May Rucking Challenge
Fight in the Shade
The Challenge:
Ruck 3 miles on the day you least want to.
Let's do this
May Challenge
The phrase “fight in the shade” comes from the Battle of Thermopylae, where Leonidas I, king of Sparta, and his small force faced an overwhelming Persian army. When told the enemy’s arrows would block out the sun, he replied: “Then we will fight in the shade.” It’s a mindset—choosing to move forward even when the odds, conditions, or motivation aren’t in your favor.
The challenge is simple:
Pick the day you least feel like rucking—the day you’re tired, busy, or just not motivated.
Then, load up your ruck and complete 3 miles.
That’s it. No perfect timing. No ideal conditions. Just a decision to show up and push through resistance. Because everyone faces challenges. The difference is whether you avoid them or step into them.
Ruck up. Face it. Fight in the shade.
What day should I ruck:
You can pick a day in advance, if you know there’s a bad day to get it in. The other option is to let the day reveal itself. You’ll know it when it arrives.
Ruck Clubs:
Pick a time and/or place that is difficult, that you might not even want to do. Invite the crew to fight in the shade together.
(Bulk pricing is available. Email ryan@ruckingchallenges.com for info)
May Patch
Choose your own adventure
$12 - Single Entry
$10 - Subscription
Subscription
$10/mo
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Single Entry
$12
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- Free April Challenge Patch
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*By registering you agree to receive email updates regarding this and other monthly Ruck Challenges. We won’t sell your email address or spam you. That would be lame. You can unsubscribe from this list at any time. $10 Rucking Challenge Subscriptions will be renewed monthly based on the date you sign up. You may cancel your subscription at any time (see FAQ for details).
Got Questions?
FAQ
What is Rucking?
Rucking is simply walking with a weighted backpack. If you'd like to learn more, here is an entire site devoted to the sport of rucking.
1. Why should I do this challenge?
Because doing hard things and earning patches is awesome.
2. What happens if I don't complete the challenge?
Well... nothing. You still get the patch. But, come on. It is gonna be awesome.
3. Why is the subscription price lower than the single entry price?
Because, we want you to sign up for the subscription.
4. I'm not sure I want to subscribe. What if next month's challenge is too hard or the patch isn't as cool?
We are designing challenges that can accommodate all level of ruckers. You can see our past events to get an idea of what we offer.
5. What if my Ruck Club wants to do this challenge?
Cool! If you want to make a bulk order, email us (see Q8).
6. Who is running this thing?
Rucking Challenges is part of The Rucking Collective, LLC. But, if you're asking about the human behind it, my name is Ryan. My email is in question 8 if you wanna ask me anything.
7. How do I cancel or update a subscription?
Email me at the address in question 8 and we will cancel your subscription ASAP.
8. I have more questions, need to update my shipping/billing address, want ice cream, or need to end my subscription. What should I do?
Email ryan@ruckingchallenges.com.
9. What do I do now?
Click the button below and sign up.
10. When do I get my patch?
It should be in your mailbox in near the start of the month or within 6 business days after you order (if you order in the month of the challenge). Time will be longer for international customers.
11. What about International folks?
We ship patches internationally at no additional cost. It just takes a while for them to get there.