Minding my own business… now I’m Qing

/in /QIC:
PAX: , , , , , , , ,

Warm Up:

Took a lap around the track into our circle up for 20-SSH, 10-Good mornings nice and slow, Arm stretches, 10 ea. – Imperial Walkers/Hillbillies, Butterfly Stretch

The Workout:

Each Pax picked a parking spot and got to business with a “Build a bear-ish” start to the day. Bear crawl down the line – 7 Merkins at the curb, bear crawl back out to 1 Burpee. Ascending and defending order until 1 Merkin and 7 Burpees were felt in all their glory. Prize for winning was helping pick up the six.

From the comfort of our parking spots Pax mossied down to the rock pile and partnered up for a Dora where we explora’d the benefits of reps and cardio together.

Partners swapped between “sprints” up the parking lot and back and the following rock work: 100 bicep curls/100 tricep curls, 200 squats, 100 overhead press/100 chest presses from your six. Q audibled our of sprints into LBC’s and WW2’s once we hit the plus one mile mark on “sprints”

Pax retuned the rocks and lined up for an Indian run up to tennis courts for Mary

Mary:

Pax circled up to finish off with the following: 15-American Hammers, 15-Freddy Mercury’s, 15-Side to Side Heel Taps, 15- Low Slow Flutters, Downward Dog stretch into left leg raise for 10-scorpion presses(?) rinse and repeat for with right leg raised, finished with a lovely have a nice day moment of reflection

Announcements: Gump is swimming now and wants you to join him on the tri circuit 😜 – Wrightsville in the final count down (baaaanaaannnnannnnaaa bana-nantnantna)

Prayer: H1N1 trusting in God’s plan for next step in career path and news of promotion. Grablegs

Are you Really Gonna Run in This? 9 PAX witness a Community of Commitment at AGS..

/in /QIC:
PAX: , , , , , , , ,

“Are you really gonna run in this?” These were the first words I heard this morning as my iPhone alarm sent its first chime across the ears of my 7 year old, who had found her way into my M and I’s bed earlier this morning. Her pint sized body with feet perfectly placed perpendicular into my rib cage was just the reminder I needed not to hit snooze for another 10 minutes. With both feet planted, I made my way along the the hall, grabbed by gear and proceeded down the stairs to change and lace up the Hokas. Wescott Slack channel from the previous evening left off with confirmation of clown car pickup between YHC and Deadbolt. YHC confirmed Knight Rider shuttle service would leave at 5:45am for a 3 mile EC to start the morning off, then followed by a 6 mile Main Event.

As I finished with last minute checks of the news and the latest in sports, I did a double check of the weather through the window and thought, “am I really gonna run in this?” That thought quickly shifted to a Hard Commit as I had DB waiting for me one street over. Arrived at the foot of his driveway 2 minutes ahead of the 5:45 pickup. Looked down at the phone to see a text from Dauber indicating he was out this morning with an achilles issue. This was unfortunate as I was not only looking forward to a Dauber post, but I had the route planned this morning to allow 2 opportunities for a Lowe’s Food bathroom visit, which makes for some good humor on the run, especially when he posts.

Deadbolt arrived on the passenger side a bit distracted with both hands full of gear and essentials necessary for this morning’s run. So much so that as we started to drive off, he realized he left the garage door open. A quick regroup to secure the home front and we were off. Good mumblechatter along the way and pulled into the parking lot where we saw several familiar cars and a shovel flag, indicating an earlier start time for additional PAX who got even earlier miles in this morning. Parked the car, planted the flag, did some last minute stretching before we were joined by Roger Roger. A rare sighting on a Sunday. AGS is always full of surprises.  Started the Garmin and we were off.

The 3 mile EC took us on a tour along the standard Cletus Route. We went old school and took a quick left to proceed to Main Street, but were met with puddles that were more like landmines and some road construction that forced some maneuvers around construction cones until we got to City Hall and proceeded along the open sidewalks back to Holly Springs Road and then back on Raleigh St. Proceed back to Womble and came upon a figure in the opposite direction that had the gait of Nemo, but sporting a Boy George durag bandana. Which PAX was it? Whoever it was, they were pushing a strong pace.

