Rucking

 

A few weeks ago, I heard a podcast from 1000 Hours Outside about rucking. I hadn't ever heard of it and I was immediately intrigued. After learning that walking with weight on your back can increase muscle mass, bone density, cardiovascular health, and mental health all without hurting my aging joints, I was SOLD! I ordered a 12 lb weighted vest online and I haven't missed a day since! 

But do you know what would make this so much more fun? Doing it with OTHER PEOPLE! Don't get me wrong. I love long walks in the rain, listening to an audiobook, or just listening to nature's sounds. And I will continue to do that. But I want to encourage others in their health journeys and create community and fellowship among sisters in God's creation all at once. So, this is a perfect excuse!! 

Here's a picture of one of my rainy walks with my vest on. 🤓

So, let's talk about the vest. Technically, most of the actual "rucking" I am finding is an actual backpack with weights evenly distributed inside so as to not throw your back out of balance. You can find a variety of options online, amazon, goruck.com, and more. For now, I am sticking with this weighted vest but I do believe I will upgrade to a pack in the next few months so that I can carry things with me on my hikes/walks, and to be sure I have the weight sitting right, pulling my shoulders back and now down. For what it's worth, this vest does feel very ergonomic and at this point, is sitting well on my shoulders and back. I would get one made with iron pellets and not sand. Those can get stinky when wet or sweaty.

I really feel it in my hips after about an hour's walk! I can tell that my core is getting stronger and my stamina is getting better. I LOVE the feeling of getting home and taking it off. I feel as light as a feather!

I plan to incorporate a few exercises along the way, too. Squats, lunges, wide walking, walking backward...anything to get the body more agile and stronger! 

So, back to the group!

I am creating a group text thread on the app called Signal. It's a secure messaging app and will allow me to post when and where the next meetup will be. You can control the notifications. 

I am not a doctor. I am not a physical therapist or a personal trainer. I am someone who wants to get people together and have fun. So, do your own research and make your own decisions about all of this! All I am offering is advice based on my experience. I am not responsible for injuries should they occur.

WHO: 

Anyone who wants to join in group walks/hikes. You do not need to be an elite athlete. You don't need to be in tip-top shape. I am a 41-year-old mom with 3 teenagers with a few lbs to lose. I am not fast. But I plan to get stronger and faster over time and I invite any of you with the same goals to give it a go. If you can walk a mile in about 15 minutes, you're golden. If you're just getting back into walking, don't feel like you need the extra weight! You can still benefit greatly from walking with a group among the trees and fresh air. Don't let that stop you, please.

WHERE: 

Portland, Scappoose, Sauvie Island, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, West Linn, Forest Park, and everywhere in between. I hope to move around a little bit to see different parts of the area and maybe come to your neck of the woods! Ideally, there is parking and a restroom. Or at the VERY least, great foliage for hiding and squatting, haha! Each time we post a get-together, we'll post the details so that you can decide if that particular one is for you. I'll do my best to calculate how long it'll take and the amenities. Some will be longer and harder, and some will be shorter and sweeter. Once we're done, those who want to should join me at the nearest coffee shop for a cuppa Joe. 

WHEN: 

It will be random. Over time, we might find that some of the hikes will be consistent and some peppered in here and there. I will try to post in advance so people are able to plan ahead. Again, this is just an idea I have and we'll see what it turns into. 

If you're interested in joining the Signal group to get invitations, please let me know or the person who send you this blog post! My email is dandreej@gmail.com. 

Please, if you have questions, ask! Can't wait to get started!

Love, Andree