Weighted Hike in Knoxville — Build Strength, Stamina & Resilience (Week 1)

# Weighted Hike — Foundations (Week 1)

Fierce Planet Adventures | Greater Knoxville Area
Saturday, February 14, 2026
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM (approx. 2.5 hours)
Distance: ~3–4 miles
Terrain: Mixed trail / park terrain (location shared after RSVP)

Greater Knoxville area.
Specific trail and meeting location will be shared with registered participants prior to the event.

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## ABOUT THIS EVENT

This is the first event in an 8-week progression of standalone weighted hikes designed to build endurance, resilience, and confidence under light load.

We use weighted hiking (sometimes called rucking) as a practical tool for developing physical stamina, mental presence, and steady pacing—without racing, pressure, or chaos.

Each hike stands on its own. You are welcome to attend one, several, or all of them.

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## WHO THIS IS FOR

This hike is appropriate for beginner to intermediate participants, including:

• People new to weighted hiking
• Hikers who want more structure and progression
• Those looking to build endurance and resilience at a sustainable pace
• Individuals who value competence, self-responsibility, and calm challenge

You should be comfortable walking several miles on uneven terrain and carrying a light pack.

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## WHO THIS IS NOT FOR

This event is not intended for:

• Trail runners or speed-focused athletes
• People training to run with load
• Anyone seeking a boot camp, race, or selection-style workout
• Participants unwilling to move at a group pace or follow safety guidance

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## PACK WEIGHT GUIDANCE

Participants are encouraged to carry a lightly weighted pack using non-consumable weight (separate from water, food, and essential gear).
For this first hike, a suggested starting load is approximately 5 lb of non-consumable weight, in addition to water and basic gear.
Examples include:

• A stuff sack filled with sand or gravel
• A 5-lb weight plate or dumbbell
• A purpose-built ruck plate

Load increases in future hikes are optional, gradual, and guided. Quality movement and durability matter more than weight.

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## EVENT FLOW

• Brief welcome and expectations
• Optional warm-up and pack check
• Steady group hike with breaks as needed
• Occasional coaching cues on pacing, breathing, and movement
• Short closing reflection (2–5 minutes)

This is not a guided expedition. Participants are responsible for their own decisions, pacing, and safety.

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## GEAR (BASIC REQUIREMENTS)

• Backpack
• Water (1–1.5 liters recommended)
• Trail snacks
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Personal first-aid and foot-care items

You are not expected to bring advanced gear for this first hike.

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## COST / DONATIONS

There is no required fee to attend.
Optional donations help support Meetup platform costs and event logistics. Donations are not required and never expected.

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## SAFETY & PARTICIPATION TERMS

Participation requires honest self-assessment and personal responsibility.
By attending, you agree to the Fierce Planet Adventures Safety & Terms of Participation, which apply to all events unless otherwise noted.