The Big Sandy Last Best Ruck Club of Big Sandy held their first official "ruck" to qualify for membership in the national Go Ruck organization. Rucking is simply walking with a weighted backpack. The exercise routine is based on military workouts and is a simple, low impact workout that the Go Ruck website describes as activity that "humans are naturally good at." The fledgling club's first official foray into qualifying for membership was held on Sunday afternoon, October 27th. What was slated to be a 3-mile walk, stretched into a 4.5 miles trek at the agreement of all of the participants.
Big Sandy resident, Randall Shimkus, has spearheaded organizing the club locally. He explained his motivation in taking on the hobby: "I'm 15 years military. I love getting outdoors, Rucking was not something I was a big fan of in the military, but it's something I've become a big fan of now." The national rucking organizations and clubs draw heavily from former military members, who share his affection for the workouts He went on to point out that rucking is more fun when done in a group.
The Last Best Ruck Club has been meeting for most of this year, holding short rucks in and around the area. The community of participants has grown to around 7, though more are always welcome. This week's ruck began on the western edge of Big Sandy, proceeding up North Road to the natural gas tanks and back. It was a windy, warm, clear afternoon.
During the Sunday afternoon ruck, Randall explained that the Go Ruck organization was started by a former Green Beret and has grown quite popular in recent years: "It's huge nationwide. It kind of depends where you live on how big it is. Texas and Florida have 60 clubs each. In Montana, we have five now, including us." Though, Big Sandy's club is still working towards becoming an official club. To qualify for membership, a club must complete 3 three-mile rucks with at least 3 participants.
The Go Ruck organization adds all kinds of additional challenges, national organization activities, challenge patches for members who complete various activities, and arucks with CrossFit type exercises. Their website, goruck.com, has listings for all sorts of activities and events, including ruck games, tactical events, city rucks, and challenges.
Joining the Last Best Ruck Club for one of their walks is as easy as showing up with a backpack. Participation is free, and the weight requirements are not stringent. Randall explained that in the beginning, after undergoing knee replacement surgeries, he was rucking with a backpack full of clothes. "You can start with whatever you are comfortable with." You can learn more about events and ask questions by joining the Last Best Ruck Club Facebook Page or email Randall at randallsshimkus@gmail.com.
Randall's dog, Xander, joined the ruck this week. He is an 11-year old retired cadaver search dog, who circled us throughout the walk and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon in the sun. Randall explained that dogs are a welcome addition to events and a natural addition to rucking.
