Building the Elite Podcast Meg Tucker: The Valkyrie Project, Pt. 2 - Ep. 84
Aug 8, 2024
Meg Tucker, former Army Kiowa Warrior pilot and founder of The Valkyrie Project, builds woman-centric human performance and policy work. She discusses cycle-aware training, the dangers of ill-fitting body armor and rucks, and practical fixes for gear and testing to better serve servicewomen.
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Cycle Based Programming For Female Tactical Athletes
- Training designed from a woman's physiological perspective produces better outcomes than simply scaling down men's programs.
- Valkyrie writes cycle-based programming (two-week follicular, two-week luteal) so female athletes can jump in at any point or use contraception without losing effectiveness.
Women Were Largely Omitted From Performance Research
- Much of human performance research historically ignored women, producing guidance that treats women as 'smaller men' rather than distinct physiology.
- This lack of data means opportunities exist for different training, nutrition, and sleep protocols tailored to women once research is done.
Fix Gear Fit Not Just Size For Female Survivability
- Study and redesign gear rather than just shrinking male designs to improve safety and performance for women.
- Valkyrie supports research and tested inserts that close gaps in vests, reducing bounce and side exposure to improve comfort and survivability.