Local fitness enthusiasts take on ‘The Murph’ challenge on Memorial Day

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) — In addition to several Memorial Day events in the area honoring our fallen service members, a Rochester gym hosted “The Murph” and did something unique.

It’s an annual workout at gyms across the country on Memorial Day in honor of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, who died while serving in Afghanistan.

The participants we interviewed today said that “The Murph” was an intense workout, but they felt a great sense of accomplishment when they were done.

For the past 12 years, Progression Fitness in Rochester has hosted “The Murph” challenges.

“CrossFit conducts hero training to honor those who served their country in combat or otherwise,” said Progression Fitness owner Joshua Grenell.

“The Murph” is a high-intensity workout that includes a mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another mile run.

You can even add a weighted vest if you’re up to the challenge.

“The main thing about ‘Murph’ is that they saw it and thought it was really, really hard and could never do it,” Grenell said. “But the thing about Progression Fitness and CrossFit is that everything is scalable, so anyone can come and do ‘Murph’.”

“This was my first ‘Murphy.’ We just finished it,” said participant Kevin Farmer. “I don’t think it’s going to be possible, but they’ve really been kicking my ass in the gym for the past few months and it’s going very, very well.”

“Everyone is supporting each other, and even though it’s a workout in honor of Memorial Day weekend, it’s hard,” said participant Jackie Crouchick. “It’s a tough workout, and the community brings you together and makes you feel like you can do it because someone can do it together.”

Whether it was the first time participating in the “Murph” or completing the challenge multiple times, participants said it was an amazing achievement to cross the finish line.

“It means a lot,” Farmer said. “Like I said, this is our first. But being able to do something like this is really special.”

“It’s just one of those things you can’t imagine,” Krawczyk said. “When you actually do the whole workout and you do it with your friends, you feel like a cloud nine. You feel like you can do anything.”

Grenell estimates that about 90 people took part in the Murphy challenge on Monday, and the organization looks forward to completing the challenge again next year.

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