WoD - Thursday 20th February, 2025

Shortly before 12:15 hrs local time Corporal Mulvihill was taking part in a patrol engaged in operations near Sangin, Afghanistan. The marines of Alpha Company were conducting a clearance patrol to deter Taliban intimidation of local Afghans. It was during this action that an Improvised Explosive Device was detonated, which sadly killed Corporal Mulvihill instantly, he died leading his Section and the Company from the front.

Corporal Damian ‘Dee’ Mulvihill was born on 5 June 1975 and was from Plymouth. He joined the Royal Marines on 20 September 1998 and completed commando training despite contracting septicaemia towards the end. After passing out of recruit training, ‘Dee’ joined 42 Commando Royal Marines where he took part in numerous deployments around the world as well as taking part in OP Palliser and OP Silkman in Sierra Leone and OP Banner in Northern Ireland.

During his time at 42 Commando he was promoted to Lance Corporal before joining Air Defence Troop in 2002 where following the completion of his specialist training, he was further promoted to the rank of Corporal and drafted to the United Kingdom Landing Force Command Support Group, where he remained for 2 years.
From here Dee joined Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines in April 2006.

‘Dee’ was a giant of a man who impressed all who met him. Ever cheerful, he would never allow problems to get him down. He always had a friendly word for anyone he met and his fantastic personality filled any room he walked into. He was an excellent listener and would always make time for others.

‘Dee’ loved his boxing and rugby and represented the Royal Marines at rugby union. He was also a keen water polo player and represented the Royal Navy and the Combined Services team at the sport. ‘Dee’ was a true character who will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to serve with him. Humorous, caring and a true friend, he will be sadly missed by all his comrades in 40 Commando Royal Marines and the wider Corps family.

‘Dee’ leaves behind a loving fiancee and family of whom he talked about to anybody and everybody. He and his fiancee Lisa were planning to get married in the near future, and our deepest sympathies are extended to Lisa, his parents and all family and friends.

Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Birrell Royal Marines, Commanding Officer of 40 Commando Royal Marines, said:

The loss of Corporal Mulvihill is a devastating blow for his family, his friends and his unit. An outstanding junior leader, he was immensely popular in both his company and the wider Commando unit. A charismatic man, he possessed an irrepressible sense of humour and would always be found with a broad smile on his face, regardless of the challenges or difficulties that he was facing.

As a marine, he epitomised the Commando spirit. A courageous and selfless comrade, his cheerfulness in the face of adversity could be guaranteed; he always demonstrated the very highest standards of professional competence in everything that he undertook."

CrossFit Cardiff WoD
"The Bear"
Complete as many rounds and reps as possible within 20 minutes of:
12 OH Walking Lunges (50/35kg)
15 Burpees
8 Bar Muscle Ups

Immediately upon completion of the 20 minute workout, athletes will stand in silence for one minute as a mark of respect for the fallen.

Specialty
A: 5:00 to build to a heavy 2 TnG snatch

B: 3 Sets
Max unbroken power snatch (60/42.5)
Rest 3:00

C: 3 Sets
10/10 back rack Bulgarian split squat

WoD - Monday 16th May, 2022

For the most of you tomorrow is going to be easy. You’re going to get up following a long and restful nights sleep, have some coffee and breakfast, maybe walk the dog before heading off to work (in your slippers with your feet up on the sofa… WFH)… Jack however, starts day one of the 8 month commando course. Basically his life is going to be flipped completely upside down!

There is a very high chance that you will have absolutely no time to read this but just in case… fucking good luck brother! Take one day at a time, before you know it you will have that very sort after prize.

CrossFit Cardiff WoD
Complete as many rounds and reps as possible within 20 minutes of:
12/10 Calorie row
10 Double dumbbell box step overs (24/20”)
8 Double dumbbell shoulder to overhead
These are you go, I go rounds.

