By: Stephanie Reynolds
Last time we talked about rucking (walking with a weighted backpack) for health. Now, let’s get into the fun stuff… gear!
Let’s start with the basics:
Shoes/Socks: You need shoes (Well, and the rest of your clothing. No sense in scaring the horses.) Wear whatever is comfortable. You can wear hiking boots, running shoes, or whatever your foot likes. I recommend closed-toed shoes because trails have little sticks and rocks which hurt if they jab your feet. I also recommend foot-shaped shoes to help prevent blisters and other ouches (Imagine that, shoes that actually are shaped like your feet! What a concept!) Shoes with nubs are great on wet red clay. Also bring an extra pair of socks. I highly recommend any socks you wear, just not the little “no see” socks because there’s too much room for stuff to fall in and your shoes will rub. You’re a real rucker now and officially epic, so go ahead and dress for it.
Backpack: Like I mentioned in the previous article, any to start with. When you begin tackling longer distances/carry heavier weight, you’ll need a backpack with padded shoulder straps and a WAIST BELT. Seriously, the waist belt is key. You actually want all the weight on your hips, not your shoulders (Moms, sisters, aunties, we have trained for YEARS for this moment. All that toddler carrying makes us naturals for rucking!) This protects your shoulders and back. When you’re ready, go to an outfitting store and get measured OR go online and see what size of pack is best for you. They come in different torso lengths from tall people to short-waisted, “ribs-on-hips” folk like me.
Weight: Anything. Books. Bricks. Snacks. An equal volume of kittens. It doesn’t matter. Those in the Go-Ruck community often just use weight plates in their packs. The Wonder Sweetie and I are of the mind that if we are going to carry stuff, it needs to be useful. If you want, please ask; I can give you a rundown of what I carry in my 96L pack, but suffice it to say, you could live fairly comfortably out of my bag for a week. We have had to use our gear for first-aid and to remove trees from the trail. We LOVE our gear, but we worked up to it. Start out light.
An “I’m-An-Optimist” First Aid Kit: Three Band-Aids and any medications you might need on the trail.
Other Gear: If you REALLY want to get into rucking, perhaps with an eye on tackling part of the Appalachian Trail or something, consider these additions: an actual first-aid kit, 3 ways to make a fire, 3 ways to get water, 3 ways to attract attention, battery for your phone, and easy to eat food, etc. If you want to stop by the office, we can geek out about gear together.
Now, I know I am making rucking sound awesome – it actually got me in shape to run 10 miles – but don’t go too far, too fast, too heavy, too soon. If you are a beginner, stop when you feel that happy tired of “Whew! That was good! I could go a little further!” End on a high with some left in the tank so you are eager to go out again tomorrow.
So right now, put the paper down, go find a backpack, and put a water bottle in it and walk around your house. These are your first steps to awesome fitness. You got this!
OH! WAIT! Before you do that, I need to tell you about a few fabulous events we have coming up!
Sulphur Creek Trestle/Battle For Athens Event: 14 September 2024 9 a.m.-noon
This year marks 160 years since the 1864 Battles of Athens and Sulphur Creek Trestle occurred in Limestone County. Bring your family out to learn some local history from experts in the field at the very places it happened. Local historians will be on site to tell the story of the battles and the men who fought them. Presentations will start approximately every half hour at both Fort Henderson (former Trinity School site) and in downtown Elkmont on the Richard Martin Rails to Trails. You can start at either site. This is a free event, but donations are always appreciated.
Cemetery Stroll: 6 October 2024 2-4 p.m.
Join us at the old Athens Cemetery on Hobbs Street to remember the famous (and infamous) folk who wove their story into the history of Athens. Costumed folk will regale you with tales of their person’s life. This is a free event.
Haunt Walks: Tuesdays and Thursdays in October 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
It’s almost here (and with all the calls I have been getting, I know many of you can hardly wait!) Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and the Chamber of Commerce page for ticket ordering!
We have also rearranged our main office, and it looks so nice and bright! Please come see me, grab a brochure or three, and let’s chat! (Ok, NOW go get your pack!)
By: Stephanie Reynolds, Athens-Limestone Tourism Association
September 6, 2024
