Time Change, Recovery Runs, Extra Miles, and Picnic Tables..7 PAX got Stronger at AGS.

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Lots of inspiring and incredible Strava updates from yesterday’s HSHM training run.  If the times yesterday were any indication, there will be alot of PR bell ringing come race day. YHC was looking forward to a return to the gloom to grab some miles after a 4 week hiatus from AGS due to a nagging calf injury. Pulled up at Womble to a chilly 44 degrees to begin with some stretches. Quickly joined by Double D and Forceps, with Skidmark and the Sir Dawgpound close behind. Six 0’clock hit and began with the warm up.

Warm Up: Quick jog to the far end of the parking lot, with butt kickers and high knees to the other side. Toe walks with alternating heel walks to the midway point of the parking lot. Circled up for Imperial Walkers x10, Hillbillies x10

The Workout: 6 mi Scout Run- standard loop counter clockwise around Bass Lake and then up the trail to Sugg Farm. PAX took off from Womble at 6:05 and headed counter clock wise around the baseball fields. Made our way up Grigsby and met up with Brexit, fresh off of strong 13.1 yesterday. YHC informed the PAX earlier that he was limited to 2-3 miles (Dr’s orders) today and would go about 1.5mi out and back. PAX continued forward to the Bass Lake trail, while YHC climbed out of the greenway to meet them at the top of the Sugg Farm trail. The sun was just barely starting to rise at that point and to my surprise, a line of picnic tables occupied the open Sugg Farm field with the trail close in the distance. Ever since I started F3, I have never looked at a parking lot or picnic tables the same way. Instinctively, proceeded to the picnic tables to perform the following while waiting for PAX…

100 (10 sets of 10)Step Ups, Table Merkins X50, Dips x33

As I finished my last set of 10, Skid Mark and Double D passed by at a steady pace and made their way back to Womble up the long road out of Sugg Farm. At that point, just above the tree line, the sun began to make its way and delivered another outstanding view at AGS.  Remaining PAX made their way back to Womble. Forceps proceeded forward to grab more miles en route to 10mi for the day. Great work! Also, was surprised to learn that Dauber got an earlier start this morning and helped clear the webs along the trail for PAX this morning. Thank you, Dauber.

Mary: Stretches oyo

Announcements: HSHM less than 2 weeks. U-turn next week-Standard 5 miles from Starbucks and circle backs for those looking for a few extra. Remember for the week prior to the race to hydrate…

Prayer: Dauber took us out in prayer.

5 PAX for Fire Water and Hills at Any Given Sunday

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Armed with 2 bottles of water, 51 degree weather, and a bundled Midget co-pilot, YHC’s clown car rolled out of the Wescott sub-division and shortly onto Holly Springs Road, where we saw a swift moving figure in the form of Brexit getting some extra miles onto what would be a run that boasted one of the most amazing Sunrises in 6 months. Fall is definitely here and the air was brisk this morning. A welcomed change to the humidity we’ve had to endure on these Sunday runs.

As Midget and YHC stretched, Lipstick joined the party along with LED fresh off of some early miles. We were soon joined by Brexit. 6:30am hit and off we started with the warm up.

Warm Up: Light jog to the far end of the lot and back up to the other side. Continued with light jog back with alternating Frankensteins and Butt Kickers, and light jog. Carioca back left to right, right to left.

The Workout: After missing the past few week’s runs due to injury and in need of some HSHM training, YHC made the decision to construct the same route as last week, counter-clockwise around the the lake with the exit route through Sugg Farm instead of the greenway. Any Given Sunday started 30 minutes later due to sunrise timing, and this morning’s view did not disappoint.

Inspired by the previous evening’s Beer Mile, PAX took off from Womble commenting and trying to fathom how on earth #BrewTangClan pulled off an almost sub-5 mile and 4 beers…Seriously, who does that? 187, Bernie, Pilgrim, Sassy- y’all are #Beasts..

