The Norwegian Foot March
Should this be a Minuteman standard
Sometimes as we get older we ask ourselves if we've "still got it"... I know I ask myself this alot and try to continually challenge myself (mentally and physically) to see. More a sense of self pride than anything else. So I found out about an endurance race called the Norwegian Foot March and then found out BGSU's Ranger Club was hosting one so I decided to sign up for it.
The march was first held in 1915 as a test of marching endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian Army. A strategic goal was to be able to move larger units of troops over a great distance swiftly and in a manner that enabled them to efficiently be prepared for combat – even after the march by carrying their rucksack /weaponry of 11 kg. The test is a 30 km (18.64-mile) march (march/run) with a rucksack weighing 11 kg (24.25 lbs).
97 people participated, I was 1 of 3 civilians and the second oldest overall. My age group of 43 to 49 year olds (which I was the only one) had to do it in 4 hours and 40 minutes. I came in at 4 hours and 27 minutes (which was the time frame for the 18 to 34 year olds). As a civilian, the dress and gear requirements can be normal hiking boots and pack, but I wanted to compete in it the same as the soldiers had to so I wore jungle boots and carried my ALICE pack. My base pack weight was 28 lbs and with water it came in at 36 lbs.
A representative from the Norwegian Ministry of Defense was present to hand out certificates and medals for those who hit the standard.
I'm not gonna lie, it was hard. I hadn't done anything that difficult in quite a few years, but even though I'm not the fastest nor the strongest anymore, I still probably enjoy the journey more than most! Cause that was really what doing this was all about, the journey!
Brief video documenting my experience…
Great job brother keep at it. I look forward to joining you next year.
Nice work man. I think the long hump was the Infantrymans most hated task