What got her started

Ms. Ernst, a member of the military since she was in college, was deployed to Kuwait during the Iraq war and is no stranger to long marches with heavy gear.

As a senator, she has turned that experience into a hobby, leading runs and walks around the Capitol, sometimes at the crack of dawn, with staff members, military liaison and really anyone who is willing to put on a rucksack and march at a brisk pace around the Mall and beyond.

“It’s about bringing people together in a fun way where we can laugh and joke,” said Ms. Ernst, whose gentle encouragement makes it hard for staff members to skip the 6 a.m. marches. “There is some seriousness to it when we are discussing different policies or initiatives. However, for the most part it’s about developing relationships, and that camaraderie brings me joy.”

How is ruck marching like lawmaking?

“It’s about teamwork, really,” she said. “You can go it alone, but reaching the objective is a lot easier when you have people participating with you. This is a good way to build camaraderie, not only within our office, but other offices too. We are able to get to know other folks, and find ways to work together and collaborate.”

Random fact about ruck marching

It is actually a popular hobby. In March she participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March, a marathon-length march through the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, wearing a 46-pound rucksack.

Susan Collins, Republican of Maine

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