What Makes Chad1000x Different from Other Workouts?

The image shows two weight vests that I own.  The one on the left is a four pound vest that I used while I trained to walk two half marathons in 2019 - Cap City and Columbus Children's. The one on the right is an adjustable vest (up to 20#) that I requested for Christmas back in 2022. It's currently setup for eight pounds and I used in back in November 2023 when our Steadfast family conquered the Chad1000x in honor of Veteran's Day. Chad1000x is 1000 box step ups. In 2021 I completed Chad without a weight vest and a 12 inch box. In 2022, I used my four pound vest and a 12 inch box. In 2023, I used an eight pound vest and a 12 inch box. My goal for 2024 is to increase the vest to 10 pounds and to add a 15 plate to a 12 inch box making it approximately 13 inches. 

Chad1000x is not focused on the weight of my vest or the height of my box. Its significance goes far beyond those physical aspects. This initiative is centered on the strength of Community. It encourages people to unite, joining forces in a powerful display of support and recognition. Our main goal is to honor Veterans who have served our country and to shine a light on the critical issues surrounding Veteran Suicide Prevention and Mental Health.

By coming together, we create a supportive network that enhances awareness of the challenges facing our Veterans. It is about showing respect and love to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Every step taken and every event organized strengthens this Community.

Bringing awareness to Veteran Suicide Prevention is not just a campaign. It represents a fight against the stigma surrounding mental health and the struggles that countless Veterans face daily. Together, we provide hope, understanding, and resources to those in need.

It is essential to recognize that our message is clear: Veterans deserve our support and attention. Each act of community service or participation in events demonstrates our shared commitment. We must always strive to ensure that no Veteran suffers alone.

In all our efforts, we emphasize the importance of connection, compassion, and care. Chad1000x serves as a reminder that lifting up our Veterans is a responsibility we all share. By focusing on community, we can make a real impact in the lives of those who have served.

Veteran suicide is a serious issue that affects many service members after they leave the military. These individuals often face challenges like mental health problems, social isolation, and difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Many veterans struggle with conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety, which can make them feel hopeless. Support systems, including friends, family, and community resources, play a crucial role in helping veterans find the care they need. Raising awareness and encouraging open conversations about mental health can save lives and help veterans feel less alone.

Please visit Chad1000x to learn more.

Update:

I completed Chad1000x on Monday, November 11, 2024.  After a few weeks of training, I found that I had to stay with the 12 inch box and no plate to keep my knees happier.  I moved my vest up to 10# and my last big training session before Chad was 500 step ups with the vest.  It was harder than I expected.

I met my friend Jessie at Steadfast around 7 AM on Veterans Day to complete the workout.  I felt good starting out but roughly 300 step ups in, I got overheated and I started to feel sick like I might pass out, puke, or both.  After 400 step ups, I took off the 10# vest.  After a short breather, I resumed the workout completing the final 600 box step ups bodyweight.  It took me roughly an hour and 3 minutes.

As I said earlier, completing Chad1000x isn't about the height of the box or whether you do the step ups bodyweight or weighted, it is to honor our Veterans by remembering their sacrifices that allow us to be free.