Martin Luther King Jr. Day: "Selma to Montgomery" Challenge 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday in 1983, marking the first national celebration of Dr. King’s legacy. This day honors the life of the civil rights leader who tirelessly fought for racial equality, nonviolence, and justice. The “Selma to Montgomery" march in 1965, commemorated by this challenge, was a defining moment in the civil rights movement. 

Spanning 54 miles over five days, it demanded an end to voter suppression in the South. Participants endured beatings, tear gas, and arrests on what became known as "Bloody Sunday." Their sacrifice led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark achievement for civil rights. 

This challenge invites participants to reflect on the resilience and unity that brought about real change. Thus, as you will NOT be enduring beatings (thankfully), to make it harder, Tyler thought 54 miles in 54 hours (full version) would be a great test of strength. Plus, it one ups the David Goggins 4x4x48 running challenge (take that Goggins…) 

________________________________________________________

 Cesar Chavez Day: "Bringer of the Bells" Challenge 

Cesar Chavez Day is a U.S. federal “commemorative” holiday, proclaimed by President Barack Obama in 2014. It celebrates the life of the labor leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW). Chavez dedicated his life to improving conditions for farmworkers, leading nonviolent protests and strikes. 

The "Bringer of the Bells" challenge, is a nod to the “farmer’s carry” exercise, where you carry dumbbells or kettlebells for core strength. This draws parity with Cesar’s ability to carry the farm workers movement forward. Chavez’s sacrifices, including his 280-mile march in 1966 from Delano to Sacramento, CA drew national attention to the plight of farmworkers and paved the way for better labor protections. 

280 miles is a bit too epic to replicate, so Tyler decided on 2.8 miles as the distance to carry 1/2 his body weight for this tribute. It symbolizes the burdens these workers endured in the field and their collective strength to move forward in spite of the weight of the world holding them down. 

________________________________________________________

 Memorial Day: "Murph Memory Memorial" Challenge 

 Memorial Day, first observed in 1868 as Decoration Day, became a federal holiday in 1971 to honor the men and women who died serving in the U.S. military. The "Murph Workout" pays tribute to Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who sacrificed his life in Afghanistan in 2005. Known for his grueling workout routine, Murphy’s legacy is remembered by this iconic challenge: a 1-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 air squats, and another 1-mile run all with a 20lb weight vest (Gold division). For the TFC Silver division participants, it is 1/2 the reps and no weight vest necessary! 

Completing this challenge is a testament to the courage and commitment of fallen service members who gave everything for their country. While the Murph is not an original challenge concept from Tyler, he finds it important to honor service members, as he works as a physiotherapist for the Air National Guard. The TriumFit twist that IS unique, is to make it a mental, as well as physical challenge. 

Participants from both divisions are encouraged to memorize a famous speech (military related) that is ~100 words in length to recite at the end of the workout, with a burpee punishment if you choose to skip it (+50 burpees for Gold or +25 burpees for Silver). 

________________________________________________________

 Juneteenth: "Abode on the Underground Railroad" Challenge 

 Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, but its history dates back to June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day celebrates resilience and liberation. The challenge’s 19-mile walk, including a mile barefoot, symbolizes the arduous journeys of those who fled slavery on the Underground Railroad. 

The average distance a slave would walk between “stations” along the Underground Railroad was 10-20 miles, so 19 (for the amount of journeys to the south Harriet Tubman made) was chosen. Their sacrifices, risking capture and death paved the way for freedom and equality, and this challenge pays homage to their courage. Tyler chose to honor Harriet Tubman during his first Juneteenth tribute by reciting one historical fact about her life, or the Underground Railroad’s origins, after every mile walked. 

________________________________________________________

4th of July: "Feast and Fast" Challenge 

 Independence Day celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a daring act that launched the American Revolution. The challenge, involving a 10,000-calorie feast followed by a 48-hour fast, reflects the duality of abundance and sacrifice. It honors the revolutionary spirit of those who risked everything for freedom, reminding participants of the endurance and resourcefulness required to fight for independence. 

It’s not just a test of physical discipline, but also a reminder of the balance between celebration and gratitude. While America is the land of abundance in many respects, it is only through intentional withholding, that we come to appreciate all the joys of our great nation. 

________________________________________________________

 September 11th: "Remember, Remember, the Stairs of September" Challenge 

 Patriot Day, commemorating September 11, 2001, is not a federal holiday, but a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. First responders, civilians, and military personnel alike displayed extraordinary heroism. The 110-story stair ascent honors the firefighters and police officers who climbed the Twin Towers to rescue victims, many making the ultimate sacrifice. 

Carrying a 71-lb weight vest symbolizes the burdens they carried and the lives they saved, inviting participants to reflect on courage under unimaginable circumstances. The title is a play on a line from the movie: “V for Vendetta,” one of Tyler’s favorites. Tyler chose to carry a 71-lb ruck during the original 911 Tribute Challenge to honor his father Kenton, who worked his 38-year career as a firefighter for LAFD, primarily at station 71’s. 

________________________________________________________

 Veterans Day: "Trench Warfare" Challenge 

 Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, originated as Armistice Day in 1919, marking the end of World War I. It became Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all who served in the U.S. military. The "Trench Warfare" challenge, involving digging a Marine Corps fighting hole, pays tribute to the sacrifices of service members in grueling conditions, and the countless lives lost in trenches throughout our history. 

From the trenches of World War I, to modern combat zones, this challenge recognizes their resilience, resourcefulness, and dedication to duty. To honor the physical preparation it takes for the truly unimaginable suffering of fighting and living day-to-day in the cold, wet Earth of a trench.