The late 6:30am start time was perfect for a lakeside sunrise this morning on the exit pass around the lake. The reflection of that sunrise made the water look as if it was set on fire and was perfect foreshadowing for the fire that was about to to ignite in YHC’s thighs as he made a familiar and yet unfavorable trek up the backside of Sugg Farm. With every decision comes consequences. Special thanks to Midget for picking up the six as we made it through the farm back onto Grigsby, where we were rejoined with Brexit, who decided to take the greenway route from the lake. Lipstick then approached a half mile later to pick up the six, and shared that he may or may not have left a trademark ‘Running for the John’ souvenir off the Sugg Trail. PAX made the final push to Womble and circled up for final stretches and an abbreviated COT

Mary: Varying calf, quad, hamstring stetches

Announcements: CSAUP next weekend

Prayer: Prayers for continued health this week for PAX and families.

10 PAX for a Half Dozen at Any Given Sunday

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Still waiting on the cooler temps and the humidity to lift, but 10 PAX got stronger this morning at Any Given Sunday. On my way onto Raleigh St. en route to Womble, Brexit and Bernie were seen getting some extra miles. Arrived early to the tennis court lot and quickly was met by additional PAX including Forceps, Skidmark, Hot Spot, Farva, Hasselhoff, and Draper, and Boy George. YHC unfortunately could not lead this morning still nursing shin splints, so Skidmark (fresh off a 1/2 Marathon yesterday at U-Turn) thankfully accepted the leadership role on this morning’s run.

Warm Up: Quick jog to both sides of the tennis court lot. On the second pass, switched to butt kickers and Frankensteins to the half way point and then alternated carioca to the end and then back to the half way point to circle up for the following:

Imperial Walkers x10, Hillbillies x10, Hacky Sacks x10 (IC). Fazio Arm Circles x10 F/B. Michael Phelps

The Workout: 6 mi Scout Run (1/2 Marathon Route- counterclockwise around the lake and exist route to Sugg Farm instead of greenway). While PAX enjoyed a humid 6 mi in the gloom, YHC stayed back in the parking lot to do some stretch\core\upper body work as follows:

Occupied a parking space- Squats x50, Bear Crawl to the other side, 25 Curb Merkins, Bear Crawl back, Squats x25, Bear Crawl to other side, 20 Curb Merkins, Bear Crawl Back, Squats x20, Bear Crawl other side. then stopped…. feeling uninspired flying solo in the lot, YHC decided that instead of sleeping in car waiting for #HIM to return as jokingly noted by Brexit after the warm-up,  made a quick trek to the nearby Dunkin Donuts for some coffee and donuts to invoke a 2nd F after the run\COT.

Arrived back to the Womble lot to see the faint glow of F3 reflective gear in the distance by the baseball fields as PAX made their final push to the tennis lot. Realizing that they were a little over 0.25 miles short of 6mi  upon return to tennis lot, Skidmark, Hot Spot, Hasselhoff and Draper decided to make it official and took off for another loop around the soccer fields.

Circled up for some stretching and mumblechatter.

Mary: Varying stretches

Announcements: CSAUP- October 20th, SAS 5K next Saturday, U-Turn needs a Q for next week

Prayer: Prayers for Hasselhoff who is battling a pinched nerve in his neck, Draper celebrating 18 year wedding anniversary. YHC’s friend John, who recently passed this week. He leaves a wife and young children. Continued prayers for his family. Additional prayers for a safe and healthy upcoming week.

10 PAX got Stronger at Any Given Sunday- No Headlamps, No Problem…Let Elevation Be Your Guide

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The countdown is on…8 weeks to HSHM and 10 #HIM put in some quality miles at AGS. YHC and Midget arrived at 5:30am and were quickly joined by Slide Rule for an EC run to the Library. Having missed ASG last week and U-Turn due to the HS Police 10K, YHC was in need of some speed up Library Hill. As we approached the midway point to the Stop sign summit, Slide Rule unaware of the need for speed, inquired if we were in a hurry this morning. The reply was “No, but sometimes you have to let this Hill know who is boss.” At which point, 3 PAX were seen making an aggressive pace back to the top and onto Main Street. PAX continued to Womble where Slide Rule and Midget broke off toward the baseball fields en route to an additional mile, while YHC proceeded for an extra half around the soccer fields. Three quarters around the soccer fields, YHC was met by the trio of Pikachu, Dusty, and Farva on a warm up run heading in the opposite direction, and decided to join them back around to the parking lot.

