2026 Misogi Challenge

Dear Friend,

Our weekly rucking events have been a hit. They’ve become a simple way to connect the community, get outside, and talk about health.

At first glance, rucking looks like it’s about physical strength and structure. For me, it’s become something else entirely:

Mental resilience

I was introduced to rucking through The Comfort Crisis, where Michael Easter describes the concept of a Misogi. Traditionally, Misogi is a Japanese Shinto ritual of purification—standing under icy waterfalls. In modern form, it’s evolved into an annual challenge intended to push your physical or mental limits, with a real 50/50 chance of failure.

The Rules of a Misogi:

• 50/50 Rule: Failure must be a genuine possibility

• Don’t Die: Hard, but safe

• No Ego/Social Media: This is internal work, not performance

• Personalized: It should be hard for you—physically, mentally, or creatively

My health journey so far has focused heavily on optimizing physical and metabolic health. The untintended cost? Wear and tear. Joints. Tightness. Waking up sore somewhere almost every day, with “loosening up” becoming a daily priority.

I’ve explored a lot of bodywork modalities—some helpful, some less so—but the pattern was clear: I was strong and fit, but not free-moving.

So my 2026 Misogi isn’t something flashy like Hyrox, CrossFit, or an ultramarathon:

“Achieve a body and mind that move freely—without restriction or pain”

(The only time I’ll talk about it to follow the Misogi rules)

Not sexy, but deeply meaningful. Most importantly, I will be changed in pursuit of it.

I’ve challenged the family to do the same and come up with their own Misogis:

• Crizen wants to complete 3 consecutive pull-ups.

• Kenzo wants visible abs.

• Kaya said abs are “too easy” (no idea where that confidence came from) and is aiming to hold a handstand for one full minute.

• Nina is still thinking.

So what’s your 2026 Misogi?

Finally, lookout for our events newsletter and join us on a ruck or other community event.

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This newsletter is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute giving medical advice or endorsing any treatment. The use or application of the content herein forms no doctor-patient relationship. The information in this newsletter should not substitute for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thanks,

Mike