While I thought I knew what to expect from the challenge, everything about the start was different. Rather than 50 people lining up at an intersection in Washington, DC at 1am on a cold December night, there were 10 of us (later dubbed 'The Filthy Few') meeting up on a mild, sunny (yes, at 1am) night in Alaska.
Death waivers were signed, rucks and team weights (a rack of moose antlers and tire chains) were inspected and then we were off and running.
The challenge started off about as I expected, running and PT. As we made our way into the woods we picked up an extra member of the team, Stella, a ten to twelve foot log that would keep us company for the next several hours (given the lack of a true sunrise or sunset it was impossible to estimate time).
I was feeling very good about the challenge, given the small size of the team, we quickly meshed and were working well together. And physically, I was feeling great. Then, I realized just how different every challenge is. Cadre Carlos instructed us to put down the log, and he drew a large circle in the sand. Carlos told us it was 'Goruck: Hunger Games', may the odds be ever in your favor. I'll leave it at that.
The next several hours were spent carrying, cleaning, and even attempting to plant 'Stella'; there were water exercises, more 'Hunger Games', and a lot of territory covered. As the hours dragged on, we began to slow down. At that point, Carlos had an extra bit of punishment for us. It involved skipping and hand holding, that's all I'll say.
Shortly after that, the challenge was over, and all 10 members that started, earned a Goruck Tough (GRT) patch. And this time, there was no doubt in my mind that I would be signing up for another challenge. The sense of team, pride, and accomplishment that comes with the GRT patch is truly a special feeling.
