Benchmark WOD

Operation Red Wings

The Workout

For time: 3/4 mile run (1.200 meters), Then, 16 rounds for time of, 8 toes-to-bars, 8 burpee box jump-overs (20/24 inches), Then, 47 goblet squats (32/24 kg)

Primary movement: T2B/BBJO

What is Operation Red Wings?

Operation Red Wings commemorates the 2005 mission in Afghanistan in which 19 American service members died, including Lt. Michael Murphy of Murph fame. The workout: run 3/4 mile (1,200 m), then 16 rounds of 8 toes-to-bar and 8 burpee box jump-overs (24/20 in), then 47 goblet squats (32/24 kg). The 16 rounds honor the QRF helicopter crew; details throughout reference the fallen. It's a long, grinding tribute piece - expect 25-40 minutes of gymnastics endurance and leg stamina.

What is a good Operation Red Wings time?

Level (Time)MenWomen
beginner35:00+37:00+
intermediate28:0030:00
advanced23:0025:00
elitesub 19:00sub 21:00

Tips & Strategy

16 rounds is a long time to do toes-to-bar - break them 5-3 or 4-4 from round one to protect your grip and hip flexors. Find a burpee box jump-over rhythm you could hold for 20 minutes; step-overs are legal and smart in the back half. Pace the opening run conservatively. For the 47 goblet squats, sets of 10-12 with short breaks; brace hard, because your legs will be gone. Write the round count somewhere - losing track at round 11 is demoralizing.

Scaled & Beginner Versions

Scaled: 800 m run, 12 rounds of 6 knee raises and 6 burpee step-overs (20 in), 35 goblet squats (24/16 kg). Beginner: 400 m run, 8 rounds of 5-and-5, 25 goblet squats with a light kettlebell.

Track your Operation Red Wings PR

Log every result, see your progress over time, and know exactly where you stand.