Hoover’s 2018 Backblast

Hoover’s 2018 Backblast

A journey of 1,000 miles begins with 1 step.

I started the year like anyone else, with a vague notion of doing better than the year before. But better at what? I wanted to lose inches off my waist, stop always being the 6, get into the rucking thing. I’m not really sure I remember what I wanted, but I think it was forward momentum. Just not standing still.

And so, 2018 began. I remember training for the Joe Davis 10K run and treating it like it was a big deal. I had run 10 kilometers before, but something about this race was different. Maybe it was a huge F3 presence, or a chance to prove to the F3 pax/myself that I could run that distance at a respectable pace. A sense of accomplishment.

I did it, and then that race was over.

I had a great showing (IMHO), but there I was in the middle of January. The rest of the year ahead of me and it was time to decide on the next goal.
The next goal was a half-marathon, then it was SMR, Pathfinder ruck training, BRR, Go Ruck Events. After each of these, I found myself craving another goal just beyond the horizon. Working for that next CSAUP. After the half-marathon, I was sitting in a diner, ordering healthy food, and thinking about the next thing on my list. My family was happy, and proud, and kept congratulating me, but they were looking at that moment as the accomplished goal. I had already moved on to the next goal.

Maybe it’s because the destination isn’t the goal. The goal is the journey. The destination is just a chance for you to stop, look back and say, “Wow, that was an amazing accomplishment (or not).” Then keep moving forward.So, for 2019 I have more goals. This time the big one is to complete 100 miles a month, rucking or running, participating in a scheduled event or just at a workout. Pathfinder training for class 018 is almost done (a month ahead of schedule) and I’ll start class 019 in February. I’ve already scheduled 2 Go Ruck events and will be signing up again for the Joe Davis 10K.

I have so many people to thank for this, and I wouldn’t be able to remember them all in one sitting. So, here’s a thanks to everyone. Anyone who’s congratulated me, encouraged me, provided an uplifting comment, and even if you’ve thrown some shade my way, thanks. Although this is my journey, it’s not one I make alone.

2018 Achievements

Total Mileage: 1,008.6 miles of rucking or running or (sometimes) both

– First timed 10K (Joe Davis Run for Recovery)

– First ½ marathon (BB&T Corp Cup) – completed with a 30# ruck in under 2:30:00

– Ran #4 spot in the Smoky Mountain Relay, 9-man team, F3 Up ’n Over

– Ran #1 spot in the Blue Ridge Relay, 9-man team, F3 Up ‘n Over

– Crane Relay, Team Clean-Up

– Enrolled in 4 Pathfinder ruck training classes (2 Forward and 2 Endure classes)

– My neighbors (and my family) think I was crazy for walking around the neighborhood at all hours of the day (and night) with a backpack on and doing various exercises in the cul-de-sacs

– Go Ruck Light: Operation Red Wings

– Go Ruck Light: Carolina Ruck Club Battle (1st place team)

– Go Ruck Tough: Thanksgiving

– Go Ruck Light: Santa Ruck 2018

– Completed the Travis Manion 5K under ruck in 3rd place

– Completed the Let Them Soar 5K under ruck w/a track commander

– Q’d 15 F3 workouts across 2 regions

– Countless pre-runs, post-runs, pre-rucks, and post-rucks

If you’re looking for me in 2019, I’ll be that guy in the gloom always looking towards the horizon.