The Rucker’s Edge: Rucking Tips, Training, and Gear

In this episode of The Rucker’s Edge , Dr. Ryan Peebles, Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of Core Balance Training, unpacks what’s really happening to your spine when you ruck under load. Dr. Peebles explains why rucking back pain is rarely about having a “weak core” and is more often tied to poor core endurance, breathing mechanics, and loss of spinal stability as fatigue sets in. Rather th...

Chris Hayes returns to The Rucker’s Edge for a breakdown of the new RuckWell app update, released on Friday, December 12th. In this episode, we go beyond surface-level features and focus on how ruckers should actually use the new tools and metrics to train smarter, recover better, and protect their long-term health. We walk through the update from the rucker’s perspective—covering the redesigned t...

In this episode, we break down the most powerful teachings of Coach John Wooden and apply them directly to rucking. We unpack why Wooden’s “don’t whine, don’t complain, don’t make excuses” rule is foundational for growth, how his definition of success removes comparison from your training, and why the journey — the actual day-to-day work — must become the destination. We explore how attention to t...

If you’ve ever wondered how to build real, functional strength for rucking — the kind that makes hills feel easier, improves posture under load, and keeps you injury-free — this episode is for you. Coach Matty Hollingdale, strength and conditioning coach and co-owner of HG Fit (an independent functional fitness gym located in Bedfordshire in the UK), joins us to break down what rucking strength tr...

In Part 2 of our conversation with registered dietitian Kyle Kamp from Valley to Peak Nutrition, we discuss hydration, supplements, protein timing, and recovery strategies tailored specifically for ruckers. In this episode we cover: Why consistent hydration matters more than exact formulas Whether post-ruck protein shakes are necessary The difference between animal vs. plant protein Creatine: who...

Today’s episode is Part 1 of my conversation with registered dietitian Kyle Kamp from Valley to Peak Nutrition, and we’re breaking down the fundamentals of rucking nutrition. Whether you’re prepping for your first 5-mile ruck or training for a 12-hour endurance event, fueling matters — and Kyle makes it simple. In this episode we cover: Why overall nutrition matters more than your pre-ruck meal Wh...

In this episode of T he Rucker’s Edge, Clint Carr from CarrvingTrails.com joins the show to share his journey of personal growth, endurance, and transformation through rucking. Clint opens up about how he went from grinding 60-hour work weeks to finding purpose through Green Beret Fitness (GBF) events - technical endurance challenges that blend navigation, mountain rucking, and resilience. From hi...

In this episode of The Rucker’s Edge, Mark Jones shares his mission-driven journey toward a world record ruck for the Oscar Mike Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering injured veterans through sports and community. Mark’s story begins with his first half marathon in 2006 and builds through a decade of testing his limits — from GORUCK Selection Finisher to multiple Death Race completio...

In this Fall 2025 Rucking News Roundup, you’ll hear five powerful headlines that connect gear, grit, and community. From a man rucking 1,000 miles across Texas to the latest GORUCK gear drops, this episode covers everything making waves in the rucking community right now. Here’s what’s inside: Terrence Ogden’s 1,000-Mile Texas Ruck: The founder of Official Project Grit takes on a cross-state journ...

In this episode of The Rucker’s Edge, I sit down with the founder of West Orange Ruckers, Chad Haggerty, to talk about how a rucking routine developed during COVID turned into a thriving ruck club community. We dive into what it takes to start a local ruck club, how to grow a team that keeps showing up, and why the rucking mindset goes far beyond fitness. From community outreach to reflective ruck...

In this episode of The Rucker’s Edge Podcast, I sit down with Giovanni Svette, a CrossFit athlete who has made the leap to competitive rucking — and is now heading to the Ruck Race League Finals. We talk about how his rucking training evolved from moderate miles to structured event prep, and how he dug deep and used familiar terrain and a determined mindset to win the “Stairway to Heaven” event —...

This week's episode is a special roundup episode featuring five experienced ruckers sharing their top rucking tips. You’ll hear insights from: Bill Anthes – Special Forces veteran and co-creator of the Ruck Race League on why you should treat rucking like a sport. Kayla Cittadino – DEKA World Champ and performance coach on keeping it simple and just getting started. Matty Hollingdale – UK-based fi...

