Fitness Options for Honoring Memorial Day

Memorial Day is all about honoring our fallen heroes. 

Usually, most little towns, big cities, and mid-size communities have some kind of tribute to memorialize those who served in the armed forces (but are no longer with us). Typically, there are graveside ceremonies, town hall concerts, and parades. 

Things are a little different this year, with social distancing and COVID-19 restrictions. All the more reason to be mindful on how you honor the day.

In addition, there are those of us who are fitness fanatics...and we have our own options for commemorating the day. After all, isn't that what we do best?

Care to hear a few options for Memorial Day fitness?

Often, during simpler times, there were local races with a patriotic theme during this holiday weekend. It wasn't difficult to find such a race nearby; there may actually have been several to choose from in your vicinity. Many of these races supported area service groups or local efforts to memorialize those who had served our country.

Currently, there are numerous virtual races to consider. Some are free, and are simply done just in the spirit of Memorial Day, while others may have an actual registration fee (that will get you a commemorative shirt or medal). Usually, a percentage of the profits go towards a related worthwhile cause. The advantage of a virtual race is you can do it at your convenience.

Another option, which may be difficult (with respect to social distancing), is to organize an area group run. For the past several years, a small group of us have met on Memorial Day morning, and run a few miles around a lake that sits next to our town's cemetery. We kept it on the down-low, and were respectful of the setting, but it was quite tranquil seeing all the American flags along the path through the grounds.

There are also national charities that honor fallen service members and their families. One such organization is wear blue: run to remember. Often times, you will see a blue mile at a race, which will have pictures of military men and women who died in the line of duty...these are affiliated with the wear blue:run to remember  organization. You can run in your local area, but "pledge" your miles in honor of a specific person if you wish. This year, I'll be running in memory of two different fallen heroes.

If you are a spiritual person, you can run (or walk) in silence. Leave the music at home, and maybe ((gasp)) the Garmin as well, and simply say a few prayers for those who are no longer with us while you log a few miles.

Finally, another option is to do the Murph workout. This is a popular CrossFit workout done at gyms, during Memorial Day weekend. It honors Lt. Michael Murphy, a US Navy Seal who sacrificed himself in an attempt to save his comrades in Afghanistan. This workout is tough, but well worth the effort. It involves a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and concludes with another 1-mile run. I did this for the first time last year (recap). I had to modify the pull-ups (and eventually the push-ups), and only did half of the squats (because I had a race a few days later and didn't want to destroy my legs and glutes).

These are just a few suggestions for those who may be interested in paying tribute on Memorial Day.

Myself, I probably won't be gathering with friends at the lake this year, but I do plan on running my Monday 5K time trial (in honor of my two Run To Remember soldiers). The weather is looking a bit iffy (rain! wind!), but I plan to get it done outdoors anyways. I doubt the CrossFit gym will be open, so the hubs and I might attempt a modified Murph workout of our own at home.

Do you have any plans for Memorial Day? Have you ever participated in a race over Memorial Day weekend? Ever done a tribute run, on your own or with a small group? Have you done the Murph?

I'm linking this with Meranda and Lacey for the Friday with Fairytales and Fitness link-up. 

 

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