Freedom Isn't Free

Murph.  Every Crossfitter has a love/strong dislike relationship with this Hero WOD.  First of all, it's a benchmark.  Crossfitters will ask each other what their Murph time is, because in this WOD, time measures, and in this case, yes, the measurement matters. 

The  "Murph" WOD is actually named in memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y.  He was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005.  His story was described by Marcus Luttrell in "The Lone Survivor," one of the most compelling accounts of the war in Afghanistan that I have read.  This particular workout was one of his favorites and he called it "Body Armor."  The workout is a grueling 30-45-60 minutes, depending on your skill level, and consists of:

1 mile run
100 pull-ups
200 push-ups
300 squats
1 mile run.

Here's why I love it: I remind myself that it's actually a privelege to do his workout.  He can no longer do it, and I am able to, along with so many others.  This suburban mom, who never served in the military, is aligning myself with a true national hero, one who received the Medal of Honor, and honoring him by doing the workout.  I remind myself that he gave his life for freedom, so a little bit of discomfort and exhaustion on my part is a small price to pay. 

So, after all the groans and the complaints about the heat, (Hmm.  Maryland heat in a jogging bra and shorts versus Afghanistan heat in full Navy Seal gear) we lined up and waited for "3-2-1 GO!" This was my 5th Murph, and while I'm still not Rx on it, I'm getting closer.  And today, it was just me and the Big Boy Rx Club.  I said goodbye to them on the first turn of the mile, and watched them fade into the morning sun - far ahead of me.  My caveat is the dang pull-ups.  I can do 10.  Once.  Then I can do maybe 4 or 5.  And then I'm done, not from quitting but for being the longest student on earth of Pull-up class.  I'm in quadruple remedial pull-up class at this point.  Therefore, I did chest to bar pull ups using the box.  To compensate for my compensation, I got all ballsy with the big boys and decided to grab a vest -  of the 20 lb variety. 

Here's what I would like you to know if you aren't a firefighter, police officer, or military person before you don that vest.  It's heavy, and it wreaks havoc on calves and quads.  My calves were mini-cannonballs after the first mile.  I came to my senses and removed the 20 lbs - I got to watch one of our trainers wear the vest the entire time and complete Murph in a beautiful 32 minutes. 

My time was my slowest yet, 54 minutes, which clearly was not my intention.  But, I pushed myself further than previously because my push ups were Rx when before they were on my knees.  I wore the vest, which I'm really happy there isn't any photo evidence, and I pushed myself onward when it was hot, tiring, and nauseating.  These workouts are an opportunity.  Murph is an opportunity to see what you are made of, and to realize that you are doing something not only for yourself, but ultimately out of respect for someone else, just a 29 year old guy who believed in saving our country.