The pick up

Starting is not where this post begins, it picks up where I left off sometime last year.

Well, one marriage, 1st grandchild, a few permanent departures (deaths) some expected, while others not so.

RuFF has grown, shrunk, and maintained an even keel through it all prior to Lockdowns and thereafter. Winter storms, snow showers, ice, slush, sand, and ice down into the nape of the neck at times felt oddly good just to cool off.

Now that the cold, dreariness of winter has passed us we of course in Chicagoland have two seasons. If you didn’t know already.

Season 1 is winter. Love it. The slowness of the days trying to get started, the gloominess of an early morning Ruck workout, dragging ourselves out of a warm bed to be exposed to a harsh and at times unforgiving wintry morning is always a battle. Internal at first, then external once we’re in process of moving during the WOD.

Season 2 – Construction and Heat waves. I still don’t understand how in the Midwest that is know for having four seasons we only get two in Chi-town? Either way we get through it with a lightheartedness. Joking about how it is an only Chicago thing.

It is at times I contemplate the facilities I was provided so must ask myself- am I doing this really for me or is it for a bigger purpose?

I always have a dual purpose response- Lead by example for they will follow so they can be guiding lights in their circles of influence be it work, home, church, etc.

Secondly, I do it to see the future my children have made for themselves. As adults they are making and have made decisions to be better individually and as a whole for the family, and/or community at large.

I do not live vicariously through my children. I want share their experiences they have when they have a chance to share with me. If they seek advice I want to be humble enough to have the capability and capacity to give it to them when the time arrives and they are ready to receive such advice.

It can be a learning experience for me also for communication to happen it starts when they are just babies so nurture and communicate with your little ones. So, when they reach out at that time they know that those lines have always been open.

In RuFF communication as a group, and per individual is constant, and at times very frequent. Some not so, but we make ourselves available for it. Communication, Communication, and Commitment is key. Honor them, and honor yourself.

Have you ever heard of the term -“sweat equity”?

It is an eye brow raiser for sure and the crew gets it when a new person joins us. At first getting into the group and groove / vibe of working out with a Ruck is something they have to get used to.

Thus you must earn your slot for everyone is welcoming, and supportive but they expect everyone to get down,dirty, sweaty, snotty (farmer John time), and ice/sand/water everywhere to be entered into the RuFF fold as a true member.

I believe there have been only two occasions where we all had the Oh, 💩 moment! Thunder and / or lightning while we’re in the middle of a workout. Yes, shorts bunching on the butt cheeks event.

A few of our outing s from last year to present from our Workouts/ Ruck outings.

Gallery 1 – Oct 20221