36 minutes and 30 seconds. 1,000 meters of continuous execution of one of the most demanding functional exercises. 7.5 kg of additional weight on the chest. And a full year of rigorous, systematic training behind a single moment at the peak of human capability.
On Ukraine’s Independence Day in Lviv, Lt. Col. Mykola Bohovyk — Senior Lecturer at the Department of Physical Education and Sports of the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy and a veteran of the Russo-Ukrainian war — set a new Record of Ukraine in the “Sports” category.
We spoke with the record-holder about his disciplined planning, mental resilience, and setting a personal example for future officers.
— Lt. Col. Bohovyk, 1,000 meters of burpees in a plate carrier is a challenge at the absolute limits of human endurance. How did you structure your training for such an effort?
— This wasn’t the result of a few weeks of training, nor a single session. For an entire year, I worked systematically on strength endurance, cardio, and the capacity to perform under prolonged stress.
My regimen combined weight training, running, work on the SkiErg and rowing machine, functional conditioning complexes, and, leading up to the attempt, targeted burpee practice. I gradually increased the workload to train my body to maintain a steady, sustainable pace.
Mental preparation was equally critical. The main rule over a 1,000-meter distance is avoiding the trap of starting too fast. I needed to find my optimal rhythm and simply hold it, meter by meter.
— At what point on the track was the fight against fatigue most intense? What kept you pushing forward?
— The turning point came just past the halfway mark. As fatigue accumulated, every single rep required intense willpower.
In those moments, the key is not to think about the remaining distance. Mentally, 1,000 meters feels far more daunting than a short segment. So I broke the distance down into small increments, focusing entirely on proper technique and the very next step.
I paid special attention to my breathing, keeping it steady and rhythmic throughout the entire movement. And most importantly, I maintained strict discipline—refusing to let emotion break my pace before the finish line.
— As an instructor training future officers, how does this achievement influence your cadets’ motivation?
— I firmly believe that a physical training instructor should not merely lecture on theory or standards, but actively demonstrate discipline and a commitment to self-improvement.
Setting a record is not an end in itself. For me, the true purpose is showing cadets that high-level performance is built on daily, consistent work, sound planning, and the resolve to keep going when it gets tough.
Physical readiness isn’t just about passing physical evaluations. It’s a fundamental element of a soldier’s operational readiness that builds resilience, character, and the ability to perform under physical and psychological pressure.
— Why burpees, and why 1,000 meters?
— The burpee is a unique compound exercise. It simultaneously engages almost every major muscle group while placing extreme demands on the cardiovascular system.
Furthermore, it closely aligns with military physical conditioning. It requires no complex gym equipment—just your own body, stamina, and willpower. The uniform and plate carrier add a practical, real-world load.
Extending the distance to 1,000 meters changes the nature of the exercise entirely. It stops being an explosive burst of repetitions and becomes a true test of how long an individual can sustain performance under continuous exertion.
— Do you plan to push the bar higher or train future record-holders among your cadets?
— Naturally, there is always a desire to improve results, but I don’t chase numbers for their own sake.
What excites me far more is if this record serves as a catalyst for our cadets. If any of them set a similar athletic goal for themselves, I am ready to help them design a complete preparation plan and mentor them through it.
As for my own athletic journey, that is the beauty of sports—there is always room to grow. If the opportunity arises to prepare thoroughly and safely, I will certainly find my next challenge!
The “Book of World Records” extends its gratitude to Lt. Col. Mykola Bohovyk for his unbreakable spirit, endurance, and exemplary discipline!