12-Hour Murph Challenge for First Responder Mental Health

by Amberly Wrubleski | Dec 13, 2024 | Press Release

Pushing Boundaries for Mental Health: A First Responder’s Murph Challenge

The Murph Challenge is not for the faint of heart. It’s a grueling, full-body workout that tests both physical endurance and mental fortitude. But for those who took part in the recent 12-hour Murph Challenge, it was much more than just a physical feat—it was a way to honor the sacrifices made by first responders, military personnel, and veterans. This challenge was chosen as the centerpiece of an event to raise awareness for mental health resources, specifically supporting Legacy Place Society, a charity dedicated to helping first responders and their families.

The Murph Challenge: A Tribute to Sacrifice

The Murph is a full body workout. It consists of the following sequence for time: 1 mile run, 300 squats, 200 push-ups, 100 pull-ups, and a second 1-mile run.

This workout was originally created by U.S. Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan. It was renamed in his honor to commemorate his service and sacrifice. The workout has become a symbol of dedication, resilience, and sacrifice, and it’s often performed to remember those who give so much for their country.

“We chose this workout to emphasize the utmost respect for his sacrifice, and to recognize the continued sacrifice and service of first responders, military, veterans, and many more who serve our country every day,” said Christian Olson with Lethbridge Police Services.

The Challenge Within the Challenge: 12 Hours of Murph

Completing a single Murph workout is already a formidable challenge for many, taking the average athletic person around 45-55 minutes. But for Christian and Terry who took on the 12-hour version, the challenge was magnified exponentially.

“We chose a 12-hour period to see how far we could push our bodies and minds to reach a common goal together, which was initially 12 Murph rounds, but we finished with 20!” Christian shared.

The decision to do a 12-hour version wasn’t just about testing physical limits. It was symbolic. “12 hours is also typically the length of many first responders’ shifts—police, fire, healthcare staff, etc. These shifts can be long, yet no matter how you’re feeling, emotionally or physically, there is an expectation that you are going to uphold. You will get through your shift and do your best to serve those we protect,” they explained.

Christian Olson and Terry Fieguth: The Driving Forces Behind the Challenge

Two individuals played a key role in bringing the 12-hour Murph Challenge to life: Christian and Terry. Their dedication and commitment to the cause were instrumental in the success of the event.
“Christian and Terry were the backbone of this event,” Diana Festejo, Executive Director of Legacy Place Society shared. “They not only took on the challenge but also made sure everything was organized and executed perfectly. Their leadership and energy are contagious, and they pushed one another to keep going, even when the going got tough.”

Terry, in particular, stood out for his unwavering positivity throughout the challenge. “Terry had a smile on his face for 12 hours, which was truly inspiring. He helped keep everyone motivated, and we knew there was no way we could stop while he was still going strong,” Christian added.

Christian’s determination was also a driving factor in the challenge’s success. “Christian was relentless, always encouraging the team to keep pushing forward. He constantly reminded us of the cause we were supporting, which kept us focused and energized. His leadership and mental toughness were crucial in getting through those long hours,” Terry noted.

Together, Christian and Terry exemplified the spirit of the Murph Challenge, pushing through both physical and mental barriers to raise funds and awareness for first responders’ mental health.

Connection to Legacy Place Society

The Murph Challenge was not just about pushing physical boundaries—it was also about making a meaningful impact. The event’s beneficiaries were Legacy Place Society, a nonprofit organization that provides mental health resources to first responders and their families.

“We chose Legacy Place Society as the beneficiary because they are an instrumental organization for first responders in need of mental health resources. This resonates both personally and professionally with me. Professionally, as a police officer diagnosed with PTSD and depression, suicidal ideation becomes a reality. Without resources such as Legacy Place Society, many first responders would have nobody to turn to in their darkest moments. This charity has saved lives and will continue to do so. Not only for first responders but also for their families, too,” said Christian.

The personal impact of the work done by Legacy Place Society was also evident. “I have personally felt the impact—losing relationships and connections because of the job I do and the effect it has on my mental health,” he reflected.