As we approached Stinson, the 3 PAX decided to head back to the Womble lot instead of proceeding forward to get the 3rd mile in. We would make up for it during the Main Event. On our way over the speed bumps we were greeted by Emeril, who slowed down long enough to give a wave and were eventually reunited with him in the lot, where we also encountered a Sunday unicorn in the form of Pablo, who was making his AGS debut.

Boy George joined the mix sporting a breathtaker for some rucking miles. H1N1 then Yogurt, followed by Forceps, equipped with bike for today’s edition of AGS. Still a drizzle in the air with 49 degree temps as 6:30 hit. At AGS we begin on time and warm up started with a quick greeting to everyone and instruction by YHC to follow him for a quick jog around the soccer fields.

Warm Up: Made our way around the picnic shelter and when we had the playground to our right, we switched to some lunge walks, then went to a light jog to the Crazy Ivan lot to circle up for SSH x10. Picked the jog back up, but learning my lesson from Friday’s EC, navigated the PAX around the small lake\puddle that formed in the far corner on the Stinson side of the lot. Performed some heel and toe walks, with some butt kickers and high knees mixed in. Light jog back to the main lot where PAX held a squat hold while YHC explained the route…

The Workout:

With the drizzle and rain accumulation these past weeks, there was no way we would be putting the Lake in play this morning. No sunrise, wet, and hills was the unfortunate formula this morning, but we had 9 PAX who were committed to ’embracing the suck.’ A wise man once said, “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” At AGS, I have come to find that accountability along these many trails and roads can take many forms and every Sunday I am humbled by the commitment by PAX who post and help drive each other through impossible situations.  Now this morning’s conditions where not ‘impossible,’ but “Are you really gonna run in this?” becomes less of an obstacle and more of an opportunity when you have 9 other HIM driving you through the rain or whatever else the Sky Q puts in your path.

The path took us down Stinson, where we connected with 2 committed PAX in the form of Brexit and LED, who started their morning stroll early. Along the way, we also saw Darby headed in the other direction complete with headlamp and a rucking sack. As the six made their way into the half-pipe of Stinson, we could see the Emeril and Pablo proceed back for the six from the top of the hill at the intersection of Bass Lake. Moved left toward Holly Springs Road and into the Ramkhatte development where we did a quick loop and another periodic circle back to pick up the six. Proceeded left onto Holly Springs, Right on Linksland, and then Right onto Salem Ridge. On Linksland, Pablo informed the Q that this would be the last circle back as he needed to get home for Sunday Service. Pablo and Emeril got some good mileage this morning and at solid pace. Thank you both for picking up the six the morning, men!

As YHC made his way down Salem Ridge, I looked back to see Forceps and DB in the distance, but no Roger Roger. As I circled back for the six, I learned that Roger Roger pulled a ‘Dauber’ and decided to pay a visit to Lowe’s. That Lowe’s along this route is a magnet and fellas, you are welcome. This route was by design for those looking to lose some extra weight along the way. Mentally prepared for the final two hills on the Salem Ridge Stretch and proceeded with caution as we crossed the street and headed up Bass Lake. It wasn’t long before Banana Seat motored down in the white Volkswagon with some emphatic horn work signaling encouragement to PAX, who were pushing up the hill. With Bass Lake conquered, Forceps, DB, and YHC made the final decent down Stinson to meet their last hill. As we made our way down, Yogurt circled back for the six and we attacked the hill together and then made our way around the soccer fields. We were reunited with Boy George and then UTI, who put in a 1/2 marathon this morning.

It’s Sunday, it’s not even 8 o’clock, it’s raining, and we had 16 SouthWake PAX posting serious miles in the gloom. Definition of commitment right there.

