MEN'S RUCKING GROUP
THE GENUINE PATH
STARTS MID-AUGUST ON TUESDAY EVENINGS AT 6:30PM BIWEEKLY
August 12 - November 18
Bear Creek Nature Park
740 W Snell Rd.
Rochester, MI 48306
THIS IS NOT JUST A WALK IN THE WOODS.
This is a return to something real.
A space for men who are ready to step outside,
carry weight — physically and metaphorically — and reconnect with their own strength.
If you're looking for more than just therapy or another podcast...
If you want community, discomfort, and transformation...
You're in the right place.
The Experience
📍 Location:
Bear Creek Nature Park
740 W Snell Rd., Rochester, MI 48306
📅 When:
Biweekly on Tuesday evenings at 6:30PM
Starts August 12 – Ends November 18
(Every other Tuesday for 8 sessions total)
10 mile challenge ruck after last group on Saturday 11/22 (optional)
⏱ Duration:
90 minutes per session
• 60 minutes of rucking (movement)
• 30 minutes of reflection, stretch, and connection
👥 Who It’s For:
• Men ages 25+
• Max: 12 participants
• Dogs welcome (on 6-ft leash)
• Must be ready to carry at least 10 lbs (rock, vest, backpack, etc.)
WHAT YOU'LL GET
-
✔ A Physical + Mental Reset through guided hikes and structured discomfort
-
✔ Book-based reflection and real-world integration (we’re reading The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter) (physical book is included)
-
✔ Buddy system for accountability and connection
-
✔ Personalized physical movement plan reviewed by licensed therapists
-
✔ Enriched Life Scale assessments at 4 checkpoints to measure real-life change
-
✔ Final 10-mile ruck challenge to close the journey with grit and pride (optional)
Aug 12
Sections 1–3
Intro + Comfort Assessment
Aug 26
Sections 4–6
What Are You Made Of?
Sept 9
Sections 7–9
Community & Solitude
Sept 23
Sections 10–12
Distraction from Boredom
Oct 7
Sections 13–15
Silence & Hunger
Oct 21
Sections 16–18
Facing Your Death
Nov 4
Sections 19–21
Carry the Load
Nov 18
Epilogue Closing
+ Next Steps
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 8 biweekly guided rucks at Bear Creek Nature Park
- Group meditation and reflection and facilitated discussion led by licensed therapists
- Integration of The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter with topic-based group dialogue
- Physical copy of the book
- Pre, mid, post, and 3-month Enriched Life Scale assessments to measure growth
- Assigned accountability buddy for ongoing connection and support
- Shared Google Sheet tracker for water, sleep, outdoor movement, and dietary goals
- Personalized rucking plan tailored to each participant’s physical goals
- Final 10-mile closing ruck to culminate the experience and celebrate progress (optional)
- Post-group 1:1 Zoom check-in with Mike or Mark two weeks after the final session
- Rucking patch to commemorate the group
- Alumni access to continued resources through Metro Detroit Men’s Therapy
Mike Lamerato, MS, LPC
Founder of Metro Detroit Men’s Therapy
12+ years in mental health, 6 years exclusively working with men.
Mike designs therapy experiences, groups, and retreats that meet men where they are — and take them where they’ve never been. Mike has been on a mission to get men back out in the woods where real healing can be found.
Mark Strubler, MA, LPC
Founder and counselor at Regenerative Health Partners
Mark brings grit, real-world leadership, and trauma-informed depth to his work.
He’s walked the winding path himself — and now walks it with others.
This group has sold out, we will be hosting a men's winter group as well as another rucking group this Spring, stay tuned!
TRANSFORMATIONS FROM MEN LIKE YOU
This retreat was well planned out and executed. My anxiety was high in the beginning but diminished early into the weekend. It was clear that all the participants were open to exploring themselves and reconnecting to their authentic self. As the days went on, I was shocked how quickly I was able to explore several components of the different "parts" that contribute to who I am. I attribute this to the guidance and passion that Mike and Nick have toward helping men better understand themselves, their psyche, and incorporating these connections to nature. You won't regret participating in these retreats!
Mike G.
All men should take a moment in nature and work on their parts -- both physically and internally. I felt like I could have spent another 5 days in nature exploring the land and, more importantly, myself. The parts that have controlled my life are being set free and this retreat came at the exact right moment in my life. I will forever be grateful for the four days in the forest.
Jay