Preparing for the Challenge

The 12-hour Murph Challenge wasn’t something that could be tackled without careful preparation—both physically and mentally.
“Terry and I both started working in portions of the Murph into our daily workouts. The mental preparation was every morning leading up to the event. Getting out of bed, telling yourself the countdown of days until the challenge, knowing every day you just need to improve one physical aspect or mental aspect by 1%,” Christian explained.

Though the challenge was immense, there was never a moment when they felt like giving up. “Honestly, there was not any point that I felt like giving up, and Terry had a smile on his face for 12 hours so I know he had the same feeling. We both had our doubts, looking at the clock after hour number 3, seeing 5 Murphs on the board. Pouring rain, strong winds outside. It was incredible to work with Terry, there was no way either of us were stopping. In the back of my head was just telling myself, ‘I am still standing, I’m still breathing (barely), I have to keep going,’” he shared.

The Impact on the Community

For the participants, the 12 Hour Murph Challenge sent a powerful message to first responders, veterans, and their families:

“You’re not alone. You don’t have to suffer alone either. We are all fighting an internal battle. Don’t be embarrassed to talk about mental health. There is nothing more valuable than life and the relationships you have. Take care of your mental health, so you can take care of your families, and your community.”

The event also helped raise awareness for the mental health challenges that first responders face. “This type of event illustrates the efforts we are willing to take to show the community just how difficult it can be as a first responder. Breaking the silence and stigma. This type of event attracts attention to the fact that there are charities specifically for first responders and raises awareness for the fact that we really need these resources,” Christian noted.

Reflections and Takeaways

The challenge didn’t just reveal physical endurance—it also offered important insights into mental and emotional resilience.

“I learned that my mind, heart, and body are all very different but connected in a way that I can survive and undergo anything when they are all used together. My emotions, my heart, and body were all experiencing very different things but persevered as one to reach our goal. I learned that if I can undergo 12 hours of mental and physical pain, there is no problem, trial or tribulation that can challenge me more. I will use December 7th, 2024, for the rest of my life to reflect on when I’m struggling,” Christian reflected.

The support they received from the community was overwhelming. “The internal first responder/policing support was incredible. What stood out the most was the support from people who are not first responders—people who work ‘regular’ jobs. Hearing ‘thank you for what you guys do,’ ‘You guys are amazing,’ ‘What a great cause,’ these comments stood out to me knowing we are shedding light on the mental health stigma we deal with every day.”

12 Hour Murph Supporting Legacy Place Society

So, how can others contribute to this vital cause?

“Anyone can create a fundraiser! I recommend anyone get in touch with Legacy Place, familiarize yourself with the Canada Helps website, and find a way to contribute,” Christian advised.

And for anyone intimidated by the idea of taking on a challenge like the Murph, he had this to say: “The only thing stopping you from this type of challenge is you. I knew this was insane when I started it. Honestly, at one point, I didn’t think it was possible. We did it, and we almost doubled our goal. Let the cause of the challenge be the fuel to light the fire, and watch as the success falls into place.”

The Rewards of Giving Back

For the participants, the most rewarding aspect of the experience was knowing that the funds they raised could directly help someone in need.

“Knowing the money we raised may be the reason a first responder connects with Legacy Place Society. Knowing our challenge could make a difference in someone’s life who is considering suicide, experiencing family or financial strain, or a number of other reasons,” they said.

As for future challenges? “We will be doing another challenge. I think we will stick to fitness, as it provides such clarity in mental health. I’m hoping we get creative again and find a unique challenge, hopefully getting other branches of first responders involved in the next fundraiser!”

This 12-hour Murph Challenge was more than just an event—it was a powerful statement of resilience, determination, and solidarity. It demonstrated the strength and courage of those who serve our communities every day, and it raised awareness for the critical mental health resources that first responders need. Through events like these, we can continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health and show support for those who often feel they have nowhere to turn. Christian and Terry’s leadership and perseverance were key to the success of this challenge, and their efforts will continue to inspire others to push boundaries for an important cause.