Rucking

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Permalink Reply by Dan Donche on March 25, 2009 at 12:25am

Well, the main thing about rucking is psychological I think, tuning out the suck. Aside from that, though, different people experience rucks in different ways. For most, it's their legs that give out. For me, though, it was my shoulders and back. Those started messing with me first. For others, their feet are the trouble. Everything else can be fine except they keep getting blisters and hot spots. So we can focus on the parts now that will help your rucks get better faster.
For example, I found that doing heavy squats in your off time (not rucking) makes the weight a lot more manageable. At any rate, get back with us and lets come up some things that will help you.
Lastly, 2.5 weeks is pretty soon, so if all else fails I suggest not getting overly worried about the final event -- things have a way of working out so that you WILL make time somehow, some way when it comes down to it. At that point it'll be just a matter of pushing yourself to the max. A lot easier to do when it counts than when you're just training. :)

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Permalink Reply by Jordan on March 25, 2009 at 4:11pm

John,
A few tips. Throw some soft,light stuff like a pillow or sweatshirts or blanket in your ruck, under your sand bag to keep the weight where you want it or put the sandbag in the radio pouch of your ruck. It's the big square pocket on the inside of an ALICE pack) The goal is to keep the heavy part of your load as high on your shoulders and back as possible, and keep the lighter stuff at the bottom. This will keep you from getting fatigued faster and is more comfortable when the weight is riding down on your shoulders, instead of swinging from your back and pulling you backwards.

You might have to make some custom adjustments to your ruck (bashing with a rock or kicking and bending) because everyone is different and the frame might rub a spot in your back, or shoulders raw. Don't put up with it because you will regret it down the road about 6 miles.

Use the kidney pads for their intended purpose, to ride around your kidneys. Cinch down your shoulder straps to keep your load high and tight to your body. I would keep going without the hip belt because I don't think you are allowed to use them at the school. Work on lengthening your stride and strengthening your lower back and hamstrings. This will keep you from hunching over...and less of a target for the cadre on rucks because hunching over = weakness. It's never good to look weak in front of the cadre, and especially your team.

Get in the habit of securing all loose straps. Use the green duct tape and roll up the ends of the big straps that you don't adjust often. The straps that you use a lot, make sure to secure or stow them in the pack. This will be good training for when you get to the schoolhouse. Loose straps and a sloppy load are a big no-no and will get your dick slapped. Also, get in the habit of doing everything with your ruck on. Sitting down, getting up, all sorts of stuff because you never want to be separated from your gear, and the quickest way to get separated is to put it down.

Lastly, I would try to get in touch with some SERE guys (I think there are a few on FF here) and ask about Enchanted Rock, and what to expect. One thing to remember. There are gonna be a LOT of guys on your team have never had a backpack heaver than 3 books, much less a 45lb ruck strapped to their backs. So as long as you know what to expect you are already ahead of them by leaps and bounds.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Donche on March 25, 2009 at 5:20pm

Awesome tips, Jordan. I really don't have anything to add, especially since his boots are already broken in. I would find out from some SERE dudes though if you'll be able to wear those exact boots during the ruck, because in some cases the cadre only allow certain ones. If your boots are a different kind...you'll be sorry if you have to use a new pair. I learned that lesson the hard way. I wore a new pair of jump boots on our 12 mile because I had a sprained ankle and those were the only boots that worked to support it. The trade-off was less than spectacular though, as I no longer had any skin on my heels when I was done.

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Permalink Reply by George Anthony on March 25, 2009 at 9:03pm

You already have very good rucking advice in this thread so I'll only add this:

Little known fact -- I passed SERE Indoc in 05, then quit at Fairchild.

Indoc is a short job interview to gauge your aptitude and mental tenacity. They really couldn't care less how well you teach or how much of a PT beast you are. I watched a guy fail both rucks and make it to Fairchild.

This isnt to say that you should be trying your damndest to be prepared physically, but that to make sure you don't over estimate your Indoc and shortchange the schoolhouse. It's actually a common problem, guys thinking that all they have to do is pass Indoc and they'll be good and be totally shocked that the schoolhouse is much, MUCH more demanding. Be prepared to suck it up and push. Show the instructors you want to be there, concentrate, pay attention to detail and always put out.

Let me end with this:
You're at a 14:25 mile with 45 lbs. That gives you a cushion of 2:08. 2 minutes and 8 seconds to spare with only 20 more lbs. My Vegas bet says you'll be fine. (not to mention you'll be worked up to your 2nd ruck the Monday before field. *&* you'll find rucking with an actual ruck with a kidney strap is a tad more comfortable than a backpack.)

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Permalink Reply by John Long 1 on March 25, 2009 at 10:51pm

Hey guys, thank you for the great tips, and the confidence boost. I really appreciate it. I am going to go hit up the SERE dudes on base when I get off work this morning. It was also brought to my attention that I am training at a much higher altitude than Lackland, and that it will impact my PT. As a SSgt retrainee, I just want to be able to lead from the front, and be able to inspire my team. My boots are nothing fancy. Just mil issue, all leather Altamas, and they will be fine to use. Jordan, thanks for the packing advice. I was doing it backwards, with the heavy stuff on the bottom. Dan and Anthony thanks big time for the mental aspect. I won't fall into that hole of worry agian.

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Permalink Reply by brianSERE on March 30, 2009 at 1:26am

You will be fine. You got to walk 'real fast' the whole time anyway. If you run you will get in trouble. Make sure you have a few pairs of good ruck boots though. You are going to get drenched from time to time so dont count on just one pair. BTW the humidity is going to kick your ass down there. Dont get discouraged. Also dont be the dingus that eats protien bars the whole time during indoc. You will kill yourself. Eat a lot of fruit, gel packs, lean meals. Then pile it on at dinner, keep it healthy though. Dont complain either, especially since you are an NCO and retrainee. Pay attention to the little details, remeber I said that when you are redoing an impro assignment, j/k. I would start memorizing the CoC and the SERE creed too if you havent already. Remember, always tough it out and try even when you feel like crap, in front of cadre or back in the dorms, force yourself to focus. What you do from day one will follow you to graduation, dont ever forget that. Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Johnny Peddicord on April 1, 2009 at 5:59am

Socks!!! God in heaven, make sure you have decent socks!!! I've been humping around in this temple for a long time and Fox River Socks and Liners and Smartwool socks+ liners are amazing!! I don't even get hot spots. Your feet are the most important factor in going bye-bye for long distances. If at the minimum, it'll just be one less thing that hurts down the road.

semper Fi

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