Mary: Stretches OYO, while YHC shared some words of wisdom. Along the theme of commitment, YHC shared that he celebrated another birthday this past Wednesday.  I made a decision 2 years ago to commit to a healthier life style, found F3, remained committed and I feel younger now than I did before I started. Heck- I feel better than I did in my 30’s.  I’ve posted about finding your ‘why’ in several backblasts in the past.  This morning’s exchange with my 7 year old would never have occurred 2 years ago. I would have rolled over and hit snooze and never experienced the things that I have just written about. Now when she asks me “Are you really gonna run this morning?,” it’s more of a rhetorical question in my mind as long as I know that I’ve got PAX waiting for me in the parking lot no matter how ‘impossible’ the conditions are for that morning or evening. It’s not a matter of will I run, its how far and how fast am I gonna be pushed. We are all stronger because of the commitment by the PAX in our group and continue to be inspired by the new guys starting out that continue to show up. YHC challenged PAX this week to make 3 connections- 1) one to an old friend to reconnect 2) an existing friend who you may not have seen in a few weeks (M4L-I’ll see you this week), and 3) a person you have never met (maybe in line at the grocery store, Dunkin Donuts, work, etc..), reach out to them introduce yourself and connect. There are people out there that need us-old friends and new ones.

Announcements: Wrightsville is just around the corner. Tobacco Rd. is the week after.

Prayer: Prayers for Shredder, Moby’s dad, CrabLegs, DoubleD. Deadbolt took us out.

2 Pounding in the rain

/in /QIC:
PAX: ,

Warm up

10’s –  Good Mornings, Fuzzy Arm Circles, Daisy Pickers, Emperial Walkers, Hillbillies and Windmills.  Stretch it out with Pigeon Pose.

The Workout

Mosey to the Rock Pile – rotate rocks between sets.

  • 4 sets of 20’s – Curls for the girls
  • 4 sets of 20’s  – Overhead Tri-press
  • 4 sets of 10’s – Ground Pounders
  • 2 sets 10’s Windshield Wipers

30 Squats

  • 20 Rockies
  • 30ct 6 inches
  • 20 LBC’s
  • 10 WWII’s
  • 30 Homer to Marge left leg up then right leg up.

30 Squats

  • Aik’n Abs: 15  American Hammers,  20 ct 6 inches, 15 Rockies, 30 ct Chillcut Planks
  • Aik’n Arms: 15 Standard Merkins, 15 Dips, 15 Derkins, 15 Shoulder tap planks
  • Aik’n Abs: 20 LBCs, 20 Pickle Pounders, 2 20 Ct Supermans, 20 Homer to Marge
  • Aik’n Arms: 15 Shoulder Tap Merkins, 15 Hand Release Merkins, 20 Dips

30 Flutter kicks and 30 Squats

Cousac back to Rocks pile and then circle up for COT

Announcements:   Wrightsville in two weeks.

Prayer Requests:  Continued prayers for marriages.  YHC took us out

Everyone at Starbucks is Miserable

/in /QIC:
PAX: , , , , , , , , ,

10 Pax scratched and clawed and dragged themselves from the fartsack to run in what one may call less than favorable conditions. Upon returning Pax were greated by shredder.

Warm Up: 10 squats, 10 cc side to side leg swings, 10 cc front to back leg swings
The Workout: varying distances from 5 to 12 miles.
Mary: coffee
Announcements: pikachu needs to add to the weekly announcements that its raining.
Prayer: family that lost 8th grade to the flu, full house’s dad

Morning After

/in /QIC:
PAX: , , , , ,

Warm Up: SSH, Arm Circles, Michael Phelps
The Workout:

Deck of death • Spades – burpees

Hearts – merkins

Clubs – WWIIs

Diamonds – Squats

PAX finished early so YHC fired up the ole music box… Flower– Bring Sally Up-stand, Bring Sally Down-squat and hold Tubthumping – SSH for duration of song, “I get knocked down” (burpee then back into SSH)

Mary: Flutter Kicks IC to 40

Announcements:
Prayer:

Help Wanted Crazy Ivan Looking for a New DJ

/in /QIC:
PAX: , , , , , , , , , ,

EC: Dawgpound, Emeril, Deadbolt, Mookie, Pablo, Particle Board, Sandlot, Skidmark