Several additional PAX made their way in for some main event miles, including Forceps, Deadbolt, Kid Cracker, and Yogurt

Warm Up: Quick jog to end of parking lot, with butt kickers back to the point of origin. Skips half way down to the end of the parking lot, followed by Frankstein’s to slow down Pikachu, who looked like he was attached to a pogo stick on the skips. Carioca back L\R to the point of origin. Circled up for Imperial Walkers x10\Hillbillies x10\Hacky Sacks x10 IC, Figure Four Leg stretches x10, Fazio Arm Circles 10F\10B,  Michael Phelps.

The Workout: 6 mi Scout Run to the greenway and counter clockwise around Bass Lake. YHC flirted with the idea of coming out the back way of Sugg Farm instead of back through the greenway, but given that the ground is still drying out, decided to keep on the pavement. PAX exited Bass Lake via the green way and back onto Teal Lake. We’ll save that route for another run.

From start to finish of the run, PAX were treated to some really cool phenomena in the sky. As we made our way out of Womble on the initial mile, Slide Rule pointed out that the moon was surrounded by a white visible circle. Something I haven’t seen before.  As we progressed on the run, each PAX that had circled back to pick up the six, noted the need to dust off the headlamps as darkness was extending later on these 6am runs. As we got onto the Bass Lake Trail and half way around, YHC and Deadbolt had the faint glow of Midget’s sneakers to keep us on the path. As we proceeded, we were starting to lose our way and Deadbolt prophetically stated that “if we are elevating, we are on the right path.” So true it was as Midget stopped for a period of time toward the top of the Hill, long enough to see his magic shoes and then were quickly met by Yogurt and Pikachu, who were on point picking up the six. As we ascended down and then proceeded back around to the canoes, YHC took a few pictures to commemorate what was one of the coolest pre-sunrise snaps in quite a few weeks. The water was like glass and perfectly transposed a mirror image of what was happening in the sky onto Bass Lake. As we made way out of the greenway, PAX were met again by Pikachu and Yogurt, who pulled the six onto Eno Drive and invoked a strong sprint amongst several PAX up Teal Lake Dr. PAX finished up the final leg back to Womble and circled up for COT.

Mary: Varying Downward Dog Stretches\Calf Stretches

Announcements: CSAUP Odyssey October 20th 0600-1000

Prayer: Continued prayers for Brandon at Hope Church who is battling significant injuries. We also continue to hold CrabLegs in our our prayers as well as those impacted by the Hurricane as they rebuild.

Any Given Sunday (No Johns Edition)

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3 pax (Bernie, Brexit, and YHC) ran some EC and found each other around town and ran back into Womble together. They were met by 3 other pax (Midget, Emeril, & Forceps) and we were off.

Warm Up:

SSH x10

High knees x15

Jog 1/3 down the parking lot, kareokee 1/3, switch for last 1/3

Butt kickers length of parking lot back
The Workout:

6 mile route (out Womble to main to Walgreens, right on Holly Springs road, left into Jones Park on greenway, follow greenway through Jones, Veterans, Windcrest/Sunset Ridge North and then down to N Main St at Ting, then Main street back to Womble) with some stops (for weight distribution as Dauber calls it) – at Veterans park for YHC and after the steep hill on the greenway for Midget. YHC lost the group and ran back to Womble via Main St solo.

