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…Badass Women: Kristie Iverson…

 

Name: Kristie Iverson

Age: 36

Instagram Handle: kristieiverson

Occupation: Product Planning, John Deere. (I work for the group that decides what products we will offer in each part of the world and when to take them to market)

How  many events have you done? : More than I care to admit, it’s a sickness really

First GORUCK Event: 1st  Miami All Woman’s Tough

Events coming up: 50 mi Star Course MN, Mog Mile maybe Operation Redwings in STL

 

What brought you to your first GORUCK Event? The worst friends 😜 Anger management issues. A chance to prove to myself that I am capable of anything.

Why do you keep coming back?  On an elemental level, I like suffering a little bit. Really it’s the people though. You’ll never meet a group of strangers (outside of GORUCK) who would willingly dive into the ocean to save your pants from floating away after knowing them only 24 hrs.

What do you appreciate about being a woman in the GORUCK community? GORUCK teaches you about perseverance over adversity. I like that I get a chance to prove myself over and over. It really gives you confidence for the rest of your daily life.

What is challenging about being a woman in the GORUCK community? Menstrual cycles are a totally heinous part of life that I have the absolute worst luck with when it comes to events. I don’t think Cadre understand what toxic shock syndrome is! I seriously need an actual bathroom; not a bush on the side of the road and 35 seconds to do my business!!!

Favorite training exercise /event gear/rituals…etc  that you want to share? I’m the worst at most exercises. Maybe the flutter kicks? I just go to my pain cave and block most of it out. Also when no one is looking I’m conserving energy (aka cheating like a MF)

Advice for other women? Train hard and be prepared, but try events you are scared of! This is supposed to be outside your comfort zone. If every event has been easy for you then you need to step up to the next level. Do that Heavy you think you can’t do, go for those bolts!

Any GRT women that you admire or love to be on a team with?

I love meeting new strong women at every event, but the people I tend to gravitate towards are the ones who, with all their weaknesses, try to lift someone up in their time of need. My experience is that everyone has something to offer during a GORUCK event; something you’re the best at-you might not even know it! But when the time comes, your team will be thankful to have you around. Those are the people I love to be on a team with. Not necessarily the strongest or fastest, but the hidden talents who remind us that we are all human and GORUCK is about team.

Any memorable stories with you and another GRT  you want to share? There are so many memories it’s hard to choose but this one is dear to my heart. Puke and rally: of all the GRTs in this world, I’m most thankful to Dr. Dean Aiken’s for his electrolyte drink at Snowdrop last year. Flash thought it would be fun to have us fill a keg one cup at a time from a pond that was 99% raw sewage. We did this in the front leaning rest position with our faces inches from that nasty water. After puking my guts out to the point of dry heaving, Dean saved me from having to drop with his magic homemade electrolyte drink. I was even able to get on the log after a quick spell.

…Badass Women: Stephanie McGrew…

Name: Stephanie “WHATITDO” McGrew

Age (if you don’t mind): 21 + 11

Instagram Handle: Ms4Composure

Occupation: Personal Trainer / Business Owner

How  many events have you done? A few… I honestly stopped counting…

First GORUCK Event: April 2013, Kansas City, MO

Events coming up: Check out my FB Page Infinite LIfe Fitness to see which events I am signed up to do (since I like to do so many events)

What brought you to your first GORUCK Event? I got into GORUCK because a friend of mine and her Cross Fit gym were all doing one.  That was when you could sign up and bring a friend for free. So she signed up and asked me to do it with her. So I did… and from the moment I was patched by Bert I was HOOKED.

Why do you keep coming back? I LOVE the physical and mental challenge that each events brings. No two events are alike. So therefore you will have to be prepared for whatever is thrown at you because you can never anticipate things that can happen at the event  You have so many various different elements that each event brings its own challenges and victories. I also LOVE the people. You get to meet so many amazing people doing events. You also get to meet people that you usually would not meet on a day-to-day basis. You will have teacher, doctors, engineers, managers, architects, IT people, stay at home parents, etc.  You get to be in a situation that will open up so many new people to you and you are forced to put down any barriers you may have and work together as a team. You build a bond with these people and some of these bonds last a lifetime! I have met some of my best friends at GORUCK events.

