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Sara Wilkinson: “Grief Is Love With Nowhere to Go” (EP. 051)
The CrossFit Podcast
2 weeks ago
Sara Wilkinson: “Grief Is Love With Nowhere to Go” (EP. 051)
You’ve probably heard of the workout CHAD1000X (1,000 weighted step-ups for time) and The Step Up Foundation – the organization using fitness to raise awareness for mental health and veteran suicide prevention.
In this episode, we get to know the selfless leader behind both: Sara Wilkinson. After losing her husband, Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson, to suicide in 2018, Sara turned grief into purpose, creating a global movement that’s brought thousands together each year to honor his legacy and support others who are struggling.
She opens up about what it means to carry grief, how community heals, and the importance of looking people in the eye and asking, “How are you, really?”
Topics Included
The story behind Chad1000X and its growth into a global movement
How Sara transformed grief into purpose through The Step Up Foundation
Compassion, resilience, and the power of community in healing
Suicide awareness, mental health, and the language we use around loss
The realities of military life, brain injury (CTE), and post-service transition
The importance of small acts of kindness and connection
Resources Mentioned
Chad 1000X
The Step Up Foundation
Home Base (Boston-based veteran brain clinic)
Sound Off (mental health therapy platform for veterans)
Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)
Boston Frogman Swim
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Sara Wilkinson on Instagram
Willpower and Resilience, Live Big
Jocko Podcast
Cleared Hot Podcast
Community Highlight
Cory and Sara Fulana don’t just run two gyms — they run on purpose.
At Silk City CrossFit and CrossFit Hartford, service is part of the workout. Every month, they rally their community for something bigger — suicide awareness events with Uplift, women’s WODs supporting local female-owned businesses, Toys for Tots drives, marathon rows for the Boys and Girls Club, and Hero WODs that honor those who have served.
Their question is always the same: How can we give back?
Because for Cory and Sara, CrossFit isn’t just about fitness — it’s about using strength to serve others.
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