1 mile. 100 pullups. 200 pushups. 300 squats. 1 more mile. Ideally with a weighted vest.
The Murph Challenge is a tough workout and fund raiser to honor Lt. Michael Murphy, a Navy SEAL who died selflessly putting himself in harm’s way to help his team during an ambush in Afghanistan. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
...Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly attempted to call for assistance for his beleaguered teammates. Realizing the impossibility of communicating in the extreme terrain, and in the face of almost certain death, he fought his way into open terrain to gain a better position to transmit a call. This deliberate, heroic act deprived him of cover, exposing him to direct enemy fire. Finally achieving contact with his headquarters, lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team. In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country and for the cause of freedom...
Many do the workout as a challenge, but this was a normal workout for Lt. Murphy.
Chupacabra Strength & Conditioning has been an official host ever since they opened, so this was their third year hosting. Every year, the event has been bigger and has had more participants. The co-founder and head coach, Erik, is a 20-year combat veteran who himself sustained injuries in an IED incident in Iraq. He still has shrapnel in his body. To him, the Murph is more than a hard workout, and it shows in the spirit and effort that they put into the event.
As for the workout itself, this is one of my favorites because it incorporates fundamental movements like running, pushing, pulling, and squatting and it can be scaled down as needed. Doing it every year is also a good way to measure progress. This year I did it twice, both at official hosts since they’ve donated to the Murph Foundation, which aligns the gym with the purpose of the workout.
For next year, my goal is to get a faster time and/or to do it wearing a vest.
So regardless of your fitness level, come out, challenge yourself, and sacrifice some discomfort to honor those who have sacrificed everything.