A few weeks ago some friends started a text thread with me about the GORUCK Tough Challenge. I took a look at it and thought it would be fun, so I signed up without thinking much about it. On closer inspection, I realized that this “Touch Challenge” is going to be more than a little tough. Here is a quick overview of the event as I understand it:

• The event starts at 10pm (yes, that says PM! My normal bedtime is 9:30pm) and will last 10-12 hours.
• During the event, we will ruck (think speed walking while carrying a backpack rucksack with a 30-pound weight in it, plus your water and whatever else you might want to carry for the event) for 15 to 20 miles.
• You are guaranteed to be fully submerged in water during the first hour of the event, just in case you thought rucking 20 miles would be comfortable.
• At some point during the event, the team will have to carry a log (weighing around 2,000) for about 3 hours, think team building, on steroids, while exhausted and wet.
• Many people will have to do “buddy carries” where you throw your buddy on your shoulders and carry him a while (presumably while someone else gets the lighter job of carrying his 30-pound rucksack, and theirs as well).
• During the event, there are several stops to do physical training like burpees and push-ups, all while wearing the heavy rucksack.

Sounds miserable right? I think it sounds amazing!

I’m genuinely excited about this event, here’s why.

• I get to train and bond with my friends as we prepare for the event.
• This event is pushing me to train my body harder than ever before. I am currently and will be in the best shape of my life.
• This event is meant to be one of the hardest things that a person has ever done. I have had a lot of mental and leadership challenges in my life, like starting companies, but this will push me physically further than I ever thought possible.
• Training for the event requires a whole new level of discipline in my life. And, since I’m convinced that discipline and grit are the keys to success, I think that is the greatest thing of all.