Welcome back, Ruckers!
Today’s episode is a story about persistence, pain, laughter, and what happens when you stop waiting for perfect conditions and start moving anyway.

Since 2023, I’ve been piecing together a 32-mile challenge across three of Rochester’s historic trail systems:

• Genesee Valley Greenway
• Lehigh Valley Trail
• Auburn Trail

This personal project, now known as the ROC Rail-to-Trail Trifecta, took me through 8 towns, 3 counties, and one massive transformation.

🟢 It started on horseback...
🟡 Shifted to rucking...
🔵 Ended with strength, resilience, and a pack full of stories.

This isn’t just a recap—it’s a blueprint for what happens when you show up, even when it’s messy. From urban chaos and grief-fueled solo hikes to the joy of finishing with a stranger-turned-teammate, this one’s got heart.

Whether you’re dreaming up your next adventure or still trying to find your “why,” you’ll want to hear this.

🔑 What You'll Hear:

• How the idea of the ROC Trifecta was born
• Why horseback riding pushed me to start rucking
• What grief, failure, and a surprise protein shake can teach you on the trail
• Why I doubled back just to hit a perfect GPS number
• The unexpected community you find when you keep showing up
• The new challenge I’m chasing next (and how to join me)

💬 Your Turn:

What’s your next challenge?
Use the hashtag #JustRuckItChallenge and tag @justruckingit on Instagram to share your goals, routes, and ruck-selfies.

You can also leave your story or “why” as a voice message on the Just Ruck It Substack for a chance to be featured in a future episode.

🔗 Links & Resources:

🎯 Take on the ROC Rail-to-Trail Trifecta Challenge:
ruckingrochester.com/product/roc-rail-to-trail-trifecta

Send us a text

Life is Rucking Wonderful!