SGPT Interviews GORUCK Graduate Tom Kilminster

SGPT: Tell us about yourself?

Kilminster: I’m a married 38 year old father of 3 from western NY. I’ve been a finish carpenter for 19 years. I suppose my hobbies are… transporting my kids to sports (I love watching them, it’s not work), my own personal training and building cool stuff for my house. Long gone are the days of poker nights or dart league!

SGPT: Did you have an athletic background growing up?

Kilminster: Yes but not in conventional organized sports. I was an avid BMX rider and skier/ snowboarder. Later I ditched the BMX for a mountain bike.

SGPT: How did you train for the GoRuck event?

Kilminster: I used the SGPT GoRuck training program. It was ideal for preparing my mind and body for the event. I felt confident at the start even though I had a few minor injuries to deal with (getting old sucks!). I also rucked every Saturday with friends. 6-12 miles depending on time or purpose. 12 miles for time with 50lb ruck; or 6 or more miles carrying as much heavy weight as we could (sand bags, 5 gallon soda kegs, logs etc). I can usually get a second short ruck in at night during the week. As far as the PT, I was fully prepared and had no issues. There was a PT exam at the start that I was more then happy to take.

SGPT: Tell us a little about the event? Where was it?

Kilminster: The event was the GoRevolution in Boston, MA on April 16 2016. It’s classified as a GoRuck Heavy. It lasted 25 hours and covered 37ish miles. We walked the same trails and roads the colonists did during the revolutionary war from Concord to Boston. The Cadre educated us as well as kicked our asses!

SGPT: What was hardest part of the event?

Kilminster: Waking up for 6 months prior wondering what the hell I signed up for! Seriously. It pushed me out of bed everyday at 5 am to train. I changed my diet. Changed my sleeping habits. I learned about the importance of mobility and stretching. I had no idea what to expect so I prepared for as much as I could. Preparation is everything and it made the event fun…difficult but fun.

SGPT: What is one thing you wish you would have done to get ready for GORUCK?

Kilminster: Sleep. The event started at 4 am. So the night before I was so amped I couldn’t sleep. It just made me lose 2 nights instead of one. I could hear my buddies snoring in our hotel room which made it worse!

SGPT: Any tips for up and coming athletes that want to do GORUCK?

Kilminster: Have fun!!! I tried to smile and laugh as much as possible. Even during the final movement (dubbed “the pain train”). Yes, it is challenging, stressful, and sometimes painful but we also pay money and give up our weekends to do it! Then we sign up for another GORUCK. If the preparation has been done then the fun comes naturally. I’ve seen it go both ways. I’ve seen people wishing they never showed up. And that sucks. As with anything in life…. Put in the work and the work will pay you back when you need it.

SGPT: What kind of boots did you use for the event?

Kilminster: I used Nike SFB 6″ Field Boots right off the shelf.

No special inserts were needed. These worked great during the event and for training.

SGPT: Did you use double socks/ compression socks or body glide on your feet to prevent blisters?

Kilminster: I used a combination. First – Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm. Second- sock liner (aka shin-high panty hose). Third was a mid weight smart wool sock.
I never had even the slightest hot spot or blister using this method.

SGPT: What kind of ruck did you use for training and the event?

Kilminster: I used a GORUCK GR1. That ruck comes with me everywhere.

SGPT: What book are you reading now?

Kilminster: Im just about finished with Unbeatable Mind by Mark Divine. I actually listen to a ton of audios and audio books while I work or drive, but always music when I workout or ruck!

SGPT: Many thanks for the interview Tom!

Kilminster: Any time. I hope this helps someone!