TRAINING LEAD-UP
Monday, April 11:
Full Yin Yoga Routine for Men by Revive and Thrive. Kinda silly to name a routine "[XYZ] for men", but if that's what it takes to get people to do what's beneficial for them...
Tuesday, April 12:
JBF "3 round" with a 40#SB for all but the 20#SB Slam with a 20# ruck, in 26:30, followed by "5 round" with a 30#SB and no ruck in 10:30, followed by a 2 mile nose breathed run in 16:32.
Wednesday, April 13:
Neighborhood ruck doing a photo shoot with my boogie bag for a photo contest, with 30#, wearing Salomon XA Comps. I didn't win, but I thought the picture was cool. The theme of the contest had been #boogiebagsbladesandbeer. I covered 4 miles in 1:25:45.
On the bright side, I got to be part of a photo shoot and showed up on the GORUCK website.
Thursday, April 14:
I led the "Brody Bear" HDT Coalition April ruck club workout for Cabarrus Ruck Club. I like workouts with themes. We did do a ton of bear crawling, though. There were lots of mosquitos in the evening, too. That's a drawback of the sunset time, which would otherwise be really pretty and pleasant.
10 mile trail run at the USNWC in 1:54:30 in the evening.
It's always good to swing by the parade loop afterwards, because you never know what may be going on. They had a documentary about marathons, which was a nice surprise. I arrived at the beginning, and it got colder as the sun went down. I sat on a rock, which retained heat from the sun, fortunately. The people next to me were nice and lent me their blanket, too.
Plant update...
More photo shoot content came out, too!
The photo shoot after Jed had actually been really fun. We got a behind-the-scenes look at how these are made.
Saturday, April 16:
Range day...
We stretched out our ARs beyond where we normally go. SB is better at rifle than I am.
Sunday, April 17:
Dedicate - Day 1 - Discern Yoga with Adriene.
Tuesday, April 19:
Self Love Yoga with Adriene.
SANDLOT JAX
This was the inaugural Sandlot Jax event, which would take the place of the GORUCK Reunion events, but be much broader in audience and theme. People who are into fitness or are in the fitness industry were invited to a 3-day festival that had guest speakers, live music, classes in a number of types of exercise, a Savage short course obstacle course race, Rogue challenges, vendors and samples, and a variety of included GORUCK events.
There would be many opportunities to earn GORUCK patches throughout the long weekend, which is something I had been looking forward to. I like to do "all the things" and make the most of weekends like this.
That all changed when I applied for and was accepted as a competitor in the GORUCK Games, though. It would be held during Sandlot Jax, with 50 female and 50 male athletes competing for the top 8 spots. These athletes came from a variety of fields: Crossfit, OCR, GORUCK, and Tactical Games, because the event would include elements from the rucking, functional strength, and OCR worlds.
When the name of invited athletes was published, it was crazy seeing my name on the same page as some of those other athletes.
Thursday, April 21:
I carpooled down with BB, EM, and SB. EM was competing, as well. BB and SB would be our "Team Dad" and "Team Mom" again, like they were for the 2021 Bragg HH.
We checked in at our AirBNB, picked up more supplies at Publix, and went to a big park in downtown for a free concert, where we ran into Joe and Tamara.
It was pretty relaxed. The performer was someone famous from the country world. The setting was nice, by the water and the bridge.
Friday, April 22:
The festival didn't open until mid-day on Friday, so in the morning, my goal was to take the group shark teeth hunting. We drove out to Micklers, only to find it closed. To be fair, google had said that it was closed, but that didn't make sense. Apparently, it's only open on weekends for the time being, because of work that's being done there, or something?
We decided to try to find an alternate location. We used our Jed skills to come up with cover stories, in case we needed to pull it out, jokingly. Although this area had no shark teeth, we made the most of it. It was relaxing and low-key, which is what we needed before a busy weekend.
From the sand piles, you can tell that I did try to search for teeth, though, using Bridget's "dig" technique. Normally, I sift through top layers of chunky shell wash-up.
The Badass Babes group had a meetup at the Burrito Gallery. Dudes were invited, too. So were dogs.
I got shrimp nachos or something... It was "meh". I didn't finish it.
We weren't at Sandlot when the gates opened, but others were ready for it, since a bunch of limited edition and R&D items were for sale from the GORUCK merch tent. I missed that part, but they did have good deals on some less limited edition gear throughout the weekend. I have too many rucks already (yes, there is such a thing), but somehow, I came away from the event with even more.
