After 5.5 months away, I finally reunited with my team—and what better way to do it than by strapping on some weight and heading out for a ruck walk? Ruck walks are best when you’re with friends.
This wasn’t your average stroll. Some of us buckled babies to our chests or backs. While others stuffed dumbbells into backpacks or strapped on weight vests. Whatever we had, we used. It was gritty, chaotic, and on-brand for our crew. If you know this team, you know we’re always game for a unique kind of grind. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about fast heartbeats, sweat-soaked shirts, and sore muscles that somehow bring us closer. And let’s be real– I was relieved when I heard it wouldn’t be sprints on the assault bike.
Ruck walks are for everyone
There’s something about shared struggle that forges connection—especially among people who love movement, who crave it. Every step, long stretch of country road, and awkward bounce of a dumbbell in a bag reminded us that we weren’t just moving our bodies—we were falling back into rhythm with each other. We swapped stories from the past few months, joked about impatient parenting, and moved in sync. The laughter, the heavy breathing, the silent moments when no one needed to speak—all of it was part of the experience.
Six miles passed by in good company, and I didn’t take a second of it for granted. I’d spent the past five months longing to be back—back to workouts, inside jokes, and those moments of questioning our physical choices. So I soaked up every minute of that long ruck, even when it went longer than expected (and we snuck in a 20-minute playground session).
Now, back in Colorado, I’m filled with gratitude for that time together—and already anticipating the next slightly torturous workout ahead.
Rethinking What “Counts” As a Workout
Our summit ruck was also a powerful reminder: a workout doesn’t have to be perfectly programmed to be effective. Whether you’re traveling, easing back into a routine, or just managing a full season of life, movement can (and should) flex with your circumstances.
Rucking—simply adding weight to your walk—is a surprisingly effective way to build strength, get your heart rate up, and reconnect with your body. It doesn’t need to be barbell deadlifts or back squats every time. Sometimes, strapping your toddler to your chest and heading out the door is more than enough. You’re loading your body, engaging your core, and—most importantly—showing up.
Training through different seasons of life means learning that flexibility is strength, too. Our summit workout wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t max-effort. But it was full of connection, challenge, and the kind of joy that only comes from doing hard things with people you love.
Here’s to rucks, reunions, and redefining what counts. Ruck walks are fun!