Having previously done two 50 mile Star Courses, I knew I needed to tackle a tough event. I was always a little leery about doing this event from hearing all the scary stories from the guys from Toledo and watching countless YouTube videos putting people through some of the most grueling exercises. When GR had the buy one get one, I did the Star Course in Columbus and got this event for free.
PAX: OJ, Hot Wheels, Chestnut
Packing list: GR1, 30lb plate, Full 3L water bladder, Pelican Case, 32oz Nalgene bottle, 4 protein bars, 6 gels, Electrolyte tablets, advil, $20 bill, ID, extra headlamp batteries
Gear: It was 93 degrees the afternoon of the event – I went as light as possible, dri fit shirt, shorts, Asics Nimbus 20’s, Injini toed socks (these rock)
I didn’t weigh my ruck but I’d guess it was every bit 45lbs with all my stuff and full bladder.
Hot Wheels rolled up at the house at 7:55 and we headed down to the Waterfront
We provided the required items. Hot Wheels grabbed the Vet shovel flag and Jitterbug let us use his 25lb barbell plate. Man we look fresh, ready, and full of nervous energy.
Quickly found Cadre LDB and the remaining crew. 7 guys, 1 girl. Cadre said 16 signed up and we ended up with 8. He had previously posted a pic of a couple of glorious coupons we’d be packing overnight. 2 wooden ammunition cases. I’m not sure but they weighed somewhere in the ballpark of 50lbs or so. We were instructed that these were to be only carried by the handles between two people. In his Sentra rental car laid about 8 sand/gravel bags that he kept in the car due to the size of the group. Nice.
The theme of this GRT was to celebrate America’s Independence. Our mission would be to get these ammo crates to George Washington’s army at the battle of Yorktown.
the Start – 2100 – The Welcome Party
This lasted about 45 min or so and it was so HOT.
Did I mention it was hot? The ruck on front crab walks absolutely smoked by triceps. I was nervous that this point. 45 minutes in and I’m gassed, how can I keep this up? The Cadre showed us the coupons and we lined them up. He took a picture of the order as every time the rest of the night we’d have to arrange them in a particular order. One case had a different logo. The shovel, jerry can, cases, and flags would all have to be in exact order or penalties would ensue.
The two ammo crates were not particularly heavy but awkward due to the small rope handles. The 25lb barbell plate was decent due to the wide handle. The Jerry Can full of water suuuucked. It was nearly too heavy to carry only by the handle, so it was mostly carried up front on your chest. It was the coupon alternated the most.
Movement 1.
Literally seconds after taking off, the Bats game ended and we were treated to some amazing fireworks. This could not have been more fitting given the idea behind this event.
Each movement would have a new team leader and an assistant team leader. Leader’s were responsible for arranging coupons, lining up participants in formation, and ensuring pace was kept and safety was being maintained.
1.5 miles down River Road we rucked to a marina behind the condos. This was a cool little spot that I had no idea existed. At each stop, we did various PT exercises and learned a little about our great nation and the Revolutionary War.
Movement 2.
4 Miles to Hogan’s Fountain in Cherokee Park. Coupons were arranged in incorrect order here and the Cadre was not happy. More PT followed at this stop and we were given a chance to fuel up and hydrate. Here’s where it got interesting. We all lined up and the Cadre gave us questions from the US citizenship test. I had always heard that many American’s probably couldn’t answer half of the questions on this test. Needless to say we all paid for answering incorrectly with merkins, merkins, and more merkins. We all topped off all of our bladders with the water from the Jerry Can. Thank goodness, that thing was a beast full and a pain to carry. Before packing up and leaving, the Cadre gladly pulled out a key and told us to go refill the can at the water spigot nearby. Noooooooooo
Movement 3.
3.5 Miles to Shelby Park
Passing through the Highland’s, the Cadre told us He HAD to get a pic of us in front of this fine establishment. We were all happy to oblige and put the coupons down for a moment.
More PT followed here as well as history from the Revolutionary War. Did more questions from the citizenship test and continued to get questions wrong. More merkins…
Movement 4.
3.5 Miles back to the Big Four Bridge
In our continued journey to get these ammo crates to George Washington’s army, the Cadre now told us we were behind enemy lines and could no longer speak. We had to remain in silence for this entire movement. This was probably my favorite part of the night. He gave us a few minutes to figure out how we’d do this without making any noise. We came up with hand signals for the moment.
We encountered plenty of people as we passed through downtown and they all had plenty of things to say to us and we could only nod the head and wave back.
More PT and discussions about our great nation here and what it means to be a great American.
We fueled up and addressed nutritional needs here.
Movement 5.
3 Miles to the Jeffersonville City Hall
We had made it out of enemy territory here and were able to resume talks. As we passed over the Big Four Bridge I looked out to my right. What was that? A slight pink tint on the horizon. YESSS. I knew it was probably 5:45 or so. Seeing that really gave us all new life.
Final round of PT followed here on the lawn at the City Hall. The sun had risen and we were all in pretty good spirits at this point.
We all topped off our bladders here and we didn’t have to refill the can!!
Movement 6.
3 Miles back to the start
Endex 0755
We made it. 8 started and 8 finished. 11 Hours and 18.5 Miles!! Everyone in this group stepped up and worked together to achieve something special. We learned a lot about each other and a lot about our great nation.
Getting your GRT patch from the Cadre is a special feeling. I absolutely cannot wait until the rest of F3 Louisville gets to experience that coming up in October. If you haven’t signed up, DO IT! You won’t regret it. We will work as a team and everyone will finish together. Proud to have Rucked along with Chestnut and Hot Wheels on this event. You guys did great!
Overall I loved the group. Having a small group was great in my opinion. Cadre LDB was tough but fair. I had to say that at one part in this right? He made sure we worked together and had fun.
So check out the Christmas in July sale and get to Rucking!!
-OJ
F3 Louisville 