Smashby's Training Blog

This week brought a very notable event in the sector of “Global Security” that was carried out by the United States Military. From the moment of the public announcement, as is usually the case, an array of emotions has been shared across the country and around the globe. Some celebrated. Others shared how they felt the loss of a life, any life, should never be cheered. Some took credit for their role in the act. Others did not, have not and never will talk about their role in the events. At the end of the day, one FACT remains:

The mission was carried out by Navy SEALs.

Wikipedia defines them as “The United States Navy SEa, Air and Land (SEAL) Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy’s principal special operations force and a part of the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC)… The unit’s acronym (“SEAL”) is derived from their capacity to operate at sea, in the air, and on land – but it is their ability to work underwater that separates SEALs from most other military units in the world. Navy SEALs are trained and have been deployed in a wide variety of missions, including direct action and special reconnaissance operations, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism and other missions.” I understand that as meaning that these men are some of the best of the best.

Men who are asked to do things that most humans could never imagine. They are silent heroes that protect our freedoms, as Americans, every single day. Their job is to remain unseen, (they.do.not.exist.) and they will rarely ever be thanked for their risks and sacrifices.

CrossFit names workouts after people like that. They’re known as HERO Workouts, and they’re named in memory of a soldier, a police officer, a fire fighter, or someone who gave their lives to protect us. They’re not just running and pull-ups and push-ups and air squats. Before we do these in our voluntary fitness class, remember that each one of these HERO WODs has a story. As time has passed in my 2.5+ years in CrossFit, I feel these workouts should be viewed as something a little bit more. They should be taken more seriously. We complain about how much we hate running… these individuals no longer have that luxury.

Tom Nugent (friend and owner of SnoRidge CrossFit) posted a link today that I wanted to share with you all. Glenn Beck tells the story of one SEAL, Lt. Michael Murphy, and how he gave his life to protect each of ours. (CrossFit named the workout “Murph” after him.)

This story has nothing to do with my thoughts on Glenn Beck, but rather the men he is talking about. While I will rarely get this “political” on my blog, stories like this make me feel proud and thankful to live the life I am lucky enough to have here. God Bless America, and thank you to all of the men and women out there ensuring that we continue to have this privilege.

R.I.P. Lieutenant Michael Murphy

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