Get those rounds and reps up to the whiteboard before you leave on your merry ways, not to wash, dry, iron and fold every single item of clothing worn today into an A4 size… like Jack will have to. 😳😳

WoD - Friday 12th July, 2019

Today marks the second annual Royal Marines Corps CrossFit Championships. A massive deal for the lads who have worked tirelessly to integrate the concept within their training.
Politics exist everywhere, and is rift within the military. I was once asked by a Sergeant Major of a very well respected UK Special Forces regiment while teaching him to Air Squat…”so you’re telling me that this stuff is going to get me fitter and more prepared for the job that I have been doing for the last 18 years??” “Yep!”…”Sir” 😬

It’s taken a long time, but CrossFit is now firmly routed within the highest levels of the British Military. Not only when in service but following. The Community has gotten a grip of those who desperately need it, and has literally saved their lives.
Tomorrow is a massive celebration and a big FUCK YOU to all those who kept slamming doors in our faces. Congratulations to those utter legends, the most selfless and humble humans on the planet, who have worked like dogs to make it a success.

It is only just the beginning!

And, guess the unbelievably talented one of your own who designed this bad ass logo…

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

Complete as many rounds and reps as possible within 12 min of:
3 Strict Handstand Push Ups
6 Box Jump Over (30/24”)
9 Kipping Handstand Push Ups
12 Kettlebell Swings (24/16kg)

Final weekly round scores to the whiteboard please lovers…

WoD - Monday 22nd October, 2018

I’m not sure whether you lovely lot full comprehend my constant, seemingly random rambling, specifically on Monday’s workout posts. When asking you all the open ended question of…
”who got drunk this weekend?”
”who got arrested?”
…well, here’s why…

Every Monday morning at a Commando unit, each fighting company (around 90 Marines) muster on parade at zero eight hundred hours (8am), in uniform - the only day of the week. Once assembled, as smart as a guard, just twice as hard, the beautifully coloured and coveted green beret almost glowing in the Scottish sunshine, the Company OC (Officer Commanding) addresses his men…
”Good morning chaps (officer speak), how is everyone (silence)? Hung over then I take it.” “Okay, I want to see a show of hands…”

“Who got drunk?”
90 Marines raise their hands

“Who got arrested?”
45 Marines raise their hands

“Who got laid?”
One Marine raises his hand!

“Locky…you got laid? With that ginormous alien head!! Get f**ked…your new name is now Alien Heed!” “Those arrested, form a queue outside my office!”

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

For time:
21 - 15 - 9
Box step overs 24/20” (50/35lb) dumbbells
Ab mat sit ups 
Handstand Push Ups

Please write completed times and answers of the above questions to the whiteboard…

In the week…

On the weekend

WoD - Thursday 30th August, 2018

Nancy was more than just 'naughty'...she was a total bitch! There are no surprises there though hey! Just to throw a mere bit of perspective your way, below are the top male and female times of those utter nut cases from this event during the 2013 CrossFit Games:

Josh Bridges: 16:31 (Don't know him...google him!)
Kaleena Ladeairous: 1646 (BEAST!)

Now, I have some important info about the coming month, previously posted yet now added to...

Throughout the recent Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns, the UK lost a huge amount of servicemen and women, unfortunately, many of whom went seamlessly unnoticed. The media reported on the goings on, yet so many of these lives were forgotten about almost immediately. 
Until you are in that world, it is very difficult to attempt to understand how it feels. These selfless heroes laying down their lives, fighting not to defend their country from bombing raids or invasions, but for each other. 
When searching for the definition of Camaraderie I found this..."mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together." In no way does that come close to describing the bond formed between soldiers. A Google for Military Camaraderie arrives far closer to the mark with... "There is nothing in the civilian workforce that can approximate the bonding that occurs in wartime. ... It follows therefore that finding the military version of camaraderie in a civilian occupation is almost impossible."... Quite possibly then, no words will suffice? Surely though, when confronted with such extreme environments, to protect one another is merely human nature? Like a mother or father protecting their children?

