dried fruits). Since that time, we have been buying organic raisins.

In one year, dozens of students stated they were “allergic” to one or all of the following and needed to be accommodated: all milk products, all meats, all legumes, all fruits, all nuts, and most vegetables. A few even claimed to be allergic to sunlight and wind.

Since then, we have taken the following position on food for BOSS Courses:

We are a survival school, teaching a curriculum and a philosophy of adaptation to conditions beyond your control. Although we believe that healthy foods make for healthy bodies (many of us who work here eat organic foods, drink soy milk, and prefer fish over meats), it is truly impossible for us to accommodate so many dietary preferences on the trail. Therefore, as the great sages used to say, “deal with it.”

BOSS will accommodate dietary necessities (not preferences) to the best of our abilities, provided it does not affect the integrity of our course experience. If you have a medical allergy to something, it will need to be stated on your Health History form or your Physical Exam form (Field Courses) and validated by a physician. We will call you before your course so that agreeable actions can be taken.

If you simply* prefer* soy milk or cashews or organic food but you can live with eating powdered milk, peanuts, and regular vegetables, we hope that you will come ready and willing to focus on the natural world around you (and the skills at hand) and not on the food. As instructor Mors Kochanski puts it, “eat to live, don’t live to eat.”

For Skills Courses, you are welcome to bring whatever food you like to supplement the provided meals.