My GORUCK Story

A couple of weeks ago I shared my story with Spartan. This week I was invited to share my experience training for and completing a GORUCK challenge - to be more precise a GORUCK LIGHT challenge. 

Training with Get Tough Fitness in January

I don't know that I ever set out to complete a GORUCK challenge when I started training with Get Tough Fitness, even though it is an official training camp for GORUCK. I suppose it felt more a matter of coincidence in terms of training schedules than a goal of mine to complete an endurance challenge. On early Saturday mornings, I would train with some friends during what our trainer calls zombiefit classes while my wife shadowed and took pictures. She would then join her own class at the main site, but eventually the goruck training would lure her in.

Training with Get Tough Fitness in March

One such training session lasted about 6 hours long and took place with the backdrop of Caumsett State Park inspiring up with its foliage and the winds of March testing our resolve. Burpees by the shore followed by 120 feet fireman carries was uncomfortably cold.  

Training with Get Tough Fitness in April

We're often asked "What are you guys doing?" in the midst of training - Nearly every time we're asked there's someone who yells out "We're training for life!" Although it sounds like a simple answer, there is in fact a set of very transferable truths that can be applied to training for and completing this sort of mental and physical challenges. Our coach likes to refer to one such maxim as the 7P's. Perhaps you've heard of them: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance. Aside from the strenuous movements completed with a weighted ruck (usually filled with anywhere from 4 to 7 bricks during training) the exercises simulate actions taken during the physical exams performed in the special forces and on the field of battle. Perhaps the most sobering of exercises, when performed thoughtfully, is the buddy carry. Some refer to it as a fireman carry (although I don't think firemen actually employ this technique). The sobering reality is that the majority of times a soldier would have to place a comrade over his/her shoulder would be to carry their fatally wounded body back to their family.

Luis and Lucas demonstrate how to execute a fireman carry

Crab walking during GORUCK LIGHT

Creating sand angels during GORUCK LIGHT

Executing a "King of the Castle" buddy carry during GORUCK LIGHT

Pay close enough attention during a challenge and you'll see that there's more to what's being done than marching around a city with rucks. You may start out as an individual trying to mimic military training and end up realizing that the endurance event is more about the person standing next to you than it is about yourself - and the pride you feel when earning your patch at the end of a challenge is not about getting a 3 x 2 piece of fabric with velcro on the back - it's about joining the GORUCK TOUGH community.

Earning the official GORUCK LIGHT patch from Cadre Rich

GORUCK LIGHT CLASS 001 

The official GORUCK LIGHT patch is earned, never sold

Custom GORUCK LIGHT patch sold for $10 as a fundraiser for the GBF

If you're remotely interested in challenging yourself to get off your couch and out of your comfort zone, I encourage you to sign up for a GORUCK LIGHT. Do not be misled, folks. As my custom patch (and our cadre reiterated) light does not equal easy. Our class was 7 hours of good livin'. Once you take the most difficult step of signing up - and find yourself within the NYC area - join me in Elmont, at one of the official training camps for GORUCK. I hope to meet you soon!