Well...it's World's..right now as I am typing. I am having some pretty strong reactions to watching the photos appear online. Definitely tearing up. Clearly, I am not there and instead am on my couch in some of the worst muscular shape I've been in. I'm not going to make excuses - things transpired and when it came down to it I didn't have the funds to make it happen. I made some difficult and wonderful choices and chose to purchase a house over race money. As for the lack of being in shape that's another issue I'm ready to fix -I don't know how - or mainly when - but I'm going to fix it. As for World's - it WILL happen. There is no question to it. I don't plan something and not accomplish it. As I continued to look through the first 100 photos that were posted form the first 1/3 of the 24 hour race I was filled with envy and passion. I wish I was there and not feeling like a failure here. That's all.
I have been slacking on blog posts. I am 3 post race entries behind! I'll start with GORUCK. This challenge was April 27th. It was incredible. Completely addicted now.
GO RUCK CHALLENGE by definition on their website -
"The GORUCK challenge is a team event, never a race. Think of it as a slice of Special Operations training where -- from start to finish -- a Special Operations Cadre challenges, teaches, and inspires your small team to do more than you ever though possible. Leadership is taught and teamwork is demanded on missions spanning the best of your city." - www.goruck.com
I think I have been postponing writing this entry because I can not come up with the words to describe the experience. The challenge is described as an 8-10 hour event in which you will be tested to your limits, both physically and mentally. We ended up finishing at 13 hours 13 minutes. You are required to carry a ruck sack filled with bricks - either 4 or 6 depending on your weight. These bricks are to be wrapped and secured in your pack. When the challenge begins your pack is never allowed to touch the ground. You are also required to carry water - beyond that it your discretion what you pack. I added chapstick, a couple Snickers Marathon bars, and $20.
About 25lbs
Zoey is wrapping my bricks.
The night started with a pre-ruck meeting at Taco Del Sol at 8:30. Slowly we all arrived, sat around and discussed how prepared and unprepared we were and also enjoyed some burritos - well, Rachel and I did :).
Ordering pretty smart 'pre challenge' food!
After Taco Del Sol we had a few hours to kill. We were suppose to meet at The Wilma at 1:00 a.m. - so naturally we went to The Tamarack to have some liquid courage. During this time we gathered our 'team weight'. As a team you are required to pack a full size American Flag and an extra 25lbs. This weight is also never allowed to touch the ground. We wrapped a case of beer in layers of duck tape and straps. To my surprise it held up perfectly.
Duck Tape and straps to wrap our team weight.
Shortly before 1:00 a.m we wandered up to The Wilma. All 13 of us stood around staring at each other wondering where in the world the Cadre was. Time was slowly ticking by and there was no sign of the leader. Eventually, a man arrived at the top of the stairs - he did not introduce himself- he merely said, or commanded, he had been waiting for us and to get downstairs. Well, here goes - enter boot camp.
The next couple hours, from about 1:00 a.m. until about 3 a.m., we had boot camp under the tent at Caras Park. One of our own team members had to volunteer to be our leader for this. Clay volunteered. Welcome to teamwork! This included push ups, jumping jacks, bear crawls up the hill under each other, partner squats, team pushups, and more.
Caras Park
Boot Camp
Team circle push-ups...super difficult, especially with packs of bricks on our backs.
In a circle, facing outwards, on our knees...we had to pass the bags over our heads until you got your pack back.
As our warm up ended we were directed to the shore of the Clark Fork River just west of Brennan's Wave. It was here that we were introduced to our mission. In order to begin, as a team interlocking arms, we had to enter the Clark Fork to shin/knee height. We then switched our packs to our stomachs and had to lay on our backs in the water. It is April in Montana - it's cold. Laying in the water we began flutter kicks. After getting soaked in the ice water we were allowed to exit the river, as a team. We would now stay wet through the entirety of our challenge. Next to us on the shore was a large, water filled log perfectly placed - just waiting for us to pick it up. Our next mission: Pack the log from the shore by Brennan's Wave to some mysterious pond hidden in the Rattlesnake. We were given a specific amount of time (50 minutes I think) to complete this task.
The log was estimated at 1200 pounds. Tack that onto our packs of bricks, extra team weight, leader pack and vest, and the full size flag. Getting the log up the bank of the river was the first step that proved quite difficult. Working as a team we attempted to pack the log. We tried carrying it multiple ways. On our shoulders seemed to be the most successful. However, it proved to be quite difficult because of the range in height from the tallest to shortest team members.
