Is rucking (running with weight in backpack) a bad idea?

Question

I started practicing medieval full contact, which means I have to fight for several minutes in a 30kg++ steel armour. For me to be physically fit for this sport, I decided (among other things) to start running with a backpack (aka rucking).

I have a good military backpack that doesn't bounce, stays in a good high position on my back and provides good support. I just started with a 10% (of my weight) load and my objective is to reach 20% in 6 months or so, depending on how I evolve.

However, I wish to know if running with weights on my back will be bad for my spine, shoulders, legs, etc.. I don't want to risk my health because of this, so would like to know your opinion. Thanks.

Edit

My objective is not running with the usual stuff I carry everyday, like other questions (Running with a backpack). I wish to know if I can start running with a certain weight in a backpack, and start adding more and more weight in a controlled manner, while not risking my health.

For weights I started using small bricks and water, I will then evolve to beans and later probably sand.

Answer 1

Your spine and shoulders should be fine, the biggest risk is to the knees. In particular, running with any kind of weights (vest, ruck sack, etc.) puts much more stress on your knees. If you have bad running form, it's even more of a problem. Some quick points to think about:

• Make sure you have the right shoes for your total weight including the ruck sack. You'll find you need more cushion in the shoes as you get heavier.
• Do your rucking on anything other than hard concrete. Grass and dirt are the most preferable, but even asphalt is better than concrete sidewalks.
• Do quick paced walking and increase the weight. Walking will be much easier on your knees than running, and you'll be able to handle more weight when you do it. At the very least, alternate running and walking days when you exercise.
• Run uphill, walk downhill. Running uphill reduces the impact on your knees and gets your heart rate up. Walking downhill will lower the impact on your knees and lets your heart rate cool down some.

Above all, listen to your body. No matter how young you are, you will likely get to a point where your knees are inflamed. During those times, take the ruck sack off, and do something that is much lower impact to get blood flowing through that area. Alternatives would include elliptical, swimming, water running, etc. The inflammation is temporary, so you can get back to rucking after the bout is over. You just need to reserve and protect your exercise time, but do something that doesn't make it worse so you don't have as hard a time getting back to your regular training.

Answer 2

I am 64 yrs, and had significant problems with my knees for injured ligaments near my knee. Even walking was a problem but very variable. I worked out eventually my knee problems were to do with muscle tension and weakness in my lower legs ankles and flat feet. I started with somatic exercises 4x daily to reduce tension in knees/intrinsic muscles of calf/foot and exercises to get my flat feet moving (I use vivobarefoot shoes during day now for walking). Moved on to running short steps and slowly in garden grass barefeet. Then added a small backpack with one brick as weight. Now I am up to 2 bricks 20mins per day. Posture and form is the key not speed, and short steps help. My knees are hugely improved for walking now (I also used a pine pollen extract supplement for testosterone balance). So if done for short periods in right way with small weights I would say it is a great way to strengthen legs. Worked for me as a part of broader programme. I will not go beyond 3 bricks - do not see the need.