Mary: N/A
Announcements: 2nd F coffee at Starbucks
Prayer: Mookie for some healing in the legs

Sunday Super Soaker- 8 PAX ‘Getting it Done’ at AGS

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With the continued rain and wind gusts still making their way through South Wake, YHC traveled in ‘Knight Rider’ to scope out an alternative route the day before to avoid Bass Lake, and keep us on the pavement and out of the mud.  As I was traveling down Salem Ridge Rd, I came upon WebEx returning from the Lake, who reaffirmed that the alternate route was the right decision. With that confirmation, the route was completed and word was sent the night before that ‘Any Given Sunday’ was open for business. The post received a few ‘SC’s,’ a contemplating ‘Batman’ gif, and a newer version of an HC- which is a cross between an SC and an HC–“Planning to be there”.. I’m fairly certain there is opportunity for a lexicon on this one, if not one already.

This morning’s run offered the standard run of 6 miles starting at 6am, along with an option for an extra 2-3mi route that would start at 5:30am for those wanting some extra road work. On my way to plant the Shovel Flag, a red F150 rolled up and knew this morning was gonna start with a quick 2-3 miles with a rested Skidmark. True to form, 5:30 hit and we made our way on the standard Cletus EC route down Main Street and then back up Raleigh to Grigsby to Stinson. On the way up Raleigh St, was met first by Banana Seat heading in the opposite direction for miles, along with the duo of Bernie and Brexit.  YHC stopped at 2 mi to stretch, while Skidmark continued for an additional mile around the Womble fields. More PAX started to roll in about 5:50- Dusty, DawgPound, and Norm, and were eventually joined by those getting in the extra 2-3miles. Six o’clock hit and it was go time. Started the warm-up as follows:

Warm Up: Light Jogs- length of the tennis court lot X 2, alternating skips, butt kickers, high knees. Toe Walks\Heel Walks 30 paces. Circle up for hacky sacks, figure 4 leg stretches x10 per leg, Michael Phelps.

The Workout: 6+ Mile Scout Run with periodic circle backs to pick up the six. Route- Up Stinson, Rt on Bass Lake Rd, Lft on Salem Ridge, Lft on Linksland, Lft on Holly Springs Rd, Lft on Raleigh St. Lft on Grigsby, Lft on Stinson to fields to finish with a standard figure 8. Big shout out to all brothers this morning battling the elements of wind and rain and picking up the 6.

Not to be outdone by Dauber’s bathroom performance last week, Skidmark turned to YHC at Linksland and expressed an urgent need to find ‘a John.’ He had a more ‘elaborate’ category of ‘John’ in mind than the woods or a porta-potty, and was seen picking up the pace to Lowe’s Supermarket up Holly Springs Rd.  Remaining PAX made their way up Holly Springs Road back to Womble. As we ventured down Raleigh St., an extra gust of wind raced by us in the form of Skidmark, looking 10lbs lighter and running at a sub 8 pace. He later confirmed negative splits for the last 3 miles. Ain’t gonna lie, there is a lot to be said about a mid-run ‘dump.’ Never experienced one, but based on what I’ve witnessed over the last 3 months by several PAX, I am finding alot of truth in it.

Mary: Stationary Stretches- R over L\L over R x2 for 10 counts, Downward Dog calf stretches R over L\L over R ankle x2 5 counts, Feet walked up another inch still in Downward Dog for alternating calf stretches holding for 5 counts. R and L arm\tricep stretches

Announcements: HS Police 10K next week

Prayer: Continued prayers for those friends, family members, and residents on the coast and neighboring areas impacted by the storm. Prayers for healing as the rebuild as a result of this devastating event.

8 PAX for Any Given Sunday- Broken Play Run-Fake 23 Porta John Blast with a Backside Dauber Reverse

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Still muggy in SouthWake this morning as PAX of 8 gathered for some miles at ‘Any Given Sunday.’ One of the things that YHC enjoys most about this Q is seeing new but familiar faces gradually making their way to this Sunday workout. This morning we had a mix of some regulars like LED and Slots with newcomers Pilgrim, Dauber, 16-Bit, Kid Cracker, and Yogurt, who was doubling down this weekend fresh off of yesterday’s U-Turn run.