What do you appreciate about being a woman in the GORUCK community? I appreciate that most women show up and are ready to work hard. They know that the event will not be easy and they come prepared physically and mentally. Women typically are more organized and direct when they are team leaders. The All Women’s events have been some of my favorite events! People sometimes have a negative prejudice about the all women’s events, but they have been some of the best events because of the women that show up to participate and how well we are able to come together and accomplish what is asked by the cadre. I appreciate being able to show my strength and to show women of all ages, sizes, and races that you can do what you want to do. I love breaking down the traditional barrier and showing that ALL women are capable of doing whatever they would like to do.

What is challenging about being a woman in the GORUCK community? One word… MEN…

I have had the most issues with men not thinking I am strong enough to contribute as a teammate when I first started doing GORUCK. So my favorite thing to do is also prove them wrong and show them that I am strong and capable of helping out when needed. Over the years this has gotten easier because people know who I am and what I am capable of doing. BUT I have heard that it is still an issue for some women in the community. Sometimes my curvy hips and big boobs have made it difficult to execute certain tasks or exercises. But, I just dig deep and push through to finish whatever is asked of me. I also hate when cadre try to take away the women’s hair ties… It is all fun and games until my afro is webbed over my face and full of sticks and sand.

Favorite training exercise /event gear/rituals…etc  that you want to share?

Favorite training exercise: stair sprints with my ruck on. If you are in need of a difficult yet quick cardio workout I highly suggest this. You will be surprised how hard it is to do 10-15 stair sprints with 30-50 pounds of extra weight on your back. I also love to do plyometrics and I LOVE trail runs. Any workout that is short but will kick my butt are my favorite. My schedule does not allow me to have long workouts.  So,I have to make the best (and hardest) workouts I can in the small amount of time that I have.

Event Gear: … sooooooo muuuuuuuuch geeeeeeeear! I have a slight obsession with gear (just as much as my obsession with shoes HAHA 😛 ) My go to gear is forsure my GORUCK Echo Ruck. It is the perfect size for a “everyday” bag or to toss in a few weights and go train. I also love my Injini toe socks.  The only method that helps to minimize blisters and other sore spots on my toes for long distance events. I also have a love/hate relationship with the GORUCK Filler bags.  I like to use them to help me train BUT for events I like to put my food in them (so if cadre try to take food away I can keep a stash of nuts/protein bars on hand to share with the other ladies when we sneak away for our potty break… shhhhh don’t tell them my secret!). Other than that, I try to be a minimalist when it comes to the gear (and clothing) that I use for events.

Rituals:  I try to eat a BIG meal before any event. I get hungry so quickly that I like to have something in my stomach and in my system before any event. Post event… PICKLE JUICE is my best friend. I also use Rock Sauce after most events.

Advice for other women? You can do anything that you want! Do NOT let anyone tell you otherwise. You never know what you can accomplish until you try! You have to put in the work and the success will come. The struggle is the price you pay to reap the benefits of accomplishing your goals.  KNOW YOUR WORTH and do not let anyone try to take that away from you. Set your own standards and do not lower them for anyone (no matter what it is for… relationships, jobs, etc.).

Any GRT women that you admire or love to be on a team with?

ALL OF THEM! I have met so many amazing women in this community. I LOVE going to events and being automatically drawn to the women that show up. Those are the first people that I try to meet when I show up to the start point. Ladies we have to stick together and work together at events (and in real life).

Any memorable stories with you and another GRT  you want to share?

Far too many stories to share via this post! If you see me at a event this would be a great thing to talk about (to take our minds off of the terrible things the cadre have us doing).

