Join us this Veteran’s Day as we take on “Chad,” in honor of Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson, who died by suicide in 2018 after a 21-year career in the service. Wilkinson experienced the effects of numerous deployments, several TBIs, blast wave injuries, and PTSD.
In the year 2018 suicides among US Special Operations tripled in 2018. Suicide is a large and very serious concern in the military community. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations.
This workout is donation-based. In honor of Chad and in support of all veterans the funds will be donated to the Step Up Foundation. Founded by Chad’s wife the Step Up Foundation’s mission is to change the narrative concerning the number of veteran suicides by dramatically expanding awareness regarding the effects of blast wave injury, traumatic brain injuries, and post traumatic stress.
Chad
Complete 1,000 Weighted Box Step-Ups (45/35 lb)
3 OPTIONS:
1. Slick/Beginner // No rucksack. You pick the height of the step-ups.
2. Standard/Intermediate // 30#/20# rucksack. You pick the height of the step-ups.
3. Expert // 45# rucksack. Use 20" box for step-ups.
"Chad did this workout specifically to train for climbing mountains. Because he died by suicide I see step ups to be a poetic representation of mental health. They are not technical but at some point in the 1,000 you are going to really hurt, question and maybe doubt yourself while alone in your thoughts. It's a reminder to keep going, keep pushing and as Chad used to say 'uncomfortable can't last forever.'" Sara, Wilkinson, Chad’s wife.
More Scaling Options:
Take on with a partner or as a team of 3 (weighted or unweighted)
Scale the reps to 500 step ups