After browsing the GORUCK website and thinking to myself that it was crazy I saw the Rucking for GBF monthly challenge and decided to give it a shot. It was a great opportunity to “dip my toes” and see if it was something I could do. For the longest time I had been telling myself that I need to be more active, so I tried obstacle course races, running, just going to the gym without cardio but nothing ever stuck with me. I could do it for a week and then I’d get bored. When I started rucking I told myself “it’s like going for a walk around the neighborhood, how bad can it be”. I used a nameless and some bricks but by the time I got home I placed an order for my Rucker. It was a WORLD of difference! I quickly found out that it can be pretty bad, but it’s easy to get better at.
I always use my Rucker for events – it’s my workout ruck. The GR1 is excellent to carry all my photography gear, and the Bullet is the perfect size for an EDC. Hard to pick between the Bullet, Rucker or GR1. I don’t have any colors yet, but I’d be down to get a tiger stripe Rucker! As for other apparel, I just got a hold of a TAC hat and I love it, especially the patch-friendly, soft under-brim. Oh and how could I forget the Ranger Panties – these only come out on special occasions though.
And So It Began
I had rucked a lot to get ready for my first event but I was NOT ready for the PT. I was very nervous because I wasn’t sure exactly what I had signed up for. We ended up moving pretty well as a team until we hit the exorcist steps in Georgetown. I’m much more of an introvert than an extrovert, so I tend to keep to myself most of the time. One of the participants (also new to rucking) said they couldn’t make it anymore, so I carried their rucksack and mine and helped them through that evolution. This is not something I would normally do, but during this event I definitely learned that it’s not about me. It’s about the person to my left and the person to my right. Once we finally hit ENDEX I was exhausted but thrilled to have earned my first patch. The next morning my first thought was “I gotta sign up for next one”!
People say signing up is the hardest part, but getting mentally ready for the unknown definitely takes it for me. But that’s one of the things I love about GORUCK events. Oh, also getting everyone to understand that it’s not about “me”, it’s about the whole team, which is a very difficult idea to get across. GORUCK events are the only times I’ve seen a group of people come together so quickly and learn to work as a team in such a short amount of time.
How is rucking a part of your everyday life?
Rucking makes me happy. It’s one of the only times I can put the world on “pause” and just think about whatever I want.
I’m also a part of DMV GRT, and one of the things I love most is how the club encourages each member to be a leader. I never thought I would be in charge of setting up events for the group and coordinating with the local county for us to adopt a highway! Btw, keep an eye out for an “Adopted by DMV GRT Ruck Club” sign coming up soon! It is also great to see how everyone that’s part of the club is so welcoming and genuine. I encourage everyone to find a ruck club near you!
The best thing about GORUCK community has been the support. I know if I ever need help, with anything, there’s a group of weirdos that would drop what they’re doing to help me out. I remember right after I had joined the DMV GRT group, around thanksgiving, there were several posts from people opening their homes to anyone who needed a place to go for a drink or dinner. The same feeling resonates on the Tough page. Someone asks for help or advice on something and you always get lots of helpful replies and a few funny ones here and there.
One of the best things I’ve learned is “DFQ” – this has really changed my outlook on a lot of things. I’m working towards a personal goal right now, and I know a lot of people have accomplished this same goal easily. Due to my circumstances it’s been a struggle and I had given up on this before, at least twice, but I started applying that DFQ attitude, and I’m getting much closer than before! Rucking has also taught me to look out for others. Not only during events but on a daily basis.
What would you tell someone thinking about rucking?
Want a free beer? You just gotta move a few logs, over 350lbs of sand, and some boxes full of random stuff with 20-ish of your best friends that you hadn’t met before. This will change your for the better. Do it!
GRHQ, thank you for truly building better Americans. For the GORUCK Community, y’all are a bunch of weirdos. But I love y’all!
– Ulises
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I love this post!!!!! This makes me want to start rucking!