Carlos Sanchez
Name: Carlos Sanchez
Retired: MSG, United States Army
Current: Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Staff Officer
Where are you from?
Originally from Dallas, Texas, but have called the Fayetteville/Fort Bragg area home since 2005.
Why do you ruck?
I ruck because it is my therapy, I am decent at it with my long legs (I’m 6’4), it keeps me active, my son likes joining me (on rucks shorter than 8 miles), and it helps me prepare for whichever rucking event is next.
How did you get into rucking?
I got into rucking from the Army, but it was the Norwegian Ruck Marck 30K I completed in 2015 that really solidified my love of rucking.
Favorite ruck so far:
The International March of Diekirch in 2025. My son and I flew to Luxembourg to do two 12Ks. It was an amazing experience. I intend to go back for the 20Ks, then the 40Ks
What is the hardest lesson you've learned on a ruck?
Sometimes you should listen to your body and it’s okay if you don’t complete a ruck. I tried to do my 2nd Norwegian ruck in 2025 (a 10-year gap from my first one). At the turn-around point (15K) my body was done. It was actually done before that but I pushed to at least make it halfway. Now I’m preparing to give it another go when my body is ready for the full 30K and to earn that Silver badge.
What is your go-to ruck setup?
I rock a Rhodesian tan BLACKHAWK! ruck that I started rucking with in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 2007/2008 timeframe (still holding up despite its’ age...kinda like its’ rucker!). Extra boots, socks, snacks, and CamelBak sitting in the highest part of the ruck.
What is your advice for new ruckers?
Alternate 2 sets of the same boots. Invest in Fox River socks. Wear your boots with 2 sets of laces, 1 for your foot and 1 for your ankle. This way you can tighten and loosen specifically for feet or ankles, if necessary.
What is the next event you are training for?
Another Norwegian Foot March and next year’s Danish Flyver since I missed it this year.
Fun fact about you outside of rucking:
I enjoy playing Pokemon Go (I say it’s for my kids, but I’d do it even if they didn’t). And...after I retired from the Army, I joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary. I had never even heard about the Auxiliary. Had I known, I would have joined the Auxiliary at the same time as I joined the Army back in 2003. In the Auxiliary, I am pursuing certification as an Instructor, Public Affairs, and Chaplain (it’s the Coast Guard’s best kept secret!).
CARLOS SANCHEZ - NORTH CAROLINA, USA