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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.

…GORUCK HHH: My afterthoughts/AAR…

What does AAR mean? After Action Review/Report (yeah I know some of you were trying to figure out what that means… don’t worry it took me a while to figure out what that acronym means LOL)

Ruck. Train. Eat. Sleep. Repeat

That was my method to getting ready for the HHH.

No, I did not wake up 7 days a week at 4 AM to do “x” miles of rucks (or runs).
No, I did not train 7 days a week.
No, I did not restrict or cut calories (I actually added calories and I am happy I did!)
No, I did not deprive myself from sleep (other than the usual hectic work week sleep deprecation or the sleep that was surrendered while doing other GORUCK EVENTS)

What I did do: make a plan. I am a personal trainer so creating training plans is something that is second nature for me. I live in a small rural town. If I had time I loaded up my ruck/sand bag and I walked to work (and back home). Nice days = a date with my pup, ruck, and sand bag on the trails for trail rucks. If there was a day that was super busy ( most days I have clients staring at 4 am and don’t make it home until 9 pm) and I did not have the time nor energy to fit in a workout I didn’t. AND I didn’t feel guilty about it. I did not want my training for this event to add more stress to my life. I wanted training to parallel with the other things I had going on in my life. I wanted to create a positive and healthy method of preparing for this event (as I do with all events I do). I did not want to set myself up to get hurt or to get burned out.  I also used HCLs (GORUCK Heavy, Challenge, and Light events… 48 ish hours of Consecutive GORUCK events in one weekend) as a resource to get in heavy miles, cadre lead PT, log carries, and unpredictable obstacles to help get ready for the event. I immediately found HCLs that would fit into my schedule (and budget) and tried to spread them out over the months leading up to the HHH.

Why I did so many HCL’s:

With the first HCL of 2016 I nailed down exactly what I HAD TO HAVE in my ruck. The less you need the less you have to carry (other than the required weight). My ruck handle was also adopted along with a few other GORUCK hacks that helped me be more efficient and organized.

  • My Ruck handle can be found ————>CLICK HERE
  • My typical event packing list ——->CLICK HERE
  • All of the contents of my ruck were separated into separate dry bags (food in one small dry bag, first aid/foot care kit in one bag, jacket and other clothes in another bigger bag). This made it easy to know what to grab when I needed it AND kept everything organized, separated, and dry.
  • Food was all prepackaged food. This make it easy to grab and eat on the go, if for some reason my dry bag leaked water my food would not get wet.

I also used the HCL’s to mentally get ready for the HHH. Not getting upset or annoyed when I got tired, cold, and hungry. Figuring out my own strengths and weaknesses.  Figuring out what I can do to help my team more. Learning how to communicate with new/different people to help bridge the gap between trying to understand and respect how different people understand and perceive obstacle that arise during events.

  • Getting mentally ready is by far just as important as physically training for this event. It is VERY easy to get discouraged and want to quit.  Your will power to continue has to be as strong (if not stronger) than your body.
  • Getting mentally ready is something that YOU have to figure out how to do. My methods are something that I use to get me through all events.
  • You may frequently hear “Find your WHY”.  Your “WHY” is your reason you signed up for the event.   Your “WHY” is what gets you out and training for this kind of event. Your “WHY” can help to push you through the hard, cold, and hungry times. Your ‘WHY” is what helps you complete the event.

Not really changing socks/shoes to gauge how my feet would hold up with the abuse and miles that happen during events. Figuring out how far I can push myself until my body NEEDED food and what food was nourishing and delicious.

Gear Check:  ***MY METHODS OR CLOTHING/SHOES CHOICES  MAY  NOT WORK FOR EVERYONE***

  • Footwear… the number one question that I get asked. To be honest I trained in my Nike Frees (running shoes) OR my converse.  For the HHH I had both my Nike Frees and Merrell hiking shoes. I have done ALL of my events in my Nike Frees. When it comes to footwear try different types of shoes. Figure out what will work best for you and your body.
  • I wore Injinji socks ( I had one extra pair packed in my ruck but I am pretty sure I wore the same pair for the entire HHH). I found this helped TREMENDOUSLY with limiting the friction from my toes rubbing together and helped to limit hot spots and blisters.
  • Clothing: I wore GORUCK pants (check out my product review for the pants by CLICKING HERE) and a plain t-shirt. I did have on compression shorts under the pants (to help limit chafing) .

