Hayley Carpenter

Where are you from?
Jonesboro, Arkansas USA 🇺🇸 Currently in command of the 1900th Preventive Medicine Detachment -US Army Reserves.

How did you get into rucking?
We have a local GoRuck club called the Crowleys Ridge Ruck Club and I joined them chasing after patches...plus I had mandatory Army rucks that I wasn’t good at, so I wanted to get better to be a better leader!

Why do you ruck?
I needed to find an alternative cardio event that was less of an impact on my knees than running since I was a retired fast pitch softball catcher. Rucking fit that mold and it was something I could accomplish individually or in a group. It certainly challenges my mental toughness and grit but also pushes me to be outdoors and frequently gives me a reason to stay fit with various themed Rucks!

Favorite ruck so far?
I stand by that the 12 miler from basic training was the worst! But my favorite has to be my first Rucking Tough event, the Austrian Corona Marche!

What is the hardest lesson you've learned on a ruck?
ALWAYS take care of your feet, don’t go cheap on the socks 🧦 you will absolutely regret it.

What is your go-to ruck setup?
I prefer my GoRuck 1.5L bag with Ruck Loops and 30# plate! I also use the hip belt but if I use my issued gear I prefer the medium size ruck and ALWAYS high and tight to protect your back and I prefer Garmont NFS Boots!

What is your advice for new ruckers?
Embrace the suck, keep going, and set small goals that add up to the big one!

What is the next event you are training for?
The D-Day Ruck!!

Fun fact about you outside of rucking:
I'm an Occupational Therapist in the civilian world so the health benefits of rucking always interested me and the evidence behind rucking as a form of fitness! Also the need to find alternative forms of cardio (that I didn’t hate with a passion) pushed me into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a second degree white belt!

HAYLEY CARPENTER - ARKANSAS, USA