F3 Ironplains and Optimized Supplements & Nutrition are teaming up to host a 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Challenge to honor those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
The challenge will be this Friday, Sept. 11, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Carlyle Lake Dam West parking lot.
There are two challenges which are open to all. You can do the stair challenge, the "343 + 60 + 8 Heroes workout" challenge, or both.
For the stair challenge, participants will complete a total of 23 rounds of stair climb at the Carlyle Lake Dam, where they will climb up and down the stairs for 23 rounds to honor the firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
"Every step we take, we take in remembrance," organizers said.
In addition, participants can also be part of the “343 + 60 + 8 Heroes Workout" challenge, which is designed to recognize the sacrifices of 343 firefighters, 60 law enforcement officers and eight EMS workers and paramedics who died on Sept. 11, 2001.
The 343 workout honors the 343 firefighters. The challenge is 100 air squats, 100 sit-ups, 100 push-ups, and 43 burpees.
In addition, the workout honors the 60 police officers with 60 walking lunges as well as the eight EMS/paramedics with eight (25-foot) bear crawls.
Each portion of the workout carries a symbolic meaning.
The air squats symbolize strength and endurance under load. Sit-ups symbolize resilience and determination. Push-ups symbolize courage and sacrifice, and burpees represent the "final push and climb."
The 60 walking lunges represent and honor the 60 law enforcement officers who answered the call and never returned home, while the eight bear crawls represent the eight EMS personnel and paramedics who lost their lives while working to save others.
Organizers said the event is open to all fitness levels. Participants may complete the entire workout, modify exercises as needed, or tackle only a portion of the challenge.
Firefighter gear and ruck weight are encouraged for those who wish to add to the challenge, but are not required. Participants also are encouraged to plan for the heat and bring plenty of water.
Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to participate virtually by completing any portion of the workout on their own and sharing their results with the group.
The goal of the event is not only physical fitness, organizers said, but also participation, remembrance and support for those who continue to serve their communities.
The memorial challenge carries the message: “Together, we climb. Together, we remember. Together, we serve.”
For more information, check out the Facebook pages "F3 Ironplains" and "Optimized Supplements & Nutrition."