It was a big day at Ivan.  The new EC route started with only Pablo, Emeril and yours truly moving their feet at 5:00.  I get it the time change from 5:05 threw some folks off.  We made it to the exit of the parking lot and Deadbolt, with Mookie riding shotgun, and Particle board,  maybe sandlot was driving, rolled arrived.  The three amigos looped back to pick up the tardy folks.  We then became the seven amigos in the new Ivan EC route.  We ran down Stinson past the Hunt Center.  We continued until we meet Grigsby.  We took a left at Grigsby.  Pablo and Emeril picked up the six at this time.   We continued till we reach the baseball fields.  More six pick up happens then.  No home runs today, so we where safe from incoming missiles.  We approached the decision point and made a right back to Crazy Ivan parking lot.  Their Particle Board and Sandlot started to prepare for the main event.  The rest continued to the puddle of doom.  The puddle of doom took down Mookie.  He decided he was having none of that.  I think he still got 2 miles in but he knew when he was bested.  Emeril, Deadbolt and Dawgpound powered through the puddle and Pablo ran the reverse route throw the puddle.  There was a Crosby and Gumby sighting at the end of EC.  They must have went to Cletus.  Cletus is now known as Crazy Cletus.  We want all the Friday workouts at Womble to be CRAZY.

After EC wrapped up Chips, Dumbo, Dauber and Skidmark who did some serious mileage joined us, at least that is what he says.  By the way did you know Skidmark’s daughter was a AC/DC fan.  Who knew apparently she loves Thunderstruck.

Warm Up:

All the pax started to run a lap around the parking lot.  Even though 8 out of the 11 did some type of EC, the three who didn’t needed to get their feet moving.  We circled up in the wet parking lot.  I believe at this time folks where starting to mumble at the wetness and they don’t want to lay down in the rain.  Man Emeril can make me SALTY.

We started off by thinking about Nemo.  We did a solid 30 cadence count of Side Straddle Hops.  We then paid homage to Sir Fazio and did his beloved Arm Circles.  Following the arm circles we had to go to my favorite stretch and do some Good Mornings.  They where sublime.  I think the Ivan workout before Wrightsville will be nothing but Good Mornings.  We then decided to pick some daisies and finish up with 16 merkins.  I really don’t know why I ended on number 16.  I just felt like I was ready for the workout.

The Workout:

At this time Deadbolt was requesting Siri to change the music.  This request will be made several times throughout the workout.  Eventually the DJ obliged, but I’m jumping the gun that comes much later in this story.

The workout started out with Emeril’s favorite exercise 5 Man O Makers.   The look of hopelessness when he found out we were not counting down this number.  That look made my day.  We then rolled into 10 Straight arm lateral raises, 10 Bus Drivers followed by 20 pistol rows and 20 chest squeezes.  The first round was wrapped up with 30 kettlebell swings.  All but one did some jumping jacks or jump ropes.  One decided to take a lap cause the music was making him sleepy.  When the lap was finished we started on the second round.  This is when things got interesting the mumble chatter increased and it sounded like we where in Carpex.  5 Man O Makers,  the chatter begins, 10 straight arm lateral raises the complaining about the music gets louder.  Emeril mentions his kick ass play list is on my phone and I solve all the world’s problems by asking Siri to play his playlist.  Calls for Siri and Alexa to play next song were made.  After finishing up the 10 Bus driver the Q, that’s me,  decided to bring “The Man” out earlier.  We side straddle hopped and did burpees to “The Man”.  After the man finished the skies cleared up and the sun shined down as the most wonderful playlist was started.  We then picked up where we left off.  We finished up with the 20 pistol rows, 20 chest squeezes and 30 kettlebell swings.  Then the Q put Mr. Salty in charge of the Jump rope and he and others took off for a lap.  When we came back Mr. Salty was starting some leg exercises.  I recently read a leg exercise I really wanted to try.  We started with one goblet squat, 2 swings, 2 goblet squats, 4 swings, 3 goblet squats, 6 swings, 4 goblet squats, 8 swings, 5 goblet squats, 10 swings, 4 goblet squats, 8 swings, 3 goblet squats, 6 swings, 2 goblet squats, 4 swings, 1 goblet squat 2 swings.  Once these half marathons are in my rearview mirrors I got some more leg workouts I would like to do.  We then worked on the last round 5 Man O Makers.  Then we took a 10 count in memory of Midget.  No one has seen him all week. Sigh.  10 lateral raises, 10 bus drivers, 10 pistol rows, 1o chest squeezes, 10 pistol rows, 10 chest squeezes.  At this time we strolled into Mary.