Getting ready for the event as a team:  

As a team we were allowed to have drop bags.  We all figured out how to equally split things up in those drop bags and what all was needed. We figured out what would be important to have (such as extra bladders, rucks, and other miscellaneous  items) and things that would be a nice luxury to have (candy, caffeine, etc).

Confession: I DISLIKE THE GORUCK EVENT PAGES ON FACEBOOK
People’s fears and insecurities seemed to creep into my own subconsciousness and that was causing me to take progressive steps backwards instead of forward.  When I was super active on those pages, I realized that I spending more time trying to get mentally balanced instead of focusing on the important things for the event. I have my own training method. I have my own way to get ready for events. Such as most athletes have pregame rituals, I have preruck rituals and adapted those rituals to help me mentally get “in the game and ready to play”. I purposely told several people that I was in the group but muted the group notifications. If there was something that needed my input to tag me or have someone text/message me to tell me to check the group. Don’t get me wrong, I would periodically scroll through the group but I was not apart of the regular group banter.

The HHH: 24 started, 8 finished 

Heavy #1: 24 started, 18 finished 
We all arrive and instantly clicked. We all have been communicating about the event for months and most of us had already done several events together over the year(s). We checked drop bags, stretched, mentally checked in with each other and got ready. Cadre show up and immediately start the torture. Ruck run… Fast paced… In the dead of the heat… For a undisclosed distance. AWESOME! Heat immediately announced itself as the primary obstacle for this portion of the event. After the initial evolution we had the traditional Heavy 12 miler (around Fiesta Island)… More PT fun… More miles and less smiles.

Oh yeah cadre are not your friends. I have done countless events with both Danny and Flash. My typical event banter and jokes awarded myself and the team extra PT.

I would say that the heat was the main mental factor to start off Heavy #1.  It was a stagnant heat that made it difficult to ignore. The first Heavy included A LOT of miles. It was for sure not a easy Heavy and the Cadre showed no mercy (not only for the 1st Heavy but for any of the Heavies).

 
Heavy #1 was very memorable because I remember how tired and beat down I was at the conclusion of the event.  But, I was also very excited and anxious to attempt the remaining 2 heavies. The team dynamic at the end of the 1st heavy was strong.  We were all looking out for each others health, mental state, and overall well being. I would say that it was at this point our team (in my opinion) seemed to be the strongest. We all had passed the hurdle of the 1st heavy and wanted to push each other to make it past the next events.

Upon conclusion of heavy #1  no one was allowed to leave. As a team we had to rest and repair ourselves to get ready for heavy #2. If you wanted to drop out of the events it had to be done at the start of heavy #2.

Heavy #2: 18 started, 15 finished
Welcome party was a wicked WOD in honor of Kirk Deligiannis. I finished 5th overall and I was the 2nd female to finish.

I am not a Cross Fit person (as in I do not regularly do Cross Fit, but I have done it a few times with friends when I travel). The WOD was DIFFICULT and constantly challenged you.  It was a great Welcome Party/PT test to start off the 2nd Heavy.

My only thoughts during the WOD: It pays to be a winner. Put more effort into getting done as fast as you can.  Not only to get the additional rest, but I know that pushing 100% is something Kirk would do. For this WOD I did not want to be mediocre and complete the WOD just to finish it. I wanted to put all of my efforts into making sure that every rep, every step, and every second was done to my fullest effort.

I finished the first WOD with full effort only to complete it and realize that we had ANOTHER WOD to do. Yeah… two WODs back to back, after doing a full heavy. But, in reality I compared it to other things they could have us do. So I did not complain, I tightened my shoes laces, and I kept going.

After both WODs we of course had more miles, less smiles, and endured some great GORUCK good living. At this point, people were starting to drop or get dropped from the event due to medical/health reasons. Cadre made it VERY clear that our health was a priority.  It was not worth risking life long health problems to earn a patch. Bleeding and draining foot blisters, wicked ruck rash (and rub rashes in other disclosed areas), cramping and dehydration were a huge factor on the team.  When this started happening it was clear and evident of the importance of the medical support staff that followed us.  They were very diligent about making sure we stayed hydrated and did not push ourselves past our health limits.

