Blog – Ruck and Field Fitness

The pick up

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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

Gallery 2 – Oct cont’d

Gallery 3 -Nov-Dec ’21

Summer heat, sweaty mornings

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Amongst the throngs of people working out early mornings I’ve ascertained that not many really can be comfortable being outdoors for prolonged periods of time due to the weather. Yes, fair weather athletes come in all shapes and sizes.

Not judging at all since they give a good ribbing as well as take it. Once the frost clears, the grass is growing with flowers to boot. So the interest of doing work outdoors increases. The next step is getting them to commit to a schedule and then to commit to the varied weight loads and types of movement included while wearing a ruck.

We typically use the ruck as primary tool for resistance and exercises, and not limited to sliding down muddy slopes without much of a second thought since it’s a benefit added once we get rainfall (dry now), while working out at our favorite hill. Going up is tough, going down fun. So it’s a ying yang type of thing. We adapt accordingly.

Recognizing that every time there is a plan of action we must be fluid enough to adapt to a plethora of circumstances like construction here. Our staging area is beside an under pass where we get some of our work done. It’s being fixed and bricks, rock, and steel can fall on you so we’ve staged further away to keep our nuggets safe.

Then, there is bright sunshine! I love it. Early light means no headlamps, and no reflective clothing for our dreary dark workouts. Shorts, tanks, and bug spray has replaced much of our attire. Not complaining one bit. Except for areas near the river where we ruck the mosquitoes are huge! So, spraying bug juice will continue until we’re comfortable with the bugs everywhere. Then spray some more so you don’t get mugged by them.

Am I the only one that looks forward to a hot cup of coffee on a Hot day, with my favorite cigar to boot after a workout? What is your go to post workout in any temperature or time of year. I’ve been very consistent without losing a beat on endurance.

There is heat then there is-Humid heat! Sweating while thinking of working prior to getting to our workout location is something to ponder if you consider going outside in the summer. In the Midwest, more like Chitown there are two seasons, 1) Winter, + 2) Construction.

You fight the battle in front of you one at a time. Keep hydrated, and smile knowing you can do the things many more can only dream of doing. Complete each evolution, set, rep, workout in the knowledge the the discomfort you’re experiencing is temporary and the benefits outweigh your exertion. Heat subsides, sweat cools you down unless it gets in your eyes then it’s a blistering paragraph of expletives! Speaking from experience here.

Oh let’s not forget the little snags or cuts out in the field you get while crawling around like a mad person doing your thing. Searing hot burning is a threshold you need to learn to appreciate. Swear, scream, laugh, cry, just don’t quit! The high fives and funny post workout pics are well worth it.

I’ll leave you with this.

Get up, go outside and move. No matter how uncomfortable you become just keep moving. The chemistry involved between your ears is what we’re trying to change. Change it will, and for the better.

Below

1) 210611 – RED Friday partner WOD at our hill. Video included of my partner in crime and I

2) 210604 – RED Friday WOD at our Sandlot

Partner WOD 1 mile ruck, hill lunges, hill ruck, dive bombers, push ups, 400m run, bear-crawl ruck drag, candlesticks, and sweaty high fives!

Got pretty sweaty, scratched, itchy, and encouraging everyone to get it done!

Sandy WOD with squats, sit ups, bear crawl ruck drag, low crawl-ruck press, flutter kicks, leg levers, walking lunges, mtn climbers, hello dolly’s, 200m ruck run, prone flutter kicks, crab walk. Yes, hot, sweaty, and sand everywhere!

Get some!

See you out there! Hopefully with us soon!

Take this cold weather…

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Waking up every morning to a dark, cloudy (mostly), and cold day is what makes working out a little challenging yet very fulfilling. Why you ask? Why take it outside when you can rightly stay indoors and follow along to a live feed/zoom fitness class in the comfort of your own home?

Well, it is very simple. The people you surround with is the defining element in the chemistry of getting uncomfortable with like minded individuals to see these workouts through. It has become a truth to all of them involved that fitness is not a part time, or even less than a portion of their lives, but a staple to keep not just stress away but illness.