They had a big wall that you could sign.
This is what the relatively wall would look like by later in the event...
I dropped off a couple rucks to get orange paracord added to the top handles. I also placed an order for some monogrammed leather patches.
I added my ruck club's patch to the big patch board at the ruck club leaders' tent.
We went over to the main field, where Kelly Starrett was leading a mobility session, and we jumped in, with RCL beer in hand.
We got to see and meet GRT friends from all over the country...
We did a self-responder module with Cadre Dan (one of the Cadre Dans).
We also watched a couple of Fit Talks. I wish I could've seen more, but there were always many events going on at once, so you had to pick. Not the worst problem to have. I mainly only had Friday to do stuff, though, before the Games would take over and become top priority. And I only did the non-physical stuff.
There was a GORUCK Games Athlete Briefing, where we did roll call, were issued gear, and then had a run-through of the Savage obstacle course and its rules. The group was quite serious about understanding all the ins and outs of the rules, because many of them are pro/semi-pro athletes, so performance matters, and you don't want to have winners determined based on technicalities or any ambiguity. The run-through was thorough and clear.
We were allowed to run through the course or test obstacles as much as we wanted. I tried Anchors Aweigh, but didn't do much, since I didn't want to use up any energy prior to the event. I didn't make it during my attempt, but that's because I didn't have the technique down. Fortunately, I'd figure it out when it was actually go-time.
SB would be celebrating her 100th event this weekend, so it was cool that she happened to get the #100 order number placard.
GORUCK GAMES
The GORUCK Games competitors met up offsite at GRHQ at o-dark-thirty the next morning. I drove EM and a new friend - Allison Grubbs, another JBF Pipehitter, to the start. We'd take the car, since our transportation needs were unknown, so the rest of our AirBNB crew got an Uber to get to the start of their day's activities.
We were given a meeting time and were told to come with our rucks and weight, but we had no clue what we'd be doing, how long we'd be out, what to wear, how much food and water to bring, etc.
Ruck of Unknown Distance (Timed 12 Miler)
We walked the couple of blocks to the beach. There, we found out that we'd be doing a ruck of unknown distance. Before that kicked off, we waded into the water, where Mocha gave a nice speech, and we sang the national anthem.
We took a group photo.
We learned about a twist... as with many GORUCK events, the flag is up front, so the fastest male and the fastest female at any given time had to carry a weighted flag. That changes the game, because they'll naturally get slowed down, but if someone overtakes them, they'd then take on the flag.
And then we lined up at the start, on our bellies.
The front of the pack started and continued to build their lead. What ended up happening with the flag was that the lead packs would take turns on it, which is fair. And at the turnaround point, they were allowed to plant the flag and then make their way back slick.
When we got to maybe 3-4 miles (no GPS's or watches allowed, so it was a guess based on my perception of time), and I hadn't seen anyone on their way back yet, I figured I was wrong, and that it wasn't going to be 5 miles. The turnaround point ended up being the 6 mile mark. Also, there was no water. I had finished my bottle a little before the turnaround, so I was glad to have had it at all.
My Innov-8 X-Talons did well on the sand, giving me traction, and not retaining water from our wade. I had ranger panties on so that I was ready for speed, but I had Simple Pants in my ruck, in case we were going to do extensive sand PT. The sand does slow you down some, although as far as sand goes, Jax sand is the friendliest I've found for ruckability and PT. It's fine, flat, and also firm, as long as you're not up near the top by the dunes.
As runners (they were running with their rucks, the men with 45# and the women with 30#) made their way back, I counted the number of women, to get an idea of what place I was in. I was within 5 of the bottom, by the end. It was fun to see friends and cheer them on. I was impressed by how fast everyone was going. The GORUCK background people were getting smoked, too. We were up against some phenomenal athletes who crushed this.
The last bit finished in deep sand, since that's where the starting arch had been. I was going slowly by then, but it was all I could manage. Placement was what mattered, so I just wanted to make sure that I didn't lose any spots in the final push.
Long Break
Afterwards, we were told to meet back at Sandlot at a certain time, for the rest of the day's activities. That left us like half a day to refit, since we had started so early. That was luxurious, since we are used to doing back-to-back 24/12/6 hour events with barely enough time to eat and maybe shower and sleep for a few minutes if you're lucky.
I drove EM and AG back into town. I did laundry, since I really enjoyed the Patagonia Capeline sunshirt and wanted to continue wearing that. I showered and refueled as well. Eric slept, but I don't remember if I slept... maybe.