I remember mostly having guest cadre (Shredder, Brett & Patrick), sprints and low crawls on the beach, water PT, meeting up with the challenge classes, chasing the challenge class because they stole our supplies, and sleep deprivation finally getting the best of some of our team mates. Trying to get them to understand directions and quickly execute cadre orders  (because at this point I was TL) was a challenging task.  Being the TL 36ish hours into this event was one of the hardest things for me (personally). I HATE BEING THE TL. No matter what kind of event I am doing. I would much rather be enduring the pain with my team than running around trying to tell them what to do.

***TL = Team Leader***

Being TL at this point was hard because it was dark, the challenge class stole our supplies, we had to do bounding movements while catching them.  And, if we got caught by the challenge classes “we would get in trouble”. The plan that I had issued to the team was given to me by the cadre.  But, my team felt as if we should do something else. Sleep deprivation and hallucinations started setting in.  This made it hard to focus AND successfully complete the mission. Yes, we eventually caught up to the challenge class and unsuccessfully infiltrated their class to steal our supplies back. Of course we paid for this but earned another break/med check. One awesome aspect of the 2nd heavy was being able to learn the depths and details of Mogadishu from a veteran and a survivor who was actually there and apart of Mogadishu.

Upon conclusion of heavy #2 we lost more team mates but they were able to leave at the conclusion of heavy #2. Heavy #3 required us to drive really far into the desert so if you committed to start Heavy #3 you were all in.

Heavy #2 was hard because your body was already tired, but your mind was even more tired.  At this point you were fighting a lot of physical and mental barriers.  For those that have done an HCL, imagine how you feel after completing an HCL and double that feeling. Getting rest and repairing your body (both physically and mentally) was mandatory for those who wanted to attempt the 3rd heavy.

Heavy #3: 12 started, 8 finished
The desert. We got some rest, had time to heal our wounds, and had time to get some food/fluids into our systems. We started this event in chaos. Car horns blaring, lights flashing, cadre yelling, and a dead ruck sprint up a trail (yes we were going up a steady inclined hill = more difficult) for over a mile. We stopped to take a SHORT breather (as a few team mates at this time were also dropped from the event from failing to keep up with the group)and then we continued a speedy ruck march up that same trail for miles into the darkness, mountains and dessert. At the conclusion of this movement we did another med check and we also got IV’s which were a LIFE SAVER! During this break we got some more fluid,  ate some grub, checked in with the remaining teammates that were left, and started the next evolution.  At this time we were then given a decent size log with only 8 people to continue the 3rd heavy.  The final 8. Super Ocho.

We rotated off/on the log for a distance and crushed the time hack. Traveled more miles into the darkness (and even had the chance to step onto the Pacific Coast Trail per my request since it was something I had dreamed of doing). Day broke and we headed to another location to survey, map, and infiltrate a park.

Onto the next evolution, more weight was added to our team and at last the final log. Oddly shaped, heavy, and small numbers to carry it along with everything else we had. By this time thinking clearly was DIFFICULT. Just grasping and understanding what was going on took a few seconds longer than usual. Hallucination were a regular thing that was happening, and the smell that we had created over three days was pretty unbearable at this point. Cadre purposely misinformed the current TL of our extraction point. It was at this point our team somewhat got divided and started to unravel. But, our team did a great job at stepping up and correcting the troubling situation allowing us to move forward. Flag brushed the ground = PT smoke session. When this happened my heart stopped. We were already tired, and in my mind I had lost track of time so I assumed we had A LOT of time until we were close to being done.  At this point doing almost anything is not an easy task. It takes more effort (and caution to avoid a careless/tired injury) to do anything. But, we embraced our punishment, came together as a team, and completed the assigned PT. We have made it this far, why would we give up?

Cadre then made us evaluate each member on the team. We had to rank each team mate and write a brief description about their performance during the HHH. This was indeed one of the best things we could have done at that point in the event.  I was ranked #3 on my team of 8. Got some great feed back as to my progress and performance during the HHH from both the team AND the cadre. This was very valuable information because it allowed you to realize and understand how our teammates really appreciated (or did not appreciate) things we did during the events. Being peer evaluated helped to allow a better understanding of what more you can do as a teammate in future events as well as in life.

We race to our next extraction point, which was unknown to us as being our end point. In my mind I thought we had several hours and miles left before we would be done. But, we turned the corner and beneath the USS Midway we saw and heard a crowd of familiar faces, beer, and food. It was at that moment I knew I had done it. I knew that WE HAD DONE IT.  With tears streaming down my face I collected my patches, hugged my team mates, and cracked open a bud heavy. HHH… My 2016 goal was complete.