Leading by example to sweat, laugh, swear (a lot) these individuals I’ll call out right here. For the sake of not going in order of tenure with us there is :

Breath right strip Eleni, gear lugging Mike, Humble Matt, in the wings Courtney, Tall drink Al, the ever leading and not catchable Selene. My SgtMaj (USMC Ret) Weber that never has a stop nor idle in him, the Ironman (it’s too dark) Brian, the newly found youth Ron, the endurance go getter Liz, our EmpanadUs crew of Kevin, and Leslie (bro and sis) that are stellar athletes, it’s too cold Jae, our spark-plug athlete Jessi (i miss CA weather).

They are worth getting up and leading such a crew as this to make their lives, and those they interact with from immediate family, to co-workers to show that there is an alternative to just a regular life of just getting by but making a difference. A major difference in their health, and those they Love and care for.

Become a light in darkness so that others may follow and make a change for the better. There is nothing more rewarding than making people healthy, and happy.

The video links below shows a group of individuals tackling tough R.E.D. Friday workout. Getting into the fun of things while huffing, puffing, encouraging each other during the process.

Video link one – Thanksgiving WOD

Video link two – 12 Days of Christmas RuFF style

Get up, go out regardless of the weather and get it done! Be in the moment for you will get warm and the benefits outweigh the temps. Trust the process, for you will see very good returns.

Be safe, be strong, be smart and be willing!

See you out there!

Merry Christmas!

Mi A Gi

Changing Seasons & Time

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Working on getting myself adjusted to time change is not as bad as I thought it’d be this year, and it has not really been bad at all the previous years. What has made this year a little different though is that most to all of the time has been spent close to home unlike other years where I travelled a little more often, and camped a tad more than this year for sure.

The seasons were obviously thoroughly enjoyed via my porch, park, trail, and unlucky / lucky me no beach. I’m not one to be in a crowded beach any time of the year so I don’t apologize for it either. Big crowds of people just laying down absorbing a beautiful sun on a cloudless sky isn’t too attractive for me. On a day like that I’d be out working out, hiking, or just enjoying outdoors doing something other than that. I know it’s an abnormal thing to state out loud to some, but hey not everyone does the same thing every time nor like the same things.

Hiking, camping, working out outdoors is better for me mentally and emotionally. Thus I’d like to enjoy my time communing with Mother Nature in here grandest while absorbing all I could in a day in the woods/mountains helping me make sense of the atmosphere the world finds itself in. We do have outlets that have taken to Virtually running a marathon, an Ironman, or trail race to make do until a certain pesky Virus is taken care of. Some have been able to “race” virtually on the Honor system to garner trophies, t-shirts, swag and an award to post on ‘social’ media and get their proper congrats they’d otherwise get in person at the end of such an event.

The time commitment to train for said events on a regular year is monumental due to life events if you have kids, are married, and have a job or two. Training takes a life of its own. Biking a few times a week, swim (Good Luck) if you can find a pool that’s opened and even admits a single swimmer in to start. All of the pools by me have been closed since last year in the Fall. Now, Running has taken a front seat for more of the population due to the ease of participation on time of day/week and duration/distance anyone can choose to participate in.

It’s a social/anti-social event. For the introverts running alone is AWESOME!!! For extroverts – I thought about the types of conversations they have with themselves since they’re running alone, and how many people they truly miss being around. It is a very difficult time for many. I do figure that the Introvert is like ‘so, you’re alone and having a hard time’ Hit me up, and I’ll give you some guidance or an ear/shoulder for you. They truly are empathetic to your (extrovert) self.

Now, with all of that being said take time as the season is changing once more to the fall, then winter to manage the cabin fever that comes with it. Eat well, hydrate often, exercise more and get a good sweat going. Consult with a nutritionist, find a Personal Trainer to guide you in this journey, and by all means reach out to a Mental Health professional if you truly feel you’re at wits end!

No one can do this alone, and it takes a team to make you successful.

Reach out to help or get assistance. No one on the wonderful planet is ALONE in this.

Stay healthy, and here are a few pics for you!

RED Friday Partner WOD