Veterans, we thank you for your service.
Earlier this year we posted an excellent article by Dr. Mike Prevost, former staff exercise physiologist at the US Naval Academy, The Kettlebell Mile. The author presented a powerful, simple, and healthy protocol to improve one’s ability to ruck with a heavy pack—a particular way to perform the farmer’s carry with a single kettlebell. The article was a hit with our readers, especially military, outdoorsmen, and outdoorswomen.
In our new article, Take Your Kettlebell for a Walk, Abbey Gottinger, SFG II recounts her experience with the Kettlebell Mile and offers additional training tips. |
| | | After nine weeks of the Kettlebell Mile, I backpacked the Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado. I was carrying a 14kg pack which is about 20% of my bodyweight. This was my second time backpacking the dunes to get away from the crowds and spend a night in the sand. As much as I was anticipating the destination, I was dreading the hike. Hiking in sand is like taking two steps for every one as your feet continually sink down. Great Sand Dunes National Park is roughly 8,000 feet above sea level and the highest dune is a 742-foot climb. Needless to say, it is not a walk in the park. When I completed this hike two years ago, I was dedicated to metcons and remember having to stop midway on each dune gasping for air. It took me about an hour and a half to clear the high dunes.
However, I was pleasantly surprised at how strong and powerful I felt as I scaled the dunes this August. My heart rate stay aerobic, I felt strong and my breathing was even. I took less rest, enjoyed the hike more, and still had energy left when we set up camp...
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