What I learned…My final thoughts:

Who is on your team is so important.  It allows you to know the strengthens and weaknesses of those that are around you. Like I said before, I had done a lot of events with most of the people on my team. So working together came naturally.  It is comforting to be able to look over and see your friends and teammates there to help you. Your team can see if you were being pushed to your limit and were able to let you rest or ask for more help because they knew what you were capable of doing.  The screening process at that point was GREATLY appreciated. Having a team of HCL finishers helps to know that the people that have showed up are prepared and know what it takes to attempt to make it to the next event.  I was happy I packed such a variety of food for the event.  Having done HCL’s I knew that I would get sick of just one type of snack, protein bar, candy if that was all I had to eat for a few days. The SUPPORT CREW WERE LIFE SAVERS! Without them we would not have safely made it to the end of the event.

Would I do it again? I will not say yes and I will not say no. But looking back I embraced and enjoyed every painful moment and I am happy I did it.

…Fitness: my lift, my love, my addiction…

SanFran_HCL

Hi…My name is Stephanie. And I have an addiction. 

I am addicted to the stale musk of sweat when you walk into a gym…

I am addicted to the sound of weight plates clanging together…

I am addicted to hearing the light humming sounds of treadmills and other fitness equipment…

I am addicted to feeling sore when I wake up in the morning…

I am addicted to the feeling you get when you physically push yourself so hard during a workout that you can’t quite figure out if you are going to pass out or puke (sometimes as the same time…LoL)…

I am addicted to crushing personal records that I know that I was unable to do previously…

I am addicted to pushing myself mentally and physically…

I am addicted to helping those around me see their potential both physically and mentally…

I am addicted for helping to educate, motivate, and inspire someone to get up and make changes in their life so they can help improve the overall quality of their life…

But most importantly…addicted2fitness_2

I get that not everyone will truly understand my desire or need to push myself constantly.  Do I know I can do it…yes.  But, I have not found anything that I can not do and that is what drives me even further.

This fitness craze for me started in 2012.  Don’t get me wrong, I have always been an athlete and I have always been active.  Growing up, I played a lot of different sports and remained active even throughout college. It wasn’t until AFTER college that I had the time, resources, and money to dive into doing more athletic activities.  I started by first doing a Zombie Run with one of my best friends.  The trail run mixed in with mud bath instantly had me hooked. I was not a huge fan of being chased by blood dripping mummies, but I enjoyed the “capture the flag” concept that the race offered.  A few months later I signed up for my first Tough Mudder. WHILE I was training for my first Tough Mudder I was also training for my first NPC bikini competition. After that, I did a few more NPC competitions but really started to take a dive into endurance races. For the year of 2016 I wanted to put my focus on endurance races and GORUCK events instead of NPC competitions. And that was one of the best things I could have done.

I spend 2016 traveling, exploring, and living. Most importantly, I spent 2016 doing what I love most…growing my business and pushing myself physically.

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Why do I do these races? 

These races are not just about the medal or patch that you get when you complete the race.  The race is about the experience and the people. No two races will be alike.  You will get to battle some of your own internal demons.

You will question if the training you have been doing was enough.  You will question if your strength and overall abilities is enough.  You will question if what you are doing is something that you should actually be doing.  You will question if you are helping or being a burden to those that are around you. You will have a million other questions rummaging through your brain, but most importunately you will battle and defeat these questions of self doubt.You will conquer those very things that are trying to hold you back. To your surprise,  you will also help to push and motivate someone else around you to also push through those same questions and self limiting thoughts/feelings.

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I do these races BECAUSE I CAN. So many people take advantage of the fact that we have bodies that are capable of moving, climbing, pushing, pulling, running, etc. So many people 2nd guess themselves and do not show up to do events that they sign up for. So many people fail to even understand their worth and physical capabilities. If I am able to help just ONE person push past those barriers, that helps for me to validate my efforts.  It helps to prove to me that all of the work that I put into my training while people are sleeping, while people are out partying and having fun, while people are inside and I am outside getting tortured by the weather of mother nature is worth the milestone of conquering a feat that was once unconquerable.