Today we’re joined by Mike Smith, who has been training for some ambitious goals. Mike shares why rucking for weight loss has been a game-changer in his fitness journey and how it’s helping him pursue a significant fitness achievement. Through consistent rucking and smart health decisions, Mike is on track to lose 100 pounds while also preparing to take on an ultra marathon with 100 pounds on his...

I’m mixing things up in this episode. I’m happy to announce that I’m now recording episodes where I sit down and have conversations with other members of the rucking community. I’ve got several lined up for you. Today’s episode features Chris Hayes. Chris is the founder and developer of RuckWell. An app that thousands of Ruckers are using to track their rucks and improve their wellness. We had a g...

What if your workouts could strengthen not only your body but also your bond with your kids? In this episode of The Rucker’s Edge , we explore the powerful impact of exercising with your kids; from building their confidence and resilience to creating lifelong family traditions around movement. I share personal stories of nightly family walks, lessons from parenting in real time, and how kids natur...

In this episode of The Rucker's Edge, we dive deep into rucking injury prevention and rucking safety tips to keep you training consistently without setbacks. Whether you're a beginner rucker or training for GORUCK events, implementing some of the tips provided in this episode will help prevent common rucking injuries (pulled muscles, sprains and strains, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, achilles t...

In this episode of The Rucker’s Edge, we dive into why setting clear, achievable rucking goals is the key to building consistency, staying motivated, and improving your performance over time. Whether you’re just starting your first ruck or preparing for a GORUCK event, the right goal framework can keep you moving forward without burning out. You’ll learn: Why having rucking goals gives you focus,...

In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most overlooked tools for becoming a stronger, more consistent rucker: tracking your rucks. Here’s the deal: what gets measured gets managed. Without tracking, it’s nearly impossible to know if you’re improving, where you’re falling short, or when you’re pushing too hard. But once you start logging your rucks, you unlock a powerful feedback loop that...

If you’re just getting into rucking, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: “How much weight should I ruck with?” In this episode of The Rucker’s Edge, we answer that question and discuss when and how to scale-up. You’ll learn: How to determine your starting weight Why 10% of your body weight (or 20 lbs) is a solid starting point for most — and when to adjust lower or higher The safest way t...

In this episode, we’re diving into rucking recovery strategies and how to recover after a ruck. I discuss what your body goes through, what to expect, and exactly what to do before and after a ruck to bounce back faster, reduce soreness, and keep your rucking momentum strong. Links: Studies and Resources: Houston Methodist: Muscle Soreness Explained American College of Sports Medicine (2007) - Hyr...

In today’s episode, I walk you through your first ruck—from what to pack in your rucksack to how to warm up, maintain good posture while rucking, and begin your recovery process. This episode is structured to help you avoid injury and get the most out of your rucking journey. Links : **Some links are affiliate links that support the show.** Gear: GORUCK Mackalls Rucking Shoes GORUCK Merino Challen...

In this episode, I walk you through how to prepare for your first rucking experience. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just want to start rucking the right, I’ll share some rucking tips that will get you ready to hit the trail. You’ll learn: A simple beginner strength routine to help prevent injury A hydration strategy (especially in hot weather) How to choose your route and track your prog...

In this episode, I explain how to start rucking today with gear you already have at home. You’ll learn what you actually need, how to build your first ruck using household items, and the two biggest mistakes I made when I started rucking so you can avoid them. If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” or “perfect gear” to get started, this episode will show you that you don’t need either. The...

In this first episode of The Rucker’s Edge, We breakdown the top benefits of rucking. I’ll share the five biggest reasons why you should start rucking, how it will help you rebuild strength, improve mental clarity, and reconnect with the outdoors. If you’re ready for a realistic, lower impact way to get strong, feel better, and finally move with confidence again—this is where it starts. Tune in to...

Rucking changed my life. And I’m hopeful this rucking podcast will change yours too. The Rucker’s Edge is a podcast about building strength and energy through rucking (walking with weight). On this show, we’ll explore why rucking is the ideal lower-impact workout for busy people who want to lose weight, ease joint pain, and feel like themselves again without burning out or breaking down. Whether y...