Renon completes 20-mile Ruck March for charity

In an effort to raise money and awareness for St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Assistant Wrestling Coach Ryan Renon completed a 20-mile Ruck March on Sept. 27.  He is a long time member of the Army National Guard and raised approximately $400 on the day. He answered a few questions on why he chose to take on this charitable cause. 

1. Tell us about the purpose of completing the Ruck March and a little about your route. 

The purpose of completing the Ruck March is to help raise funds for a charity and to try and grow as a person. I believe that when you push yourself to do something that will challenge you both mentally and physically it makes you better. That's why doing 20 miles with a ruck that weighs between 40–50 pounds gives me an opportunity to go through a little pain and mental obstacles. The route started off at Williams Field House and for about the first half I was zig-zagging through Platteville. During the second half, I began to travel north on XX and went through Belmont. I then started walking towards "the giant M." I used HWY G and HWY B to get to "the giant M." During the route I climbed a total of 1,300 feet so a lot of the route was going uphill. 

This was my fourth time doing this event and I chose to donate the money to St. Jude's Children Hospital because I know that one of the worst feelings in the world would be having a sick child and not having the resources to get that child what he or she needs to live a healthy life. I personally know a few families that have had a child receive treatment from the Children's Hospital.  

3.  How long have you served in the U.S. Army National Guard and what is your position?

I have served for nine years and served in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) in 2013. My current rank is Staff Sergeant/E-6. My position is Battery Fire Direction Chief.  

4. What is one of the most challenging parts of completing this walk?  

I think the main challenge with this walk is on the mental side. First thing is that 20 miles gives your mind a lot of time to play some tricks on you and try to tell you to quit. It is difficult when every step after about 15 miles gets a little more painful and a little more challenging. But I like the opportunity to be able to push your mind/body, and being able to help a charitable organization at the same time.  

This event was originally planned for last spring but I ended up getting shoulder surgery, which pushed the event date back a bit. Part of the challenge was that I haven't been in a specific training program geared towards preparing for this ruck. I am looking to make this an annual event and to get more people from the school or community involved. This year was more small scale but I am always looking for ways to improve and expand the event.