12-Week Ruck & Resilience Training Series (Beginner–Early Intermediate)

## Starts Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 AM | Weekly on Saturdays for 12 weeks

IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ BEFORE REGISTERING
This is a 12-week ruck training series, not a drop-in hike or single event. When you register, you are signing up for the entire series, not individual rucks. While attendance at every session is not mandatory, participants are expected to commit to most of the program and to the progression of training. Group size is intentionally limited, and registration reserves a spot for the full series; therefore, the program fee is non-refundable, even if you miss sessions or choose not to complete the final ruck.

ABOUT THIS SERIES
This guided ruck series is designed for beginner to early-intermediate participants who want to build physical stamina, mental resilience, calm under effort, and overall fitness through rucking (walking with a loaded backpack). We start easy and progress gradually in distance, terrain, and load, with integrated coaching on breathing, pacing, mindset, and trail readiness. This is not a race, not a boot camp, and not a selection event.

WHO THIS IS FOR / NOT FOR
This series is for people new to rucking, hikers who want structure and progression, and those seeking challenge without chaos. It is not for advanced ruckers training to run with load or anyone unwilling to move at a group pace or follow safety guidance.

MINIMUM PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
Participants must be able to walk at a minimum pace of approximately 2 miles per hour, and a minimum of 2.5 miles (first ruck), carry at least a 12-lb pack (water and gear), and remain on their feet for up to 90–120 minutes on mixed terrain.

LOAD PROGRESSION
Week 1 is backpack, water, and basic gear only. Week 2 introduces non-consumable weight (under 150 lb bodyweight: 5–10 lb; 150 lb and over: 10–20 lb). By Week 3, the standard load is under 150 lb: 10 lb, and 150 lb and over: 20 lb. Load options and safe carry methods will be discussed.

GEAR & SAFETY (PHASED IN)
From Week 1, participants must carry a backpack, water (1–1.5 liters to start), trail snacks, sun protection, a personal first aid kit, an emergency whistle, and a separate foot-care kit (moleskin, tape, pads, extra socks). By Week 2, a Mylar emergency blanket or bivy is required. Additional gear such as a headlamp, fire starter, basic navigation tools, increased water capacity (up to 3 liters), and extra food will be phased in as distances increase. You are not expected to show up with everything on Day One.

GROUP STRUCTURE
Group size is capped at 10 participants plus leader (may expand to 12 if demand allows). A partner (“battle buddy”) system will be introduced to support accountability and safety, so participants should register with the intention of showing up consistently and respecting the group.

CAPSTONE & OPTIONAL EVENTS
The series culminates with an optional but strongly encouraged 8–10 mile ruck in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Saturday, April 18. Some participants may independently choose to attend GORUCK events later in April in Georgia or Knoxville; these are not Fierce Planet Adventures events and are handled individually.

COST & DISCLAIMERS
The one-time program fee of $35 covers participation in the full 12-week series and supports Meetup platform and group operating costs. Participants are responsible for their own gear, transportation, fees, safety, and personal well-being. By registering and participating, you acknowledge that outdoor activities and rucking involve inherent risks, including but not limited to uneven terrain, weather conditions, physical exertion, and carrying load. Each participant is responsible for assessing their own fitness, abilities, and readiness, making prudent decisions during the activity, and modifying or stopping participation as needed. Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. This group is not affiliated with or endorsed by any park service or GORUCK.

SERIES SCHEDULE
This 12-week series meets on Saturdays from January 17 through April 18, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM. Regular weekly rucks are scheduled for Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31; Feb 7, Feb 14, Feb 21, Feb 28; Mar 7, Mar 14, Mar 21, Mar 28; and Apr 4. There will be no group ruck on Saturday, April 11 due to prior commitments. The series culminates with an optional but strongly encouraged capstone ruck on Saturday, April 18.

WEATHER POLICY
Rucks will be held in a wide range of weather conditions; however, safety is the top priority. Events may be cancelled, postponed, shortened, or modified at the organizer’s discretion due to unsafe conditions, including but not limited to severe thunderstorms, ice storms, hazardous snow or trail conditions, torrential rain, or extreme cold. As a general guideline, events will not be held if temperatures fall below approximately 10°F, or if wind chill or other factors create unsafe exposure risk for the group. Weather-related decisions will be communicated as early as possible via Meetup. No refunds will be issued for weather-related cancellations.