Sunday, April 12, 2015

Sunday Ruck, "legs that never quit"



" A back of iron and legs that never quit"

Those were the words from Pavel's Power to the People book that inspired me then and still do to this day. It was the description of a general about what a fighting man needed most. At the time I was tore up from the floor up and could barely stand or walk and I new I needed a different path. The kettlebell provided that path and got my back squared away. And the knee replacement  which allowed me to first walk and now Ruck is taking me to the next level.

Upped the pack weight to a solid 50 lbs and it felt a bit heavy  getting started. Mainly in my calves, as I didn't stretch out much before I left. But they loosened up quickly and the load felt fine. My legs settled right into the pace and it was strong and easy, as it has been the last two walks.

So much of endurance training is just getting the  miles in your legs at a pace that is relatively easy for you.  At some point your legs just adapt and loosen up and that's what it felt like today. I didn't even feel ANY fatigue until the 11th lap! Timed that at 8:15 which is very very good for the extra weight.

Wore the Lowa's again and they actually felt great. The combat boots are more comfy but I know, under these loads that the lowas give more support and are a better choice.

2 hour Ruck
50 lbs
15,000 steps
11 iso squats 30 second long

datsit
neverquit

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mark, alot of people use a company called shplates for their plates. I still use bricks . For a heavy 35ib dry. That includes plate . rucksack and what ever else you bring before H2O. For a heavy I would look at a 28-31 lb plate . your pack and other gear will make up difference. i hope this helps.

Mark Reifkind said...

thanks a lot it does. I am using 20 lbs of kitty litter and books for the rest. The pack is a Rush 72 and weighs about 5 lbs.
I like the hip belt.
For the Ft Bragg ruck I assume I will need 55 lbs dry- 50 minus the pack weight.Bricks sit too low in this ruck but I will look into the plates.
thanks so much :)

Mark Reifkind said...

ok just looked at shplates, definitely the solution for my ruck.25 lbs plate+ 20 lbs litter and I'm there.

Anonymous said...

Bragg is still 35lb dry but by the time you add H20 , food, extra clothes and meds you'll be at 55lb. goggle mark webb heavy he's done several heavies and has a good packing article

Mark Reifkind said...

ok good to know, that's a BIG difference.I'm actually ahead of schedule ,lol
thanks again!

Mark Reifkind said...

any ballpark on the date of the Bragg Ruck?

Anonymous said...

Bragg heavy is 5/1/15. roughly 3 wks. Go to goruck.com and find events. It will list all types of events nation wide. couple of heavy's in calif. later in year and a ton of 12 hr challenges and lights ( 4-6 hrs) coming your way. my 2 cents. The 12 hr tough challenge is a great start. It will expose your weakness and mentally get you ready for Bragg 2016. I did my challenge at 57 and still remember it like yesterday.

Mark Reifkind said...

I can't do the heavy events. I saw an 12 mile ruck challenge that was just rucking, no overhead lifting, buddy carry, etc.
I have a replaced knee and a shoulder that needs replacing. No desire to mess up any other joints anytime soon

I was hoping for just a heavy ruck challenge and I thought there was one in Bragg but not the Heavy event.
Did I miss something?

Mark Reifkind said...

I was referring to this FT Bragg challenge
chicago - TBA

Philly - TBA

DC - TBA

Virginia Beach/Norfolk – TBA

Ft. Bragg/Fayetteville, NC – TBA

Anonymous said...

That will be a great event . Pure rucking . No date yet. It will be fun watching your progress . Goodluck

Mark Reifkind said...

yes I don't need a team event to find my physical limits. I already know them ,lol. A pure rucking event is perfect for me. thanks :)

155 x 3 x 5, 160 x 3 x 5, 20 kg swings 5 x 8/8, floor pushups 40, 35

 Thought about going back to 5x5 for a hot second then my left shoulder  reminded me why I stopped doing them before. It doesn't seem to...