Double Unicorn Begins: My Boston Tough Ruck Adventure

Jared Ewing(MM16013)- Boston Tough Ruck 2026. First part of my Double Unicorn challenge. That two for one special two marathons in one weekend now ain’t that special!
I received a phone call one morning from @kiki_runsthemiles and when I saw it was her I was thinking she was just wanting to catch up, probably hear about whatever crazy running weekend or weekends I just had. Little did I know there was a bigger plot at hand. It’s no surprise though, when a running friend calls, it’s a solid chance it’s an invite for another adventure 🤷‍♂️🤣. It was an invitation to join team Operation Bacon & Body Glide at the @toughruck the day before the @bostonmarathon. It didn’t take much convincing, I was already going to party pace the Boston marathon after making podium last year. It was time for some fun. Soon as I heard @jsnay80 was leading the charge and I had an opportunity to meet more awesome people and to raise money for a cause dear to my heart being a veteran, it was a no brainer.
I had heard of the “double unicorn” challenge before, but never thought twice that I might do it one year. Boston marathon takes a lot from you being a high energy weekend and running the marathon seems enough. However, getting a chance to do something “hard” is something I hardly shy away from. Being that I’m training for a summer with four 100 mile races, I figured this would be some great training for me! Decent amount of time on feet with lots of moving parts.
The Tough Ruck was a very fun time for me. I love the course being one big out and back but with a couple other out and backs allowing you to see your friends and other fellow ruckers multiple times! The weather was great, not perfect but it was ideal temps and it rained just a little bit.
The day went pretty well, took 2nd overall. Most importantly our team took 2nd in fund raising! I was so proud of everyone on the team. Rucking is not easy and a marathon distance is never easy. We couldn’t have done it without our crewing and cheer section. I hope this gets relayed to them, they made the day for me. Keeping my spirits high and the kids asking me questions and being in awe of their parent’s fast friend. God continues to bless me!