More than just a physical challenge and minimal packs

When Jason McCarthy - a former Special Forces operator - created GORUCK and later the GORUCK Challenge (GRC), he had in mind something bigger than a company building and selling the toughest backpacks in the market or a physical challenge like no other (at least in the civilian world).

Before I continue with the reason for this post, let me introduce the company and the Challenge. As as side note, I have no formal affiliation with GORUCK, however their products are superb and the people at the company are simply fantastic, some of which I can call friends.

GORUCK introduces military-grade gear tough enough for Special Forces to adventure seekers worldwide. All GORUCK gear is built in the USA and adheres to the highest standards of functionality, durability and style. Their original backpack (or ruck), the GR1, has become an icon for its durability, raw aesthetics and simplicity. Their packs and gear are all designed with usability in mind and are streamlined and simplified to give you what you need and nothing more. However, they are also highly customizable so you can add more pockets, pouches and other gear. They are built to last a lifetime and are backed by the company’s Scars Guarantee. You can check my GR1 here.

The GORUCK Challenge (GRC) is the most intense team-based challenge out there today. It is led by Special Forces, inspired by their training, and it is an introduction to what is known as Good Livin. The GRC takers all wear GORUCK backpacks throughout the Challenge but with a twist: they are weighted down with several pounds of bricks, water and some food. The hardest thing here is mental. You have to push yourself over the pain and discomfort. It is important to mention that part of the money from the GORUCK Challenge goes to the Green Beret Foundation, a foundation that helps the members and families of Special Forces.
I took the Challenge last year in Chicago. The GRC pushes you in ways you haven’t experienced before (well, unless you were in an elite military unit) by showing you what it can be accomplished as a team. In my personal case, the GRC was the last push I needed to completely recover from my IED wounds. Wanting to take the GRC pushed me to work harder and overcome some of the physical discomforts I was suffering from. The GRC and the GRC Cadre showed me once again what you and the guys in your team can do, together. Something I haven’t experienced since my training in the military.

Now that you know what GORUCK and the GRC is let me explain why they are more than just an awesome gear company and a physical challenge.

When you complete the GRC you not only earn the GORUCK Tough Patch, you become part of a group of people that are simply fantastic. There are over 1000 GORUCK Tough people today and even though I haven’t met them all I can call them friends. The community of GRC takers and people that believe in GORUCK is a community unlike any other I had experienced. I know that each GORUCK Tough member and its Cadre will provide help and support should any of the members need it.
One example is J. Grimm’s daughter. J. Grimm is GORUCK Tough, his daughter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on February 15, 2010. To help, the GORUCK Tough community started something called the mini-GRC where people would come together and enjoy a few hours of Good Livin. To participate a donation to the Brave Charlotte (Charlotte is J. Grimm’s daughter) is highly appreciated. All over the country, GORUCK Tough people have been organizing mini-GRCs to help Charlotte.
In my personal case, Jason, Jack, Sophie, Brian, Polly and other GORUCK staff supported and helped me in several occasions. I can’t thank them enough. Also in several occasions people I never met in my life but that had something in common with me, being GORUCK Tough, stepped up and helped me when I needed. People like Mike P., Jon G., Bryan B. Charles K., Nik K. and others are always ready to help and I am ready to help them if they need me.

This is something you don’t see everyday: a community of strangers that through the sharing of a physical and mental challenge and with the help of a fantastic group of instructors, ruck builders and support staff come together as friends and ready to back each other up. You can really trust the men and women on your right, front, left and back. GORUCK Tough people got you covered.

I’ll leave this post with the GORUCK Challenge cadence:

When my grandma was 91, She did GORUCK just for fun.
When my grandma was 92, She did GORUCK Much better than you.
When my grandma was 93, She did GORUCK just like you and me.
When my grandma was 94, She did GORUCK more and more.
When my grandma was 95, She did GORUCK just to stay alive.
When my grandma was 96, She did GORUCK just for kicks.
When my grandma was 97, She did GORUCK to 7-11.
When my grandma was 98, She did GORUCK just to stay up late.
When my grandma was 99 She did GORUCK all the time.

Good Livin!

And here you have some friend’s recount of the Challenge they took:

Charles K: A year of GORUCK

Mike P.: An account of GORUCK Challenge Class 031

Bryan B: What’s a GORUCK Challenge? A 13 Hour Adventure that Will Introduce you to Yourself

Leo Babauta (Zen Habits): Finished the Goruck Challenge!