We’re about five weeks out from the ‘welcome party’ here in the City of Oaks. Are you ready? I don’t think there’s any way to train for a Challenge that will make it not suck—if your max is 100 burpees, they’ll make you do 150. However, I do think you can prepare in a way that allows you to fully ‘embrace the suck’ and get the most from this truly unique and memorable experience. A few quick updates:
- We are a ‘Go’ for an F3 custom course and will be given our own cadre. Sign up will be live very soon. Final details are being ironed out right now.
- We have a Raleigh training schedule that will be distributed to all interested parties. If you want to be filled in on the training schedule talk to one of the Pax who is already an HC or shoot me a message. For those of you in Charlotte, Durham, etc… let me know if there’s anything we can do to help you with planning your area’s training.
- Some vets from classes 193 and 421 have generously offered to loan out their rucks. We’d prefer to have you out there, but if not, at least your ruck can get in some more good livin’. If you are willing to loan you ruck, sound off below and we’ll iron out the logistics. Crotch Rocket is delivering a few next week, and I’ll be coming to Charlotte the weekend of May 4-5 to pick up more, as needed. You’ll get them back no later than June 1.
- Gear: Below are links to a few good posts about what to pack. Two of these are focused on a cold weather Challenge, but you can still get a sense of the essentials. Remember, you have to carry everything you pack, so lighter is better. If you have questions, ask someone who’s completed the Challenge or sound off below:
- http://f3nation.com/2013/02/07/goruck-challenge-kit/
- http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/12/07/outfitted-equipped-goruck-challenge/
- http://www.briangreen.net/2012/07/goruck-challenge-gear-loadout.html
Now, with logistics out of the way, time for the important part: how to prepare for the task at hand. While the comments below are mine, please know they contain advice from several persons who’ve previously completed the Challenge and wanted to pass along a little wisdom.
The physical preparation for the Challenge isn’t all that different from what we already do. There are three key components: exertion, intake, and rest. Most people focus too much on exertion and too little—or not at all—on intake and rest. Do not over-train, especially in the last two weeks. But when you work out, go all out. Be sure to fit in at least one full day of rest each week to allow your body time to repair and recover. Drink a ton of water. Eat lean and clean foods, and eat them often throughout the day. This will amp up your energy levels and keep your body running at peak efficiency. If you’re in Raleigh, come to the double downs that we’ll be doing 3 days a week. We’re also planning a couple of weekend 4-hour rucks to cover longer distances and develop some Second F with our friends from Charlotte, Durham, etc…
For the mental component, always focus on the task at hand, never more than that. Focus on helping the man next to you carry his load, focus on taking one more step, focus on your breathing. If you can train your mind to stay in the present, then it won’t have the opportunity to slow you down by inventing nightmares about future. Besides, you already know what’s coming…more good livin’.
Finally, always remember that this is a team event. You cannot win the GORUCK Challenge. Whatever successes we have will come as a team, and they will come from our ability to rely on one another. Figure out how much you can give to the man next to you, and then give more. Also, embrace the training experience and the bonds that are forged therein. The more we train as a team, better we’ll perform as a team. And, as always remember—the more we help our brothers, the stronger our spirit grows. Aye!