…Badass Women: Heather Williams…

Name: Heather Williams
Age: 48 (49 in July)
Instagram Handle: toughheatherw
Occupation: Manager 9/11 Heroes Run, Travis Manion Foundation
How many events have you done? 20 ish
First GORUCK Event: Light Class 343 with Matt Stoltz- RVA – 6/27/2014
Events coming up: GRT Reunion Austin
What brought you to your first GORUCK Event? A difficult transition period where I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere led me to register for my first event. I went by myself and was wildly unprepared.
Why do you keep coming back? Three things bring me back – the people, the camaraderie and the struggle. GRTs are unique, amazing people. I have made some of my closest friends during the last 3 years. For me there is an instant sense of security that comes from being part of a team. Even at the rare event where I don’t know any of the participants I feel at home as soon as I get to the start point. People tease me about how I always seem to be grinning during events, but they just make me happy. Finally the struggle to finish, and hopefully someday finish well, inspires me to work hard at getting better and to never give up on strengthening my many weaknesses.
What do you appreciate about being a woman in the GORUCK community?
Besides being smarter than all the guys? 😂
I like being in the minority. Being a smallish woman the same age as some of my teammate’s mothers is definitely an added incentive to work my ass off.
What is challenging about being a woman in the GORUCK community?  Peeing during events.
Favorite training exercise /event gear/rituals…etc  that you want to share? Training: I do love a 12 mile ruck for time. My favorite event? My first of everything- light, challenge, tough/ light. Normandy for the sheer weight of standing on those beaches and because Cadre Mickey and Cadre Heath. Mogadishu Mile October 2016 with Cadre Michael and Cadre Kevin because I was sure I was going to die the entire event and was truly flabbergasted when I finished. Favorite event Ritual- easy – shower beer when it’s over.
Advice for other women? Never sell yourself short. You can endure anything.
Any GRT women that you admire or love to be on a team with? So so so many. I want to list them all, but God forbid I forget someone….Michelle Berois who was my first ever GORUCK female friend, all of the Irish Mafia who absolutely made my first GORUCK weekend, Dana Nolan Flaherty who’s just a joy to be with, Carmela Pine who frankly I’d be lost without, Lisa Stephenson who I want to be when I grow up even though I’m the much older sibling, Liane Hatch who I did my first tough light with and who I stupid miss all the time, Anne Mancheski who no question got me through all the rocking chairs in San Diego, Andi Marie who is always so inspiring and tried her hardest to fix my hip at the Bragg Heavy, Lindsey Ridell because she has to be the sweetest, gentlest beast on the planet, Stephanie McGrew who is just a light- always incredibly strong and incredibly funny and up for a dance party, Sara Bagala, who I don’t know well but I love her quiet, unassuming power, Francesca Margarita who made me laugh at FAD, the one event where I was completely miserable, and I’ve loved her ever since, Julie Fults and Candace Kuntz for showing me how it was done at my first two challenges in Miami and New Orleans, I just will not be happy until I get to do an event with Emily McCarthy and Meghan Maureen and finally Momma Stump always and forever for her example.
Any memorable stories with you and another GRT  you want to share?
I’ll share a favorite cadre story that I reflect on all the time. I was getting my ass handed to me at an event and a young guy lost his temper and yelled at me “what are you even doing here?” because I couldn’t “close the gap” quickly enough-  I was wet, cold, tired, sandy, hungry, and more than a little embarrassed…so I started crying like a four year old. Not my best moment. Cadre pulled me aside and said “Tough Heather! WTF! Are you CRYING right now?!?!?!” Hiccuping and sniffling I explained how the team was mad at me because I was too slow, that I couldn’t keep up, that I shouldn’t be there, blah blah blah… He cut me off mid pity party…
“And who authorized you to give a fuck what anyone else thinks about you EVER?”
Crying over. Paradigm Shift.
I’ve never forgotten it, and I’ve whispered it to myself not just during GORUCK events but a time or two at intimidating cocktail parties.

…Badass Women: Andi Piscopo…

Name: Andi Piscopo

Age: 39

Instagram Handle: andimarie1

Occupation: Assistant Director  (Fisher House of Boston) , Yoga Instructor, Columnist (Sun Chronicle), Public Speaker, Advocate and Survivor for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and most importantly…Mom of 2 awesome kiddos!

