Solo Summit: Cascade & Porter (#1 & #2 of 46) - #21
In this episode, Lindsay shares the story of her first solo hike into the Adirondack High Peaks—tackling Cascade and Porter, numbers 1 and 2 on her journey to become a 46er.From freezing temps and gear decisions to calf-deep mud and a surprise family legacy, this is a story about more than just reaching a summit—it's about discovering how far ruck training, self-trust, and a little grit can take you.Whether you're planning your first high peak or just need a push to take the next step, this one's for you.🧭 Mentioned in This Episode:Learn more about becoming an ADK 46er: https://www.adk46er.orgWeekly Ranger Reports (search for them through DEC's Forest Ranger press releases)💬 Stay Connected:Instagram & Facebook → @JustRuckingItSubstack → JustRuckIt.substack.com✅ Challenge of the Week:Pick your own Cascade. Choose something just outside your comfort zone—whether it's your first solo hike, a longer ruck, or simply getting out the door. Commit. Train. Just Ruck It.Send us a textLife is Rucking Wonderful!
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Rucking the Loyalsock Link Trail #20
Six months of planning, 30 miles of trail, and one very stubborn migraine—I just got back from a four-day, three-night backpacking trip through the rugged hills of Pennsylvania, and I’ve got stories.In this episode, I’m taking you along for every soggy mile: the climbs, the crashes, the caffeine-fueled insomnia, and the gear that actually held up (plus what I’ll never bring again). From pit toilets to pit stops, raw hips to real growth, this trip was the ultimate test of everything rucking has trained me for—and it delivered.We’ll talk about:How rucking built the strength and endurance I neededWhat it feels like to carry 40 lbs through elevation and weatherThe mental game of pushing through discomfortAnd why I’d do it all over again—kind ofChallenge of the Week: Test your training. Go longer. Add weight. Tackle a climb. Push your comfort zone—just enough to show yourself what you’re made of.💬 Let me know what you're tackling this week—tag me @justruckingit or drop your story in the Substack comments. justruckit.substack.comBecause rucking isn’t just for fitness—it’s training for life. And life is rucking wonderful.Send us a textLife is Rucking Wonderful!
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Practical Pack Weight #19
Practical Weight: What I Actually Carried on the Loyalsock Loop📌 Episode Summary: In this episode of Just Ruck It, I’m breaking down my pack list for a 4-day, 3-night backpacking trip through the rugged Loyalsock Link Loop Trail in Pennsylvania. The original plan? Keep it light. The reality? Rain, unpredictable temps, and bear territory meant practical weight took priority over ideal weight.I cover what I packed, why I packed it, what I thought I’d bring, and how it all stacked up on the trail. Spoiler: I hit the trail with 40 pounds on my back—and I’d do it again.🎒 Topics Covered:What makes up a true base weightHow bad weather and wild forecasts can derail your gear plansBudget backpacking vs. ultralight dreamsReal talk about bear cans, wet tents, and blister kitsLuxury items I don’t regret bringingMy final pack weight (and how it changed my perspective)🧠 This Week’s Challenge: What’s the heaviest ruck you’ve trained with? What’s the heaviest backpack you’ve taken on a trip? And for the ultralight crew—what’s your lightest base weight ever? Tag the podcast and let me know!🧭 Closing Vibe: Life is rucking wonderful. Heavy packs, soggy socks, and all.Send us a textLife is Rucking Wonderful!
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Stop Soldier Suicide: 50 Mile Ruck Challenge #18
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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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!
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!
Ireland