Ruck of Unknown Distance (Timed 12 Miler)
When it was time to head out again, we learned that our next task would be a 1 mile / 80#SB plus 20#R coupon ruck, done in 4 loops around the main festival field. Both genders would be using that same weight. It is cool to show the world that women can handle the heavy stuff that men do, too. SB helped to mark the competitors, which was fun. It's good to see friendly faces when you're suffering.
I wore Ballistic Trainers for this part of the event. We still didn't know what we'd be doing, but those shoes are pretty versatile, and I've worn them on rucks and for PT before, and they performed well.
I was really worried about whether I'd be able to even get the SB on my back. I have tried before, at home, but struggled with it. On its own, it's OK, but when I have a ruck on, and I use my old style 80#SB that seems floppier than the newer generation ones, I've struggled with trying to get it on for like an hour before, when I was preparing for TA. They had us line up in sequence of our Timed 12 finishes, to reduce the risk of bottlenecks. Men and women started on opposite sides of the circle, too. The fact that we lined up in a pre-defined sequence and then had a mass start did mean that it would be difficult to get any help with picking up the sandbag. Fortunately, when time came, I was able to muster the strength to get it up. Technique helped... I kind of stood the sandbag upright, and lifted it onto one shoulder, and then shimmied it across my back to the other shoulder.
This was my favorite event from the Games. It felt like we were race cars going around the track. So many friends and fans were cheering as we went. I don't know what my time was, but it was definitely a 20#R/80#SB PR for me! A lot of people said that they were amazed/inspired by me doing it, haha, since it weighed more than me, and I wasn't last. Still near the bottom, but I held my own.
This is an exercise that's inspired by the ACFT, although they do it with a ball. We backwards tossed a sand kettlebell, which has the benefit of a handle. I think there's technique involved. The hip thrust part makes sense to me. What I struggle with is knowing what angle to go for, to get maximum distance. I don't have good body control, either. For example, I'm not good at dancing and making it look good, so there's something about timing everything to move the right amount at the right time in the right sequence that does not come naturally to me.
We were given time to do some practice rounds, since this was new to many of us, particularly with this specific implement. We all got in one of two lines where we'd soon be doing the real thing. We took turns. I did my best with the 10#SKB, but it's hard.
When it was time for the real thing, we got two tries, and the best of the two would count. I wouldn't be surprised if I got the lowest score here. Some women were able to throw that thing impressively far, though. I don't know how they do it. I also wonder what factors make a person good at it vs not. It's obvious, with other movements and sports, but it's not as clear to me for this one.
There must be a lot of research and study on this, though, since it is part of the ACFT now. I'm guessing that mobility helps... the ability to arch one's back but stay stable enough to not cross the line... and shoulder mobility.
I kind of wish that an event this technique-heavy wasn't part of this, especially since every element of this competition was weighted equally, I'm guessing. Two tries to yeet this thing, which might've counted as much placement-wise, as the Timed 12.
Pullups with Ruck
We had been encouraged to send in our max pullup scores prior to the event, which helped them pick appropriate ruck weights when they did add the ruck element. Women used 10# RPCs, and men used 20# RPCs. Fortunately, the thing felt pretty light when I put it on. I had never tried doing pullups with weight before. I've done 30#R dead hangs, but not pullups.
Fortunately, I still managed to get 8 (vs a slick count of 13). I was on the bar for the longest, out of the 4 in my heat, since I gave my arms a chance to rest between each pull. I was happy with how I did. I'm happy with 8 slick, on a normal day.
We were allowed to switch grips along the way if we wanted to, which I think could be helpful, but I hadn't ever practiced it before, and didn't want to test it on the fly, especially if it would just use up my grip or cause me to slip. It's something to practice in the future, if I compete again in the future in something like this.
We weren't allowed to kip, so there was some kerfuffle about people kipping and having them count. That goes back to having very clear rules and enforcing them.
Max Distance Farmers Carry
The Games were a test of grit, and this next one was a good test of that, along with physical strength. We did a max distance farmers carry. Part of grip is mental. Everyone started on one side of the field, and once the horn was blown, we started to go back and forth on the field for as many laps as possible. We had judges counting our laps. What mattered was how much distance you covered while farmers carrying 2x40#SBs, so just outlasting everyone didn't mean you'd win, but it's hard to win if you don't last very long.
