Ruck BEAST Squad features interviews with members of the community to highlight their lives, training, gear, and insight. Hopefully as you read through this you’ll be able to take away advice that will help you train better and perform better that upcoming events. In this issue of Ruck BEAST Squad we get to hear from Josh! Since he’s filled out this form he’s went on to conquer another HTB, the Memorial Day HTB. Great job Josh!
Tell us a little about yourself to get us started. (Name, Age, Location, Family, work, things you enjoy, whatever you want to tell the community)
I’m 42 years old and live in Austin, Texas. I have an amazing son named Jonah and a very cool German Shepherd mix named Camper. I am a career prosecutor for the Great State of Texas and currently work at the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Outside of family and work, I love being outdoors, hiking and rucking, and strength training.
Where did your rucking journey start? How did you get involved?
During the pandemic, I decided to finally build the garage gym I’d always wanted. While browsing Rogue Fitness, I came across some products by GORUCK. I went to the GORUCK website, started doing some research, and learned about GORUCK challenge events. I got hooked pretty quickly. As I said, I enjoy being outside, hiking, and strength training. Rucking combined all of that into one for me.
How has rucking changed or improved your life?
More than anything else, rucking has connected me with an amazing group of people. GORUCK has allowed me to meet like-minded individuals who are passionate about self-improvement, physical fitness, and working as a team to achieve something greater than themselves. At this stage in my GORUCK career, my primary goal is to continue to build those friendships with quality individuals. Of course, I love being physically and mentally challenged too. Rucking has been a great supplement to my barbell training. And from a mental health standpoint, every time I finish a hard event, I just feel like I’m in such a better head space than I was before. All of this translates into my personal life, and makes me a better dad, better person, and better attorney.
Best Rucking advice you have received?
Do not quit. You CAN do this. I failed at my first attempt at an HTB. My second attempt at an HTB I finished the Heavy, but didn’t go back for the Tough or Basic. I finally realized, it was all mental. I was physically capable of doing the work. I just didn’t have the right mindset. When I out for my third HTB, I told myself I was going to finish no matter what, and I did. I’ve now finished three HTBs in a row and have another one coming up in May.
How do you recruit new people to ruck, or do events with you?
I tell people: “If you want to get outside, be challenged, and be around some great people, come do a GORUCK challenge event with me. If you’re nervous, don’t worry. I will back you up and make sure we finish together.” That to me is what GORUCK is all about. Doing the work TOGETHER.
Advice you would give to someone just starting their rucking journey?
Get outside, have fun, and don’t be afraid to get outside of your comfort zone. I know rucking may sound strange if you haven’t heard of it. But just try it. It’s addictive. Rucking is fantastic exercise and a great compliment to barbell strength training. Above all else, it’s a great way to meet outstanding people. The challenge events are meant to be challenging, but not impossible. Remember, these events are designed for you to work as a team. When you’re out there doing hard stuff at 3:00 a.m., know that everyone else is just as tired as you are, but if you work together, you will finish together.
Favorite beverage to drink after a ruck?
After just a regular ruck workout, a liquid IV… but after a challenge event, I’d like a frozen margarita, please.
How do you train? Why do you train the way you do?
I do a mixture of barbell training, sandbag work, and rucking. I don’t have a strict regiment per se. I go by how my body feels. I normally exercise 5 or 6 times a week.
What was your first event? What stands out from that event?
My first challenge event was the Extortion 17 Tough in August 2021 with Cadre Barbarossa. I got hooked immediately. That Tough felt really challenging, and I wasn’t quite sure at first if I was going to go back for another one. I remember doing the “name game” and feeling absolutely beat down after the welcome party. I of course went back for another event… and another one… and another one… and am happy I did. As I have continued to do more events, I’ve gotten to get to know a lot of the GORUCK regulars better and become closer to the GORUCK community. I would encourage everyone new to GORUCK to not just do one event. Do at least three events before you decide whether it’s for you. Each Cadre has their own “flavor” and each group that shows up may have different chemistry. But I do think as you continue to get out there, you’ll continue to make more and more friends and find that it is a lot of fun.
How many events have you done? What’s your favorite event or type of event? Why?
I’ve done around 40 events now. My favorite type of event is the HTB. I just like the challenge of it as this point. They’re really hard, and it’s great to see people keep pushing themselves together as they come back for the Tough and then back for the Basic.
What was your most recent event or events. What would you like to tell us about it / them?
My most recent event was the Bragg HTB. It was the most fun I’ve ever had at an event. (I feel like I say that every time now.) At the time I arrived in North Carolina, I had a lot going on in my personal life. My friend David from Ohio picked me from the airport, my friend Nikki from California drove us from the hotel to Bragg HTB, and when I finally arrived at the event, I saw a lot of other friends from prior events. Everyone just lifted my spirits. Then, as we got out there and started doing the work, I felt myself get re-centered. We were under the log a lot, we did a lot of PT, and we got in some serious miles. Moreover, the Cadre taught us some great SF values that carry over into our day-to-day lives. I really enjoyed learning about the ARSOF Core Attributes.
Why do you continue to do events? What keeps you coming back?
The people.
If you get overwhelmed during an event how do you refocus on the task at hand?
I look to my left and look to my right, and I know each person I see has my back.
Advice you’d give to someone before their 1st Event? Or their next event, if it’s pushing them out of their comfort zone? It is exciting there are so many event types now, so you can tailor your advice here however you’d like.
Go out there to have fun. You’re going to be nervous, and you’re going to be challenged. But when you finish, you’ll come out a better and happier person.
What’s the next event or events on your calendar that you are excited about?
I’m signed up for the Memorial Day HTB in Naperville, Illinois. I’m really excited about it, because I’ve never done an event in the Midwest. I’ve heard great things about the 630 Ruckers and am looking forward to working with them.
Favorite Rucksack? Why?
My 34L GR2 is by far my favorite rucksack. It was the first one I ever got, has been on a lot of life adventures with me, and has a lot of sentimental value at this point. I’ve taken it hiking, used it for work, and used it as a more manly “dad bag” for Jonah’s stuff.
What are your must have items in your ruck? Events or otherwise.
My must have items for events are Liquid IV, Vaseline, and Husky lifting straps (they can come in VERY handy).
Proudest fitness accomplishment? Rucking or Other? Why?
Finishing my first HTB.
A book or a few that have impacted your life? Why?
The two books having the biggest impact on me right now are The Daily Dad and The Daily Stoic. I want to be the best father I can be, and I also want to have a strong mindset and have worked to embrace a lot of the values in Stoicism.
What’s the best purchase under $100 you’ve made in the past 12 months.
Minor League Baseball tickets for my son, Jonah. We’re going to his first baseball game ever soon!
What other hobbies do you have?
Hiking at Texas State Parks. You can bring your dog!
Any parting shots? Things the community needs to know?
GORUCK has changed my life on so many levels. Remember that GORUCK is a community — it’s a “Tribe.” And also remember that you are the people you surround yourself with. You are the company you keep. So if you want to be around outstanding quality people that will push you to grow, join the GORUCK community.
