By: Franco Marandola
I started rucking a couple of years ago because my knees couldn’t take the pounding from cross-fit any longer after knee surgery. I was looking for some additional exercise without the impact and pain that I started to experience. Rucking started as a way to log some miles without all the pounding on the knees and feet. What started as simply walking several times a week has become so much more for me. It has become an important aspect of my life. Not only have I come to enjoy the camaraderie, but it is also an important mental outlet for me. After sitting behind a computer for 8 hours every day, rucking then allows me to clear my head while focusing only on nature and my thoughts while forgetting the stress and issues from the day. I always feel better after a ruck, not only physically but mentally as well. Rucking allows me to focus on my thoughts and nothing else, which is an excellent way of relieving stress. I’ve made lots of new friendships while strengthening existing ones during rucks. Although I love rucking with the group, I do also enjoy rucking alone sometimes for the mental health aspect. While going through my work tasks every day, rucking gives me something to look forward to and allows me to deal with stress much better.
I would definitely recommend rucking to anyone regardless of age. There are many different types of trails available for all fitness levels and nagging ailments someone may have. It doesn’t matter if you ruck 20 miles or 3, as long as you keep moving. I started with 5 mile rucks and I have since completed a marathon ruck, a couple of 25K’s and quite a few 22K’s. I hope to do a 50K soon. I’ve heard lots of people say I can’t carry heavy weight while walking. Well that’s the beauty of it, you don’t have to. Most rucks I carry anywhere from 30-50 pounds in my ruck but on days where I may not be feeling that great I drop down to 20. But there actually is no weight requirement for us. In fact you don’t even have to carry weight at all if you don’t feel up to it. Just get out there and walk and enjoy nature and the conversation. The Inglorious Ruckers is a great group of people just looking to get out and move while also supporting great causes, the community and Military Veterans. Very low pressure and stress. Look us up on Facebook and come join us soon!
Inglorious Ruckers 