Lauri Lovvorn 20X Challenge and GoRuck Interview

SGPT: Tell us a little about yourself and your background coming into the GoRuck and 20X events?

LL: I am a CrossFit coach at CrossFit Throne in Lubbock, TX. I have been a CrossFit athlete for two and a half years. Prior to CrossFit I did ice hockey, gymnastics, martial arts, track, volleyball, and dance. I came across SEALFIT two years ago after reading the book “Lone Survivor” by Marcus Luttrell.

SGPT: When did you go through both events and tell us about your experience.

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LL: I did Goruck light class 112 on October 19, 2013 in Austin, TX. I didn’t know very much about it going in, but felt confident and believed I could do it. The tempatures ranged from 55-70 degrees so I was cold most of the time, especially when we got wet. One of the evolutions required everyone to carry a 35lb rock through a creek for a mile and a half. This required a lot of teamwork. My favorite part of Goruck light was getting to carry the American flag during one of the ruck marches. I did the SEALFIT 20X Challange on November 9, 2013 in Alpharetta, GA. Again, I went in confident and believing I could do it. I really wanted to stay focused, positive, help my teammates, and give my best no matter what. The tempatures ranged from 45-60 degrees and we got wet at the very start. I didn’t like being cold, but knew all my teammates felt the same way.

When we did log pt I was 4 inches shorter than the first guy behind me, which was odd, but the three of us worked well together. When we did team games and races everyone’s strengths and weaknessess showed. That allowed everyone to come together as a team and fill in the gaps. My greatest moment of 20X was conquring the ice bath on the first submersion. This was huge because the ice bath was one of my biggest struggles when I did the Kokoro 29 camp.

SGPT: What was the hardest part of GoRuck or 20X for you?

LL: The hardest part of Goruck was carrying the 35lb rocks through the creek. The creek had water in it, which made the rocks on the bottom of the creek bed slippery. The hardest part of 20X was the 11 mile ruck march. My left I-T band started cramping bad 45 minutes in and I started having doubts on if I was going to finish. I asked a teammate if he could carry my 40lb bar and he took it from me. I hated the feeling of not being able to carry my bar because it made me feel weak. I had to overcome that false belief and tell myself to do what I could in the moment. When we had two miles left on the ruck march one of my teammates was really struggling and I was able to help him carry his bar while another teammate carried his ruck.

SGPT: How did you prepare for GoRuck and 20X and how long?

LL: I did CrossFit football workouts 3-4 times a week along with ruck marching with 20lbs one to four hours twice a week. I also did a CrossFit team competition, and a 5k race. I bought a PowerLung breathing device to strengthen my lungs. I did the SEALFIT Unbeatable Mind program to prepare mentally.

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SGPT: What is one tip you would give a candidate for GoRuck and 20X to take heed?

LL: Believe in yourself 100% no matter what and push forward during your times of doubt.

SGPT: How does it feel to be done and what have you learned?

LL: It feels so incredible to have done and finished Goruck light and SEALFIT 20X Challenge. I learned to trust and rely on my teammates when I needed help and to help them however I can. I also learned to always give my best in the moment. When you are with a team that truly cares about each other, you can accomplish anything together.

SGPT: What kind of boots did you wear? Double socks? Bodyglide?

LL: I wore Underarmor Valsetz boots for 20X.

They are very light and comfortable, although not good on slippery surfaces. I wore Smartwool hiking socks.

I used Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm on my feet and that helped not get blisters.

SGPT: Thanks for the interview, Lauri.

LL: Thank you Brad. I greatly appreciate you and coach Cummings pushing me when you knew I had more and being patient and guiding when I struggled. I also want to thank Goruck cadre Silver Dollar for putting together a great event. Thank you to all my teammates. I could not have finished without each of you. Thank you to all the interns who helped keep us motivated and hydrated.

Special thanks to Marshell and Heike for hosting the 20X at their gym and opening their home to me. Most of all, I thank God for calling and giving me the gift of CrossFit and SEALFIT.

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