Project Herakles: The Test of Strength & Endurance
Over the past 12 weeks, Cody has been working through what he’s called Project Herakles. It’s been a true test of both strength and endurance, all building toward one week where he attempts a 600-pound deadlift and a 12-mile ruck in under two hours.
On Monday, January 12th, the test began with his deadlift attempt, and he hit 605 pounds, marking the first major milestone of the project. For the rest of the week, the focus shifted to resting, fueling well, and moving through a few light sessions before
This morning, Friday, January 16th, he took off for the 12-mile ruck wearing the full military uniform, a 38-pound rucksack, and an 8-pound rifle. He finished in 2:01:55, holding roughly a 10:10 pace the entire way. Though just shy of the goal, he was more than satisfied with the effort he gave from start to finish.
Throughout this project, Cody has shared how he thinks about “collecting wins.” It’s not about one massive moment of triumph. It’s about planning meticulously, understanding the work in front of you, imagining success vividly, and attacking the day with relentless effort. For him, that looked like countless training sessions that felt uneventful in the moment but built the foundation for these milestones. For you, it might look like intentional meals, sticking to routines, or doing the small, unglamorous work that adds up over time.
Big things hardly ever come down to a single moment. They come down to showing up with excellence in the small, consistent actions. By planning your week, fueling your body well, going to bed on time more often than not, and doing the work you said you’d do even when no one is watching.
One of Cody’s favorite quotes is by George Bernard Shaw:
"This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish, little clod of ailments and grievances… I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."
Life is brief and fleeting, a blink of time in which we’re given the chance to live with purpose. During the days entrusted to us, we have the choice to show up wholeheartedly, give our best effort, serve others, and pursue excellence in every area of life. It’s okay to be tired, to feel sore, and to experience challenges. These are the signs that you’re leaning into life fully.
We hope that you squeeze every ounce of life out of your days. Be relentless, be authentic, work hard, and serve others along the way. Your effort matters, and the way you choose to show up ripples far beyond what you see.
P.S. Cody’s exact 12-week strength + ruck plan will be available soon—for any other crazies out there who feel called to push their limits 😜
