Simply Honoring ’31Heroes’

There are many ways to honor heroes, but this takes it to the next level.  On this Sunday August 4, 2012, Crossfit Florian (CFF) will be hosting the “31Heroes” WOD to honor the 30 military service members (17 Navy Seals, 5 other Navy, 5 Army and 3 Air Force) and Bart the dog that were killed in action on August 6, 2011 (http://www.31heroes.com/the-heroes/).  Owners Bill Malcomb and Beau Claiborne along with coaches Paul Lyons, Luigi Fruci, Krissy Malcomb, Christine Mackie, Robyn Connerney, Ricco Riccardi, Melissa Elliott McManus, and Steve Le are extremely excited and honored to be one of the CrossFit boxes hosting this event.

CFF owner Bill Malcomb explains why this event is so important: “Having served in the Marine Corps, I know the sacrifices the men and women of the armed services face day in and day out. This cause is special to me because it will directly benefit the families of our fallen heroes. Unfortunately, after the families receive their death benefit (odd that it is called that), they are forgotten. Causes like the 31Heroes keep the families on the forefront where they belong.”  He continues saying, “We chose to host this event, and to be one of a very few affiliates to sponsor it because this cause is legitimate. These are outstanding charities that are taking care of great American families. Our goal in the beginning for this event was to get at least half of the box involved, and we currently are approaching 120 participants so we have easily achieved that.”

 So what does 31Heroes consist of you ask?

Have not hear of this Crossfit thing, then read a past blog post I wrote on the subject: http://norwood.patch.com/groups/pete-downings-blog/p/bp--what-is-happening-down-on-central-street

31Heros is a partner Workout of the Day (WOD) that consists of:

AMRAP 31 minutes (As Many Reps As Possible)

• 8 Thrusters (155/105#)
• 6 Rope Climbs (15 ft. ascent)
• 11 Box Jumps (30/24″)

Now the caveat and where the fun really is…

Since this is a Partner WOD – Partner #1 will perform the work listed above while Partner #2 runs a 400m with a sandbag (45/25). Once Partner #2 returns from the run, Partner #1 will grab the sandbag and begin their 400m, while Partner #2 continues work wherever #1 left off. This flow continues for 31 minutes and the score is the total number of reps.

You are probably wondering, what if I cannot do the above? This WOD is no joke and even the coaches would agree.

Bill says, “The hardest part of this WOD for me will be the weight, but at the end of the day it's nothing as to what those Seals, and their families have gone through. I'll finish strong with that in the back of my head.”

As with all CrossFit WODs, there ARE scaling options. The following are the ways to scale the WOD if need.

For the main part of the WOD athletes can scale accordingly:

• Level 2 135/95, 7 pull ups & 7 jump squats (x6), 24’/20"
• Level 3 95/65, 7 Banded pull ups & 7 jump squats (x6), 20”/plates
• Level 4 75/45, 7 ring rows & 7 jump squats (x6), plates

Scaling options for the run:

• Level 2 25# SB/10# medcine ball
• Level 3 400m with no weight
• Level 4 200m run with no weight

Coach Paul reminds us the reason why we do this seemingly grueling workout with a simple statement: “I am doing it to show the families that the sacrifices their loved ones made has not and will not be forgotten.”

To donate to this great cause, please click here: http://goo.gl/devdoz

All funds raised in 2013 will be split three ways going to the following organizations: Snowball Express (http://www.snowballexpress.org/), the Travis Manion Foundation‘s Challenge Grants program (http://www.travismanion.com/), and the memorial funds of each of the men killed in action August 6, 2011. Please check out the websites of these great organizations for more information about what amazing things they are doing in the lives of surviving military families!

I asked a few members why they decided to partake in this effort.  Here were some answers:

Denise Corcoran Fitzpatrick: “I'm doing this to honor all the men and women of the military who make the ultimate sacrifice for us. It could never be repaid! I also do this as a special honor to my 94 year old grandfather who is an exPOW of WWII.”

Stephen Aprille: “Because it's just the right thing to do. Period.”

Dan Carey: “I am participating in the 31 Heroes WOD to honor those in my family who are serving in the military today, or have done so in the past. My brother in law currently serves in the Army, my Dad and Uncle served in the Navy and Marines, respectively, during Vietnam. Both grandfathers served in the Army during WWII. Each one either made a sacrifice, or continues to make sacrifices so that we can enjoy life as American Citizens. I didn't serve in the Armed Forces and often wonder if I would have the courage to make the choices each one of them did. The least I can do to acknowledge their commitments is to work as hard as I can, and doing my best for those 31 minutes.”

Hannah Weinberg Loughlin: “I participate in fund raiser WODs (despite extreme scaling) because they are one way I can show gratitude toward military folks while supporting their loved ones. It's also a way to be connected to the CFF Florian community.”

Mike Tarella: “Because a conscious effort must be made to remember those who have sacrificed themselves for the betterment of our society and world. ”Never forget" doesn't just happen. Events like this just make one more day out of 365 where people stop and think about the opportunities they've been given, and how they were obtained.”

Krissy Strazzulla Malcomb: “Out of respect and gratitude for these men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice and continue to give. No excuses, I will be there to honor them.”

Danielle M. O'Brien: “I have many veterans and military personnel in my family - grandfathers, uncles, cousins, brothers, and my husband. I find it amazing that most of them voluntarily signed their lives up for our country. I'm certain I don't possess the same bravery they do. Doing something helps ground me and remember to be grateful. In addition to charity events, 75-80% of my client base are veterans, and I run a group for them on Facebook. These little things are how I can help stateside. It's still no match, but it’s something.”

Joseph Minehan: “Because the men and women of our military give 100% of themselves every single day. Non-military personnel like myself are indebted to them. They do the very best they can for us, and they deserve the very best in return. I'm no hero, I'm no athlete, but for 31 minutes I can do my best to act like one.”

You can see there is a lot of passion surrounding this event, so much that CrossFit Florian is currently one of the top fundraising contributors to the cause (http://www.31heroes.com/leaderboard-2012/).

If you want to come check out the action, the first heat kicks off at 8:40 am Sunday August 4th, 2013.  Feel free to come by and cheer on the athletes, partake in our 50/50 raffle, take a chance on some raffle items or just donate to the cause! 

For more information on CrossFit Florian: http://www.crossfitflorian.com/