In the early hours of March 27 under a dark Texas sky, Terrence Ogden and 35 adventurous souls set out on a 75-mile journey from Gonzales to the Alamo in San Antonio. They would lug weighted backpacks (rucks) for the next 36 hours, without sleep, to reach the historic site where so many perished in 1836.
Colonel Travis and more than 150 Texians lost their lives when they were outnumbered by 5,000 soldiers under Mexican General Santa Anna’s command. Among them were 32 courageous men who had rushed from Gonzales, heeding Travis’ plea for reinforcements. These men became known as The Immortal 32.
“They knew it was a one-way ticket, and they went anyway,” says Terrence, who organized the first Immortal 32 Ruck six years ago after learning about the men while visiting the Gonzales Memorial Museum.
“I felt like these guys had been overlooked,” he says. That inspiration sparked what is now the flagship event of Project Grit, the ultra-endurance movement Terrence founded as a testament to his sobriety and a way to help others.
“I was a drug addict, and there was this one, influential person, Kenny, who helped pull me out of the gutter,” says Terrence, now a carpenter living in Wimberley with his wife, Anna, and their kids, Ryder and Jessie Jo. “This whole event is about one person pulling another through.
Project Grit is bigger than a single challenge. It’s about stripping away comfort, facing the hard stuff, and doing it shoulder to shoulder. The group hosts rucks of various distances; some are ultra, some shorter, but all are designed to push people into growth. These events aren’t just physical; they’re a vehicle to develop your full potential.
One challenge is Terrence’s 1000-mile solo ruck across Texas in October. Starting at sea level in Port Arthur and ending atop Mount Cristo Rey, “it’s a symbolic journey from the bottom to the top—ending by giving it all to Christ,” he says.
The group offers several events throughout the year. But it all comes back to Gonzales and the Alamo—where the journey began. As Project Grit’s most symbolic challenge, the annual Immortal 32 Ruck is a tribute to sacrifice, courage, and community.
“It’s hard to put into words what this ruck gives you,” says Megan Singer, the first woman to join the Immortal 32 Ruck. “Each year has brought different lessons. Reaching the Alamo is always deeply emotional. It’s a moment of undeniable confidence—any self-doubt fades. You realize you’re capable of more than you thought.”
Singer, a mom of five from Dripping Springs, says her active life and mindset helped her prepare for the challenge. “Once you’re deep into those miles, it’s not just your body—it’s your mind,” she explains.
“This ruck became more than just miles—it was about proving to myself that I had the strength to do hard things,” Singer continues. She has completed several Project Grit events, including the 31-mile El Camino de Chimayo Ruck, and joins the weekly Rise & Rucks, which depart from Wimberley Square on Saturdays at 6 am.
The group comprises individuals from different backgrounds who share the same veneration for the Immortal 32 and the drive to push beyond comfort zones. “In real life, we probably would’ve never met,” says Terrence. A record 36 participants joined this year’s Immortal 32 Ruck, including three women and a veteran Green Beret with a prosthetic leg.
“I was looking for a challenge, especially being an amputee guy,” says Army Special Forces veteran Daniel Carlton, who lost part of his left leg when he stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.
Daniel, who lives in New Braunfels with his wife, Juanita, and their eight children, prepped for the Immortal 32 with short rucks and by completing the Austin marathon with Terrence.
“We all signed up for the same, voluntary, misery,” jokes Daniel. “At about mile 60, I was like, ‘I’m never doing this again’—you’re so close, you can see the [San Antonio] skyline.”
“The first half is a beautiful, country stroll, and then you get to Seguin and realize you’re not even halfway through,” says Terrence. “The sun goes down, and it’s dark, cold, and loud. I like to call this stretch the ‘soul crusher.’”
Daniel says his favorite part came half a mile from the Alamo, when Terrence gathered everyone. “He told us how proud he was, and we received a patch. You can’t buy that—it’s earned. That was really special.”
While Project Grit began as a personal journey for Terrence, it’s become a community that gives back. This year’s ruck will benefit two charities: Patriots’ Hall, a veteran’s retreat in Dripping Springs, and If You Can, You Must, a Marine Corps scholarship fund for military children.
“I have to give so much love and gratitude to Terrence and Anna,” says Singer. "What they’re building with Official Project Grit is something special. They’re creating a beautiful community—changing lives through ruck, real conversations, and meaningful support.”
OfficialProjectGrit.com | @officialprojectgrit | “Legit Grit Podcast”
“They knew it was a one-way ticket, and they went anyway.”
"Reaching the Alamo is always deeply emotional."