Sara Wilkinson, Rogue, and GORUCK present the hero workout “Chad 1000X” in honor of Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson, who took his life on October 29, 2018, due to the effects of numerous deployments, several TBIs, blast wave injuries, and PTSD. This year, join us again in paying respect to Chad Wilkinson and all those who have been lost to suicide, while also committing to try to change the number.
Check out www.chad1000x.com to donate/register for the event.
The Veterans Day “CHAD” Hero WOD goes beyond the Veteran, CrossFit, and GORUCK communities - it is for everyone. We want to use Chad’s life and legacy to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Our goal is to honor Chad and all Veterans currently struggling this and every Veterans Day moving forward. Chad is not alone, this is a silent epidemic with the enemy sneaking quietly into our homes and it has to stop. This is a silent disease where symptoms, triggers, and warnings are often recognized too late.
About the Chad1000X Workout
CHAD1000X is a CrossFit Hero workout written in honor of Navy SEAL Senior Chief Chad Wilkinson, who died by suicide on Oct. 29, 2018 as a result of several traumatic brain injuries, blast-wave injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from many deployments across more than two decades of service.
Read also: The Life of Chad Everett Harris
Chad was an aspiring mountaineer, and he originally created this workout to train for a 23,000-foot climb in Argentina.
CHAD1000X can be done anywhere and is scalable to all fitness levels, but as with all of CrossFit’s Hero workouts, it is a long and mental grind. Participants of every level can find a variation of CHAD1000X that will be an appropriate challenge.
Workout Variations
The 1,000 step-ups can be completed individually, or shared with a buddy or a team. Some choose to complete CHAD1000X “slick” (no rucksack), while others are able to take on this challenge with a weighted ruck up to 35/45 lb.
Here's a breakdown of the workout variations:
- Slick/Beginner // No rucksack.
- Standard/Intermediate // 30#/20# rucksack.
- Expert // 45# rucksack.
Even while serving as a SEAL, Chad took time to scale up to the Expert version.
Read also: "Married to Evil": Chad Graves
Tips for Completing Chad1000X
In order to hit the range-of-motion standards and maintain proper technique throughout the effort, all athletes should take into consideration the box height and the load they are using. For those retesting this workout, recall your score and experience.
These two pieces of information help as you push for a new personal record. Consider setting a goal of how many step-ups you need to complete each minute (or in a five-minute window) in order to stay ahead of your previous pace.
- Try resting on top of the box instead of the ground. You are more likely to take a bigger break on the ground as opposed to the top of the box.
- Individuals performing CHAD1000X for the first time should consider performing the workout with a partner or reducing the reps by half and performing it solo.
- Perform 10-20 reps on each side of the box. Rotating around the box can give you a “fresh” look and reduce the daunting task of completing an enormous amount of reps.
- In the same vein as the last trick, change up your scenery. If you can move your box around, do it.
- Take breaks. This is your first time experiencing this workout. Embrace the experience with others who will fuel your drive to keep moving.
Check out the training plan and start working towards the goal of 1000X step-ups now.
Chad was the oldest of four siblings and a born overachiever. Say his name, honor his story, and live big by sharing your time with friends and those you love.
CHAD1000X has brought together thousands of registered participants, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars raised since 2020, looking to be a part of something greater than themselves.
Read also: Vallow-Daybell Trial: Key Evidence
There are a lot of people who are struggling, too many lives are lost. Many more we can prevent. We believe that physical health leads to mental health and everybody needs somebody. So use “CHAD” as inspiration.
The Step Up Foundation remains dedicated to providing funds to programs committed to the research and treatment of veterans who have sustained physical and invisible wounds.
CHAD 1000X // Why 1000 Step-Ups?
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