This month, I’m taking on a new challenge: Rucking 50 miles to raise awareness — and real support — for Stop Soldier Suicide.Rucking started as a way to carry the burdens of others. Today, we carry them still — for ourselves, for each other, and for those still fighting battles we cannot always see.If you want to join the mission, there are a few ways you can help:🔗 Support My 50-Mile Ruck Challenge: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/donate/3842860572691106/🔗 Start Your Own 50-Mile Challenge: 👉 https://oclp.goodunited.io/1401/login🔗 If You or Someone You Know Needs Immediate Help: 📞 Call 984-223-5721 — Stop Soldier Suicide Crisis Line (24/7, confidential) 🌐 Visit Stop Soldier Suicide Help Page HereSend us a textLife is Rucking Wonderful!
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6:42
Over Rucking: How Much is too Much Weight? #17
We dive deep into one of the most important questions in ruck training: how much weight should you carry?You’ll hear:Why men and women tend to make different mistakes when choosing pack weightWhat military research says about safe load carriage and injury riskHow thru-hikers are redefining what “smart weight” looks like on the trailPersonal lessons from Lindsay’s evolution—from a 10 lb beginner to 40 lb competitorPractical tips and a weekly challenge to help you ruck smarter, not harder💪 Your Weekly Challenge:Step-by-step instructions to weigh yourself, assess your pack, and adjust intentionally for your goals. Bonus points if you share your loadout with the community!📚 Sources & References:Easter, M. (2022). Two Percent with Michael Easter: How much weight should you ruck with? Substack ArticleKnapik, J. et al. (1990). Physiological, biomechanical and medical aspects of load carriage. Military Medicine, 155(3), 117–122.Orr, R. et al. (2011). Load carriage and its force impact. Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health, 19(3), 25–30.Hamonko, M. et al. (2011). Injuries Related to Hiking With a Pack During National Outdoor Leadership School Courses: A Risk Factor Analysis. Wilderness Environ Med, 22(1), 2–6. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2010.09.010📩 Stay Connected:Subscribe to Just Ruck It on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you ruck and rollFollow Lindsay on Instagram: @JustRuckingItShare your ruck weight and tag your post with #JustRuckItChallengeSend us a textLife is Rucking Wonderful!
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16:18
Rucking Adventure: ROC Rail to Trail Trifecta #16
Welcome back, Ruckers! Today’s episode is a story about persistence, pain, laughter, and what happens when you stop waiting for perfect conditions and start moving anyway.Since 2023, I’ve been piecing together a 32-mile challenge across three of Rochester’s historic trail systems:Genesee Valley GreenwayLehigh Valley TrailAuburn TrailThis personal project, now known as the ROC Rail-to-Trail Trifecta, took me through 8 towns, 3 counties, and one massive transformation.🟢 It started on horseback...🟡 Shifted to rucking...🔵 Ended with strength, resilience, and a pack full of stories.This isn’t just a recap—it’s a blueprint for what happens when you show up, even when it’s messy. From urban chaos and grief-fueled solo hikes to the joy of finishing with a stranger-turned-teammate, this one’s got heart.Whether you’re dreaming up your next adventure or still trying to find your “why,” you’ll want to hear this.🔑 What You'll Hear:How the idea of the ROC Trifecta was bornWhy horseback riding pushed me to start ruckingWhat grief, failure, and a surprise protein shake can teach you on the trailWhy I doubled back just to hit a perfect GPS numberThe unexpected community you find when you keep showing upThe new challenge I’m chasing next (and how to join me)💬 Your Turn:What’s your next challenge? Use the hashtag #JustRuckItChallenge and tag @justruckingit on Instagram to share your goals, routes, and ruck-selfies.You can also leave your story or “why” as a voice message on the Just Ruck It Substack for a chance to be featured in a future episode.🔗 Links & Resources:🎯 Take on the ROC Rail-to-Trail Trifecta Challenge: ruckingrochester.com/product/roc-rail-to-trail-trifectaSend us a textLife is Rucking Wonderful!
