GORUCK Challenge - Baltimore

Baltimore GORUCK Challenge. It starts February 11th so you still have plenty of time to eat and party for the holiday season.

Remember, it's all mental anyway.

Although, if you are in the area and want to do some prep work, Charm City Yoga, via Semper Fidelis Health & Wellness can help get you in shape.

Don't forget to check out my post on past Challenges if you want some more insight and feel free to ask me any questions you have: mikepetrucci [at] gmail [dot] com

But wait, there's more...

Short URL: http://goo.gl/qkKGx

'What is the GORUCK Challenge: http://goo.gl/V11Kl

GORUCK Challenge Recommended Reading: http://goo.gl/SJcBL
When you sign up, add my name to the 'How did you hear about the Challenge.' Thanks!

The GORUCK Challenge

What is the GORUCK Challenge?

A team event, never a race. The Challenge is significantly harder than any race because a team is capable of infinitely more than the sum of its individuals. Therefore the Challenge is greater.  The team (it’s your team) starts and finishes together under the guidance of Challenge Cadre.  The route is unknown, the distance is unknown and the Challenge can last longer and/or go for greater distances if the team needs it in order to fully become a team. 8-10 hours, 15-20 miles is an estimate, not a promise.  Every class is different, but the bond by the end is always equally powerful. - GORUCK Challenge FAQ

Great photo essay by GORUCK

Make no mistake, this is not a solo event and this is not a race. It's an evolution. You will learn the true meaning of teamwork. The Challenge is best when shared with friends but if no one wants to join you, don't worry, you'll make some great new friends.

I can't promise that it will be easy, but it will be worth it. After all, if it were easy, would you do it?

Step off of the normal path. Go for a run, GORUCK style.

Image via GORUCK

Can I Do This?

I did. That means you can too. It's so much more mental than physical and I can't stress that enough. You do need to have some foundation of fitness because after all, you'll be carrying bricks, logs, each other, etc over an 8-10 hour [or more] period. 

The biggest thing that turns people off is the distance. My class did around 17 miles and the furthest I've ever run before on my own was 14. How was this possible? You don't run the entire time and when you do, the pace is entirely up to your team to decide. I was better at running while others were better at lifting and we learned how to utilize all of our individual strengths and weaknesses.

Send me an email if you have any questions about the Challenge: mikepetrucci [at] gmail [dot] com

What to Expect

How Much Does it Cost?

If you're smart, you'll sign up really early and get in at $120. If you wait though, the price can go up to $160. 

Is that a lot of cash to part ways with? Maybe, but really look at it. What do you get with that much? What ways can you cut back or save? I bet you have some Craigslist/eBay worthy stuff to sell or you can skip a few times of eating out next month. 

Cost Comparison

• The same as 2 Xbox games (If you bought the latest Call of Duty and The Elder Scrolls games, you could have just signed up for the Challenge)
• Tough Mudder Registration (Can cost up to $150 and lasts only 2 hours while the GORUCK Challenge is cheaper and longer. More good livin' all around!)
• Typical Marathon or even some Half Marathon registrations

You get the idea. I read this somewhere online and thought it sums things up nicely:

If it is important to you, you will find a way.
If not, you'll find an excuse.

Looking for a deal? 

Times are tough and saving money wherever possible can really help. That said, I can get you $20 off registration but only if you haven't signed up yet. Unfortunately, there is no way for me to add it retroactively.  Send me an email and I'll hook you up: mikepetrucci [at] gmail [dot] com

Recommended Further Reading

To get you started, I recommend you read these two posts: 

• Good Livin': The GORUCK Challenge [Mike Vallely]
• Packing and Preparing for a GORUCK Challenge [Kit Klein]

If you still want more information, check out my ever updating post containing reports from previous Challenge takers as well as videos and some other bits of Challenge knowledge.

But wait, there's more...

Short URL: http://goo.gl/V11Kl

GORUCK Challenge - Recommended Reading

photo © GORUCK

This is just about every 'after action report' of the GORUCK Challenge I could find online. Each class is different and you'll notice that in the writing but what's important is the shared camaraderie.

Stay tuned for updates as more will be added when I can find them.

Challenge Reports

• Class 007 [Ben O'Grady]
• Class 027 [Anthony Cataldi]
• Class 031 [Mike Petrucci]
• Class 033 [Eduardo Zambrano]
• Class 034 [Paul Issler]
• Class 036 [Pablo Fuentes]
• Class 036 [Asha Wagner]
• Class 037 [Mike Vallely]
• Class 042 [Greg Terry]
• Class 045 [Rich Vos]
• Class 047 [U. Fridman]
• Class 050 [Bryan Black]
• Class 052 [Brian Sypher]
• Class 057 [Francis Shanahan]
• Class 057 [Asha Wagner]
• Class 066 [Paul DiMarino]
• Class 079 [Geoffrey Ehrensing]
• Class 083 [Ben O'Grady]
• Class 083 [dknob]
• Class 084 [Leo Babauta]
• Class 086 [Asha Wagner]
• Class 093 [Paul Philips]
• Class 095 [Andrew Mullikin]
• Class 100 [Martina Paradiso]
• Class 108 [Brett Po]
• Class 110 [Matt Browner Hamlin]
• Class 121 [Marti]
• Class 142 [Dominic Commisso]
• Class 157 [Jered Benoit]
• Class 172 [Ben O'Grady]
• Class 172 [Cory Collier]
• Class 183 [Sarah Shank]
• Class 186 [Justin]
• Class 192 [Brian Green]
• Class ___ [Mike Norris]

