Date: 2025-11-10
AO: thepatriot
Q: citrus
PAX: Piano Man, Bone, My Space, Wedding Singer, NASCAR, Lazlo, Hops, Rim Fire, Daaa Auditor, Smokey, Walker, Couch Potato, Shake ‘n’ Bake, Bob the Builder FNGs: None
COUNT: 15
THE WARM-UP: SSH, penalty burpees, WMH, Imperial Squat Walkers, Hillbillies, Michael Phelps, Mosey, arm circles; Downward Dog
THE THANG:
The PAX split into pairs to perform a modified version of the Chad WOD in honor and remembrance of Chad Wilkinson. Wilkinson, a retired Navy SEAL who had served for over 20 years, took his own life in 2018. At his funeral, his wife, Sarah, told the story of how Chad trained to climb Mt. Aconcaga: by performing 20” box step-ups, in sets of 1,000, for time while wearing a 45-lb ruck. The 1,000-step Chad workout is done to honor his memory and to highlight our country’s epidemic of Veteran suicides.
The PAX did both by performing 10x of 50 step-ups, and then alternating running around the arena and doing 18x merkins.
Total of 1,000 step-ups and 180 Merkins for each pair of PAX.
Social lap to the field for …
THE MARY: Flutter Kicks
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Patriot field will be closed Nov-Feb, but Patriot will be open; touch football game at Compound; Boneathon coming May 2026
THE COT:
Several years ago the 22-push-up challenge spread across social media as a way to highlight veteran suicide rates. At the time, an average of 22 former service members committed suicide each day. Through awareness and active intervention, that number has dropped to just under 18 veterans lost per day (https://news.va.gov/137221/va-2024-suicide-prevention-annual-report/). While 18 is headed in the right direction, it is still way too many.
Chad Wilkinson’s story is telling. A decorated veteran, with strong family and community ties, still chose to end his own life. As Sarah Wilkinson said “When Chad took his life, he had everything to live for … .”
We did this workout in pairs, as a reminder that we are never alone. As we enter the holiday season, reach out to those around you and see how they are faring. The holidays can be a lonely time, even in the best of times. With the COVIDs keeping many isolated and anxious, this year may not be the best of times. Support those around you, veteran or non-veteran.
Tags: thepatriot, Piano Man, Bone, My Space, Wedding Singer, NASCAR, Lazlo, Hops, Rim Fire, Daaa Auditor, Smokey, Walker, Couch Potato, Shake ‘n’ Bake, Bob the Builder
F3 The Capital 