Another non-oil related post (last one I promise).

This passed weekend was incredibly busy, but for all good causes.

There is an event group called GoRuck that hosts endurance activities around the country to benefit veterans and promote team work and their slogan is ‘Building Better Americans”. The catch is you must wear a weighted ruck through the entire event as a military or first responder would have to carry their heavy gear. This weekend’s event was a special 9/11 memorial. One could sign up for a 24 hour “Heavy” option, a 12 hour “Challenge” option, a 6 hour “Light” option, or a torturous 48 hour “HCL” option. I was a little nervous and decided to play is safe with the 6 hour “Light”, which required me to wear 10lbs, bring 2 liters of water, and a few other supplies. My better half endured the “Challenge” option which started 5pm on Friday the 11th.

(Me being Fireman-Carried)

What a BLAST! I met some awesome people as we worked together to complete tasks through the city all while carrying a 50lb US flag, a fire house from the towers, and a large sand bag. There were squats, burpees, fireman carries, bear crawls, and relays. Our leaders were 2 active duty Navy Seals, who directed us through our tasks and kept us motivated. At the end, your prize is a special patch specific to your event, great new friends, some muscle soreness (I now have a grade 3 muslce strain in my leg), and traits of that of a better American.

Then, through my soreness on Sunday, I marched with Walsh Freedom in the Johnsbug, IL parade to promote respect and gratitude for our men and women with badges.

(Congressman Joe Walsh from AM560 & I)

All in all, it was a very exhausting, patriotic, and fun filled weekend.