Pittsburgh HDT Throwdown

 



New brands of events tend to have lower sign-ups. Why? Because you don't know what it's all about and most people don't like the unexpected. You may not know or trust the brand. You may be unsure if it's worth the cost of registration. 


If any of those apply to you about the HDT Throwdown, let me tell you, in my opinion, how it compares to a GORUCK Tough (since most of you are familiar with that event)


THE UNKNOWN

GORUCK definitely has more unknown. While you still don't know the movements and workouts that will occur at the Throwdown, it's more straightforward. GORUCK events are very cadre-dependent. They could be all rucking or 90% PT. If you answer a question wrong or do any other countless thing wrong, the entire event could change. The difficulty level could vary on team performance or countless other factors. 

At a Throwdown you know it will be a mix of workouts, ruck movements, and running...yes, fucking running. You won't know the workouts of movements ahead of time, but it's much more prescribed than a GORUCK event, which in my mind, makes it more predictable. 


TEAM VS INDIVIDUAL

While there are team aspects of the Throwdown and competitive aspects of GORUCK, I would say GORUCK is majority relying on your team and Throwdown is more individual. If you aren't fast at PT, there's not as much pressure to keep up with the team at a Throwdown, but if you're feeling like shit during a ruck/sandbag movement, don't expect someone to take it from you because everyone else has their own. Throwdowns do have some team based movements that are shorter and rely on some strategy. And while you are on a team, you are competing against the other team(s), so there's always that competitive aspect. 


AMBIANCE

While all GORUCK events are so different depending on theme and cadre, overall, I'd say Throwdown is much more laid back. After each movement or workout, there is time for recovery. Think foam rolling, theragun, snacks, even one short period for a nap. You definitely get breaks at GORUCK events, but they are less predictable, and since there's no home-base, you need to take what you need with you...and that doesn't allow for much. We listened to music during the workouts at Throwdown and there's never going to be periods of required silence, yelling from Bryan, etc. 


GORUCK obviously brings special aspects to the table in regards to themed events and the experiences and personalities of cadre. Depending on the effort of the cadre embracing the themes, it can lead to some really special moments.


EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION

Bryan is a personal trainer and very calculated when it comes to developing his events. I'm sure most of you already know, but he runs @heavydroptraining, which is one of the best ruck training programs out there. He's been doing this for awhile and is a name you can trust. 


For non-competitive, you can choose your weight. There will never be extended periods of working one muscle group just to see who he can get to drop. There was stretching, dynamic warm-ups, rotating workouts focused on different muscle groups, and exercise modifications for non-competitive participants. The ruck lengths were very doable with short breaks if he saw they were needed. The goal appears to be to get everyone to finish successfully. It's still challenging on the mind at times, but I never went into that dark place that I've gone to at GORUCK events. 


So which one would I rather do, a GORUCK Tough or a Throwdown? 


You don't get that answer, because I don't have one. I personally do enjoy the chaos and mind-fuck that occurs at GORUCK events. I like pushing myself through that. Those elements aren't always for everyone, though.


I also enjoyed a 15 hour ass kicking PT and ruck session, where I felt like I was actually doing my favors instead of completely destroying it.


So if GORUCK Tough events give you anxiety, this may be a solid alternative. Or go do both. Each are unique and will have you feeling amazingly horrible after you receive your patch! 


I am sore as hell today, but I don't feel the least bit injured. I got the best workout I have probably ever had in, I had a great time with old and new friends, and I will absolutely do an HDT Throwdown again.


So if you have one in your area, or you are willing to travel, go give it a shot. It's 100% legit and worth the time and money. 


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