<![CDATA[All Day Strong - Gear and Event Reviews]]>

           This event gets a review first because it is one of the most important to me for a few reasons. I was talked into finally signing up after waiting so long by my great friend Tristram which was a huge bonus having a buddy there. He had done an event already but this was back in the days where it was still mysterious and nobody would talk about events at all. The only thing you knew for sure was that it would be 8-10+ hours and 15-20+ miles. He wouldn't tell me anything more than be ready to work. Another reason this event was important for me was it served as some form of therapy. I was 3 months into a divorce and trying my best to work through everything for myself. Nothing clears your mind like a welcome party, NOTHING! The last reason I hold this event in high regards is that it was my first event and introduction to Goruck, I loved it then and I still love it now!

          In preparation for the event I had a Spec-ops T.H.E. pack that I was going to use. Its a great pack for carrying a ton of stuff but has almost no organization and does not carry heavier weights well. As people sometimes do I started over thinking it closer to the event. I ended up buying my sand GR1 right before the event and broke it on that night. My only physical prep came in the way of Crossfit 4 to 5 times a week and a few short rucks on a treadmill carrying 40-50lbs. I though about the fire academy and how being wet for extended periods of time (sweat) made chaffing that much worse so I used the same prep I used for that. Aquafer on thighs, bits, nips and shoulders I had no chaffing and just abrasions from the shenanigans we went through. I also wore a compression shirt with a quick drying shirt over it to help with the friction. I never had a second thought about shoes, grabbed my trusty new balance minimalist trail shoes and never had a foot problem, blister, pain or anything else. This event was also back where you would carry people that were important to you on your bricks, I chose some firefighters that have passed away and relatives that passed away. When your feeling negative its something to think about and I liked that. I took 6 bricks taped individually and then all together and I still have them today. I strapped them high in my ruck and packed way too much stuff! Ruck weight was about 42lbs that night, over packing newb syndrome I guess? I had snacks and hydration packs, everything worked great! At the end of the day the best way to make any event like this less difficult is to prepare your body as good as you can. Gear has never got anyone through something that didn't prepare their selves.

          I won't go into the details of everything we did that night but here is a quick run down, 3 hour welcome party, followed by some cool missions, lots of PT and of course getting wet. I felt miserable for the last few hours because I was cold and couldn't wait to see the sun but it got better. My absolute favorite part about the event was the finish, as soon as you hear your done its an overwhelming sense of relief and the feeling that you have accomplished something great! I instantly forgot about all the pain and suffering and was filled with pride in what I had done and something to check off the bucket list.

          In closing I will say this, after this event I honestly thought I might not do another one. A week or so passed by and my mind had changed. I was ready to start spreading the love with my friends and convince them that it was a good idea to wonder around a city over night carrying a heavy ruck and doing pt. So far I have talked at least 6 people off the top of my head to do an event. I have only done two events since then but have put in loads of training miles and met some great people. If you haven't signed up yet and are thinking about it, stop thinking and just do it! You will get way more out of an event like this than you could ever imagine!