Mary:

We paid homage to Midget and did his beloved love handles.  Then I forced everyone to lay on the ground and do some mini Turkish getups.  We then repeated these ab exercises.  Then followed into some Imperial Marches and Hillbillies.  Did you know these are core exercises?  Two minutes were left and Chips took over.  With a wet kettlebell over your head we did low slow flutter.  They kettlebell was very wet.  This Q was concern with losing his grip.

Announcements:

Pinehurst Half.
See Facebook/Slack

Prayer:

Crablegs and Family
Buford
Shredder
Moby’s dad
All marriages
Midget we missed you this week

Benjamin Button

/in /QIC:
PAX: , , , ,

Pax of 5 showed up in a light drizzle to get wet, sweat, and fall down

Warm Up:

Mosey to the back, 20 Hot-Cross Squat Kicks, 10 reps of Absolution, 10 Good Mornings

The Workout:

3-exercise sets, decreasing reps: 24, 21, 18, 15, 12, 9 with runs in between each set

  • 24 box jumps
  • 24 derkins
  • 24 butterfly situps

500m run (twice around the track)

  • 21 Bobby Hurleys
  • 21 dips
  • 21 boat/canoes

500m run

  • 18 donkey kicks
  • 18 erkins
  • 18 American Hammers

300m run

  • 15 box jumps
  • 15 derkins
  • 15 butterfly situps

300m run

  • 12 Bobby Hurley
  • 12 dips
  • 12 LBCs

Suicides across the basketball court

  • 9 donkey kicks
  • 9 erkins
  • 9 American Hammers

Combatives

Ukemi (accepting the ground) – front falls

Thought for the day

Spiritual ukemi: if you get “thrown” does it keep you down, or do you fall the way you want to and get right back up? Satan tries to throw us so we stay down, but if you accept the fall, acknowledge your fault and make it right, you can get right back up and into the fight.

Mary: lots of ab work in the workout, so no specific mary
Announcements:
Prayer: Shredder’s knee surgery on 3/8

Cletus has an Abyss also

/in /QIC:
PAX: , , , , , , , , ,

Another wet and soggy day to post in the gloom. The rain wasn’t too bad at all but the puddles represented as YHC found a few big’uns on the warm up mile. PAX of 10 posted for a shelter beatdown. Sliderule needed a last minute fill for Q and Yogurt didn’t do social media the night before so Banana Seat was happy to be back as YHC for Cletus just like old times. 0545, no FNG’s, let’s hit the puddles.

HC from Crosby but no show. Crazy Time must have did him in.

Warm Up:
Jog around the park for a short 0.3 mile loop back down to the shelter.
Good mornings, slow x10
Stretch upper
SSH x20
Stretch lower
Table top circle walk

The Workout:
Deconstructive burpees x10 each
– 5 steps (squats, leg outs, merkins, leg ins, squat hops)
10 burpees OYO to perfect

Partner up – same size
Upper body:
Dirkens from bench
Dips w/feet up on bench
P1: Abyss merkins – P2: Irkens (touch chest)
3 rds : x15, x12, x10

Somewhere in here YHC noticed Straight Cash getting some air from the side of the shelter. No merlot sounds, maybe just a breather needed.

Lower body:
1-legged seated squats, switch legs
Box jumps
Partner hold squats
3 rds : x15, x12, x10

P1 – BTTW nipplers x10
P2 – plank jacks
2 rds
Lipstick lead his country cadence count for us on this and YHC tried it out on rd 2.

Lower back raises on table top with partner x10, switch, rinse and repeat
Dauber showed up during this exercise, took of breath taker, and peaced out! Guess he was D.O.N.E.

Mary:
Big boy sit up-ups – found this on the exericon and wanted the PAX to try one each. Yogurt was the only one successful
Partner leg pushes x15
MOBY – Sally: 6 inch hold with hello dolly’s at the acoustic sections

We did reverse Name-o-rama.

