PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This 15-week training program is sport-specifically designed to improve short, moderate and long distance (3–12 mile) rucking performance with a 45# rucking load.
This training program has 3 general objectives:
(1) Increase speed over ground
(2) Increase rucking-specific leg strength, core strength, and upper body strength
(3) Increase rucking aerobic base and efficiency for longer distance rucks
This training plan deploys ruck assessments (3, 6, 9 and 12 miles) and uses assessment performance for the follow-on progressions. In this way the plan automatically “scales” to the incoming rucking fitness and speed of each individual athlete.
This is Version 3 of this plan, updated July 2025.
Speed Over Ground Work
This 15-week training program is divided into 4 blocks for the speed over ground rucking work.
• Weeks 1-5 deploy multiple 3-mile ruck assessments and 1-mile repeats based upon your assessment times
• Weeks 6-10 deploy 6-mile ruck assessments and 2-mile repeats based upon your assessment times
• Week 11-13 deploy 9-mile ruck assessment and 3-mile repeats based upon your assessment times
• Weeks 13-15 deploy 12-mile ruck assessments and 4-mile repeats based upon your assessment times
Aerobic Base/Longer Ruck
While the Speed Over Ground work in the plan is anchored to the above weeks, the longer ruck in the plan progress steadily throughout.
In the first half of the plan you’ll ruck moderate and/or easy paced, long distance two times/week on back to back days (Friday and Saturday).
In the second half of the plan, the focus begins to shift to long rucks on Saturdays.
Total rucking volume in the plan increases from 13 miles to 34 miles/week in week 14.
MTI Ruck Calculator
This plan deploys assessments and then bases your fast interval work using the MTI Ruck Calculator.
Different Athletes May Begin the Plan at Different Weeks
This training plan designed so athletes who have different ruck improvement needs can begin the plan in different places to address their specific deficiencies.
– Working on improving your 3-5 mile ruck time, and/or are new to rucking? Begin the plan on week 1.
– Working to improve a 6-mile ruck time and/or have some rucking experience but need lots of work? Start at week 6.
– Working to improve a 12 mile ruck time and/or are an experienced rucker wanting to be pushed? Start at week 11.
Strength Work
This training plan includes focused, rucking-specific leg, mid-section and upper body strength training deploying bodyweight and/or dumbbells.
This program is designed to be completed as a stand alone program, but it can also be completed concurrently a strength-focused MTI or other strength training program by starting this plan on Week 6 and dropping the Tuesday and Thursday strength days from this training program.
Too complete this training plan concurrently with a strength-focused plan, either do 2-a-days (gym-based strength in the AM, rucking program in the PM) or by alternating training days (gym-based strength Monday, rucking program Tuesday, gym-based strength Wednesday, etc.)
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
- Mon: Assessment or Speed over Ground Intervals
- Tue: Strength Training
- Wed: Speed over Ground Intervals
- Thu: Strength Training
- Frii: Easy or Moderate Pace Ruck
- Sat: Easy or Moderate Pace Ruck
COMMON QUESTIONS
What is the Required Equipment?
– Stop Watch
– Pull Up Bar
– Ruck/Pack with 45# of filler
– Pair of Dumbbells (15# for women, 25# for men)
– Foam Roller
How Long do the Sessions Last?
1 Hour to 4 Hours depending upon your rucks pace. Longest days will be the Friday and Saturday long easy rucks.
What if I miss a day?
If you miss a day, make up the session you missed the next day and follow the programming as prescribed. The programming is progressive – it builds upon itself. Don’t skip ahead.
My pack weight for an upcoming ruck isn’t 45#. What should I do?
Use the weight that you will use for your test, selection, or event. If the test is at 35# ruck, use 35#.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Ruck Calculator is listed as an exercise.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
Questions? Email coach@mtntactical.com
- Stop Watch
- Pull Up Bar
- Ruck/Pack with 45# of filler
- Pair of Dumbbells (15# for women, 25# for men)
- Foam Roller
SESSION 1
OBJ: 3-Mile Ruck Assessment
Warm Up (4 Rounds)
-
5x Push Ups
-
10x Squat
-
Run 100m
-
Instep Stretch
Training
-
Ruck Assessment
Ruck 3 Miles for Time – @ 45# Ruck
This is a timed assessment. Ruck run the entire 3 miles if possible. If not, run/walk to finish as fast as you can.