General

• What is the GORUCK Challenge [Mike Petrucci]
• Packing and Preparing for a GORUCK Challenge [Kit Klein]
• A Year of GORUCK [Kit Klein]
• Ben O'Grady on the GORUCK Challenge
• How to Make a Sandbag Pill for Weighted Ruck Runs [Bryan Black]
• Pushing Your Body to Physical Limits: How to Train Like a Fitness Badass [Leo Babauta]
• GORUCK Challenge Loadout (Part 1) [Andrew Mullikin]
• Gear Review: GRC Class 095 (Part 2) [Andrew Mullikin]
• GORUCK: The Most Passionate Brand Following In the World [Matt Browner Hamlin]
• The GORUCK Challenge: Bringing People Together Under Really Big Logs [Matt Browner Hamlin]
• A Community's Tough Love [Matt Browner Hamlin]
• More than just a physical challenge and minimal packs [U. Fridman]
• Customer spotlight: Gearing up for GORUCK [Eastern Mountain Sports & Kit Klein]
• GORUCK Tribute [Julie Conklin]
• Interview with Cadre from GORUCK Challenge [Rob Decillis]
• No limit for the GORUCK Challenge [Baltimore Sun]
• My Gear Review [Futurecct's Blog]
• A view from the outside in: GORUCK Challenge [Danni Kruse]
• Go Ruck Yourself [Kelly Redican]

Videos

Overview

Class 036

GORUCK Challenge Training

Class 063

Class 023

Class 059

Class 062

Class 067

Class 081

Class 084

Class 102

Interview with GORUCK Founder Jason McCarthy

GORUCK Challenge Des Moines

But wait, there's more...

Short URL: http://goo.gl/SJcBL

WOD Templeton

I just completed a new workout I called ‘Templeton’, after my dog because he just laid there next to me the whole time.

I’ve only been to a CrossFit gym once, to take an intro class and while I really enjoyed how much it kicked my butt, I still can’t commit to a time to go right now.

But in the meantime, I’m trying a few CrossFit style workouts at home and I figured I’d start naming them too.

Keep in mind that these may look simple to you but they’re still a test for me and I’m sure I’ll get better and start making the workouts harder.

WOD Templeton

Description: Simple at home workout that doesn’t require much except a weight, which can be substituted for almost anything. Two rounds for time.

• 20 burpees
• 15 25 lb one arm rows
• 20 reverse crunches
• 20 body weight squats
• 15 table inverted rows

Completed in 14:44.

Notes: Could have been a bit faster if I had my gloves and my water handy. I’m excited to do this one again soon!

First Barefoot Run!

Resting my new running 'gear.'

Well, I just completed my first run with no shoes on. I did a mile, just because it was feeling so good. I really should have gone less. Actually I should have just walked but it felt so free to be running with just my bare feet hitting the pavement.

I’m reading “Born to Run” and if you’re into running at all you need to check this book out. There are so many interesting things in this book & it’s one of my inspirations to try barefoot running.

I know that a lot of you may think its goofy or even just dangerous but I think there might actually be something there and I need to try and figure it out. I can’t remember where I heard it but there was a quote that I enjoyed and I feel it relates to this.

Those who say it’s impossible should not interrupt those doing it.

Earlier today while at work, I got the idea to start barefoot running. You have no idea how bad I wanted to take my shoes and socks off and start walking around barefoot right then! Then the whole Metro ride then bus ride home I was just itching to set my piggies free!

Right when I got off the bus, I rolled up my pants and stripped off my shoes and socks and walked home. Everything from the sidewalks to the fresh cut grass felt new and intriguing. Like I’ve forgotten the texture of them all together.

The grass was so welcoming that I couldn’t help to run a few steps just to see what it was like. My legs just wanted to run! As soon as I walked in the door to my house, I changed into my running clothes with running shoes in hand and bolted back out the door.

When I started to run, I suddenly realized how ‘free’ everything felt. I really did feel like a kid again, with not a care in the world. Just running. I thought about my mom telling me to come home when the street lights came on.

I passed a few people on the sidewalk trail but in their defense they were moving pretty slow. I wasn’t exactly setting records but I felt amazing. My back was straight and my legs had no pain or anything. I truly amazed myself as to how fast I was moving. I wonder what I could have done if I were on soft earth and running on grass?

Right near the end of my barefoot trial I felt a pain in my left toe. It felt like a small thorn or something.  Well, I would be done in a moment so I just let it go. After I stopped and parked myself on a bench to reflect on the run, I looked at my foot and realized there was what looked like a blister that just formed, popped, and was now a flap that was open. Ouch!

No big deal though. I just threw on my running shoes and made my way back home. After cleaning it and putting a pair of socks on, I think all is well. Though I do feel some pain from it right now. Also other parts of my feet that aren’t use to running out of a shoe! But that’s to be expected.

I promised myself that I’m not going to push anything and I’m going to take it as easy as possible so I won’t become injured and not be able to run period. Being barefoot is such an interesting and liberating experience and I bet that not a lot of people know at all what it’s like.

Do you run barefoot? If you don’t, I want you to try it. Be safe though. Maybe just trot around in a nice field but make mental notes as to how you feel.

I’m afraid that I’m hooked.