Danny Stokes
Tacoma, WA
Event: SkyDive Ultra
Date: January 28, 2017
"My passion for physical fitness began with my service in the US Army Special Forces, where mission accomplishment and survival could depend on me and my teammates' level of fitness."
Danny's "Why"
I am a retired Army Captain, GORUCK event cadre, CrossFit coach and athlete, father of four, mountain-climber, bicyclist, world travelling adventurer. I strive for constant self-improvement. The skydive-ultra combines two things I've never done before. Being a static-line parachutist and jumpmaster in the Army, I've jumped out of many aircraft, in all conditions, with many pounds of additional gear strapped to me. But, I have never done a free-fall jump. As a runner, I have completed numerous marathons, but never any distance greater than 26.2 miles. This event will combine two personal goals that I intend to achieve. Versatility is the key to my training approach. I run, lift weights, bike, and ruck. I do some workouts that are 4 minutes long and some that are days long. I want to be a versatile athlete, that can accomplish any physical feat, without needing months of specialized training. My passion for physical fitness began with my service in the US Army Special Forces, where mission accomplishment and survival could depend on me and my teammates' level of fitness. My most recent physical accomplishment was a solo unsupported bicycle trip across America. My next epic endeavor will be to paddle a kayak from Juneau, Alaska to Seattle, Washington in summer 2017.
It Takes a Village
I encourage others to chase their dreams by example. There is never an ideal time to do the epic events we dream about. One simply has to pull the trigger, and go for it...ready or not. I just had foot surgery and I don't know if running an ultra-marathon 8 weeks from now is realistic...but, I'm going for it. I hope my example encourages other people to also strive to achieve their dreams.
#liveforaliving in motion
If money wasn't an object, what would I change?
I earn enough to get by, and spend it nearly as fast. Money has never been an objective in my life. A more apt question for me would be, if money WERE my objective, what would my career path look like...answer...Masters Degree, Program Manager position with Lockheed Martin or equivalent defense contractor, overseas assignment managing intelligence collecting aircraft, retire in 20 (2nd retirement) at age 65. Jump on my sailboat and fade into the sunset.
Want to get involved?
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