I ruck.
 
In simple terms, rucking is walking quickly with weight in a pack on my back. It’s simple, makes for a great cardio workout, and it looks pretty badass. If all I got out of rucking was a decent workout, then it would probably be worth it.

But that’s not why I do it.
 
I ruck because it’s a physical manifestation of what’s playing out in my mind and heart. I have time to use all five senses as I experience the world around me. There is no rush, because I can only go so fast. There is just me—loaded down and fired up—and the task ahead of me.
 
I ruck to feel the weight of this moment.
 
There's something about the weight. When I was an American soldier, I could feel the weight of our responsibility. I could feel it in the American flag on my uniform. I could feel it in my boots. I constantly felt it on my shoulders and back.

As a husband and father, I feel the weight of those who depend on me to continue providing and protecting. It’s who God made me to be, and I embrace it. I’m married to a beautiful woman who has borne me four children, all of whom look to me to carry the weight.

This weight is real. It’s unrelenting. And it’s welcome. I’m built to bear this weight. 
 
So I ruck for this moment.

My name is Jordan Carpenter, and I'm running for County Commission, District 4. Walking with this rucksack across the district allows me to experience the businesses and neighborhoods that makeup District 4 while actually feeling the weight on my back.
 
This weight is real. It’s unrelenting. And it’s welcome. I’m built to bear this weight. 
 
The weight of this moment must be carried by leaders who put the needs of others before their own. I'm ready to lead from the front.

So I ruck.