

Episode 98 - From Navy SEAL to PhD: Blaine Lints' Journey
Dr. Blaine Lints shares his extraordinary journey from teenage ultra-endurance athlete to Navy SEAL to exercise science PhD, offering unique insights on human performance optimization and resilience. His remarkable background includes completing 100 miles in 18 hours at age 16, surviving the grueling SEAL Hell Week, breaking the SEAL deadlift record, and conducting groundbreaking research on ketone supplementation for cognitive performance.
• Started endurance sports at age 12-13, completing his first half Ironman at 14
• Ran 100 miles in 18.5 hours during a 24-hour run at age 16
• Enlisted in the Navy at 18 and became one of only 11 original members to complete SEAL training in his class
• Describes Hell Week as a 125-hour ordeal with minimal sleep and constant physical activity
• Broke the SEAL deadlift record during his service
• Earned his PhD researching ketone monoesters for mitigating cognitive impairment during hyperthermia
• Suggests Zone 2 training is most valuable for athletes training 15+ hours weekly
• Plans to continue researching interventions for brain injuries in tactical populations
Listen to our podcast for more fascinating discussions with experts in sports science and human performance optimization.