Operation Iron Ruck begins this morning (Wednesday before Thanksgiving), dozens of students veterans from Auburn University and the University of Alabama rucking 151 miles from Auburn to Tuscaloosa, leading up to Saturday's Iron Bowl football game.

(3:38) Auburn senior and marine corps veteran Clayton Buchanan - coordinator for that event - is this week's guest on the "Run The Race" podcast. He first talks about what rucking is, and what the combat load was in ruck sacks in the Marines, which could be up to 100 pounds. How did he avoid injury? How is it different than running?

(8:20) We talk about how Operation Iron Ruck works, as they walk across part of Alabama, day time and dark, for 3 1/2 days, which is great fitness. The 22 pounds of supplies they're giving to homeless veterans is a symbolic, the number of veterans who commit suicide every day. You can donate to these causes and help raise awareness by going to this link: https://asvastore.com/operation-iron-ruck/.

Clayton talks about the misconceptions and hardships post-military, how friends and family can help. (17:05) On the pod, we discuss why he joined the Marines in 2013, the physical and mental challenges he faced, plus how boot camp and beyond got him in shape. What about motivation and discipline for veterans and fitness post-military?

(24:30) Clayton signed up for a few military-themed races before he got out of the Marines, to help challenge himself during that transition, including the Marine Corps Marathon. This former Marine explains what it was like hitting that "wall" during the 26.2 miles. (28:35) He's also the President of the Auburn Student Veterans Association. We learn what they do to help military heroes and how Operation Iron Ruck is another step to have each others backs.

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