Wisdom from the Icelandic Strongman for Strongwomen

Today is training day for my upcoming NC Strongest Man and Woman Competition in February.  To prepare for training, our rough and ready Icelandic Strongman coach sent an email to all the ladies preparing for these pursuits. He referred to us as "Shield Maidens" and told us to carb up and get ready for a day of tough training.  Of course, not a single one of us ladies knew what he was talking about. He went on to inform us that shield maidens were wives of the Vikings and unlike in Ancient Sparta, the women fought along side the their husbands (Vikings) in battle. Therefore, he would be using the same implements with us that he uses with the men that he trains.  Another similar thought was set forth by my powerlifting coach Steve at Crossfit RDU, on Thursday. While asking him how to warm-up for a heavy deadlifting day, he gave me proper sets, weights and reps and said "we will warm you up just like we warm up the boys."  Since this year is my "year of gratitude," I cannot be thankful enough for being surrounded with strong willed men (physically, mentally, and spiritually) who encourage the women around them to be equally as tough. Moreover, that their coaching reflects no special accommodations or preference for treating women like tender, breakable beings.  They push us to our breaking points, inspire us, and believe in our physical capabilities. Moreover, they find our strength pursuits to make us even more feminine. Today, on behalf of all women everywhere, I salute the "Svavars" and "Steves" of the world. May our strength improve daily because of coaches like you.