An hour passed and we were far from our goal; as you can imagine we were punished for it. We were told to remove one shoulder strap of our brick filled packs allowing all the weight to hang on one shoulder. Secretly, I didn't mind this punishment at all because I kept my pack weight on one shoulder while the other shoulder held the weight of the log - still balanced. We then continued towards our goal. The log proved to be very challenging. People were getting tired and frustrated. We were stopping a lot to find an easier way to carry the log - there wasn't an easier way, ever. The sun was beginning to rise and we were taking hours to go a couple blocks.
After more time passed we were punished again for not arriving at our destination. This time we were required to take our shoes off. Yes, you read the correctly - take our shoes off.
For me, it wasn't so bad because I was already in my 5 fingers so I was pretty close to barefoot. Of course, as luck would have it, we were just getting to a gravel road.
I remember after traveling on these sharp rocks for awhile we arrived at a stretch of pavement. The partially smooth pavement felt incredible on our bare feet! As we carried our individual packs, team weight, and the heavy log who would have guessed arriving at pavement would have been such a wonderful experience!
There were other tasks we were required to do and originally punished for. While traveling we were required to adhere to all traffic laws as well as stopping at bridges to 'pay a toll'. At bridges we had to do various things like curl the log as a team, carry one another across the bridge, etc.
After 4 long, tiresome hours we arrived at our destination. While crossing one of the many bridges we were required to shoulder press the log - during the last press we were instructed to throw it over the edge! Woo hoo! The log is forever gone. 13 people - 4 hours - 1200 pounds. Quite the accomplishment.
Notice the height difference...tallest to shortest.
Our next challenge required a new volunteer leader. Annabel volunteered. Our mission was to make our way back to Greenough Park by doing an "Indian Run" (a conditioning run where a group of runners jog single file or in pairs at a steady pace, and then the last runners in the line sprint to the front of the line taking the place of the first and so on).
After arriving at Greenough we were instructed to find two of the best lodge poles possible. They needed to be strong, straight, and about 6' long. Thankfully we accomplished this task before time ran out so we were given an official break! We were allowed, for the first time in 6-7 hours, to set our packs down!
After our lovely break we were instructed to construct a litter from our lodge poles. We would need four cotton t-shirts (thank you teammates for sharing the shirts off your back- they will forever be stretched out). By definition a litter is: "a stretcher or basket designed to be used where there are obstacles to movement or other hazards -for example, in confined spaces, on slopes in wooden terrain. Typically it is shaped to accommodate an adult in a face up position and it is used in search and rescue operations. "
Litter - except ours was made from sticks and t-shirts.
During the next phase of our challenge we were each required to carry and be carried in the litter. We would be making our way from Greenough Park to the California Street Bridge.
Teams of 4 would carry the little on their sore shoulders (thank you giant log) while one team member would be carried. During this trek we were also on and off continuing the "Indian Run". After each member had carried and been carried we were allowed to pick who would ride. I ended up being carried quite often which actually made me feel guilty. That's what I get for being short. :)
We reached the gas station on Orange street near the freeway entrance and were allowed a second break!! We were given a chance to use a real bathroom, purchase water and gatorade, or small snacks. In the gas station we were stared at by many people. I'm sure we looked fabulous- I mean it had only been a night of casual hiking. ;) So, at this point I was so excited to sneak inside and find out what time it was!! Oh, the joy in the little things in life! Going into the challenge everyone was required to turn in any form of time telling capabilities to the cadre. Looking back, this was brilliant. Watching time tick by would have been treacherous. Right now I can not remember what time it was for sure though, either 8:15 or 9:15. Either way, it was refreshing to see a clock. I then got permission to buy Starburst. I was craving candy - typical. I also picked up some Gatorade Chews- tasty little things in which I will credit my sudden burst of energy in about an hour.
At this point a new leader was needed to navigate. Jacob volunteered. We were ready to leave the gas station and complete our journey to the California Street Bridge.
We continued using our Litter and "Indian Run". As we made our way, we arrived at that disgusting area of water just north of the river and east of the bridge. An area of standing water filled with, well, you can imagine what. Our mission was now diverted. The litter was finished and an army crawl through this 100 yard pile of knee deep muck was commanded. The goal after emerging from this still creek was to be camouflaged, completely. Punishment would be administered if you did not complete the mission and become one with the mud. This was definitely not fresh, fun mud. This was piles of rotten leaves, trash, and sewage submerged in standing water which mixed together to form a beautiful spa essence on our skin. You have to commit to this. You can not rub a clump of muck on your arm and be considered camoflauge. I bathed in this. I dumped inch high piles on my head, I smeared it around my face and all over my clothes. I belly crawled through and continued throwing mud in my hair. It was about half way through when I remembered I had two lonely Starburst in my sewage soaked pockets...bummer. My Camelbak mouthpiece had also been submerged in this lovely water.
On a side note, my hair had mud particles in it for over a week.
