Murph
Within CrossFit circles, few exercises carry the weight and solemnity of the Murph Challenge. Named in honour of Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan in 2005, this workout serves as a poignant tribute to his bravery and dedication.
Each year on Memorial Day, CrossFit enthusiasts from across the globe unite to undertake the Murph Challenge—a formidable workout that tests both physical strength and mental toughness. It also represents an opportunity to push beyond perceived limitations and pay homage to those who have given everything for their country.
The challenge itself includes:
Interestingly, the challenge gained wider recognition following the release of the film "Lone Survivor," which depicted the stirring true account of Marcus Luttrell, a fellow SEAL and close comrade of Lieutenant Murphy. The film not only highlighted the remarkable courage and camaraderie within the SEAL teams but also brought attention to Lieutenant Murphy and its profound significance.
I vividly remember the first time I watched "Lone Survivor" on a plane from Auckland to Los Angeles. I was on a mission to accompany a group of journalists from New Zealand to Seattle to reveal our first Boeing 787-9 aircraft. During the journey, I randomly clicked into the movie and ended up crying my eyes out the whole time. One of the journalists in my group thought I had a fear of flying and tried to console me, but I explained to him that I was simply moved by the sacrifice made by Lieutenant Murphy and the civilians who adhered to their tradition of saving lives regardless of backgrounds or affiliations.
Not long after watching the film, I went to Las Vegas and participated in a Seal Team Six Experience to fully immerse myself in the battleground. Back then, I was young, bold, and naive, and I even entertained the thought of joining the SEALs one day to showcase my toughness.
However, I soon faced the harsh reality that sharply contrasted with the exciting scenes portrayed in the movie. During that period, I lacked the physical stamina to even run a kilometre, let alone participate in demanding physical exercises or weightlifting. I had led a sheltered life and remained oblivious to the harsh realities of the world. Nonetheless, the film and my SEAL experiences sparked a transformation within me, motivating me to join a gym and begin a journey towards physical fitness.
Listening to the Joe Rogan podcast episode featuring Marcus Luttrell, provided me with deeper insights into the story behind "Lone Survivor." As I immersed myself in the conversation, I was captivated not only by Luttrell's brilliant way of storytelling but also by his demeanour, which conveyed a wealth of character and resilience. Despite experiencing the traumatic events of Operation Red Wing, Luttrell's facial expressions and body language revealed a man who confronted adversity head-on and emerged with a remarkable sense of resilience and perspective, serving as a true source of inspiration.
Marcus Luttrell shared how he returned to the battlefield immediately after recovering from Operation Red Wing. This reminds me of my dear mum, who endured a serious car crash and spent over a year in the hospital, undergoing 14 major surgeries. Yet, she wasted no time in getting back behind the wheel once she was discharged.
Back then, I couldn't comprehend their mindset, but through consistent CrossFit training since last year, I've adopted the belief that "losing isn't shameful, but fearing is." You have to go back to where you fell over, gather yourself, and keep pushing forward. Once you no longer fear the circumstances that caused your setback but instead confront your inner obstacles, you'll start to see tangible and satisfying progress over time.
One moment, Luttrell shared the behind-the-scenes story of filming Lone Survivor, filled with hearty Southern American laughter and amusing anecdotes. The next moment, he revealed the harrowing on-site scenes, transporting us back to those three hours of intense combat against the Taliban. He described the fear he experienced and the heart-wrenching sight of witnessing all his friends dead before his eyes. This stark contrast in narratives encapsulated the depth of his experiences and the resilience required to navigate them.
Towards the end of the interview, Joe Rogan asked about Marcus Luttrell's perspective on why he was saved by the Afghan villager, Mohammad Gulab. Luttrell pondered the unpredictability of life and recounted his experience as the lone survivor, crawling through the rugged terrain, covered in mud and blood, parched and exhausted. He then encountered Mohammad, who, following Pashtunwali, a tribal code of honour, saved Luttrell's life by providing him with food and water. Despite the dangers to himself and his community, Gulab risked his safety by providing shelter to Luttrell for several days, even in the face of ongoing threats from Taliban fighters demanding Luttrell's surrender.
After hearing Luttrell's story, Joe mentioned a dream he had the previous night about having dirt in his mouth, a sensation he had never experienced before, which hinted at a strange synchronicity with Luttrell’s survival story, resonating with Carl Jung's concept of collective consciousness.
It also reminded me of my first Murph workout last year. As a newcomer to CrossFit, I initially doubted my ability to complete this tough challenge. However, drawing inspiration from Lieutenant Murph's imagery and the powerful narrative from the movie and podcast, I pushed through and finished it. Sometimes, you just have to believe in the power of the mind.
Looking ahead, this year's Murph Challenge is scheduled close to the end of this month. As I prepare for my second attempt at the challenge, I reflect on the resilience and determination exhibited by SEALs in the face of adversity. Good luck to all those participating in this meaningful event!
This article was written with the accompaniment of background music composed by my CrossFit buddy, Daniel Pugsley. Give it a listen!