Yes, there an be far worse things for me to be addicted to. But, to be addicted to fitness….is that even really an addiction? What could you classify it as? I would like to say that it is apart of me.  It is apart of my lifestyle. I am NOT sorry that I am not the type of person to sit at home EVERY weekend (don’t get me wrong a weekend at home is nice…but that is only blissful for a short period of time). If I have the time, resrouces, and money YES I will fill my scheudle with events. Why not explore and travel if I have the ability to do so? If I had the choice to go party at a premiere club or go roll around in the mud, with my ruck, next to 20-100 team mates, in the rain….guess what I would pick? #mudbath #justanotherdayatthespa

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From the outside looking in, I guess I can not expect or assume anyone to understand or be able to relate to my feeling of passion about what I do.

If I could just take your hand and walk you through my foot steps, then maybe…JUST MAYBE…you would be able to grasp why I do what I do.  I don’t want to put you in my shoes because my shoes are shoes that can not be filled. My ambition and drive is something that can not be replicated but only observed. My dedication to not just to myself, but to my clients and fellow fitness addicts.  This dedication is something that is strong and it will take dynamite to even weaken it.  It is a bond between conquerors and fellow competitors that can not be broken.  No matter how muddy a trail is, no matter how crappy the weather may be, no matter how much it hurts, we are one.

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Each day competitors of all facets and sports wake up and train as if there is no tomorrow. Olympic athletes get a pass for their dedication because ” they are training for the Olympics”.  But common people get questioned and bantered because they want to regularly attend athletic events? Because their dedication to health/fitness is not within the realms of what “some people” feel is normal? All because we are not training to go to an Olympic event? In your eyes there may not be a master event or title we are trying to win.  In our eyes…we are doing what makes us happy. We are doing what gives us a purpose and a meaning.  We are doing what gives us life.

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…WHAT TO DO W/ WHAT IT DO: GORUCK Echo vs GORUCK Kids Ruck…

There are various bags that can be found on the GORUCK website. I know that the first question that is running through you mind is… “Why are these bags so darn expensive!??” and the next question may be…”If I decide to get a bag which bag should I get!?”.

Yes, I admit, these GORUCK bags are expensive.  BUT in reality let me break it down for you…

quality-over-quantity

You can pay $20-$50 for a bag at a typical store. BUT how long will it last you? You will in return burn through SEVERAL of those $20 – $50 bags (because I know I have!) and have to spend more money in the end.  OR You can spend a little more money on a good quality bag and NOT HAVE TO WORRY about the bag failing you.  GORUCK offers a “SCARS Lifetime Guarantee“.

What is SCARS?

It is a way for you to get your bag (and this warranty also applies to various other items that they sell on the site) repaired or replaced if you were to damage it. YES you heard me right… You can get the bag fixed or replaced IF YOU DAMAGE it.  This also applies for regular wear and tear that may occur when you use the bag. GORUCK takes pride in building gear that is made to last through your torturous workouts and training.  How many $20 bag companies offer that kind of warranty!? So is the extra money for a GORUCK bag worth it… YES! Hence why I personally bought a GORUCK bag.

I have had a few questions in regards to the GORUCK ECHO and the GORUCK Kids Ruck.

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As you can visually see, there is some similarity between the two bags BUT there are also a lot of things that are also different.

GORUCK ECHO

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This bag is VERY similar to the GR0, GR1, GR2, and Rucker. It is just a smaller version of those bags.  It has all of the same features at the GR0, GR1 and Rucker. This is a great bag for someone who is small/petite. Or is can be a good day bag and can store all of the things that you need. Yes this bag is the more expensive option (when looking at the Echo or Kids Ruck). BUT you are getting a lot of extra things.  You are getting the padded compartment for your laptap, the padded straps, the molle on the front, and the two internal pockets.  This bag also opens and can be laid down flat.  It also is heavier and thicker than the Kids Ruck. CHECK OUT THIS POST if you are looking for other Ruck options.

GORUCK Kids Ruck

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This ruck comes in various colors.  This ruck is a great day bag and bag for children of ANY age.  There is not a padded internal pocket, there are NOT two internal pockets, BUT it does have the external pocket and the padded straps. The added extra is that the one internal pocket does have Velcro on it so you can attach patches or anything else you would like.

I hope this post helps to answer any questions that someone may have had about these two bags. Please let me know if you have any other questions!

 

… What to do w/ what it do: Event Attire/Product Review of GORUCK Shirt & Pants…

Another frequent question that I get from people who decide to do a endurance event is “What do you usually wear to these events?”… “What kind of shoes do you wear?”…

The truth is that what works for me may not work for someone else. BUT, I have no problem telling people what I use and what works for me.

