The Murph: Are You Ready For War?

Mark 8:35

English Standard Version

35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.

Every year, thousands of people participate in what is called The Murph on Memorial Day. Wodify posted that last year alone more than 36,700 people posted their results in the app. It was originally called “Body Armor” after the man we all honor: Navy Seal Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy. The crazy thing is that if you’ve seen the movie Lone Survivor with Mark Walberg then you know who Lieutenant Murphy is (played by Taylor Kitsch). He gave his life to call for help so his men can be saved.

Men’s Health posted a wonderful article How Murph Became the Most Legendary Fitness Challenge Ever in May 6, 2021 and describes in detail what an outstanding fearless guy Lt. Murphy was. After he enlisted in the Navy, Lt. Murphy joined CrossFit. He combined work as a SEAL with CrossFit moves to make “Body Armor”.

1 mile run

100 pull-ups

200 push-ups

300 air squats

1 mile run

All this is done while wearing a 16.4 pound military issued vest. The vest is important because it’s part of his job description. Before CrossFit got wind of this WOD, military personnel were performing Body Armor in stations around the world. Lt. Murphy’s time was between 32-35 minutes and if anyone got a fast time, it was proof that they were ready for war!

My time last year was nowhere near Lt. Murphy. It was 48 minutes and 40 seconds with lots of modifications and no vest (women's vest is 14 pounds and men 20 pounds). I broke the 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups and 300 air squats into 10 rounds of 10 pull-ups, 20 push-ups and 30 air squats. Each time I tried to do at least 10 regular push-ups before going on my knees for assistance. The pull-ups were more jumping than regular. Thank God for a low pull-up bar! I’m far from being ready for war but I’m slowly creeping my way there. This is one of the reasons I love CrossFit. It’s more than just endurance and strength. It’s a reminder of who has gone before us and sacrificed their lives for us. That’s what Memorial Day is all about. Hope you get a chance to try the Murph this year especially with friends:)