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Ruck Your Why #15
Episode Title: Rucking Your Why Host: Lindsay Podcast: Just Ruck ItIntroduction:Lindsay shares her motivation for rucking as she approaches a significant age milestone, emphasizing the desire to become the strongest, most self-sufficient version of herself. She challenges listeners to think about their own "why" behind their activities.Main Content:A Deeper Dive into Lindsay's Why:Lindsay recounts a pivotal moment during a hike on Mt. Joe where she realized that her physical condition was a result of her choices, not just age.She discusses how observing her mentors, who continued to engage in active lifestyles despite age and discomfort, inspired her to take control and make daily decisions that align with her goals.Finding Your Why:Lindsay invites listeners to reflect on their personal reasons for rucking, whether it's for health, family, or overcoming personal challenges.She emphasizes the importance of having a personal "why" that motivates and sustains them through challenges.Why Rucking is the Perfect Practice for Growth:Discusses how rucking is not only a physical activity but also a mental and spiritual practice that helps build inner strength.Lindsay explains the symbolism of the ruck weight as both a physical and emotional burden and how overcoming it mirrors personal growth.Engagement and Listener Interaction:Lindsay encourages listeners to share their own "why" stories either on the Just Ruck It Substack or by tagging the podcast on Instagram.She invites listeners to submit short vignettes or quotes about their motivations for rucking for potential inclusion in future episodes.Conclusion:Lindsay reiterates the importance of understanding and articulating one's "why" as a means to persist and thrive in both rucking and life.Ends with a reminder that life is "rucking wonderful" when you know what you're striving for.Call to Action:Visit JustRuckIt.Substack.com to share your story or follow the podcast on Instagram @justruckingit to join the community conversation.Send us a textLife is Rucking Wonderful!
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11:03
Rucking of the Green: Race Recap #14
Episode Summary: In this episode of Just Ruck It, I’m recapping my very first ruck race experience at Rochester’s iconic “Running of the Green.” From solo butterflies to race-day surprises, I’m giving you the full behind-the-scenes on what it’s like to ruck through a 5-mile city course with a 30+ lb pack, a sea of green, and no clue how it would all play out.Whether you’re race-curious or just want a front-row seat to what happens when a rucker goes from trail to start line, this one’s for you.What You’ll Hear In This Episode:✅ Why I signed up for my first race—and what almost made me back out ✅ The unexpected ruck community I met on race day ✅ Training decisions that made the biggest difference ✅ Gear choices, footwear freak-outs, and race-day wins ✅ Pace breakdowns and how I crushed my expectations ✅ The moment that made me emotional mid-race ✅ Why rucking a race is absolutely worth it ✅ Recovery real talk: blisters, bar pizza, and what I learnedKey Takeaways: ✨ Training consistently—even short rucks—makes a difference ✨ Pre-race stretching is a game changer ✨ Rucking races are about grit, not gear ✨ You don’t have to be fast to be fierce ✨ Sometimes showing up solo is where you find your strengthYour Weekly Ruck Mission: Sign up for something. Race, challenge, trail, or goal—give yourself a deadline. 🎯 Commit. Calendar it. Ruck it. Then tag me @justruckingit or drop a comment on Substack. I want to cheer you on!🎒 Bonus Content for Subscribers: 📸 Behind-the-scenes race photos ✅ Gear checklist – what worked, what didn’t 🔍 A closer look at race day strategyAvailable now at justruckit.substack.com💬 Let’s Connect: 📷 Instagram: @justruckingit 📬 Newsletter: Just Ruck It on Substack 🎙️ Share the episode & leave a review if this inspired you!Send us a textLife is Rucking Wonderful!
Tune in to discover how rucking can be more than just a workout; it’s a pathway to personal growth, connection with nature, and the pursuit of bigger goals. So grab your pack, lace up your boots because Life is Rucking Wonderful!
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