Fitness Options for Honoring Memorial Day

Memorial Day is all about honoring our fallen heroes. 

Many 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. 

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

Care to hear a few options for Memorial Day fitness?

Often times, there are local races with a patriotic theme during this holiday weekend. It’s probably not too difficult to find such a race nearby. In fact, there may actually be several to choose from in your vicinity. Many of these races support area service groups or local efforts to memorialize those who had served our country. Also, there are probably several 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 doing a virtual race is you can do at your own convenience.

Another option, on a very local level, is to organize an area group run. For the past several years, in my former town, a small group of would meet on Memorial Day morning. We’d 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. 

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.

Let’s not forget the simple act of wearing patriotic-themed clothing or fitness gear. I’m hoping to do some biking (weather permitting) and I have a special cycling jersey I plan to wear.

 

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 in 2019 (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).

Anyways, we have a significant holiday in our midst, and I respect we all have our own way of celebrating. Many have lost friends or family members; my sincere condolences to those who may be mourning.

How about you? Any plans for Memorial Day fitness?

***parts of this post appeared in an earlier publication from May 21, 2019

I'm linking this with Michelle, Renee, Darlene, Jenn and Zenaida for the Fit Five Friday Link-up.

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