At 28, Rachel's life looked perfect on paper - a successful career in digital marketing, a cozy apartment in the city, and the independence she'd always dreamed of. But evenings and weekends stretched out like empty corridors, filled with Netflix binges and scrolling through social media. After moving to a new city for work, making meaningful connections felt increasingly difficult, especially as her peers seemed absorbed in their own families and established friend groups.
"I was tired of dating apps and forced networking events," Rachel remembers. "I wanted genuine connections, but didn't know where to start. The loneliness was becoming overwhelming."
One Saturday morning, while getting coffee, she noticed a group of women with backpacks gathering in the park. Curiosity led her to strike up a conversation, and she learned about their weekly rucking meetups. Despite initial hesitation about her fitness level, Rachel showed up the following weekend with a borrowed pack.
"That first ruck changed everything," she says. "There was something about walking together, sharing the physical challenge, that broke down social barriers immediately. The conversations felt natural, not forced. We talked about everything from career challenges to favorite podcasts, all while building strength together."
Six months later, Rachel not only has a consistent fitness routine but a tight-knit community. She's part of a Wednesday evening ruck group and helps coordinate weekend adventures. The women who were once strangers now celebrate birthdays together, support each other through work challenges, and even started a book club.
"Rucking gave me more than just physical strength," Rachel reflects. "It gave me a sense of belonging. Now, instead of dreading weekends, I look forward to seeing my ruck family. We joke that we're stronger together - and it's true in every sense of the word."
Jennifer Pishko, MSNE, is a leader in integrative health and community wellness. She is the Co-founder of McCoy Medical, which blends primary care with a robust education program focused on health, wellness, and fitness. Jennifer also serves as Chief Operating Officer of the CrossFit Medical Society. She holds a master’s degree in Nutrition Education with a specialization in Public Health, and certifications in adaptive training, athlete-centered trauma, and precision nutrition.