I may have fallen well short of the mark, attempting to describe this to you all, but what I do know is that I witness a part of it everyday. The support offered to each other throughout a tough workout, the shared suffering, binds people together like no amounts of bicep curls or calf raises every would. Did you ever wonder why you find so many friends at the gym?

I want to give back. On the 29th of September, at 11:00 the Trainers will begin a 24 hour event. In pairs, we will complete 633 Clean and Jerks, loading to be dictated by an average body weight per pair. One rep for each life. We have 24 hours to finish. 
Even though the full 24 hours is reserved for the team, on the day there will be various different ways in which you will all be able to take part. 

The Royal Marines pride themselves on peak physical performance and unbreakable mental resilience. Commando Training is almost entirely centred around a final hurdle; The Commando Tests. Four extremely difficult feats which not only test the fitness of the recruit, but also simply his ability to endure pain. Developed from the start, the Commando qualities are fully engrained into most by this stage and are exactly what, allows these young men to succeed: 

Courage, Determination, Unselfishness and Cheerfulness in the face of Adversity

Yet, these tests attempted separately, without the cumulative affect of the 30 week Commando Course are entirely doable. The 633 Event is no different. However, it too is placed at the end of a significant challenge. 

Each workout posted in the month of September, programmed for Monday - Saturday, will be a hero WoD. Most of these will be named after fallen Royal Marines, yet others from different services will be posted, each for good reason.
These workout will be hard, every single one of them. They will make you sore and challenge your body. Be careful and don't you be a hero. If you need to rest, do so. If you feel any kind of niggle then back off, listen to the team and scale when told to do so.
You will not necessarily get fitter during this month, and that is not our intention. You may have to perform the same movement two days in a row. You may work for long periods of time and feel significant discomfort as a result. Do NOT add additional workouts, train twice a day and be sure to rest when needed. 

We have the month of September to raise as much money as possible. Destined for the Royal Marines Charity, they will be sending the funds to Reorg. A Foundation who's mission is to help any Royal Marine, serving or veteran, suffering with the after effects caused by these brutal campaigns.  

The Just giving page is live, and ready for you to donate...

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/reebok-crossfit-cardiff

Please, do what you can. Various mini events will take place throughout September, get stuck in and help us to raise money for those who desperately deserve it. 

To get the ball rolling, where possible, we are requesting a £1 donation, in a bucket at the gym, per person, per hero workout attended. If this is something you are able to do then thank you.

We start on Saturday

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

Complete as many rounds and reps within 20 minutes of:
10 Calorie Assault bike
10 GHD Sit Ups
10 Handstand Push Ups
10 Kettlebell Swings (24/16kg)

Please post rounds and reps to the whiteboard...

WoD - Thursday 2nd August, 2018

633, was the total number of British servicemen and women killed throughout the recent Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. A huge loss of life, that to many, has unfortunately gone seamlessly unnoticed. The media reported on the goings on, yet so many of these lives were forgotten about almost immediately. 
Until you are in that world, it is very difficult to attempt to understand how it feels. These selfless heroes laying down their lives, fighting not to defend their country from bombing raids or invasions, but for each other. 
When searching for the definition of Camaraderie I found this..."mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together." In no way do that come close to describing the bond formed between soldiers. A google for Military Camaraderie arrives far closer to the mark with... "There is nothing in the civilian workforce that can approximate the bonding that occurs in wartime. ... It follows therefore that finding the military version of camaraderie in a civilian occupation is almost impossible."... Quite possibly then, no words will suffice? Surely though, when confronted with such extremely environments, to protect one another is merely human nature? Like a mother or father protecting their children?

I may have fallen well short of the mark, attempting to describe this to you all, but what I do know is that I witness a part of it everyday. The support offered to each other throughout a tough workout, the shared suffering, binds people together like no amounts of bicep curls or calf raises every would. Did you ever wonder why you find so many friends at the gym?

