Announcement to all Pax of F3 Raleigh/Durham,
The time has come to announce and begin preparation for the Raleigh/Durham GoRuck Custom 2014. Over the past few month’s, you’ve heard about it, you’ve thought about it, now is the time to commit to it! We’ve chosen May 3, 2014 as the date to hold the event. This email will serve as the first announcement to the entire Pax and will cover the basics:
What is GoRuck?
Why do we do it?
What is the cost and time commitment?
What gear will I need?
What is GoRuck?
The GoRuck Challenge is the Ultimate #CSAUP team building event the men of F3 take part in. It will be a 10-12 hour challenge that will take the participants around Raleigh under the guidance of our assigned Cadre. It is important to think of the GoRuck as a team oriented challenge to be completed; it is not a race. The GoRuck Challenge is designed to mimic Special Operations training scenarios in which both teamwork and leadership is demanded by the entire participating class.
Why do we do it?
Every man’s reasoning for participating in GoRuck is his own. Whether you take part to push yourself physically and mentally like never before, or you do it get a small glimpse of what Special Ops training entails, we encourage all pax to consider undertaking the challenge. One thing that is promised after completing the GoRuck is the lasting bond with your class you will earn by learning to operate as a unit. From the GoRuck website, “…the beauty of the Challenge is that it’s not about you, it’s about the people by your side, the individuals that become your team.”
What is the cost and expected time commitment?
UPDATE I apologize for misinformation earlier but the cost to hold a GoRuck is 3500 dollars after the newly added cost of insurance. This cost will be divided evenly among all participants. We anticipate recruiting at least 25 participants, which will still make the cost very manageable.
Ruck training will begin approximately 8 weeks prior to the GoRuck Challenge. Training will be 3 days a week, every other day. Ruck training will be before regular F3 workouts at rotating workout sites. Like F3 workouts, all training sessions are voluntary and encouraged, but never mandatory. This is a large time commitment and we encourage pax to not neglect other commitments and especially, to not overtrain. We will also be holding several ruck workouts before regular F3 workouts leading up to the official start of training. Look for preblasts on twitter and the F3 site.
What gear will I need?
First and foremost, you will need a Ruck. The GR1, the rucksack that GoRuck has for sale on their website, is considered by all who have purchased it, to be the most badass pack they have ever owned. While using a GR1 for the Challenge is recommended, it is not necessary. Any sturdy pack that can carry your a load of bricks, and hold up to getting wet, thrown around, and really really dirty will do. We will also work with the PAX to get loaner GR1’s for those who are interested.
UPDATE
THERE WILL BE AND INFO SESSION(UNOFFICIAL HAPPY HOUR) AT PLAYERS RETREAT ON FEB 20 STARTING AT 7:30. THERE WILL BE MEMBERS OF THE LAST CLASS THERE TO GIVE FIRST HAND ACCOUNTS OF WHAT THEY WENT THROUGH AND WHAT THEY GAINED FROM THE CHALLENGE. IF YOU ARE AT ALL CONSIDERING PARTICIPATING IN THE UPCOMING CHALLENGE, COME OUT AND AT LEAST HAVE A BEER AND LAUGH AT SOME STORIES.
If you’re ready to commit, or have any questions or concerns, contact:
Michael Widman (Yo-Yo) mjwidman@ncsu.edu
Greg Gianfortone (Utah) ggianfortone@gmail.com
Todd Kasper (Fungo) toddpkasper@gmail.com
Helpful links:
http://www.goruck.com/en/
http://f3nation.com/2013/06/05/goruck-class-604-locks-down-the-capital-city/