Our Cadre took a few shots of us in this area:
After finishing this task we had a brief, yet exhausting round of army crawl through man made tunnels. We stood next to each other in downward dog position while the end person army crawled under our bodies. Basically, leap frog Marine style.
We were now approaching the final hours, or so we thought, of this race. We all knew the company advertises 8-10 hours. We knew we were in that range and we also knew we were at the Osprey Field heading towards Caras Park (you finish where you begin). Our hopes were high, we were getting close.
During the next trek we were along the bike path so we had a new rule- any time we saw a bike we had to shriek 'bike bike bike bike' like those little birds on Finding Nemo. If the Cadre saw a bike before we did, you guessed it, we were punished. After missing a few riders we mastered the bike bike bike hunting. We were running along this crowded path on a Saturday morning in Missoula continually squawking 'bike bike bike' and still covered in mud. Entertaining I'm sure.
While traveling on this path we were instructed to find a 'weapon of mass destruction' to carry. We mentioned various items as we ran by them but they were all turned down by our Cadre. He had other motives. We would pick something like a giant boulder that was along the river and he would say no, but you're getting closer. Slowly we started to realize exactly what it was that he wanted us to carry...AGAIN. Yes, he wanted us to find another water filled log! As luck would have it, we found one...down in the river. This log wasn't quite as long or heavy, yet was still a memory I wasn't ready to re-live.
We obtained this log at about the Osprey field. For this challenge the Cadre had the boys hand their packs to the ladies and carry the log themselves while the girls carried their own packs plus the heavier guys' packs, team weight, and flag. We were approaching McCormick Park where the finish line for the Montana Made 5K, 10K, or 5K Dognut Challenge was finishing. There was a delicious smelling barbecue with families enjoying dognuts in the park. It was pleasant. I'm sure we made quite the scene trampling through their lovely park picnic. However, it was empowering to run through the thick BBQ smoke and have a park filled with people watching your every, crazy move. TITLE boxing had a team racing and happened to be at the finish line when we approached! Chris captured this fun shot:
Carrying multiple packs!
After leaving McCromick, if you are from Misosula, we all know how close Caras Park is! Blocks away! At this point we are feeling relief. Hour 10 is approaching...we have accomplished an amazing feat.
After the Orange street tunnel the boys were given permission to ditch the log! Woo hoo!! Now it's back to "Indian Runs" while calling bike bike bike. We started to approach the stairs at Higgins...these are the stairs we would cross to get to Caras Park. We didn't cross them. We just kept going. You could sense the thoughts going through each person's head...we are at hour 10... I can see Caras Park...WHERE are we going?! Then...the Cadre told us we were headed to the southeast end of the UM Football Stadium. Immediately I knew. At the southeast end of the stadium is the base of The M.
While making the mile journey to the base I magically gained a massive amount of energy. I was ready to sprint, skip, and do burpees. I was motivated and deteremind. Like I said earlier, we can blame the Gatorade Chews. Either that or exhaustion and hunger had set in and I was delirious.
During this stretch we missed a couple bike bike bikers. Therefore, we had 'casualties'. My poor teammates had to pack me over their shoulders as we continued our journey.
Eventually we made it to the base of The M on the 11th hour...as I've stated, this challenge was set for 8-10 hours. We took a brief break (set our bags down for the third time). I recently had switched Janelle for the pack she had been hauling for awhile..a heavier pack...more than double our regular packs. She was doing amazing and I wanted to give her a break. Poor timing on my part because we were about to climb the mountain. This pack was heavy and still soaked from 11 hours prior, which added to the weight. As soon as I put it on- my waist down was dripping with water. We were climbing up the smokejumper's trail/goat trail, not the regular switch back section. About 3/4 of the way up was the first time in 11 hours that I did not think I was going to make it. This pack was killing me. I am not one to admit I need help, ever. This was a mental battle for me - deciding if I should ask a guy to switch packs so I could carry my regular 25lb pack. Eventually, I did. I caved and exposed my weakness. Still regretting it. However, when I put my regular pack on I felt like I was floating. It was that feeling of when you are tossing a medicine ball and switch to a basketball. I felt like a feather. Also during this steep hike the wind was howling. Carrying the full size flag must have been incredibly difficult. As you can see in the photo below the flag is in full flight.
After making it to the top our next mission was to tear into the team weight and drink the beer. Unfortunately, I do not like beer so I drank from my mud filled Camelbak. :)
During this time the Cadre appointed a leader for the next mission. He chose me which meant I passed on my brick filled bag to the team and carried the 'leader' weight which was another pack filled with bricks and a vest with weighted plates. I was required to lead the team down The M on the switchbacks. After that I was to meander through campus without traveling on 'roads' then lead them to the Clark Fork at Caras Park. Simple enough. Throughout the night, anytime the Cadre would yell "find a pole" the leader would have to immediately find a place for the team to put their feet up and do push-ups together. He called this out a couple times during my leading, thankfully there were nearby places for our feet!
