1 Year of Rucking – What Rucking Taught Me About Strength, Grit, and Showing Up

One year ago, I was standing on Mount Jo, out of breath and wondering how the hell I let things get that hard. My knees hurt, my spirit was low, and I knew something had to change. So I picked up a pack. I picked up a coach. And I decided to start showing up for myself.

In this episode, I’m celebrating a full year of rucking—through injury, grief, chaos, weather, and every excuse in the book. I’m reflecting on what that journey taught me about discipline, healing, and grit. From my first ruck with a pair of dumbbells in a CamelBak to backpacking trips, races, and summit bourbon toasts—I’ve carried more than just weight.

This episode is for anyone curious about what happens when you commit to something—even imperfectly. Whether you’re just starting or already deep in your own journey, I hope my story reminds you that strength is built one step at a time.

💥 Want to start your own journey?
I’ve got a challenge for you inside. Whether you're a brand-new rucker or looking for your next big goal, this week’s two-part challenge will help you take that next step.

🌐 Links & Resources:

📸 Follow along on Instagram: @JustRuckingIt
📬 Join the crew on Substack: justruckit.substack.com
🥾 Explore Seek to Do More + Great Range Athlete: 46Outdoors.com
🎒 Rucking Events: mammothmarch.com
🌲 Cranberry Lake 50 Info: cranberrylake50.org
🔥 Firetower Challenge & ADK Info: adk.org

Life is rucking wonderful—because it starts with just one step, and it can change everything.

Send us a text

Life is Rucking Wonderful!

Links:
Instagram: @JustRuckingIt
Substack: JustRuckIt.Substack.com

Episode Summary:

This one’s personal.

In this raw and real episode, Lindsay opens up about hitting a wall—mentally, physically, emotionally. She’s home from vacation, facing chaos at work, grief on the farm, and a body that seems to be resisting every effort to train.

With a 20-mile Mammoth March looming in the rugged hills of Letchworth State Park, the question isn’t just how to keep going—it’s why.

This episode isn’t a pep talk. It’s a permission slip.
To slow down. To be honest. To find your footing when life feels too heavy to lift a pack.

In This Episode:

• What happens when your body doesn’t bounce back like it used to
• The invisible weight of solo training and emotional burnout
• Reframing training to match your capacity (not your calendar)
• A challenge for listeners who feel like giving up
• And a gentle reminder: you don’t need to be at your best to still show up

Send us a text

Life is Rucking Wonderful!

Episode Summary:

In this honest and hard-hitting episode of Just Ruck It, Lindsay tackles something every rucker (and every human) faces sooner or later: what to do when you've fallen off the bandwagon—and how to start again when the weight you carry isn't just in your pack, but in your heart, body, and mind.

Whether you're dealing with injury, burnout, grief, or plain old life chaos, this episode is your permission slip to take a breath, reset, and begin again—without shame.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Lindsay’s own “Olympic-level” dive off the bandwagon (hello, poison ivy and prednisone)
• Why comebacks never look like movie montages—and that’s okay
• The truth about injury recovery and the courage it takes to ask for help
• How to start small, show up consistently, and build momentum again
• Real strategies for pushing past mental resistance and reclaiming your rucking rhythm
• A weekly challenge you can do today—even if your shoes have dust on them

Key Takeaways:

• You’re not starting from scratch—you’re starting from experience.
• Your comeback doesn’t have to be big. It has to be real.
• Progress starts with standing up—literally.
• Consistency will get you farther than motivation ever will.

🏁 This Week’s Challenge:
Go for one walk—just one.
No weight required. No pressure.
Just you, your shoes, and the decision to show up.

💬 Join the Conversation:
Have a comeback story or a weekend win to share?
Tag @JustRuckingIt on Instagram or join the community at JustRuckIt.Substack.com.
You might even be featured in an upcoming episode!

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Injury recovery and the value of physical therapy
• Building a sustainable, low-pressure routine
• Rucking during heat waves and navigating mental slumps

Send us a text

Life is Rucking Wonderful!