FORGED Together: How the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse Builds More Than Muscle Article

“This is about so much more than just being strong in the gym,” says Anna Woodring, Director of Human Performance at the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse. “It’s about building community, developing new skills, and then continuing on afterward with these habits – and even friendships – that have been built.”

Designed to support Mission43 and Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) members, the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse has put Idaho on the map as one of the best places to recreate, build community, and transition to civilian life after the military. It’s also a world-class center for adaptive athletes with permanent physical disabilities to unleash their athletic potential.

A former Marine Corps Captain, Anna, says she felt like she’d lost some of her sense of purpose after leaving the military, but leading and participating in the Fieldhouse’s programming has given her an outlet to not only train and lead others, but transform herself in the process.

Anna leads the Fieldhouse’s FORGED Together program, a cohort-based training model designed to prepare Mission43 and CAF members for sports and activities uniquely suited to the Idaho outdoors, like Alpine and Nordic skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. Participants work out in small groups together, honing their strength and endurance in the gym, then take to the outdoors to test their abilities.

“The Fieldhouse and our FORGED Together programs provide a safe space for Mission43 and CAF members to come together, get stronger, increase their endurance, build confidence, and create habits they can take with them to go out and recreate on their own,” says Anna.

“Anna is amazing and she really encouraged me throughout the program,” says FORGED Together Mountain Bike participant, CJ Brown. “And being a part of this program has been incredible. I’ve gained friendships, improved my stamina, and felt my confidence grow.”

As an adaptive athlete, CJ especially enjoyed riding alongside Mission43 members, who were great “riding buddies” and made mountain biking more fun and safe for CJ and his fellow CAF athletes. He says, “it’s always good to have someone there to spot you on the more challenging sections of a trail.”

Anna agrees. “I love seeing Mission43 members recreating alongside CAF members. They often help CAF athletes get set up and even help out if someone flips over. They work out side-by-side and really support each other.”

CJ has participated in one FORGED cohort thus far, but plans to do more.

“I wish more people understood that just because someone has a disability doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy amazing outdoor activities like mountain biking. We’re capable, adventurous, and I love a challenge just like anyone else.”

Beth Sumner, one of the coaches for the mountain biking cohort, says she was humbled by the grit, determination, and strength of this group.

“I enjoyed getting up every week and having a group of people I knew would show up and ride. It was great to see people improve over the six weeks and gain confidence in their riding skills. They also challenged me to ride harder and work harder in the gym myself,” says Beth.

According to Anna, every rider in the mountain bike cohort improved their ride times on a local trail called Shane’s Loop. Between the start of the six weeks and the end, each rider improved their time by at least five minutes.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

What exactly prepares these athletes for such success in the Idaho outdoors? According to Anna, it all starts in the weight room, where FORGED participants meet multiple times per week to train together.

Lindsay Beeson, a U.S. Navy veteran and recent participant in both the Alpine and Nordic programs, noticed a huge difference in her strength, endurance, and balance after completing Anna’s program, which she says translated to more confidence on the slopes.

“Anna’s workouts challenged me in ways I didn’t expect to encounter after leaving active duty. Doing box jumps, prone to sprints, and kettle bell farmer carries under water, for example, is not what I envisioned myself doing at 39 years old. But she has a way of making everyone feel welcome no matter where we are in our fitness journeys, and also making us want to push ourselves to the max.”

Nate Spaulding shares similar sentiments. An active duty Army pilot and a participant in the Alpine Ski, Nordic Ski, and Mountain Biking cohorts, Nate says he almost feels guilty for the training he’s receiving at the Fieldhouse.

“Without a doubt, we are receiving world-class instruction at the Fieldhouse. My overall fitness and health have improved steadily over the last 18 months, and having such thoughtful programs to follow has made it enjoyable to be in the gym. I feel fortunate to be a part of this program.”

BEYOND THE GYM

Although FORGED participants rave about the physical benefits of the program, it’s the wraparound support, camaraderie, and sense of community that have made the greatest impact on their lives.

And for veterans like Lindsay, this kind of approach during what can be a very challenging transition time in their lives, is unmatched. 

“Mission43 and the Fieldhouse are much more than a veteran network and a gym. The opportunities and resources they provide for personal, family, and career growth are life-changing. These Fieldhouse programs, in particular, are the atmosphere I needed to put myself first by prioritizing my health post-military after having three kids and working full time in a new industry. This has helped me feel whole again and allows me to be a better mom, wife, and friend,” says Lindsay. 

The collaborative cohort model of the FORGED program is designed to mimic military units and sports teams, where participants work together, respect each other, push each other, and build a sense of community as they move through the program. For adaptive athletes and military members who are in a new phase of life, forming these cohorts can be a lifeline.

“Though we’re all in various phases of our lives and come from different military backgrounds, we connect instantly due to having the shared interest of service and constantly striving to grow physically and mentally. I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded by people who I have the utmost respect for. We push each other, laugh at each other, and cheer each other on, not only in the gym, but also in career and family goals, just like in the military. I always leave the Fieldhouse feeling like I have an edge on tackling whatever the day brings,” adds Lindsay. 

CJ, Lindsay, and Nate have continued seeing their fellow cohort members after their FORGED programs ended, through bike rides, trips to Bogus, social gatherings, and even a book club which was created by the women of the most recent ski cohorts.

“Friendships built in the military are forged on the deepest level due to what we endure together. And I’ve found those same friendships at the Fieldhouse that stem from our shared growth mindset, and shared sense of purpose to serve whether it be in the military, the local community, or both. I have made some really close friends here,” concludes Lindsay.

LOOKING AHEAD

Anna says she is focused on growing the FORGED Together program by adding new offerings and looping in more Mission43 and CAF members. This summer she’ll be leading a new cohort focused on hiking, backpacking, and hunting. She also hopes to add some mini-sessions and include additional sports training like kayaking and paddle boarding to the list of programming. 

“The mini-sessions are great for people who can’t commit to the full cohort for six-weeks. Life is busy and we want these Fieldhouse programs to be as accessible and inclusive as possible,” says Anna.

A combined 44 athletes participated in the latest Alpine, Nordic, and Mountain Biking cohorts. To join a FORGED Together program, participants must be either Mission43 or CAF members and complete a Fieldhouse orientation. After that, the sky’s the limit.

To learn more about Mission43, CAF, and the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse, visit the links below.

mission43.org
challengedathletes.org/caf-idaho/
idahofieldhouse.org