Day 1: Total Gain 3,350’ | Miles: 15.01 | Pace: 2.5 mph | Time: 17 hrs.
Day one will feel more like a 60 miles vs. kilometers movement. Know this mentally! Though we don’t restrict registration, it is paramount that participants understand the extremeness of the 60 to 60 event. The participants will move with 30 lb. to 40 lb. backpacks over rugged terrain and extreme inclines/declines. Then a long, mentally demanding paved trail (W&OD). The MTN movement concludes with a final movement to a local brewery, where we, for the first time – come together in one movement as a team and egress down into the brewery, creating a profound impact on those witnessing the movement within a movement.
The Final Miles is the capstone of the Memorial Day Weekend Ruck to Remember. Though only 6 miles, not everyone just wakes up and walks 6 miles. With that said, this is a slower-paced movement, with ample time to rest and reflect as the teams navigate through the National War Memorials before heading back in a large formation to Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial Day: Total: Gain 204’| Miles: 6.11 | Pace: 2.5 mph | Time: 5 hrs.
The Final Miles is a humbling ”walk through the warriors.” The Ruck to Remember Final miles participants will move together, descending into the National Mall and taking a pause to capture a Team photo at the Lincoln Memorial. Participants will have time to use restrooms nearby. From here, the Final Miles will break into Teams and move respectfully through the National War Memorials.
Moving through the National War Memorials, the teams pause to learn about the respective memorials and take time to reflect on them. The teams will come back together for a final maneuver in a way like no other – moving together, creating the movement within a movement as the Final Miles makes their final push to Arlington National Cemetery, led by percussion and pipes, culminating at Arlington National Cemetery. Here, the movement is complete, and participants can elect to go into the cemetery to pay their respects to the fallen warriors within.
You can’t just wake up and ruck 60k or 6 miles – The only real way to prepare is to get out and walk, hike, and ruck with your gear.
Begin at least 90 days out from the movement by establishing a Ruck Baseline Assessment:
90 days out: Ruck 1.0 miles – with a 20 lbs. backpack/ruck for time Mile/time = pace
80 days out: Ruck 3.0 miles – with a 23 lbs. backpack/ruck for time
70 days out: Ruck 5.0 miles – with a 28 lbs. back/pack/ruck for time
60 days out: Ruck 7.0 miles – with full Ruck Load – i.e., all required gear
Note: By this point, you should have the pack/system gear you want to wear and carry during the event. It is vital you train with the gear you will be using. i.e., hiking pants, t-shirt, shoes, socks, backpack, and all gear. This helps you feel the shift and where things are located as you take breaks to access food/snacks etc. Being familiar (FAM) with your gear is just as critical as being prepared mentally and physically.
45 days out: Ruck 10 miles – Full system
30 days out: Ruck 15 miles – Full system
29 days out: Begin taper of Rucking but be sure to still get out and ruck with your gear – at this point, don’t over-train. Just a few miles as you figure out your gear and shoes etc.
7 days out: Cease all Ruck/Hiking activity and focus on stretching and hydrating.
For the Final Miles – you can repeat this but with lesser training days and miles. Think 5k but longer and slower, and more meaningful.
Moving through the National War Memorials, the teams take pause to learn about the respective memorials as well as take time to reflect on them.
The teams will come back together for a final maneuver in a way like no other – moving together, creating the movement within a movement as the Final Miles makes their final push to Arlington National Cemetery, led by percussion and pipes, culminating at Arlington National Cemetery. Here, the movement is complete, and participants can elect to go into the cemetery to pay their respects to the fallen warriors within.
In between the training hikes, be sure to target key parts of your body with focused physical training to increase muscle stamina, strength, and overall performance. You should plan for at least 3 workouts per week in-between Ruck training.
REQUIRED GEAR LIST
(60 to 60)
Note: Participants will be issued the Mission Shirt Saturday evening that will be worn for the remainder of the weekend
Highly Recommended Gear
REQUIRED GEAR LIST
(THE FINAL MILES)
Note: Participants will be issued the Mission Shirt at check-in (If you can’t check in Friday, 5.24.2024, you will get your shirt on Monday morning – please prepare to change into the shirt)
Highly Recommended Gear
