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Neb. (KOLN) — A group that started with a few friends a couple of years ago has grown to around two dozen regular participants who meet three times a week at Holmes Lake for a five-mile ruck
Nick Brown helped found the Holmes Lake Ruck Club. When he began posting about it on Facebook earlier this year, the group started to explode
“The rest of the world’s sleeping and we’re out here killing it,” said Stacy Hilton. “So it’s a lot of fun.”
Rucking is walking with a weighted vest or backpack
Brown said participants are not required to carry weight, and there is no fitness prerequisite to join
“If you’re kind of intimidated, you’re not sure what the news is about, reach out,” Brown said. “I’d love to talk to you about your options and just getting out and getting active and come and walk with us.”
Each year, some members of the group participate in a 50-Mile March between Lincoln and Omaha. The event covers 50 miles in 22 hours and raises support for veterans’ mental health
“There’s a lot of people out there that are struggling with mental health concerns, homelessness, suicide, those type of things, and not just veterans, but other people as well,” Brown said. “Part of this group is to kind of help, you know, build community and create an environment where people can come out, get to know each other, build new friendships and kind of get active in the morning.”
Brown described the club as a come-as-you-are event with no pressure
“I can remember my first day,” Hilton said. “I wasn’t all that interested in talking, but as I got to know some people, it’s really nice to forming some new relationships and friendships.”
The group meets year-round on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings at 5 a.m. and is always open to new members
“I just feel like it’s a great way to get out there and improve your physical fitness with low impact,” said Anne Metcalf. “Also just interacting with all these fun people and getting fresh air.”
More information is available on the Holmes Lake Ruck Club Facebook page
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