GoRuck This

RUCKING – Moving with weight on your back is the foundation of Special Forces training. Rucking combines strength and cardio, is adaptable to anyone’s goals based on the amount of weight carried.

One afternoon at the HubCap Burger Grill, my Crossfit friends all talked each other into doing a GoRuck Light Challenge that summer. I was one of the last ones to nod in approval for this rucking event; 6 hours and around 7-10 miles. Peer pressure got the best of me that afternoon. That week I purchased my first rucksack and a 30-pound weight. I had to train to wear my new 30-pound rucksack. The only way to accomplish this was to train at work. My co-workers asked a ton of questions when I came strolling in sporting my new gear. I wore my rucksack to meetings, in the lunchroom, and during coffee breaks. One afternoon during a meeting, my rucksack and I were given funny glares as I sat waiting for the agenda to roll to me. Finally, it was my turn to present to my NASA counterpart and she posed the question, ” Why are you wearing your backpack, are you about to leave?” Over the next few weeks, they would finally get it, they would understand and they would follow my progress. My co-workers began to follow my training and count-down to the challenge.

One afternoon my management team took me to lunch and my favorite boss of all time handed out Embrace the Suck patches. That became our slogan for my training and still is used today when times get tough at work. Over the next couple of months, I trained by running and doing a ton of pushups wearing my rucksack.

Before you knew it my time for my first GoRuck event rolled around. We all met at Herman Park downtown H-town. Needless to say, I was nervous and excited all at the same time. Having a cadre tell you what to do for six hours completely stressed me out.

However, the next six hours actually went by pretty fast. Having friends and strangers cheer you on was amazing, nothing I have ever experienced outside of sports. People following caring the America flag probably was my favorite part of the challenge. During the event the cadre had us do all kinds of drills and endurance challenges. The final run took us on a three-mile hike carrying a 55-gallon drum filled with cement tied to four poles. It was so hot, it was so heavy and then the water fountain at Herman Park. The water was cold and perfect. After walking in circles in the fountain the water started making the pole slippery. The cement filled drum now seemed to become more heavy.

Nice touch Mr. Cadre, nice touch. We would end the challenge listening to a story the cadre experienced in Afghanistan. Then it was over. We all stood and the cadre handed us our GoRuck Lite Challenge patch. Yep, the was all for a patch. I was exhausted and needed food. We all met at Torchy Tacos and capped off the afternoon with drinks and tacos. What a perfect way to end a great day.

GORUCK – Founded by a Green Beret, GORUCK is an American brand with Special Forces roots. Excellence, toughness, and adaptability are the pillars of our way of life, which influence how we do, what we do.