CrossFit explains Hero WODs as the following –

“Military, law enforcement and first responder communities were amongst the earliest proponents of CrossFit. Their intensity matched with the fitness CrossFit provides is a match made in heaven. When a service member dies in the line of duty, a CrossFit Hero workout is created in their name. Hero WODs are an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of the fallen – to speak their names and honor their memories. These workouts have been a tradition of workout gyms since 2008.”

First and forest the main benefit is the act of paying respect to those individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect us. Murph is arguably the most notorious Hero WOD in CrossFit, which is why we have programmed this WOD for Memorial Day every year that we have been an affiliate. Many may be familiar with Lt. Michael Murphy’s story because of the movie Lone Survivor.

Michael Patrick Murphy (May 7, 1976 – June 28, 2005) was a United Statues Navy SEAL officer who was awarded the U.S. military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the War in Afghanistan. He was the first member of the US Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War.

Murphy was killed on 28 June 2005 during Operation Red Wings. He had left cover and moved to a clearing away from the mountains, exposing himself to a hail of gunfire in order to get a clear signal for his satellite phone so he could contact headquarters to relay their dire situation and request immediate support for his team. He dropped the satellite phone after being shot more than 14 times but picked the phone back up and finished the call. Murphy signed off saying “Thank you”, then continued fighting from his exposed position until he died from his wounds.

During this grueling workout, we honor and remember the ultimate sacrifice that Lt. Murphy and others have made for our freedoms. Join us – bring your friends and family! This is a free workout for all.