Nov 24

Nov 24 What Is Rucking?

What is Rucking For the last few months, me and the family have found an exercise that we enjoy and it is called rucking.

Every time I share a status update, tweet or photo and use the term "rucking" or "going for a ruck" I get reactions from people.

It has been funny how many people have asked me if I was making up the term or trying to force something new. Too few actually took the time to ask what it was.

The simplest definition I give people is:

Rucking - To put weight on your back and go for a walk. More weight or more miles equals more results.

Here is a great video from GORUCK defining and showing what rucking is.

I wrote about rucking at the end of the summer and ever since I try to get out and go for a minimum three mile ruck, thee times a week. I don't always hit this goal and some days Roxie isn't in the mood to go that far, but we make it work.

It is a military term that anyone who has served will understand. Soldiers carry rucksacks with everything they need and go for long marches with them on.

GORUCK is determined to bring this to the rest of the world as healthy form of exercise for those looking for something different. They've even started a 5k Racin' Series around it that I can't wait until they announce the date for the Boston event.

It works great for me because I have all the gear, my knees hate running and it gets me outside and away from my desk.

Sure, it felt weird the first time I bought some random bricks, duct tape and sand at Lowe's. Now, I don't give it a second thought.

Any of these rucking kits have everything you need to get started. We've been using the 10L Bullet Rucks, but honestly you can use any backpack and any sort of weight to get started.

Recently, I stopped noticing the weight on my back and figured it was time to buy some bigger sandbags. Yesterday, I filled up a new 30lb filler bag and took it for a spin and I certainly felt it. The goal is to be up to the 40lb one by this spring.

Some even say rucking is an ART. :)

This winter, I know it is going to be harder to get out as much, but I'm determined to make it work. Thankfully our town does a pretty good job of keeping the sidewalks cleared, so at a minimum I can ruck around the neighborhood.

I've seen results and that keeps me motivated to keep on doing it. Plus, I've set a goal of completing a GORUCK Challenge in 2015 and knowing how hard my recent Light was means I've got a lot more work to do.

Now you know what rucking is.

Let me know if you want to go out sometime and give it a try. We've got plenty of extra gear.

Update: GORUCK now has ruck plates for sale. They leave room in your pack for other things and for me feel much more comfortable on my back.