meaningful

"Meaningful" is what all three Memorial Days I have experienced since beginning CrossFit are to me. I confess to not fully connecting with the day's truth prior to CF.

My dad and dad-in-law were both in the Navy.  I had a few friends who had served in some capacity. But once I began CrossFit, I began meeting a large number of people who had served or are serving our country in any one of the branches of the military. More contact with the military via people I've met has, for me, helped deepen the meaning of Memorial Day.

CrossFitters WOD. It's what we do. 
CrossFit's philanthropy as a community begins with a WOD.
CrossFit thrives on honoring its military personnel and reaches far out in other ways, most of them surrounding a number of health issues, and some closer to each gym's home by helping someone in their own community in a multitude of ways. It's one of the hidden truths about CrossFit as a community and a truth that creates an unspoken greater connection to members of a gym. Community focus nurtures community strength.  Regardless of what the target of the philanthropy is or to what the honor of a great WOD is being given, CrossFitters attack the WODs with a depth and intensity that is inspiring.

"Murph" is the Hero WOD that is synonymous with Memorial Day.
Whether done scaled by reps to half, done with modified movements, or done 'as prescribed', it's always an amazing sense of accomplishment to finish it.  It's a small tribute we, as CrossFitters, can do to honor fallen heroes, so we do it.

Knowing it's impossible not to think of the fallen soldier, Michael Murphy, for whom CrossFitters WODded today, they've honored him and others in a most humbling way.
Congratulations all who have ever completed "Murph", today or any other Memorial Day.



"Murph"                                                    
For time:
1 mile Run
100 Pull-ups
200 Push-ups
300 Squats
1 mile Run

In memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005.

This workout was one of Mike's favorites and he'd named it "Body Armor". From here on it will be referred to as "Murph" in honor of the focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is.
Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Start and finish with a mile run. If you've got a twenty pound vest or body armor, wear it.