Video Credit: Brendan Custer // @brendancuster
By Todd Torrance
Growing up in Syracuse, NY didn’t lend itself to putting many opportunities in my way, especially with how well public school and I got along; so at 17 years old, with my parents blessing(and the requirement that they effectively sign me over to the federal government) and G.E.D. in hand I began the enlistment process in July of 2001. Shortly thereafter, as the Towers fell and my Army career began, my introduction to rucking also began. As an Infantryman, rucking is an intrinsic part of our training. It isn’t a choice but a necessity. Amusingly enough, being a measly 5’6” and weighing in at a whopping 125lbs, rucking was not my strong suit.
Throughout deployments to the Middle East, primarily in Afghanistan, rucking was an all too regular occurrence. While much of my time in Iraq was spent conducting mounted patrols from Humvees, I couldn't even begin to count the miles covered on foot in Afghanistan. Following a combat injury caused by a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device in the suburbs of Baghdad in 2006, I had to take a break from rucking. Truth be told, I didn’t have the easiest transition back to civilian life, a common thread at the time with Vets who had any real amount of time in combat, and I didn’t really have much of a desire or drive to continue any kind of voluntary physical exercise, let alone rucking. Taking into account my five years of active duty and following my recovery, and picking it back up for the last two years, I've been rucking for about seven years in total.
It took about 15 years, an amazing wife, three adorable children, some unfortunate genetics and my VA doctor to get my rear end in gear again. With moderately high cholesterol that wasn’t responding to diet changes and my overwhelming desire to avoid pharmacological solutions, rucking was an excellent, effective, and “fun” alternative. Along with affording adequate control of my cholesterol, and as one would expect, vastly improved cardio, rucking gives me a break from my otherwise hectic days running a small production company and drone business. I find myself decompressing or working through issues while under the ruck. This has indeed been a help to my overall mental health, and much to the chagrin of psychologists everywhere, cheaper than therapy. Rucking has brought my cholesterol down to a number that my Doc and I are both happy with, and I’m very pleased with the secondary benefits of logging the miles under weight. Not to mention the many positive changes in my legs, back, shoulders, and core strength and endurance.
Looking through the profound sources of motivation that drive me, especially during long or difficult rucks, many life lessons ring true. The Army instilled in me a never-quit attitude and a deep sense of responsibility to bring honor to my unit in all I do. When I ruck, I carry the company guidon of the unit I deployed with to Afghanistan. This flag is more than just a symbol; it's a reminder of the bond and sacrifices we shared. Each step I take while rucking is in representation of that unit, and I strive to do so with honor. I've lost a few brothers from that unit, such as Tomas Avey and Chris Marcinelli, two of my platoon mates. My time rucking becomes a moment of remembrance for them. During the toughest parts of the ruck, I envision my fellow soldiers alongside me, offering their "encouragement" to keep pushing forward and complete the mission. Their spirits remind me that I'm never alone, and their memory fuels my determination.
When I'm out there, planting one foot in front of the other, my mind often drifts to my family. Staying healthy and fit is not just about my well-being; it's about setting an example for my kids, showing them that perseverance and resilience are crucial, especially when facing tough challenges. Reflecting on my time in the service, the men I served with, my brothers, and the leaders who inspired me; even those who had their shortcomings left a mark on me. These reflections help me process my experiences, understanding the complexities of deployment and the scenarios that need to be resolved in my mind. Rucking provides me with the mental space to work through these issues. After all, with the rhythm of "left foot, right foot" for 4 to 13.1 miles, there's ample time for introspection and healing.
I lead the GORUCK Club in here in Syracuse, NY and being in that position has afforded me countless fulfilling experiences. All but one of our members are civilians; they have no military, law enforcement, or first responder experience. Most are in decent shape, but very few, if any, had rucked. It's rewarding to watch them grow from the struggle in early, relative light and short rucks to complete much more difficult ones finally. For example, we did an 11.11-mile, 35-pound minimum Memorial Day Ruck in 2023; that course had significant elevation gain and was very challenging. They all killed it with no quitters or DNFs.
“That's the hardest [physical] thing I've ever had to do in my entire life,” said one rucker, following his finish. “I never thought I could do that. Thank you.” I appreciate the thanks, but I only organized the time and place. Watching these men work to accomplish the mission is truly inspiring.
When I first returned to rucking, I was using a bag that was marketed for long distances with weight, and without fail would cause significant pain, and reduced circulation in my shoulders and arms. After several hours of research, and reading countless reviews, I decided to give GORUCK a try. I feel like GORUCK makes the best rucking gear there is. I have bags from all the major competitors, and nothing compares to a GORUCK bag for rucking. I own both versions of the Rucker 4.0, and you'll never find anything else on my back while I'm rucking; the comfort, durability, and feature set is unmatched. I also fell in love with the Jedburgh Rucking Boots, which are unfortunately discontinued but I have since switched to the MACV-1 Hi-Speeds, which are just as fantastic. I track my rucks with a Coros Apex 2 Pro and HR monitor and subscribe to Strava for the data breakdowns.
If someone out there is looking to start rucking, my suggestion to beginners is that they should start with a light weight (~10% of body weight) and continue increasing the weight until they find that slightly uncomfortable load that lets you know you’re working. I jumped right back into rucking at the "Infantry Standard'' weight of 35 pounds, but that wasn't the best idea, and it probably set me back more than I'd care to admit.
Rucking has been and always will be a significant part of my life, both during and after my military service. It's more than just a physical activity; it's a tribute to my health and a way to honor those I served with. Rucking offers numerous benefits—physical, mental, and communal. The sense of accomplishment you feel after a ruck is unparalleled. Whether you’re a seasoned rucker or a newcomer, there's always something new to learn or achieve. So, lace up your boots, grab your ruck, and hit the road. It's not just a workout; it's a journey.
About the Author: Todd Torrance is the owner and operator of Zero Point Aerial and Zero Point Audio, a company specializing in drone and audio services for film, television, and commercial productions. Todd's diverse career path began with active duty service in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2006, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. After his military service, he explored various roles, including security guard, radio DJ, private investigator, live sound engineer, and broadcast audio technician, before founding his own business in 2014.
Outside of work, Todd is passionate about rucking, photography, Lego, Dungeons & Dragons, hunting, archery, and precision shooting. He also serves as the Department Photographer and Thermal Drone Operator at the Onondaga Hill Volunteer Fire Department. His military service earned him the Combat Infantry Badge and a Purple Heart, amongst others. Todd's written work includes "One Day in Baghdad," published in the New York Times Magazine in May 2007.
