We all have limits, and I have learned to love pushing myself to mine through fitness events. After a lifetime of playing soccer, then redefining myself after that chapter ended, I found that I could not quite let go of the thrill of a challenge.
Through my many endeavors, I have been able to smash through physical and mental barriers and prove my strength. I have learned to be comfortable with being uncomfortable and I am here to tell you all about the rucking and running events that have helped me get here.
Rucking Fitness Events
You may be thinking: WTF is rucking? The answer is simple. Rucking is walking with a weighted rucksack (AKA a backpack), and is the foundation of Special Forces fitness training. Several years ago I was introduced to GORUCK, and it has been a staple form of exercise for us ever since.
A quick blurb about the company: GORUCK believes in normal people doing extraordinary things and they have created a community based on more than just some badass backpacks. They host rucking events across the nation and world, led by current and former Special Forces combat veterans.
GoRuck TOUGH Challenge
First, I will say that this event was (for-lack-of-a-better-word) TOUGH. The Tough Challenge I completed took 12 hours (9:00 PM – 9:00 AM), total distance was 16 miles, with a 20-30 pound ruck weight requirement and a shit-load of additional weights (from 40-240 lbs.) that were carried as a team.
Our class was led by a Special Forces Cadre who tested our limits and then pushed us beyond them. Think rucking, teamwork, lessons, and A LOT of PT. It was a challenge in every sense of the word, and honestly one of my most rewarding physical accomplishments.
50-Miler Challenge
As someone who has never shied away from physical endeavors, I have always wondered what my limit was. What event or activity would leave me thinking “never again” instead of my usual “when can I do that again?”. This was it.
50 consecutive miles of rucking in 20 hours. EW. Modeled after GORUCK’s Star Course Events, me and my 3 favorite fellow ruckers did this completely unsanctioned, motivated purely by our own own whimsies. Oh, and did I mention that it rained for majority of the miles? We laughed, cried and earned many blisters.
Biggest takeaway was that 50 miles of rucking is not for the faint of heart.
Running Fitness Events
I know running (especially long-distance running) is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it truly is my most effective form of therapy. Something about the physical monotony of putting feet to pavement seriously soothes my soul, which is what eventually led to my participation in marathons and half-marathons.
Marathons
Ever since I moved to Monterey in 2009, my biggest local bucket list item was to run the Big Sur International Marathon. Ten years later I finally worked up the courage to enter. I ran it “virtually” in 2020 (not an exciting first-marathon experience), then ran the real thing in 2022 and again in 2023.
I may be biased because I absolutely love this stretch of coastline, but I truly can’t imagine a more beautiful race course. 10/10 recommend with 100% certainty you won’t regret the experience. Nothing compares to running across the iconic Bixby Bridge to the sweet sounds of a tuxedo-wearing pianist. Epic.
half marathons
I have reached or crossed the 13.1 distance many, many times, but it wasn’t until 2022 where I actually ran a sanctioned half marathon event. The Monterey Bay Half Marathon course follows much of my regular running route, and it’s views never get old. Can you ever tire of Monterey Bay’s beauty?!
During all the fitness events I have completed, the competition is never what fuels me. Instead, it’s the inward reflection and the outward expression of strength. I never need to finish first, but I love to revel in the journey. To me, there is beauty in the combination of communal suffrage and individual determination. Now let’s go find it!
xoA
OVER TO YOU
How do you push your limits, both physical and mental? Are you a fitness event fan? If so, what is your favorite? Next on my list is some sort of obstacle-type event, is there one that you have completed and loved? Sound off in the comments below, I am ready to hear about your fitness feats!
2 thoughts on “Pushing My Limits Through Physical Fitness Challenges”
Awesome feats of determination Amanda!!!
Maybe there’s a Tough Mudder or Spartan Race in your future!
Great job and keep pushing your limits……truly inspiring
Thanks papa bear, you instilled in me that determination and I am very grateful for it. When are we signing up for a family Tough Mudder? *wink*