In the world of strength and fitness, meaningful rituals are rare. One thing that is gaining popularity in strength and fitness over the past few years is the three-day weekend in spring. We couldn’t think up a better way to do it.
Many CrossFit enthusiasts will be participating in “Murph” this Memorial Day. This grueling event requires you to run a mile, then do 100 pull ups, 200 pushups and 300 bodyweight reps. You can also wear a weighted vest weighing 20 pounds.
You can run a mile after you are done. Again.
It’s one of the most difficult CrossFit workouts. It’s kind of like active duty. You will see where your weaknesses are no matter how hard you try.
Many lifters have been working hard for weeks in preparation for this day. They will have their wrist bands on, a timer set and their preworkout loaded. Others see the point in the fact they’re not prepared. Murph is a test they are familiar with and will likely fail.
The Meaning of “Murph”.
Lieutenant Michael Murphy was the creator of the workout and was its namesake. He was a fitness-loving SEAL who was killed while serving in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005 at the age of 29.
Murphy believed that Murphy’s training and fighting methods were interconnected. Murphy’s favorite no equipment workout was this. It took him less than an hour to complete. What more could a soldier need?
The United States military has developed new fitness standards that are gym-inspired in recent years to meet the needs of soldiers on the ground. Although training warfighters as athletes increases their survivability, it doesn’t instill invincibility.
It’s up each soldier to do his part to be prepared. Murphy understood this.
He wouldn’t have died because he wasn’t fit enough to fight in battle.
This WOD is a challenge for many, including active-duty military personnel. But it has evolved to be much more. This workout gives us all a glimpse into the unique combination of fitness, ferocity and risk taking required by those who travel to protect our lives.
Train with the resolve and strength of fallen heroes on Memorial Day to face whatever personal challenges may lie ahead. It will feel amazing to be done, and that you gave everything. There are many people who gave more.
