What does it really mean to be strong? We all think we know — lifting, pushing, enduring. But the roots of the word tell a deeper story: one of tension, strain, and holding firm under pressure.

In this episode, I dig into the etymology of strong and strength, tracing the word from Old English strang to the Proto-Indo-European string-, meaning “tight, drawn together.” We explore how strength has always been about more than muscle — it’s about mental grit, emotional steadiness, and moral resilience.

I also share insights from Michael Joseph Gross’s book Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle and Strength — including why ancient physicians distrusted muscle, how modern science reframes it as a partner to the soul, and the inspiring story of 90-year-olds regaining strength through training. Finally, I connect this history to my own journey of rucking, and how carrying weight on the trail has shifted my mindset from I can’t to let’s try.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to ruck strong — this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The surprising linguistic roots of “strong” and “strength.”
• How strength expanded from physical power to include mental, emotional, and moral resilience.
• Why history once split “brains vs. brawn” — and how rucking bridges the gap.
• Michael Joseph Gross’s insights from Stronger on tension, training, and freedom.
• My own story of finding freedom through rucking as I approach 50.

Citations & Sources

• Gross, Michael Joseph. Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2025.
• Etymology references: Old English strang, Proto-Germanic strangaz, Proto-Indo-European root strenk- / string- (Etymonline, Oxford English Dictionary).
• Galen’s writings on muscle and the soul (historical summaries, secondary sources).
• Dr. Maria Fiatarone Singh’s studies on resistance training in nonagenarians (cited in Gross, Stronger).

Let’s Connect

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Life is Rucking Wonderful!

1 Year of Rucking – What Rucking Taught Me About Strength, Grit, and Showing Up

One year ago, I was standing on Mount Jo, out of breath and wondering how the hell I let things get that hard. My knees hurt, my spirit was low, and I knew something had to change. So I picked up a pack. I picked up a coach. And I decided to start showing up for myself.

In this episode, I’m celebrating a full year of rucking—through injury, grief, chaos, weather, and every excuse in the book. I’m reflecting on what that journey taught me about discipline, healing, and grit. From my first ruck with a pair of dumbbells in a CamelBak to backpacking trips, races, and summit bourbon toasts—I’ve carried more than just weight.

This episode is for anyone curious about what happens when you commit to something—even imperfectly. Whether you’re just starting or already deep in your own journey, I hope my story reminds you that strength is built one step at a time.

💥 Want to start your own journey?
I’ve got a challenge for you inside. Whether you're a brand-new rucker or looking for your next big goal, this week’s two-part challenge will help you take that next step.

🌐 Links & Resources:

📸 Follow along on Instagram: @JustRuckingIt
📬 Join the crew on Substack: justruckit.substack.com
🥾 Explore Seek to Do More + Great Range Athlete: 46Outdoors.com
🎒 Rucking Events: mammothmarch.com
🌲 Cranberry Lake 50 Info: cranberrylake50.org
🔥 Firetower Challenge & ADK Info: adk.org

Life is rucking wonderful—because it starts with just one step, and it can change everything.

Send us a text

Life is Rucking Wonderful!

Links:
Instagram: @JustRuckingIt
Substack: JustRuckIt.Substack.com

Episode Summary:

This one’s personal.

In this raw and real episode, Lindsay opens up about hitting a wall—mentally, physically, emotionally. She’s home from vacation, facing chaos at work, grief on the farm, and a body that seems to be resisting every effort to train.

With a 20-mile Mammoth March looming in the rugged hills of Letchworth State Park, the question isn’t just how to keep going—it’s why.

This episode isn’t a pep talk. It’s a permission slip.
To slow down. To be honest. To find your footing when life feels too heavy to lift a pack.

In This Episode:

• What happens when your body doesn’t bounce back like it used to
• The invisible weight of solo training and emotional burnout
• Reframing training to match your capacity (not your calendar)
• A challenge for listeners who feel like giving up
• And a gentle reminder: you don’t need to be at your best to still show up

Send us a text

Life is Rucking Wonderful!