COME WITH IT NOW: An interview w/ CADRE SHREDDER

Cadre Shredder | Special Forces (Green Beret) - Mike spent his formative years working alongside and serving with some of America’s most elite military units. As a member of the United States Army’s Special Forces, Mike specialized in training the armies of foreign nations.  It was during these years that he developed a passion for people and training. The jungles of Central America proved to be the ideal classroom and SURVIVAL the perfect course of study. 

COME WITH IT NOW!
An interview with Cadre Shredder

As you continue to immerse yourself in the sport of rucking, learning from those who’ve traversed before you can help shorten the learning curve between novice and badass. There are certain aspects of rucking that can only be predicted and prepared for after someone else has learned it the hard way.

So, in this evolving blog series, COME WITH IT NOW!, we’re taking the pulse from those who’ve got some notches on their padded hip belt to help guide others in their pursuit of a healthy, adventurous lifestyle while rockin’ a rucking backpack.

In this interview, we get some efficient, bullshit-free insight from Michael Castillo, known to many as Cadre Shredder. Puttin’ in miles out of his homebase in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Shredder operates Castlemen Events and brings his expertise with him across the country in an onslaught of ruck-based training and survival programs.

Stand by to get some…

RUCKS ON PARADE: First things first, give us the elevator pitch on Castlemen Events (CE).

SHREDDER: I provide best in class training based on knowledge derived from real world experience. I create exciting and challenging adventures while ensuring a safe, unique, and memorable experience. #LoveHumansLoveLife

How has rucking led you to launch CE?

It’s been a natural progression. The growth of rucking in North America has had a direct positive influence on the number of potential clients interested in outdoor adventures and challenging activities.

Mission of Castlemen Events: To provide best in class training based on knowledge derived from real-world experience, while providing safe, unique, and active "live" learning opportunities.

To the novice, CE appears intense. Who's your target audience, and what advice (or warning) would you give them in terms of being prepared (enough) to participate in your training/events?

First and foremost—be fit. Both of mind and body. Be able to recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and be willing to work hard to improve upon both. My events can be used as a barometer for that self-assessment. Then, use other events as a test of where you are and where you intend to go. And, for more serious event-specific activities, be certain to train a minimum of 60 days out.

How/why did you get into rucking?

I was in the Army. I didn’t have a choice.

How would you describe the essence of rucking to someone who's interested, but unfamiliar?

Rucking is simple. Buy a backpack and start walking. There are four primary ways in which rucking can influence your life in a positive manner.

There is the purely physical element. Rucking tests your endurance, stamina, and total body conditioning.

The purely emotional/spiritual. Rucking will work your mental toughness, your mental resilience. Rucking will open your mind to creative thoughts, while also helping you to focus your thoughts with purpose.

The combination of both the physical and the mental working simultaneously creates the third.

Then, there’s the community and the subsequent potential for communal activities.

What was the most intimidating or challenging aspect to rucking when you started? How did you overcome it?

The weight and the physical stress. I overcame it by doing more rucking.

What's the best advice you could give to someone who's out of shape, but interested in rucking?

Start rucking. Light, slow, and over a practical distance. Wear proper attire for the conditions. Wear sensible footwear. Check with your physician if you have underlying medical conditions or injuries.

What’s your go-to rucking backpack?
UTactic’s Bravo, u34, or Medical Aid. Simply, their overall value.

What's your go-to rucking backpack (model, style, etc.)? Why that one?

UTactic’s Bravo, u34, or Medical Aid. Simply, their overall value.

What factors should you consider before investing in a proper rucking backpack?

The type of rucking you plan on pursuing.

You're going on your first serious long-distance ruck or participating in your first sanctioned rucking event—what critical items, that might otherwise be overlooked, do you absolutely make sure you pack?

Extra socks. Make ‘em wool. And, a footcare kit.

What auxiliary gear/accessories can you now not live without while rucking?

Water, water, water.

What are some of your favorite exercises using your ruck that have impacted your fitness journey?

Squat, pushup, burpees. Everything core. Lunges. All with wearing your ruck.

Are there any creative/unconventional exercises you've adopted using your ruck?

Ruck Swings, Mason Twist

Castlemen Events cover elements of basic survival to establish a foundation of skills that can be applied in almost any environment as well as the mental attitude required to survive.

To best prepare, endure, and recover, what are your eating/drinking habits before, during, and after a ruck?

It’s too specific to the individual. Aside from more water than you think, you have to give your body what it needs and you have to figure that out for yourself.

What's your most regrettable/embarrassing mistake while rucking and/or the most successful milestone accomplished with rucking?

No regrets here. One that will forever stick with me though is a 12-miler during Special Forces Qualifications.

What are the most significant mental/health/fitness benefits you've experienced as a result of rucking?

My personal fitness, physical strength, mental toughness, and a social, supportive community.

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Hey, before you split! We’re always looking for other sharp minds to extract knowledge from. Do you know a prominent persona in the world of rucking, or have a unique perspective from your own personal experience that you’d be willing to share? If so, drop us a line, let us know, and we’ll extend the invite to chat it up and feature your story!

COME WITH IT NOW!

RUCKS ON PARADE

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