How many events have you done? : 35 GORUCKS, 4 Marathons, 1 Ultra Marathon, 1 HCLS,  I pretty much love the suck so I keep coming back for more

First GORUCK Event: Class 312 November 10, 2012 –  I remember two things very clearly.  Not knowing who our cadre was and asking him (thinking he was a participant) if he thought “they would put us in the water” (the answer was yes by the way) and being on our faces in the first 30 seconds. I knew practically no-one when I started…and it sucked SO MUCH…but it was so incredibly awesome at the same time.

Events coming up: Tough Ruck and Boston Marathon Patriots Day Weekend. The inside joke is that I am only ever “interested” in GORUCK events…well…I am!  I want to make as many as I can!

What brought you to your first GORUCK Event? I was running the Spartan Beast in VT when an OG saw my ruck and asked me which class I was. I hadn’t signed up yet, I had just gotten off of crutches from breaking my knee…”if you can do this…then you’re ready!” needless to say, I signed up for the next event and never looked back!

Why do you keep coming back? Ultimately, it is the people and the relationships that you make along the way.  I cannot imagine my life without some of the friendships I have made.  The memories are completely worth the blood, sweat and time under a log.  The physical aspect isn’t so much pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, although I think that is a given at this point, you get comfortable with being uncomfortable; but mentally, I believe that it takes you somewhere else where you have no choice but to go head-to-head with yourself.  It is definitely a confidence builder.

What do you appreciate about being a woman in the GORUCK community? We are surrounded by some pretty bad as ladies!  To bear witness of such an amazing group of women be so supportive of one another whether they are in a role leading a team, or they are organizing something behind the scenes to assist a fellow ‘teammate’ – there is no stopping these ladies.  Each one has an incredible life story to tell and each one has something to bring to the table (and not just desserts, but that would be AMAZING!)

What is challenging about being a woman in the GORUCK community? I sometimes feel that we have to prove our strengths or leadership.   It is a male dominated community but the standard is the standard regardless if you are male versus female.

Favorite training exercise /event gear/rituals…etc  that you want to share? I think I am going to echo Sara when I say this…You guys train?  I kid I kid.  Training:  I have a few consistent programs.  I practice yoga 5 days a week, even if I can only squeeze in 15 minutes and I follow SOFlete.  My other training will change depending on what my goals are currently. Event Gear:  I SWEAR by LeukoTape and Trailtoes, Darn Tough Socks and Salomons for shoes (sorry kids…no boots).  Baby Carlos was my old ruck and is now retired, my GR0 is still unnamed and I still prefer bricks over plates.  Rituals: I carry an American Flag that I rescued from the Charles River during a 4th of July event in 2013 with me, a penny and dime for my Dad, and 2 patches that mean a lot to me.

Advice for other women? Whether it is GORUCK, or applying for a job – get after it ladies.  We sometimes feel that some of these sayings feel “canned” but maybe they feel that way because they are repeated so often, and they hold truth.  So if you are reading this and there is something you want to try and it scares the hell out of you, DO IT.  If we let the fear of failure stop us, then we will never know how great we can truly be, but if we TRY and push outside of what we are comfortable with, we may fail, but fail forward and use that knowledge to gain strength and try again.  If you are signing up for a GORUCK and you feel that you aren’t ready…remember, that is what your team is for, to lean on.  That in itself is a lesson.  Believe in yourself! I’ll see you out there!

Any GRT women that you admire or love to be on a team with?  Oh my gosh, you want me to name them all?!  Stephanie, Jessica, Betty, Sara, Hannah, Justine, Christine, Kim, Amanda, Janis, Delilah, Debi, Denise, Amy, Heather, Nana, PocketGRT,…Jeeze…I could keep going ON…and ON…and ON

Any memorable stories with you and another GRT you want to share?  I had signed up for BEWBS HCLS – it was shortly after my Dad had passed away and I was nervous going into it.  It wasn’t just ONE GRT, it was my HCLS team.  We had a moment at one of the Memorials to speak, I don’t remember how, or why or what (sleep dep is amazing), but I got up to speak about my Dad and how he was MY Hero.  Anthony Cataldi was at my side the entire time as I fought through tears.  I made it through the entire event (and the Sox game after) – This One is For You Dad!

