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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.

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…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).

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…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.
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…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 😉 ) 

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…State 24: Ohio…

One of my long term fitness goals is to do a fitness event in all 50 states.

I recently had the opportunity to cross off another state: Ohio!

I made the 10 hour drive from the Midwest to Cleveland to participate in a GORUCK event commemorating the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Over 80 people showed up to participate in this event.

What I learned about Cleveland and Ohio:

  • It was nice to navigate through the state! 3 lane highway a majority of the trip while in Ohio.
  • Cleveland is a BEAUTIFUL city! The downtown Cleveland area is created by some beautiful buildings, churches, and other monuments.
  • The Winking Lizard was kind enough to let our group congregate there. They provided PHENOMENAL service.  The food was also great (although it is not a traditional healthy place to eat they did have some good healthy meal options on their menu!) and they also had an extensive beer list!
  • Cleveland has THREE major league athletic teams!?? How did that happen!?? (Cleveland Browns NFL, Cleveland Indians MLB, Cleveland Cavaliers NBA)

Random things I noticed about Ohio:

  • Gas prices were approximately $0.10 – $0.15 higher in Ohio than in Missouri
  • I saw MORE cops while driving through Ohio than I saw in any other state (I traveled from Missouri —> Illinois —> Indiana —> Ohio)
  • If you want to take a picture in front of the “Welcome to Ohio” sign be cautious. The sign is located on a overpass that you pass under (and it is a busy highway) so you would have to stop in advance and have the sign in the distance behind you.
  • A version of “The Christmas Story” house is located in Cleveland!

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