Announcements:
Crosby band at Big Easy, pictures
2 weeks left until WB. Rain training welcomed.
See slack and FB for all others

Prayer:
Full house dad GI bleeding
Doug Stein knees and new born
Shredder’s recovery
Aqua-mans son from concussion
Courtney tumor (Hasselhoff request)
Miller family, Dad with weeks to live from brain tumor (BS request
Lipstick MIL cancer treatment

As we were departing we forgot about Breath Taker. The boys from Woodcreek picked it up and will chip in on the $50. Not sure who is wearing it yet but heard they may drop it off at Nemo’s front porch.

It was great being back at Cletus to lead the PAX. The shelter workouts are one of my favorites probably bc you don’t really get a break for 45 mins. YHC had to catch some breath a couple times especially after abyss merkins. Always humbling to be able to lead such a great group of HIM. Until next time…

BS Out!

Final Crunchy Burp Tapping

/in /QIC:
PAX: ,

Warm Up:
The Workout:You know the deal!

Last one for February. New workout starts next week!

100 – Burpees

200 – B2W Shoulder Taps

300 – LBC’s

Mary:
Announcements: Check FB/Slack

2nd F Tonight at Big Easy downtown. Crosby has live photos with Band starts at 11(2100).
Prayer: Silent Prayers

Flying Cupids & Dancing Rocks

/in /QIC:
PAX: , , , , , , , , , ,
11 PAX braved the damp and cool gloom for a virgin Q – and hopefully a proper beatdown.
Cupid flew in at the last moment after the other HIM’s slowly emerged from the warmth of their respective vehicles as though they could foresee the “fun” that awaited them.
No FNG’s
Warm Up:
Mosey around the track to the front parking lot
SSH x 20 IC
Imperial walkers x 15 IC
Hillbillies x 15 IC
Hairy Rockettes (alternating toe touches) x 15 IC – LipSync enjoyed these a little too much. 5 6 7 8…)
Squat kicks x 15

 

The Workout:

Head to the rock pile to get a moderately sized rock suitable for lifting multiple reps.
John Cusack to the corner of the parking lot.
Rock Exercise 1: Rock-a-bye-baby x 15 IC (up, out, left twist, right twist = 1)
Lunge walk to the island (of misfit toys) – Merkins x 10 OYO – run back to your rock – squat hold or hold plank for the 6
Rock Exercise 2: Curls for the Girls x 20 IC
Lunge to island – 10 Merkins – run back
Rock exercise 3: Tricep Extensions x 20(ish) IC
Lunge to island – 10 Merkins – run back
Rock exercise 4: Ruh Roh’s x 20(ish) IC
Lunge to island – 10 Merkins – run back
Rinse and Repeat with a twist: Replace lunge walk with Bear Crawl and replace Merkins with WW2’s x 10 OYO
Return your rock from whence it came a la John Cusack just in time for 6 minutes of…
Mary:
LBC’s x 20 IC
Freddie Mercuries x 20 IC
Gump requested American Hammers x 10 IC
LipSync requested Homer to Marge x 10 IC
Martini requested Low Slow Flutters x 10 IC
5 Burpees in honor of R22 (who is the one who invited me to F3 back in August 2018)
Announcements:
Wrightsville half in two weeks
See Slack/ FB for the rest…

Prayer:

Several relatives and friends who have been diagnosed with cancer (Cupid’s friend’s dad, Modify’s dad – going through Chemo)

Two young guys who have committed suicide recently – lift up their families and friends — Don’t struggle alone or let anyone struggle alone. Reach out to guys you haven’t seen in a while and let them know they are missed.

Crablegs (ALS)

Shredder (knee)

Forgive me if I missed any…
COT:
Wise men build their house on the rock by listening to the words of Jesus and putting them into practice. When (not if) the wind and waves come, the house will stand strong.
Foolish men build their house on the sand by either not listening to the words of Jesus and/or not living them out. When the wind and waves come, that house will come down with a huge crash. (Matthew 7:24-27)
At least this day was built on the rock – quite literally – which made all of us stronger and less likely to get knocked over…once the soreness subsides.
2nd F at Stick Boy for celebratory scones.
It was my great honor to lead you HIM’s in the glorious (and damp) gloom this am.
Until next time…