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In the video that is posted at the top of this post I go over in detail each of the items that I typically wear during events AND I also go over how the GORUCK pants and shirt fit on my body (and issues that I had while wearing them).

I typically do events that are in warmer weather.  2016 was the first year that I really did events in weather that was cold, rainy, and far from perfect.  That did cause me to have to troubleshoot my wardrobe choices and add some things to my list.

But in a nutshell:

Base Layer (layer closest to my body):

  • Compression shorts: to help assist with preventing with chaffing and other skin rubbing together.  This is the most important layer (other than foot attire).  NOTHING is worse than getting chaffing early in the event and having to deal with that the rest of the event.
  • Bra: I did have to troubleshoot this a bit and find a bra that would be comfortable for long periods of time (and while doing exercise). My top choice… Wal-Mart/Target high impact sports bra. Cheap (just in case they do get ruined during the event) and comfortable for me to wear with my ruck AND during the whole event with minimal discomfort issues.

Outer Layer (outermost layer):

  • IF I AM DOING A COLD WEATHER EVENT: quick dry/water wicking long sleeve shirt (to help keep me warm but will also not hinder me if I sweat/get wet)
  • IF I WEAR A TANK TOP it is typically UNDER a t-shirt (so I can take off the t-shirt when I want and put it back on if I am getting rubbing on my shoulders/back).
  • T-shirt
  •  Fitness Compression Workout pants: I got mine from JCPENNEY but you can use any brand that is comfortable.  OR
  • GORUCK Challenge Pants: I am 5’10 and I got size Waist – 36 Length – 34
  • Wind barrier jacket

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Footwear: 

  • Socks (I also usually pack a pair in my dry bag)
  • Shoes (or boots for those who use boots)

MISC Items:

  • Hat/beanie
  • Face protection (for cold events)
  • Gloves
  • Knee sleeves (or knee pads)

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The GORUCK Pants were a great asset to my event wardrobe.  I honestly was not sure what to think of the pants before I got them.  I have a huge issues with getting pants that will actually fit and BE COMFORTABLE.  I was very shocked at how well they did fit/feel throughout the entire event. The material allowed me to move as needed but also protected my legs when we had to do activities on the ground.  They dried quickly, were very comfortable, and most importantly they fit (like I said is usually a hard thing to find when it comes to pants).  Another plus… they made pants that were also long enough for me…

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My fellow long-legged endurance junkies may be able to appreciate this aspect.  Nothing is more annoying then getting pants and having then not be long enough.  These pants hit me exactly where I wanted and were an over all great fit. The two events I did with these pants on… one was a colder event and the other was a warmer event.  Both events weather conditions yielded no additional issues for me while I was wearing these.  Cold (about 35-45 degrees) and warm (60-70 degrees) weather did not cause me to feel colder/warmer than I would have normally felt while wearing any other pants that I would wear to a event.  Overall I would recommend these pants to anyone looking for good durable pants. I do plan on getting another pair when they are available.

Pants DOWNFALL: 

These pants would NOT stay zipped up. I am not sure why.  They would zip up, but throughout the event the zipper would creep back down. I was not too worried about it because (1) I had on compression pants under them, (2) my t-shirt was long enough to cover it.  But, this could be more uncomfortable if I was wearing a tank top or another shirt that was not long enough to cover it. I made my own latch with a hair tie and it did just fine after I was able to attach the hair tie to the zipper/pants fastening button.

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The GORUCK Shirt was something that I enjoyed having.  The material is thin but also provides protection when you need it (I like having my arms/legs covered during events because of the brush/grass you may go through since I am allergic to those things).  These shirts also dried fairly quickly.  They did not keep the wind out very well (I felt a slight breeze but nothing that would be moderately uncomfortable) but that is why I usually always have a under shirt and wind jacket on. LADIES: I got a medium in this shirt and it was fairly LARGE. I typically wear a small/medium t-shirt so if you do the same I would suggest a small for sure. As with the pants, the material was very durable and cleaned very easily after the event. I wore both the shirt/pants throughout portions of a HTL (GORUCK Heavy, Tough, and Light) so it was put to the test throughout event.

I hope that someone (especially the ladies) are able to find this information helpful/useful.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Let me know!

***THANK YOU Nick Schrein for capturing these moments of me during the Oklahoma City, OK Memorial Event***