Every year on Memorial Day, many of us WOTOWN FIT and people around the country participate in a grueling workout known as “Murph.” The challenge involves a mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, followed by another mile run. But Murph is more than just a test of physical endurance; it’s an act of remembrance and respect. Here’s why this workout is so significant and why we dedicate our sweat and perseverance to it every Memorial Day.
Honoring the Ultimate Sacrifice
Murph isn’t just a workout; it’s a tribute to Lt. Michael Murphy and all the brave souls who have paid the ultimate price for our country. These individuals laid down their lives in the service of principles that form the bedrock of our nation: freedom, hard work, and service. Lt. Murphy, a Navy SEAL, died in Afghanistan in 2005, sacrificing his life for his team and country. His story and valor are captured in the workout that bears his name, challenging us to push our limits in honor of those who pushed theirs far beyond.
More Than a Holiday
While Memorial Day is often associated with BBQs, gatherings at the lake, and the unofficial start of summer, its true purpose is far more solemn. It’s a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by our military personnel who believed intensely in defending the freedoms we often take for granted. By participating in Murph, we reconnect with the true spirit of Memorial Day, dedicating a moment of our lives to remember and honor these sacrifices.
Living the Principles They Died For
The workout embodies the principles that our fallen heroes stood for. Each rep and each mile in the Murph challenge echoes the dedication to hard work, the commitment to service, and the love of freedom that our servicemen and women lived by. By pushing through this difficult task, we remind ourselves of the resilience and fortitude of those who have fought and died for our country.
Beyond the Physical Challenge
Doing Murph on Memorial Day is not about getting a personal record or taking a great selfie. It’s about stepping out of our comfort zones and enduring a fraction of the hardship faced by those in service. It’s a physical manifestation of respect and a personal commitment to never forget the sacrifices made by so many.
This Memorial Day, as you lace up your running shoes and prepare to face the Murph challenge, remember the deeper meaning behind each part of the workout. Honor those who have fallen by embracing and embodying the principles of freedom, hard work, and service, not just in your workout but in your everyday life.
Let’s challenge ourselves by keeping the memory of our fallen heroes alive. Let us refuse to let the principles they died defending die with them.