How are you honoring those who have fallen serving their country or how are you supporting those who are still living?

Growing up in England it was with poppies, pinned to my school uniform, and sold as fundraisers. Why poppies? Because they were the only flowers to grow on the barren battle fields in Europe during the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th Century. Remembrance Sunday is commonly known As “Poppy Day” and is a poignant day of remembrance each November. At school we all sold plastic poppies for raising awareness and funds for those who had served. 

On this Memorial Day in the US, there might not be any poppies, but a tradition I have followed for the last 11 years has been to complete “Murph” a workout named by the CrossFit community.  This was  created in memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005. This workout was one of Mike's favorites and he'd named it "Body Armor". It was renamed as "Murph" in honor of Mike who wanted nothing more in life than to serve his  country. Here’s the workout:

"Murph"
1 Mile Run
100 Pull-ups
200 Push-ups
300 Squats
1 Mile Run

I also learned this week there is a Peloton Murph created. I’ll be completing this workout today in honor of Michael Murphy. 

“Peloton Murph”
4 mile bike ride
100 Seated dumbbell press
200 Push Ups
300 Squats
4 mile bike ride. 

Are you thinking that you could never do that? Why not try and see how far you get? Every year as I struggle through the workout I remind myself of the painful life threatening struggles of those out serving their countries around the world. When I get tired. When I feel exhaustion, when I want to give up...that’s when I think Michael Murphy and all of those who serve and it gives me great perspective to keep pushing. 

Today is the day to consider how you keep pushing, honoring those we have lost who have served their countries, considering how your company is supporting veterans, and reflecting on everything we all have to be thankful for. 

Thank you Mike Murphy and all of those who serve their country.

Val

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