Now that I have finished the ‘Nadia’ book, anticipating more free time, excited to share a challenge that I am training for. It’s called the ‘Murph Challenge’. Many of you might know about it.

The Murph Challenge is in honour of LT. Michael P. Murphy (US SEAL) (May 7, 1976 – June 28, 2005) the officer-in-charge of a four-man SEAL element killed in action near Asadabad, Afghanistan.

The Murph Challenge is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our military and a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. The Murph Challenge is deeply rooted in the SEAL and CrossFit community, and this was part of the training that LT. Michael P. Murphy did.

The full challenge involves the following:

1 mile run
100 pull-ups
200 pushups
300 squats
1 mile run

…in a 20lb weighted vest or body armour.

Will I finish? Who knows. But I will start. And one thing’s for sure. If I don’t start training, I’ll never know what could have been possible.

As many of you would know, #CardiacMan is a #Veteran and that’s why The Murph Challenge has special meaning. #CardiacMan is supporting me in this challenge.

This will take a couple of years year to train for. And along the way, good things happen.

Many years ago, #CardiacMan and I set a goal to run the #MelbourneMarathon - impossible for someone at the time with 5 cardiac bypass grafts and 4 stents? (See photo below of Allan and I crossing the finishing line.) It took 3 years training, with oversight by his cardiologist and health team. Our goal was to train for the marathon, complete it safely, and enjoy it. And we did this together. The full 42.2 km. Since then, Allan has had further surgery, now with 8 cardiac bypass grafts + 4 stents. Fitness is still a massive part of his life. I’m so glad we did the marathon together. And the Murph Challenge will equally be a joint project.

I am working with an Exercise Physiologist, Dietician and GP, on a program to build muscle mass, muscle strength, bone strength, and flexibility. All good things to do. I manage all this with the #Apple Health ecosystem, #Apple Watch and connected devices and apps, so I know exactly what’s happening when I exercise and what I am achieving. I’ll progressively post my bio stats, which are already good.

So here’s a pic of me in the gym in our apartment building, after a workout, wearing a 6kg weight vest. I now workout in an 8kg weighted vest.

And here’s a link to the Murph Challenge. Go check it out. You’ll meet some PHENOMENAL people.