Life is about growth and the only way to do that is take on risk and put yourself in uncomfortable situations. There’s always something else that needs addressed. Accept what those things are and make a plan of how you want to go head on against those challenges. Don’t worry about anyone else’s path, stay accountable and disciplined to you. As you keep growing individually you will become a better family person, friend, teammate, and contributing member of society. Perhaps memorization is next up for me, ha-ha.
– Doug AKA 011
I go back and forth about GoRuck events. I did one in 2016 while stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base. It was hard. I was exhausted by the end.
But I had a smile.
I’ve toyed with the idea of doing another one since moving to the East Coast, but the time never seems to be there. My personal goals for family, career, and the blog interfere.
GoRuck, like Spartan races and other physical events, forces you out of your comfort zone. I particularly like GoRuck because it’s not a race. It’s a battle between your mind and your body, with a team thrown in the mix. Don’t think about going faster to your friends, think about helping them. It’s about grinding through the work, being helpful to the team, and pushing on even when your mind tells you to stop.
Treat these things for what they are: physical challenges. They are not simulations of “bad times,” or anything like that. They are sporting events. You can’t show up to them unprepared for the challenge, but you can also never really be prepared for what they will bring to you.
Why You Should Challenge Yourself
In the end, it’s about growth. Put yourself on the line and push yourself to do things you didn’t think you were ever able to do.
GoRuck selection is the peak of the mountain. I commend Doug for getting through something that few could.
Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.
– Teddy Roosevelt
