GORUCK grad Interview with Ralph Provance

SGPT: Tell us about yourself?

RP: My name is Ralph Provance. I’ve been a Medic for 24 yrs serving in various capacities from field, emergency department, and SERT.

SGPT: Did you have an athletic background growing up?

RP: I did have an athletic background. I was a letterman in Track and Field during Jr. and Sr. High School.

I continued training until 2008 when I had a stroke. I spent six months in physical therapy. My weight ballooned to 330lbs.

Video GORUCK Heavy

Grab Your Buddy and Sign Up for a GORUCK Event HERE:

SGPT: How did you train for the GoRuck event?

RP: After discovering SEALFIT and SEALGrinderPT, I began training again to get back into shape. By using the information and workouts via these two programs, and eating Paleo, I dropped 140 lbs. My training now consists of daily SEALFIT Operator WODs, and incorporated Ruck marches and cycling. On the average I cover around 150 miles a week between ruck, run, and cycling.

SGPT: You have done several events right?

RP: Yes, as of this interview I’ve done 10 GORUCK events. 5 Challenges, 4 Lights, and the infamous Ft. Bragg Heavy 2.0!

SGPT: Tell us a little about the recent event?

RP: A recent event was GORUCK Class 1013 in Virginia Beach. It was a custom event used as a fundraiser for Lynn Bukowski’s LZ Grace. It’s a Special Operations Retreat to help the community of SEALs, SF, Rangers, MARSOC who are returning from downrange unwind after the stress of war.

SGPT: Where was the event?

RP: The event was held in Virginia Beach area. We covered 23.4 miles in 14 hrs. Lots of time was spent on the beach in the surf zone. We were cold, wet, and sandy for the entire event. Good times!

SGPT: What was hardest part of the event?

RP: It’s hard to narrow down one specific evolution that caused difficulty. Cadre Craig, who was the cadre for the event, is an amphibious operator. He brings the GORUCK events to a new level. After doing several of his Challenges, I can say his entire event will push you harder than you’ve been pushed before. His patches are certainly earned, never given!

SGPT: What is one thing you wish you would have done to get ready for GoRuck?

RP: Ruck more. Ruck more in training with wet feet and socks. That conditioning of your feet is invaluable when doing events.

SGPT: Any tips for up and coming athletes that want to do the GORuck?

RP: Train hard using an intense “CrossFit” style approach. I highly recommend SEALFIT and SEALgrinderPT. Ruck more. Smile a lot. Remember, when you are training that you aren’t training for yourself. You are training for the man or woman beside you. That is the essence of TeamLife. Your body is capable of 20xs what you think. It’s all mental…

SGPT: What boots did you wear? Double socks? Bodyglide?

RP: I’ve used a variety of footwear.

The Rocky C5c Boots have been used mostly.

Recently I did a back to back GORUCK Challenge/Light in which I wore Luna Sandals for the second half.

They worked well.

When wearing boots I use Trail Toes cream and Prosoks.