…Badass Women: Jen Jarvi…

Name: Jennifer Jarvi

Age: Get off my lawn! 41

Instagram Handle: jenjarvi

Occupation: Network Design Engineer

How  many events have you done? : I stopped counting after 30

First GORUCK Event: GRL 132

Events coming up: Bataan Light, Flying Pig Marathon (4 way with cheese!), D-Day Tough, Eagle Up Ultra

What brought you to your first GORUCK Event? A friend asked me if I would do it with her. GORUCK events looked intriguing. I figured I would do it, get my ass kicked, mark it off my bucket list and never do another.

Why do you keep coming back? Teamwork, camaraderie, friends, carrying heavy shit, pushing past my boundaries, empowering others. I guess the patches and memes are alright too.

What do you appreciate about being a woman in the GORUCK community?  Woman in the GORUCK community are badass and are typically very supportive of  each other.

What is challenging about being a woman in the GORUCK community? Convincing the bros that we really can carry the stupid heavy coupon too. Occasionally other women need convincing too.

Favorite training exercise /event gear/rituals…etc  that you want to share? My favorite training exercises…. Hydroburpees and stairs.

Advice for other women? Command Respect. Don’t let anyone convince you that ‘you can’t’.

Any GRT women that you admire or love to be on a team with? All of them? Too many to count. Most the women I have done events with have been stellar teammates.

Any memorable stories with you and another GRT  you want to share? I have done so many events. Too many stories….. How long do you have? (Just ask her about these stories the next time you do a event with her 😉 ) 

…GORUCK: HCLS Veteran’s Day Event…

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What is GORUCK?

To me… GORUCK is a family.  It is the reason I keep pushing to be better and stronger.  I do this not just for me but also for my team.  When you show up to an event your new family is your team.  Each person will get to a point where they will want to quit.  Their mind will realize that they could be comfortable at home, dry, sleeping, and not enduring the grueling miles of exercises that you are enduring while doing a GORUCK event.

I have been apart of the GORUCK family since late 2013.  I signed up not knowing what to expect.  The only thing that I was told was that I needed a backpack/rucksack that weighted at least 25lbs without water in it. So I trained with a backpack I found on ebay and bricks I had borrowed from a friend.

Two years later I have done countless events, traveled to dozens of cities, created a new family that I lean on for encouragement and support.

I was somewhat worried about this event because lets face it.  I HATE WATER and I HATE COLD! I knew that there would be two elements that I would have to face while in San Francisco.  To what extent I was unsure, but I wanted to mentally get prepared for the worse and I am glad that I did that.  I train hard….365 days a year…5-6 days a week.  People always ask me what I am training for, and I would honestly have to say I am training for life. There are so many different events that I would like to do.  So instead of focuses on just one event I focus on getting stronger and faster.  I focus on building myself up so I can tackle and obstacles that I encounter.  I want to be able to carry more weight for a longer period of time.  I want to be able to do PT without questioning if I had trained well enough for the workout I am pushing through.  I want to be a strong contributor to the team in a physical and mental way. The best way for me to do that is to be on my “A” game and to be prepared for whatever is thrown at me.

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Smile when faced with being uncomfortable and uncertain as to what is to come. Something that I thought when I saw this picture that was taken.  The cold surf crashing against our bodies as we endure PT as the sun is just coming up. To my left and right I have my team mates, in front of me I have the world.  I have spent a lot of time “getting comfortable being uncomfortable” and in this moment it showed.

Finishing this event meant so much to me and I had an amazing team and amazing cadre that lead the event. GORUCK is my addiction and I could not find a better way to spend my weekends. 60+ miles, 40+ hours, and countless memories make a HCLS.  If you are looking for a good challenge I suggest a GORUCK event.  It will test both your physical and mental strength.  And, you will walk away a wiser, stronger, and more humble person.

One of my favorite quotes:

“Never above, never below you, always beside you” … Something I tell myself before my events start.  Team first, my needs are always 2nd.