Ruck BEAST Squad features interviews with members of the community to highlight their lives, training, gear, and insight. Hopefully as you read through this you’ll be able to take away advice that will help you train better and perform better that upcoming events. In this issue of Ruck BEAST Squad we get to hear from Thomas Bobay!
Q: Tell us a little about yourself to get us started.
A: Tom Bobay, 39, Fort Wayne IN, Structural designer, all-around physical challenge junkie
Q: Where did your GORUCK journey start? What was your first event? What stands out from that event?
A: Class 388 in Columbus OH, January 2013. What stands out in my memory is that I wasn’t as strong as I thought I was, and my team was awesome.
Q: What was your most recent event or events. What would you like to tell us about it / them?
A: Norwegian Foot March at a National Guard base in Minnesota, little over a year ago. I found out about it with no real time to train, and I knew it was at the very edge of my abilities. Went after it, finished, didn’t quite make the time hack.
Q: Favorite Ruck?
A: Below 50 pounds, Rucker that I have added a hip belt to. Over 50 pounds, Warhammer.
Q: Proudest accomplishment as a GRT?
A: Getting new ruckers through the event and helping them be more capable.
Q: How many events have you done? What’s your favorite event or type of event? Why?
A: 12 Toughs and 6 Lights. Did Bataan once, the Suck 3 times, and a few other events. Favorite events are the special GORUCK events (Mogidishu Mile, Memorial Day, etc.) You get a little extra good livin’ and often get a perspective from the Cadre that I learn a lot from.
Q: Why do you continue to do events? What keeps you coming back?
A: You get to see what people are capable of at their best. All the BS that people bicker about goes away and everybody starts helping everybody.
Q: How do you train for events?
A: I mix the Pathfinder program with workout plans geared for a particular ability or event (mostly from Mountain Tactical Institute).
Q: Best Rucking and / or GORUCK event advice you have gotten?
A: When you show up at an event, some people are there to smash it and some are just there to do their best and make it through. Don’t be discouraged if you are just making it while others are crushing it. You’re running a different race and that’s okay.
Q: Other than packing list items, what is a must have in your ruck for events?
A: Multi-plier tool. A nail stuck in your boot really messes with your pace if you can’t get it out.
Q: A book or a few that have impacted your life? Why?
A: Ultramarathon Man. I got a copy when I first started running and it put me on the path of some of the crazy events I’ve done. Way of the Peaceful Warrior, mental aspects that I find useful.
Q: What other hobbies do you have?
A: Reading, shooting, martial arts, and I’m a huge Star Wars fan.
Q: What’s the best purchase under $100 you’ve made in the past 12 months.
A: Wool rucking socks.
Q: How has rucking changed or improved your life?
A: The sort of all-around ability that these events build come in handy when things go wrong. On a work trip, I missed a connecting flight, had to drive the rest of the way, up until 4 in the morning and back up for work at 7. I couldn’t have done that before I started rucking.
Q: How do you recruit new people to ruck, or do events with you?
A: The most effective way has been through my blog. People see the stuff I do and realize they can do it too.
Q: Best Beer to drink after a ruck?
A: Root beer.
Q: Advice you would give to someone before their 1st Light?
A: Don’t mindf*** it. Do what needs done and don’t make it harder than it needs to be.
Q: Advice you’d give to someone before their 1st Tough?
A: All it takes is all you got. Push as hard as you can and your team will provide the rest.
Q: If you get overwhelmed during an event how do you refocus on the task at hand?
A: Small victories. Focus on the next 25 yards, get there, then do it again.
Q: What’s the next event or events on your calendar?
A: Midwest Suck in May. Working with with the local ruck club to make the Bataan virtual a little less virtual. I’m hoping that the Rucking Championships in DC happen this year.
Q: Any parting shots? Things the community needs to know?
A: Use what you pick up at events in the rest of your life. Look after your team, and realize that it doesn’t have to be fun to be fun.
If you know someone (or are someone) who would be a good fit for an upcoming episode of Ruck BEAST Squad please reach out to Derek Hill (derekhill1 AT gmail DOT com).
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