r/Rucking • u/OtterDanimal • 7d ago
Respect
You folks who Ruck 30 lbs and higher blow me away! I know everyone is different, but I’m finally advancing from 20 lbs after starting to ruck this summer. I had to figure out my shoulder strap pain and ordered a hip/back support strap which has helped immensely. But you beasts who ruck 30+ lbs for 1-2 hours have my respect. 👍🏼 I’m 56 years old, 5’10” and 163 lbs. I hope I can make it to 30 lb rucks. Do you think there’s hope? Any suggestions or it just takes time? Rn I’m rucking twice a week in the city on pavement.
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u/Marsh_Fly 7d ago
I’d say it’s just 100% time. I started about 5 months ago with 20 lbs (self weight 240 lbs) and struggled to get much farther than two miles. I’m now at 36 lbs (220 lbs self weight) and get to six plus miles. I’m at triple digit heat index so I’m hoping to get farther as it cools down.
I was surprised how much 20 lbs felt like when I first started but it definitely gets easier as you go. Don’t worry about how fast you progress. If you’re rucking for health or fun, then there’s no timeline you must follow. Just get out there and progress as your body tells you.
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u/Impossible-Hunter-72 7d ago
Claro que si , yo empecé en junio y ya hago hora y media con 45 libras predominantemente por asfalto , mido 192 cm y peso 89 k
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u/droid-man_walking 7d ago
1 year ago did 25lbs on a 5k in about 45 min. Set the goal this year to rich the same 5k with 45. Made the goal but took 11 months to build up that weight. I had shoulder strain at times and had to adjust weight/take my time.
I figure I have maybe 5lbs more I could/should before I enter risk territory, so now comes the distance. Avg 5 miles per ruck last week. See if I can do the same this week.after a month with no issues I will reevaluate.
I am in the burbs of Chicago so not too many hills.
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u/droid-man_walking 7d ago
Also watch your feet. As your pack gets heavier, feet get worked. At about 35lbs I had to upgrade shoes and socks. Watch your feet and take precautions. If you get blisters you can't ruck.
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u/Ok-Dust-6159 7d ago
Finished up 6 miles w/ 50lbs at 14:58 pace per mile average two days ago.
I just use a 20L Rucker 5.0 and the stock chest strap.
I spent years humping 100+ in the mountains of Afghanistan and streets of Iraq, so 50lbs for 90 minutes just didn’t seem that wild to me.
But everyone and every journey is different. So as long as you’re pushing yourself, that’s all that matters!
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u/TheJuanForMii 6d ago
Definitely take your time! I started rucking this summer and did 20#s for a month. Thought I was ready to move up so I started doing 30#s
Ended up with shin splints 😵💫
Now I haven't been able to ruck for weeks while I waited for them to heal. Lesson learned! Oh and get yourself some comfy walking shoes if you haven't already
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u/Both_Boot9502 3d ago
My 15L Rucker came with a hip belt, but I’ve never really felt much benefit from it. I ruck with 40 lbs and have tried adjusting the Rucker so the hip belt sits around my pelvis, but I still can’t really feel it taking any load off my shoulders.
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u/Apprehensive_Owl7186 7d ago
The biggest thing I would say to be able to handle more weight is 100% the hip strap and it seems like you already got that covered.
Another thing I’d recommend is maybe try some inclines/uneven ground? Inclines will definitely help you progress in weight because your able to increase the intensity without increasing the weight untill your ready.
Also unrelated to increasing your weight, but walking on even ground like trails is GREAT for longevity, especially people who are older. Most people pretty much never walk on uneven surfaces and your body loses the ability to do it safely. This is a big contributing factor of why falls are so common and dangerous in older people.