PATHFINDER Stirling™: High-Stakes Training for High-Stakes Terrain

PATHFINDER Stirling™ is built for load, volume, and vertical gain. You’ll train across long heavy rucks, steep hills, and back-to-back days to build the endurance, strength, and grit required to handle mountain miles under pressure.

This is not a casual program. Stirling is meant for rosters who want real performance from their training and are willing to work for it.

PATHFINDER Stirling™ is forged for the hardest terrain.

This is not a general fitness plan. Stirling is designed for multi-day events with heavy weight, hilly climbs, and tough mental conditions, especially GBF’s OPERATION STIRLING. If you’re training for an event where the terrain is unforgiving, rest is limited, and performance under fatigue is essential, this is your prep plan.

This program helps you:

• Build sustained endurance under heavy load

• Train specifically for hilly and mountainous terrain

• Condition for back-to-back effort days

• Test and develop real-world field performance

What You’ll Do

• 190 Total Ruck Miles, programmed weekly

• 24 Workouts, exclusive to Stirling (full-body + terrain prep)

• 5 Required Stirling Challenges

• One Rx-timed 12-Mile Ruck

• Access to private Class group, Advisor support, and the Stirling patch

What You’ll Get

• 12-week progressive training plan with weekly targets for ruck mileage, workouts, and recovery

• Begin training today on your own timeline. Class waves remain optional for athletes who want the shared rhythm and accountability of a group start.
• 12 Exclusive Stirling-Specific Workouts

• Program Success Guide for getting started strong

• Complete Program Materials + Workout Library

• Mentor Course Advisor Support from an experienced Stirling graduate

• Private Facebook Class Page and Advisor Group for accountability and community

• Discounted Roster Patch (must be added to cart separately)

• Exclusive Finisher’s Patch after program completion

Challenge Preview:

All five of these Stirling Challenges are required and each is designed to replicate the kind of demands you’ll face during real-world mountainous or extended ruck events:

• Firefighter Challenge: Rx weight, full-body fatigue

• Mountain Ruck Challenge: Elevation and mileage

• Timed Ruck Challenge: 12 mi under 3 hour with weight

• Back-to-Back Day Challenge: Test recovery and grit

• Hill Repeat Challenge: Physical. Mental. Mandatory.

Optional Challenges include:

• Coupon Ruck

• Mobility Challenge

• Pre/Post Mileage Add-on

(Full list of Challenge options is provided after registration.)

Is Stirling Right for You?

This program is best suited for:

• Athletes preparing for Operation STIRLING or similar GBF endurance events

• Individuals with experience in heavy ruck training seeking a new challenge

• Anyone training for rugged mountain terrain, long-haul efforts, or multi-day ruck events

• Athletes looking for a serious, goal-driven training cycle with performance accountability

Prerequisites

No formal prerequisites, but it is strongly recommended that participants have:

• Completed PATHFINDER Endure™ or Advanced™, or

• Maintain consistent fitness activity 3-4 days per week

Required Gear

• Rucksack (Backpack)

• Minimum Prescribed Weight:

  • 50 lb. (regardless of weight or gender)

Next Class Start Dates

Every PATHFINDER program can now launch the moment you enroll. If you want immediate momentum, start your 90-day cycle today. If you prefer the shared structure, energy, and camaraderie of a Class wave, you can wait for the next seasonal start date from the drop-down menu. Both paths include the full program. You choose the timing that fits your life.

PATHFINDER still offers Quarterly Classes begin on the 1st of February, May, August, and November and run for 12 weeks.

Have Questions or Need Help?

Message us on Facebook or use the "Chat with us!" button at the bottom left of the screen.

Want 1:1 support? See PATHFINDER Coaching for more.