RECORD RESULT
-
2 Rounds
Hip Flexor Stretch
Instep Stretch
Pigeon Stretch
Frog Stretch
SESSION 2
OBJ: Strength
Warm Up
(Not specified)
Training
-
10 Round Grind
Mini Leg Blaster
5/10x Push Ups
2/4x Pull Ups
“Grind” = work steadily not frantically for the prescribed time or rounds. Pace yourself, and try not to take an extended rest. -
15 Minute Grind
5x Dumbbell Half Moon – at 15/25#
5x Kneeling Slasher To Halo – at 15/25#
3x Turkish Get Up – at 15/25# (alternate hands each round)
10x Hinge Lift – Dumbbell/kettlebell – at 15/25# (mid-shin to full hip extension)
“Grind” = work steadily not frantically for the prescribed time or rounds. Pace yourself, but don’t stop to rest.
Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
SESSION 3
OBJ: Speed Over Ground Intervals
Warm Up (4 Rounds)
-
5x Push Ups
-
10x Squat
-
Run 100m
-
Instep Stretch
Training
-
2 Rounds
Ruck 1-Mile at your "1-Mile" interval pace using your SESSION 1, 3-Mile Ruck finish time and the MTI Rucking Calculator – 45# Ruck
Rest 8 minutes between efforts
Ruck Calculator -
2 Rounds
Hip Flexor Stretch
Instep Stretch
Pigeon Stretch
Frog Stretch
SESSION 4
OBJ: Strength
Warm Up
(Not specified)
Training
-
10 Round Grind
Mini Leg Blaster
5/10x Push Ups
2/4x Pull Ups
“Grind” = work steadily not frantically for the prescribed time or rounds. Pace yourself, and try not to take an extended rest. -
15 Minute Grind
5x Dumbbell Crawl – at 15/25#
10x Standing Slasher to Halo – at 15/25#
5x Dumbbell Squat Thrust – at 15/25#
15/15 Standing Founder
“Grind” = work steadily not frantically for the prescribed time or rounds. Pace yourself, but don’t stop to rest.
Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
SESSION 5
OBJ: Easy Pace Ruck
Warm Up
(Not specified)
Training
-
Ruck 4 Miles, Easy Pace – @45#
“Easy” = you can speak in full sentences while moving. You may need to walk or fast walk to keep your breathing down. -
2 Rounds
Hip Flexor Stretch
Instep Stretch
Pigeon Stretch
Frog Stretch
SESSION 6
OBJ: Easy Pace Ruck
Warm Up
(Not specified)
Training
-
Ruck 5 Miles, Easy Pace – @45#
“Easy” = you can speak in full sentences while moving. You may need to walk or fast walk to keep your breathing down. -
2 Rounds
Hip Flexor Stretch
Instep Stretch
Pigeon Stretch
Frog Stretch
"Just wanted to say thanks for what you guys do. I completed 2 months of the 4 week Run and Ruck improvement plan (I was safe about it). I did this to compete for slots in my unit for upcoming Ranger School. I blew away everyone and I had to tell 'em about you guys. Some had heard of it before, but now I guarantee they will look harder. Keep the company alive and keep doing great things. I am hooked on your programs. I am buying the Ranger Prep packet now, I should go in Fall 2015. I can't wait to tell you guys how it goes. Thanks again."
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Do you have any reviews or testimonials from athletes who have used your Athlete's Subscription
Yes. Click HERE.
Is it true you guarantee your stuff works?
Yes. If you purchase an Athletes’ Subscription, follow the training sessions as prescribed, and are not satisfied with the quality of the programming, notify us within 30 days of purchase, and we’ll refund your money, no questions asked.
How is MTI programming different than CrossFit?
This is a common question. Read our answer HERE.
You have a lot of competitors. Why should I choose MTI?
MTI is driven to improve mountain and tactical athletes' mission performance and keep them safe. This emphasis and focus on mission performance sets us apart. Read about more that sets us apart HERE.
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What Equipment is Required?
Click the "Required Equipment" tab to find out what equipment is required for the specific plan you are interested in.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run and Ruck Calculators are listed as exercises.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
Can I see sample training?
Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming. You are encouraged to do it before purchasing.
What if I have more questions?
Email rob@mtntactical.com