Who's up for a walk?

[jcoyle]

Obviously I'm new here so bare with me. What do you think of recreating the 2/506 ( before they were even the 101st) march from Toccoa-Atlanta. They did it in three days ( 115 miles). I think most of us in this hobby would need at least five but close enough. It would also need a lot of planning probably early 2021 the soonest, big stuff takes time. They started planning the 75th Normandy jumps in 2015 four years before. I don't even know how much of the route they did is still walk-able and it's gonna need a lot of support. Like I said I'm new here. If I don't know you from ADT or at the last tactical I don't know anyone from other units  or how to get such a thing going. What do you think?

[Bruce "Face' Dale]

Along those lines I had thought last year about a road march out from downtown Toccoa to the top of Currahee Mountain. It's about 8.5 miles plus then another 3 miles to get back down and to the camp.

[jim]

Logistics win wars.

As noted, any long march will require a dedicated support element, route recon and overnight plans.

115/5 = 23 miles a day. Doable but troops would need to be conditioned.  Period boots will pay hell on the soles of feet and blister treatment will be required.

[jcoyle]

Yes this would take a whole lot of planning and support. You may even get current hard chargers in the Airborne interested albeit in their modern gear. It would have to be a national level undertaking for sure and planned by people with a lot more experience with the community then I have.

[frank]

Agreed

[JayJones]

I'm in.

[kfrank]

I will gladly help pitch in on the support and logistics side as I dont think my feet could do this. Also any coordinating with other units and the community through local units in GA. I expect my young guys to be up for the walk though.

[jcoyle]

I've tried to get some response as to the original route on the Trigger Time site. I thought someone there might know but there has been nothing so far. There is a route that stays off big main roads that is oddly enough 116 miles? Could be. I've got feelers out to check interest.  Here so far is the most interest. It would obviously need major support for sure. Maybe if this straightens out by October and Toccoa does happen I can get some local knowledge and input there. Just for my own knowledge and wanting to get out of the house some I did a ten mile walk with jump boots and a musette, a utility belt and canteen. Took a little over two and a half hours... My feet felt like they spent some time in a wood chipper. It didn't tear them up to bad though. I was fine later that day. I was smart enough to put two bottles of water in the musette. The canteen was empty in the first hour and I ran out of water with about thirty minutes to go. And those guys were carrying their crew served weapons. Tough guys for sure.

[jim]

Boots will "burn" the bottoms of your feet when walking on pavement.  Best to put in some type of cushion and put many miles on them beforehand.

People tell themselves that they will walk on the side of the road in the dirt but they hit a point where the pavement is easier going - except for on the feet.

[Richard Meyer]

To add to Jim's comment, the road is usually nice and flat, and easy for walking.   But, the sides of the road may very well be uneven knobs and ruts.  It slows you down as you struggle to keep your balance.  You will stiffen your ankles to prevent twisting them which adds to fatigue.  Get the insoles and break them in.  Planning a weekly road march building up to the full distance is a good idea.  And, consider what the heat and humidity might be at that time.

[jcoyle]

I haven't given up on Toccoa-Atlanta although I haven't got any response to my inquiries about the actual route. I did find a route that is about the right distance but I don't know if it's usable. I thinking if the Toccoa event happens in October and we go I'll get some local input as Bruce said. With everything happening this year 2021 might not be enough time to plan it. I have found something to do as far as ruck marching though that will defiantly happen. I've been training for it and it's a bear for sure. The Bataan Memorial Death March in NM at the White Sands Missile Range. It got cancelled this year for COVID as did everything else but certainly should be a go for next March. So far I'm up to 26.5 miles with 25 pounds. I should get to the 35 in the next month or so. The Heavy division Military or Civilian is 35 pounds. It doesn't fit the WWII Airborne model but it is a WWII Memorial event. So far I've gotten pretty good at fixing tore up feet. I just hope these boots hold out so I don't have to break in a new pair. bataanmarch.com/

[John "Adam" Gatlin]

the 307th engineers are planning a 30.7 march to each of the drop zones. this could be a test phase to be in period uniforms. all the planning is done, we just participate. any takers want to join me ?

this event is at BRAGG, NC

planning phase now, rest areas, water staged. 

[jcoyle]

Yes I'll go. No problem period uniforms but I'd like to use my boots I'm training in for Bataan. Just get some more miles down. If it's a deal breaker though jump boot will be it.

[jcoyle]

OK finally did 27 miles with 35/43 pounds. The deal is they weigh your pack an it has to be 35 pounds to qualify for a place. Well I did 27 miles with at least 35 actually 43 counting 8 pounds for water, 4 liters refilled 3 times. Problem is it took over 9 hours... 9 hours they would probably be home watching stuff on TV in 9 hours. Gotta fix that.

[jim]

27 miles averaging 3 mph is not a bad time.  You can push 4 mph if you ruck about 3 times a week doing 4 miles.

Focus on consistency of pace.  Have the miles measured off and time yourself the first few times through and then work to shave a minute off each mile.  It's cheating and defeats the purpose if you run the last few hundred yards coming up on each mile marker.  You want to walk fast but at a comfortable pace.

Long distance rucking - it's not the race - it's the pace.