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3 Mile Beginner RuckSack Walk followed by Bonfire and Smores!

Photo of Nikki Nicklin
Hosted By
Nikki N. and Pete
3 Mile Beginner RuckSack Walk followed by Bonfire and Smores!

Details

🔥 July 23rd - Beginner Ruck Update – Friday, July 25th 🔥
The countdown is on! Our Beginner Ruck is this Friday, and we are fired up (pun intended 😄) to welcome you to an evening full of movement, learning, camaraderie, and fun!
⛺️ Our Basecamp: Upper Pavilion Reserved!
Thanks to the Naperville Park District, we’ve secured the Upper Pavilion from 5PM to 9PM as our home base before and after the ruck. This will be the spot to gather, regroup, rehydrate, and enjoy our post-ruck activities.
📍 How to Find Us:
Park in the designated lot and walk over the bridge that connects to the trails. Turn LEFT immediately after the bridge and follow the trail — we’ll be there to guide you the rest of the way!
🥾 The Ruck Hike:
Expect to be on the trail for 1 to 1.5 hours, soaking in nature, getting the heart pumping, and moving together as a team. After the hike, we’ll return to the pavilion for more connection and good times.
🌦 Weather Outlook:
Ignore the scary forecast — while there’s an overall 80% chance of rain, the evening shows only a 10% chance, which is practically nothing. Just in case, bring a light rain jacket. We Ruck Rain or Shine!
🌡 Important Reminder:
It will be hot and humid, so be smart and bring plenty of water and electrolytes to stay fueled and safe out there!
🔥 No Fire Pit? No Problem!
Due to Naperville Fire Department’s burn permit rules, we won’t be lighting a fire — but we’re bringing the 🔥 in spirit. After the ruck:

  • I’ll be hosting a Trauma First Aid bonus session, sharing key lifesaving knowledge from multiple certifications.
  • Then we’ll dive into some fun and engaging team activities to close out the night!

***

I’m thrilled to hit the trail with all of you — whether this is your first ruck or your fiftieth, this Friday is about showing up, stepping off, and growing stronger together.
Let’s make it one to remember.
**************************
📣 UPDATE – 7/14/25 | Beginners Ruck 🎒
We’re getting closer to our very first Ruck Hike on July 25th, and we can’t wait to hit the trail with this incredible crew!

🌟 CALLING VOLUNTEERS!
We have a large crew signed up and are looking for up to 5 awesome volunteers to support the mission being just another set of eyes for safety. We will start the ruck with some some rucking and safety basics, and step off to this beautiful trail!!
The volunteers would simply be helpful to be our extended eyes and ears on safety! I will explain more when we all get there!!
Counting down!! Looking forward to it!!!
Talk soon!

🚨 UPDATE – 6/26/25 🚨
Ready for your first RUCK MARCH? Let’s go!!
Rucking = walking with weight on your back. Simple, effective, and rooted in military training—it’s a full-body burn that builds strength, endurance, and grit 💪
Now add a beautiful nature trail + awesome people = unbeatable experience. 🏞️🔥
Quick Prep Tips:
✅ Eat a solid meal 45–60 min before
✅ Bring on-the-go energy snacks
✅ Stay hydrated—pack electrolytes!
✅ Recovery fuel post-ruck (banana, choc milk, etc.)
✅ Merino wool socks + solid trail shoes
✅ First-aid essentials + any meds
✅ Got a medical condition? Let us know privately
Trail Map 📍
Follow along with the free AllTrails app:
🔗 Knoch Knoll Park Trail
👟 Let’s ruck together, build community, and crush some miles.
📸 Oh—and smile… you will end up in a photo! 😄
#RuckMarch #RuckingCommunity #FitnessAdventure #GetOutside #BulletproofEvents #StrongerTogether

**Original Announcement**
Let's meet at Knoch Knolls and Hike 2.9 miles. We will end the hike at the upper pavilion, start a fire, and sit and have some great conversations. I will bring things to make some s'mores!

What to bring? A RuckSack or sturdy backpack. Ruck plate(or equivalent) in your RuckSack = to your weight requirement
If you weigh under 150lbs = 10lbs Plate or weight
over 150lbs = 20lbs Plate or weight
Hydration at least 1L minimum
Gloves
Food Snacks as desired! Pete will have more details for us as well!

Photo of Naperville Healthy Activities Meetup Group group
Naperville Healthy Activities Meetup Group
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Knoch Knolls Nature Center
320 Knoch Knolls Road · Naperville, IL
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