SGPT Interviews Generalist Ruck Finisher Dan Zehner

If you want to find out what your made of and be able to push yourself 1% – we urge all of our athletes to try an adventure event. Learn new skills and challenge yourself to step up to the plate and get the task done.

That is exactly what SGPT Athlete Dan Zehner did as he signed up for the Generalist Ruck and knocked it out.

Check out this interview with Dan as he gives you the step by step on how to finish the drill.

SGPT: Tell us about yourself? Where are you from and where do you train?

DZ: I’m from Eugene, OR but have lived in Indiana before that for the last eight years. I train mostly in suburban areas, but also love to train on local trails in the woods. Stairs at the Purdue football stadium have been a good friend as well.

SGPT: Did you have an athletic background growing up?

DZ: I was on the track team in high school and was in marching band in college, but my training was fairly lax/sporadic.

SGPT: Tell us a little about the event? Where was it?

DZ: The event was called the Generalist Ruck, and focused on building real skills along with the PT and movement under weight. It was six hours long and was held on the Wabash Heritage Trail in the Lafayette, IN area.

We learned survival skills on how to start a fire without matches using a friction bow drill and tinder bundle. It was awesome learning real world skills. We also learned some basics of identifying animal tracks, and hunting with primitive throw sticks.

SGPT: How did you train for the Generalist Ruck event?

DZ: I trained by focusing one workout per week carrying an awkward heavy object (sandbag, log, water jug), a speed ruck, and a ruck for distance. I also do taekwondo training on Saturdays which helps on the flexibility and cardio end of my training.

For training I also used the SGPT Facebook group for inspiration and the SGPT 180 day program to get fit and keep a rhythm of training for things like this. Always have a SGPT workout in my back pocket

SGPT: What was hardest part of the event?

DZ: Once it rained halfway through, our sandbags we carried as a team went from 75#/120# to 95#, to 150 pounds. That got tough.

SGPT: What kind of boots did you use for the event?

DZ: I used Altra Lone Peak mid height boots. I really love the zero drop design, since it seems to be better for my hamstrings.

The wide toe box is great as well. Never have had foot pain or blisters while wearing these boots.

SGPT: Did you use double socks or body glide on your feet to prevent blisters?

DZ: Nope, not on this one (totally forgot about it).

SGPT: What kind of ruck did you use for training and the event?

DZ: For training I used my GORUCK Rucker 3.0, but I let someone else borrow it for the event and used my GR1 Heritage Edition. I’m probably the only person to ever use a Heritage ruck for an event!

SGPT: What is one thing you wish you would have done to get ready for a event like this?

DZ: I wish I would have paid more attention to my stretching and recovery routine so I could train more effectively.

SGPT: Any tips for up and coming athletes that want to do an event like this?

DZ: Focus on your recovery as much or more than your training. Wear your ruck everywhere so you get used to the feeling of it on your shoulders.

SGPT: What book are you reading now?

DZ: I’m reading “Resilient” by John Eldredge and “Becoming a King” by Morgan Snyder. Getting ready for an intensive retreat with Morgan next week.

SGPT: Many thanks for the interview Dan.

Are you interested in training for an endurance event like SEALFIT 20X, GORUCK or a Spartan Race? Do you want to increase your human potential so that you can move faster to your goals?