It’s not practice when you train to win

Ma Bell and YHC decided to Q a Rucking Event to get some of the ENC pax more comfortable with the uncomfortable. We started at 0530 to allow for some out of town pax to travel in and meet us at Town Commons.  In all 11 studs suited up ready for what was to come. We divided it into EC with all 11 and the thang with the 9 remaining.  It went something like this.

Start point: Town commons

• Evolution 1 Startex – Gear check-PT for missing gear: Mask; Weight; Water; Reflective Band; License & Cash; headlamp & Carabiner. Be prepared for weather so make sure everything is water proof; Safety Briefing; Assign TL and ATL (15-20 min)
• Evolution 2 Welcome Party – Ruck to ECU Sign (.38 mi total): welcome party (deck of cards) Thruster=diamonds; Merkin=hearts; Flutter Kick=clubs; Swings=spades; Ace=burpees.
• Evolution 3 Speed Work – Speed Ruck to Clifton street (1.53m/1.91 total). Teams of two with rope connecting each team; Time Hack 22 minutes for just under a 15/mile. Safety Briefing. We learned a lesson via burpees here about safety and crossing guards.
• Evolution 4 Log Work – pick up logs; Ruck Greenway to Minges (.99m/2.90 total); Time Hack 19 min; Can’t drop log; work out a walking transition; log PT to earn the right to drop the log: Joe Warners (OH Press); Log Curls; Log Sit ups; Pick up Sandbag Pain train at Minge’s. Sandbags all hooked together
• Evolution 5 Sandbag Work – Ruck to Wright Building (1.24/4.14 total) for a dip in the fountain.  Time hack 25 minutes for a 19 min per mile
• Evolution 6 Cold Work – return to commons; handling the cold. Individual sandbags separated . (.89/5.03 total)

Moleskin: These men sought out a challenge to better themselves. They are now better prepared for challenges that may lie ahead. The stress, chaos, wet, cold and tired times of darkness are times when our preparation is challenged. These are the times that we need to be ready and able to operate effectively in high stress environment. The key to that is how we prepare. Yes this applies to events but also applies to everyday life with family, work and the world around us. We can do one of two things breakdown under pressure or thrive and lead effectively. This is something we can all always improve on. And to do that we need to lean on each other, lock shields and push each other forward. We need to all be pushing on a course of acceleration not only individually but as a region and as the eastern fleet and members of our community. Remember always better together.

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