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PATHFINDER Life™ - Beginner & Maintenance Training

PATHFINDER Life™ - Beginner & Maintenance Training

$50.00 $38.99 Sale

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Who it’s for: New or returning athletes who want consistency and a clear 12-week plan.

  • Hours training per week: 3-4
  • Longest day ruck: 60-90 minutes
  • Terrain: Mostly flat/mixed surfaces; optional light hills
  • Pre-reqs: You're comfortable walking/rucking 30-45 min, 2-3 x/week

PATHFINDER Life is for anyone who wants to build consistency without burning out. It’s not a daily workout plan. Instead, it’s a low-pressure, build-it-yourself structure that meets you exactly where you are.

Complete 60 miles, 12 workouts, and a few fun Challenges in 12 weeks on your schedule, at your pace.

  • Great for off-season, new routines, or low-impact fitness

  • No required ruck weight or pace

  • Start with just 2 workouts per week

  • Choose from a variety of physical and mental Challenges

  • Supportive community + experienced Course Advisor included

What makes PATHFINDER Life different?

This isn’t a day-by-day program. Our habit-first approach gives you the tools to build discipline, stay consistent, and keep fitness enjoyable. Grounded in behavior science and supported by an engaged community, PATHFINDER Life™ offers smart structure, flexible goals, and personal accountability through a mentor and course advisor.

Instead of daily assignments, you’ll complete a total of:

  • 60 ruck miles (no pace requirement)

  • 12 ruck workouts (choose from strength, cardio, mobility)

  • 3 to 6 Challenges (mental, physical, or creative) Complete list of PATHFINDER Life Challenges available after registration.

    • Our Challenges are ideal for building sustainable fitness habits and gently stretching your comfort zone with options like:

      • Yoga Conditioning - Incorporate regular yoga into your training for mobility and recovery
      • Mental Conditioning - Train the mindset side of endurance with PATHFINDER Challenges that get you out of your comfort zone, but don’t exhaust you.
      • Pre/Post Workout Rucks - Stack a short ruck before or after a gym or home workout
      • Charity Ruck - Ruck with purpose while supporting a cause
      • (Full list of Challenge options is provided after registration.)

You’ll get full access to:

  • Our Program Success Guide

  • The Workout Library

  • Private Facebook Class Page for peer support

  • An experienced Course Advisor to help plan, stay on track, and offer accountability

Gear Requirements:

  • Any backpack or ruck

  • Add any amount of weight that feels right for you (most start with 6–12 lbs)

Enhanced Walking Option (New!)

Don’t have a ruck yet? No problem. PATHFINDER Life now includes an Enhanced Walking Pathway. This option lets you use a weighted vest instead of a ruck to complete your miles and workouts.

  • Weighted Vest Benefits: Builds bone density, posture, and balance while keeping your hands free.

  • Ruck Benefits: Builds endurance, resilience, and load-carriage strength.

  • Both Paths: Improve fitness, confidence, and everyday strength, all with the same supportive PATHFINDER framework.

You’ll follow the same program structure (60 miles, 12 workouts, and Challenges), just with your choice of tool. Whether you pick a weighted vest or a ruck, you’ll get a smart, flexible plan that meets you where you are and helps you move forward.

Note: If you already walk regularly, a weighted vest is a simple upgrade. If you prefer a ruck, stick with what you’ve got. Either way, you’ll get the same proven Life experience.

Ruck vs. Weighted Vest: Different Tools, Same Goal

Rucking

  • Builds endurance and cardiovascular resilience
  • Improves load-carrying strength for events and daily life
  • Trains stamina over longer distances and time

Weighted Vest

  • Supports bone strength and joint-friendly loading
  • Improves posture, balance, and everyday confidence
  • Upgrades the walking you already do without extra time

Both paths build confidence, mobility, and sustainable fitness within the PATHFINDER Life framework.

Perfect For:

  • Athletes returning from injury

  • Those seeking an off-season training cycle

  • People balancing other sports or commitments

  • Anyone wanting to build discipline without burnout

Quarterly classes begin every February, May, August, and November.

Have Questions or Need Help?

Message us on Facebook or use the "Chat with us!" button at the bottom left of the screen.

FAQs

Is PATHFINDER Life right for me?
Yes. Life is for beginners, people who are new to rucking or exercise, anyone coming back from injury, and athletes who want a maintenance phase after long training periods of heavier effort.
Do I have to have a certain weight in my ruck?
No, you do not. With PATHFINDER Life, you can select any weight you'd like for your ruck. We recommend most athletes start between 9-12lbs, depending on fitness level and physical size. Because you're building consistent habits with PATHFINDER Life, we encourage you to start slightly lighter than you might want to. Good habits come with time and adaptation.
Do you tell me what to do each day?
No. PATHFINDER isn’t a day-by-day training program. You get a clear 12-week/3-month framework with weekly targets and key sessions, and you place them on the days that fit your life. You select the Challenges that meet your goals from our extensive list of options.
How much time should I plan each week?
Plan about 2 to 3 hours per week. Keep sessions comfortable and sustainalbe so you can stack consistent weeks.
What gear do I need?
A secure ruck, stable weight (plates/bricks, but it can truly be anything that provides a little weight and resistance at first), and footwear you can wear comfortably for up to 90 minutes.
Can I wear a weight vest instead of a ruck?
A weight vest is a great option for PATHFINDER Life. A vest is ideal for short walks or strength/interval sessions. We do recommend a ruck, however, for longer endurance work and other PATHFINDER programs.
Are there Challenges in Life?
Yes. Challenges are scaled to our Life program. Our Challenges are ideal for building sustainable fitness habits and gently stretching your comfort zone.