From GORUCK Nation: Overcoming the Challenge

For Kerrie , it’s always been about overcoming the challenge and the community:

“When I signed up for the Star Course I remember thinking that it was impossible. I was going through a really tough time in my life. My dad had died a few years back and I just got divorced and was in a relationship that was really bad for me but that I thought I couldn’t get out of. A whole bunch of things went wrong during the first Star course, but I still made it. I used the inner strength I found while doing that first event, as well as my first Tough with Cadre Rick as fuel to give me the strength to get out of that relationship. Putting myself through something that was so hard physically gave me the ability to be strong mentally. The funny thing is that with physical or mental pain, at least with me, the same thoughts that have kept me down my whole life show up. But the physical pain forces you to work with those thoughts and you can see the results of that really quickly. I’ve heard people talk about beating their demons, but I’ve tried that my entire life and it has never worked for me. Instead, I like to use my demons as fuel to get me through tough things. Instead of all the energy you’re wasting in trying to fight something that you could turn on it’s face and use in a positive way.”

“Rucking, CrossFit and GORUCK events has helped me work with those things and instead of fighting them or trying to force them to go away, use them to make me stronger. And as far as the Star course, regardless of what is going on in my life, I can never again say that anything is impossible. It’s just a question of do I want it and am I willing to do what it takes.”

What is your favorite thing about Rucking?
My favorite thing about rucking is three fold: making new friends, getting physically fit and calming my nerves.
I tend to be overly anxious and rucking calms me down. Its like a meditative state and I swear that I’m one of those people who can sleep ruck. There’s nothing like being on the beach at like 2am with a bunch of other people (especially the GRT Reunion when there were 174 of us) and everyone’s at that point where they are quiet and all into themselves and you can hear nothing but the waves and the rhythmic sound of everyone’s footsteps.
I love that, for the most part, there is open acceptance of everyone involved. As long as you are willing to show up and do the work you are accepted. I tend to be a very shy person and find it hard to talk to people. However, get a ruck on my back and I will start talking about things that I only tell close friends. I have met people from all walks of life who I would have never met before. It’s like a family and you start back again where you left off when you saw each other last, at whatever event that was.
 
What is your elevator pitch for GORUCK/Rucking?
I think everyone should at least try rucking. My life literally wouldn’t be the same without it.
I remember Cadre Dan talking about his P.A.C.E. (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency) PLAN and how he uses it during everyday life. It references having a goal, but then finding alternative ways to get there if that plan fails. That really stuck with me, as I have a tendency to stick to something too long that is not working. It made me realize that I can keep my overall vision but may have to change the way I am getting there. The lessons I’ve learned in rucking have helped me tremendously in life.
 
Is there anything you want to share with the GORUCK Community or GRHQ?
Love you guys!
Author

Kerrie’s Favorite Gear:

The Ranger Green 20L Rucker for Events & Rucking. GR3GR2, two Bullets for EDC. Women’s Simple Pants.

3 comments

  1. David says:

    Well done! I’ve been rucking reguralry since July 2017, but have never done any of the group events. I’ve been intriqed to try and your story is great motivation to do so!

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