01/18/2022 - valley - Semper Fi’s MLK Timeline AMRAP

BackBlast:

I lived in South Carolina at the time of the tragic shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, on June 17 2015. One of the things I witnessed in the aftermath of the shooting became one of the most meaningful events of my life. A few weeks later on July 10 2015, the Confederate flag that had flown over South Carolina’s statehouse was lowered for the final time, to much celebration, fanfare and controversy. And I stood on the statehouse steps as it was removed, a few feet from the survivors of the tragedy and family members of the shooting victims. I was also standing near the Rev. Jesse Jackson who I had the honor of meeting and speaking with at length that morning. Rev Jackson worked for and marched with Dr. King.

All of this is to say, that the Civil Rights movement and it’s heroes are not nearly as far removed from us in history as we may think. I’ve shaken the hand of the hand that held Dr.King’s in solidarity, and knowing that still gives me chills.

So when I saw that Semper Fi did this beatdown at Foxtrot last week I asked if I could steal it, because it struck me as both a great workout and a nice reminder about why we had a holiday on Monday.

THE THANG:

The workout was a four set AMRAP, with each set 10 minutes. The dates marked MLK’s birth, his first Time magazine cover, the year of his “I have a dream speech,” and finally his death.

MLK was 39 when he was assassinated, and the day before he died he gave his last speech, known as “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” So at the end of each set we did four count mountain climbers, 10 after the first three sets and 9 after the final set.

THANKS to Semper Fi for this awesome beatdown idea.