When we arrived at Caras Park there was a crossfit challenge going on so the park was filled with contestants and spectators. As we approached he had us run right through the competition for a little good ole' fashion GORUCK advertisement. :)
Next up...the finale. Re-enter the freezing Clark Fork together as a team, lay down and do flutter kicks, then exit the water as a team.
13 team members - 13 hours 13 minutes ---we finished and earned our GORUCK patch along with a sense of accomplishment, pride, and a newly discovered mental and physical strength.
Earned.
A few of the members right after finishing!
The strong women of this team!! - most challenges do not have this many women!
A rough outline of our journey (except H is a hike up a mountain).
I want to thank our awesome team members! I want to thank the people I convinced to do this challenge with me, Rachel and Lori!! You were all inspiring and fantastic to work with. I also want to thank our Cadre, Mike Stewart, who lead and created a fantastic journey.
Rachel and I after the challenge!!
Chowing down after the 13 hours!!
Post Race interesting fact...my two big toes are STILL numb on the tips. It has been a month...wonder how long this will last. Mike says his have been numb for two years. :)
Next up...our Cadre, Mike, is leading a GORUCK HEAVY in San Francisco on August 2nd. I'd love to attend. A GO RUCK HEAVY is a 24 hour challenge. Similar to what we just did, but longer.
The weekend of Go Ruck has arrived! Saturday at 12:00 a.m. the challenge will begin. This challenge is designed to be 8-10 hours and 15-20 miles. It is not a race, it is a team challenge. Up until this week there were only four of us - Lori and myself then two other guys we don't know. One of the amazing boxing trainers at TITLE signed up this week - thank you Rachel! Rachel also convinced a few other victims to come along! Currently our team has more than doubled, I think we are at 9 (they normally cap out at 30).
Here is a quick video to showcase what this event is all about:
About three weeks ago I was doing well, working out constantly, eating great...then spring break hit and I haven't gotten back on track since then. Definitely slacking; therefore, tomorrow should be interesting. Hopefully I will be able to hold my own out there running around the streets of Missoula.
An interesting aspect of this challenge is you are required to carry bricks. I will be carrying 4.
I wandered around the garden department until I found these bricks, $0.49 each. I loaded them up on my arms, which made me a bit nervous once I got to the register and was winded from carrying them - uh oh. That was maybe 3 minutes...I have 597 minutes more coming up. Turns out bricks are heavier than I thought - and significantly more awkward and sharp. No wonder they have very specific requirements on how to 'wrap your bricks'. They also recommended training with them - should have adhered to that. Lori on the other hand has been rocking it - training with them and all! Good Work!
On the very detailed video they described wrapping bricks with lots of duck tape and some bubble wrap. I also opted to pick up some foam sheets. We'll see how this goes, wish me luck.
I'll be brining the Go Pro for this event, however the battery only lasts a few hours and this challenge is ten. I wanted to have still images too (that weren't on the Go Pro) so I rummaged around a box of old stuff and found my small, waterproof, shock proof camera- woo hoo! I couldn't find the battery charger so I picked up a new one today. I'm set to capture the memories.
Go Pro and waterproof camera
Aside from not working out for the past three weeks, I'm a little nervous for tomorrow because I've been sick. My migraines, which normally go away after meds, haven't for three days. I was also lucky enough to get a sweet little head cold. Sounds like I'm making excuses, better stop that now. We all know how I feel about excuses (see past post here).
Things to load up on prior:
As for gear - here is their list
MANDATORY
A ruck or backpack – any bag. Although we think GORUCK rucks are the best for Challenge (and anything else too)
Bricks: Four if you’re under 150 pounds, six if you’re over. Life isn’t fair. Wrap your bricks in something, a t-shirt or whatever, and then cover your future souvenirs with bubble wrap and duct tape
Headlamp (mandatory for all night classes)
Gloves, a windbreaker (required when temperatures are below 50 degrees), and
everything else you need to stay warm
Chapstick for sure, and sunblock if it’s, wait for it, sunny. Use your judgement.
One form of identification and $20 for a cab, just in case
One team weight per class: 25 lbs minimum
One American flag per class, the bigger the better. We like Annin, but no pressure.
Friends – it’s probably less scary that way.
friends: Lori
friends: Rachel
super cheap bag - hope it doesn't rip
vibrams - hope this is a good choice
head lamp
gloves
chaptstick and water
According to their website the team should meet for either a RUCK OFF or ACRT: Advanced Cellular Repair Technology
aka -
We are meeting prior for dinner - at Taco Del Sol - probably not a brilliant plan :) Post ACRT will be lunch Saturday.