I didn't go crazy fast. I had to be smooth enough to not jerk the sandbag around too much and cause my grip to slip. My main goal was to not be the first to drop. I ended up lasting longer than maybe 60% of the field, so not bad. I've low-carried a thing or two before, and it's one of my strengths. I tend to outlast most guys at GORUCK events, which is kind of surprising. I'm not sure why or what I do that causes my farmers carry game to be strong.
It was amazing to watch the longest lasting ones, in the end. You are incentivized to keep fighting for as long as you can, and not drop just because the second to last person dropped, because you don't know how much ground they have covered... you may still be behind them if they moved quickly before they dropped their bags.
SB OH Hold
The last event of the day was the circle of pain. Sandbag overhead holds, with 60# for the women and 80# for the men. You're facing everyone else, to psych each other out and see how you stack up. I have never tried doing an OH hold with 60# before. This would be interesting. I've thrusted it and push pressed it before, but never held it for more than the pause at the top before. My holds are usually just with a 30# ruck at events, when we're singing the National Anthem or being punished for one reason or another.
We were in the main field, still, at Sandlot, and this was the last event of the day, so there were spectators all around. My main goal here was definitely to not be the first to drop, and let down GORUCK world.
I went with the perpendicular handles, and was holding the handles between my thumb and index finger. I felt like it would be the most secure that way. It was really tough on my thumbs, though! It took a minute or two afterwards for me to be able to move my thumbs again afterwards. I was happy with how I did, though.... definitely exceeded my own expectations.
I was alphabetically next to Katie Knight, so a number of times during the weekend, I was next to her. I was next to her in the circle, too, and she was amazing to watch. Her core was shaking from the effort, but she outlasted her competition! I had shown her how to properly install her hip belt when we were in line for the second half of the day, so I was cheering for her. She actually did the 12 miler without the hip belt really on properly, which makes that performance even more amazing.
The men went next. We were done for the day by then, so we got to just enjoy the show!
Sunday, April 24:
The last event for the full field of competitors would be the Savage Short Course Obstacle Course Race. We'd go in pairs, for a little competition, but it was how your final time stacked up against the full field within your division, which mattered in the end. If you failed an obstacle, it was a 60s penalty. It made sense for me to skip the rig, since that was going to be hard, even on a good day, and even on a good day, I'd spend at least 60s trying to make my way through it, without a guarantee of getting through at the end. Some people felt like for the amount of strain this obstacle had, it was worth it to skip it, even if you could do it.
I skipped that, as well as the Great Wall. Fresh, I might've been able to jump tall enough to get some finger tips over the top and pull myself over. I did give it two good tries. After the Timed 12 and then everything else, though, I couldn't jump tall enough to do it.
The rest of it went well, though. I got to run against Liz, which was fun. She skipped Anchors Aweigh, so pulled ahead obstacle-wise, but I was able to catch up and pass at the very end. I had been worried about those logs, too, that you kind of jump and muscle up over, but when it counts, I can pull it out, many times. Another one I wasn't sure about was Skorn Hole, where you throw a med ball into a giant corn hole-style hole up in the air. I had tested this after the walkthrough and didn't make it then, but I followed someone's advice of overshooting here, and made both of my shots.
Afterwards, we got to watch the men compete. I've seen many of these athletes do OCRs before, so what I really enjoyed was watching my GORUCK friends do it.
After the OCR, the final 8 were announced. My Games were over, but there was a lot of action left to spectate! There was a single-elimination mini OCR followed by SB carry and sandbag burpee race.
Final 4
The Final 4 competition was quite epic. There weren't as many people around by this time of day on the last day of the festival, but everyone who was there was glued to the circle of sandbags established in the middle of the main field. The top three would be wrestling each other, with the help of coaches. If you lost a round, you'd have to carry one of those rogue wheelbarrows that we've seen at other events before. That must be defeating, but it pays to be a winner!
That was an incredibly entertaining way to end the event.
Afterwards
After the awards, everyone who was still at the festival was invited to go across the street to an F45 banquet and presentation. We went there to eat some and hang out with other GRTs who were still around.
Then, we went to a Thai place for more food.
Somehow, we managed to go home with much, much more gear than we had even come with!
An awesome travel team. SB carried my ruck a ton, which helped me save my energy.
The leaders' tent was a nice relaxing place to hang out. It was quiet and shaded. Great for introverts. No pressure to talk if you don't want to.
Celebrating SB's 100th in an awesome way.
Seeing so many GRT friends again.
The opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes in the world.
So much to do, so little time. Can't wait for next year! I left very inspired and more pumped up than ever.
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