February Rucking Challenge
Doris Miller Ruck
The Challenge:
Ruck 1 mile fast.
Ruck 1 mile heavy.
Perform 100 overhead presses.
Ruck 2 miles heavy.
Let's do this
February Challenge
Doris Miller was a US Navy cook in World War II. He was the first black American to be awarded the Navy Cross, the highest decoration for valor in combat after the Medal of Honor.
This month’s rucking challenge will honor the exploits of Doris Miller, which you should totally read about here.
Miller was on board the battleship West Virginia when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941. The first mile of the challenge is to be rucked as fast as possible to remember the speed at which chaos descended on pearl harbor.
Miller’s battle station was destroyed by a torpedo, so he reported to “time square” where he was assigned to assist in moving the ship’s Captain, who had been gravely injured. Add extra weight (preferably a sandbag if you have one, but extra weight in the ruck is ok too) and ruck one mile to remember the weight Miller carried to help serve his wounded captain.
After assisting the captain, Miller was instructed to assist in loading the .50 Cal anti-aircraft machine guns. Instead of loading the gun, Miller grabbed them and began firing at incoming enemy aircrafts. He manned the gun until it was out of ammunition. Take your ruck off and perform 100 overhead presses (adjustment options below) to remember the taxing effort put forward in manning the .50 Cal guns.
Once out of ammunition, Miller then gave his strength and energy to carry wounded sailors to the quarterdeck, undoubtedly saving many men’s lives. Put your ruck back on and ruck 2 more miles under the extra weight to remember the numerous trips Miller took to carry his injured shipmates to safety.
Bonus: Go home and cook some food, remembering that Miller was “just” a cook.
First Mile:
Weight is rucker’s choice. Pace is as fast as possible.
Extra Weight for 2nd Mile:
It is recommended that you use a sandbag for the extra weight as this is most like buddy-carrying an injured person.
If you don’t have a sandbag available, simply add more weight into your ruck.
Ruck Clubs: We recommend rotating one or more persons for casualty carries.
100 Overhead Press:
The goal here is to smoke your arms.
Lessen the reps as is appropriate for your fitness level.
Push-ups are an acceptable substitution if you want.
Extra Weight for Final 2 Miles:
For the final two miles, see the “Extra Weight” notes above.
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FAQ
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