Approximately 40 people came together at CrossFit Brownwood for a Memorial Day workout in honor of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005. Murphy was also a Navy Seal. He was killed after exposing himself to enemy fire and knowingly leaving his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. He provided his unit’s location and requested immediate support for his element and then returned to his position to continue fighting until he died from his wounds. In the 2013 film Lone Survivor, Murphy is portrayed by actor Taylor Kitsch.
The group’s workout was one that Murphy, or “Murph” to his friends, had developed for himself naming it “Body Armor” because he often did it in full gear with his heavy body armor on. Two of the participants of Monday’s workout wore weighted vests to help them identify with Murph’s workout. The workout begins with a one mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats and ending with an additional 1 mile run.
Although this workout is intimidating to many, those participating ranged in age from 11 to 55 and were from many different professions such as emergency responders, stay at home moms, college professors, teachers, business managers and National Guard.
HPU professor Wendy McNeely has been involved in CrossFit for about a year, but had never done this workout before. “The fact that I completed it is huge,” said McNeely who explained her admiration for Murph and others in the military. “I don’t know how they do it, they amaze me.” McNeely stated that she had beaten her personal goal of 70 minutes, finishing at just over 57 minutes.
The workout did not require being “Navy Seal” fit, but could be done in repetitions that would work for the fitness level of each participant. Teacher Helen Spearman stated that she never thought she could have finished the whole workout but with support and encouragement from other members, she was able to finish.
“I love this workout, it makes people suffer and realize, think about what he (Murphy) did for us,” said Coach Adam Sherrill. “It makes it easier for you to push through it.”
Assistant Coach Jon Oplotnik stated that fitness level isn’t important in working out, but rather the dedication. “It doesn’t matter where you are in your fitness journey, you just have to show up.” Working out in a supportive environment such as CrossFit develops a sense of community, according to Oplotnik.