I want to give back. On the 29th of September, at 11:00 the Trainers will begin a 24 hour event. In pairs, we will complete 633 Clean and Jerks, loading to be dictated by an average body weight per pair. One rep for each life. We have 24 hours to finish. 
Even though the full 24 hours is reserved for the team, on the day there will be various different ways in which you will all be able to take part. 

The Royal Marines pride themselves on peak physical performance and unbreakable mental resilience. Commando Training is almost entirely centred around a final hurdle; The Commando Tests. Four extremely difficult feats which not only test the fitness of the recruit, but also simply his ability to endure pain. Developed from the start, the Commando qualities are fully engrained into most by this stage and are exactly what, allows these young men to succeed: 

Courage, Determination, Unselfishness and Cheerfulness in the face of Adversity

Yet, these tests attempted separately, without the cumulative affect of the 30 week Commando Course are entirely doable. The 633 Event is no different. However, it too is placed at the end of a significant challenge. 
Each workout posted in the month of September, programmed for Monday - Saturday, will be a hero WoD. Most designed by myself and mostly for the Royal Marines killed in this time period. 
These workout will be hard, every single one of them. They will make you sore and challenge your body. Be careful and don't you be a hero. If you need to rest, do so. If you feel any kind of niggle then back off, listen to the team and scale when told to do so. 

The point of this entire month, including the culminating challenge, is to raise money and awareness for the Foundation Reorg. Reorg is a Royal Marines Charity, based at the Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines, who offer free training to any serving Marine, or veteran, suffering with any mental health condition as a result of their service. Something very dear to my heart and supported across the UK by CrossFit affiliates through the GC Resilience Project. 
Check both Reorg Functional Fitness and Reorg Jiu Jitsu out on Instagram. 

Further details of how you can show your support will be released this month and next. Keep your eyes peeled and get excited for a hard yet very worthwhile September! 

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

Deadlift
3 - 3 - 3*

*The goal of these sets is to set a new 3 Rep Max. However, following each set, each athlete must row a max effort 20/15 Calorie Sprint

Following each round, write your loads and times down on the whiteboard please. 

WoD - Thursday 26th July, 2018

What a cool yet very tough day! Such a privilege to compete in the first Royal Marines annual CrossFit Event. Watch this space, that day is only getting better and better.

The day, from start to finish was an amazing reminder of the humility and respect one of the best fighting forces in the world demonstrates.   

Hoofing blokes!  

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

 A. Complete as many rounds and reps, within 5 mins of:

1 - 2 -3 - 4 - 5 etc...

Kettlebell Swings (24/16kg)

Box jumps (24/20")

Rest 5 mins

B. For time:

Part A score descending

WoD - Monday 9th July, 2018

On this day, 19 years ago, I graduated the Commando Training Centre as a 16 year old Marine...and on my dad's birthday. What happened from that day forward would, in a round about way largely bias what eventually and unfortunately happens to you within your 60min windows. 
Through various methods at 45 Commando, all meant for "character" development the sadistic person I am today was born. Sergeant Gillchrist, Corporal Jim Miles, Lance Corporal Shane Williams, Marine Dunx Forbes, Locky, Fen, Potsy, Cakesy, Kev Willet and Al Baxter all say...you're welcome! 

Please club together to congratulate the legends of your gym who battled hang overs (both meat and alcoholic) to kick ass for the entire weekend on a sunny and sandy beach! A super cool bunch of folk who you will all be proud to know, represented the box with the true spirit that it develops and upholds: respect, unselfishness, cheerfulness in the face of adversity and determination. 

CrossFit Cardiff WoD

5 Rounds for time of:
7 Clean & Jerks (75/50kg)
21 Wall Balls (20/14lbs)

Fast, dirty and unbroken. Those are your goals. Please post your times to the whiteboard....