Another event (not a race) I have done and will do again is Goruck Challege. It is a 10-12 hour-long endurance event. Hold on, don’t stop reading. You can do this too.
I was searching for something different than an ocr…something that would really take me outside of my comfort zone. Something that was not competitive but difficult. I saw Goruck Challenge before surfing online but just discounted it as lone of those oh-I-can’t-do-that events. Now I do it once a year. I have done it twice so far. It’s the first event I will do each year to kick things off. I see it has my hardest event of the year. Pretty much every other event I do is downhill as far as I am concerned. The races are not the same beast as Goruck Challenge. The first time I did it was on my birthday..definitely a memorable one!
First off, watch the official video ->
This is a team event. Let me repeat, this is a team event. It is not about how strong you think you are, how fast or fit you may think you are. Leave your ego at home. Instead it is about how strong the team is and how quickly the men and women can work together to accomplish whatever they are instructed to do. Both times I have done it has an awesome and amazing group of individuals who came together & worked together as a team. Especially my first time I owe it to my teammates that lifted me up and encouraged me to push through my wall and I am so glad I did. Both times was a different experience. Both times I finished it exhausted, excited and knew I would do it again.
Lastly there are many useful blogs and websites that have specific suggestions for what to bring or wear to a Goruck event. Do your research. I don’t really think I need to be another voice to add to that. My main suggestion is to pack light & don’t bring anything you really don’t need. Fight that urge to bring everything you possibly can. After your first time you will understand what I mean. Keep in mind chances are strong that someone else may be carrying your bag at some point.
Sharing my stories about doing it would not really do it justice. If the video gets you pumped, and you want to do something different sign up! There is a shorter event called Goruck Light, so if you want to experience a Goruck event that is not as long check that one out too. Just do your research, look at what is mandatory to bring. Look at what is suggested that you bring. Don’t come unprepared. Don’t be that person.
At least once a week I think about Goruck Challenge. That is how much it affected me. Period.