Warm Up: Light jog to the far end of the parking lot. Carioca L\R back. Butt kickers down to the far end of the parking lot, High Knees back, Butt Kickers Down to the far end of the parking lot, Frankensteins back w\alternating toe-heel walks back. Circled up for Fazio Arm Circles X12 F\B, Michael Phelps, Tricep\Shoulder Stretches.

The Workout: 6 mi Scout Run with periodic stops to pick up the 6. PAX of 8 headed out of Womble Park onto Grigsby Ave toward Sugg Farm to take the right onto Teal Lake Dr\Eno Dr. route onto the greenway to Bass Lake. As we approached the right onto Teal Lake, YHC circled back a few 100 feet to pick up the six, but then realized there was nobody behind him. He had seen LED run up toward the fence of Sugg Farm and as LED was familiar with the route, YHC proceeded forward knowing he would soon catch up. Approaching Eno Dr., YHC was met by Yogurt circling back and proceeded to the greenway. About a 1/4mi onto the greenway, LED caught up to us and indicated that Dauber had made a pit stop at one of the porta- Johns at the new construction site on Grigsby and likely not familiar with the route to the greenway. YHC instructed LED and Yogurt to proceed forward so that if the other 4 PAX circled back, they’d know we were far behind and to continue on their run, and I would circle back for Dauber and catch them with Dauber on their return route on the greenway from the Lake.

YHC proceeded back out of the greenway, onto Eno and then back out to Teal Lake Dr, and eventually back to Grigsby…Still no sign of Dauber. At that point, it was clear, we had a broken play. Proceeded back to Womble, thinking Dauber may have ventured back to do some figure 8’s while waiting for the PAX to return. Made it back and discovered his car was still there, but no sign of Dauber on the fields. At that point, YHC had estimated that the PAX were likely just getting back onto the return route onto the greenway and would meet them as they were climbing up the hill back onto Eno Dr. As I approached Eno Dr, I was relieved to see Kid Cracker, Slots, 16-Bit, and Pilgrim, but still no sign of Dauber…

Ventured back onto the greenway and met up with Yogurt and LED, who informed me that Dauber was alive and not far behind. YHC was finally reunited with the six on the greenway and then did some quality hill work by pushing the pace up a few notches as we made the return trip back to Womble.

A good run all around with great #HIM and of course some quality mumblechatter.

Mary: Had to skip due to time crunch

Announcements: 9/11 Stair Climb

Prayer: Continued prayers for Clay (Roger Roger’s Neighbor’s son). Prayers for CrabLegs and Double D’s father. Continued health for our F3 Brothers and their families this week.

Any Given Sunday-5 PAX served Hills Sunny Side Up

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In honor of the BRR coming up next weekend, YHC decided to change things up this week and bypass the greenway route to Bass Lake and treat 5 PAX to some hill work. Like yesterday morning, conditions were a bit humid and the perfect recipe for another shirt soaker.

Warm Up: Light jog to the far end of the parking lot. Butt kickers back to the starting point. High knees to the far end of the parking lot, carioca back-R over L and switch to L over R. Fazio Arm Circles x10 F\x10B, Air Squats x10, Toe Walk (20 paces forward) Heel Walk (20 paces back).

The Workout: 6 mile Scout Run with periodic loop backs to pick up the six. YHC called an audible and changed the standard route of accessing Bass Lake via the greenway. Instead, the route started on Stinson with a right down Bass Lake Road. PAX went counter clockwise around the lake and then back up the hills of Bass Lake Road. The route then proceeded left down Earp St, followed by a left on Raleigh St and Grigsby back to Womble Park. A total of 6+ miles.

Mary: Stationary Stretches, R Leg over L Leg, L Leg over R Leg with holds for 10 seconds. Downward Dog for alternating calve stretches (R\L\Both), Cobra Stretches x2, Tricep R\L, Shoulder Stretches with R\L arms alternating across body for 10 counts.

Announcements: BRR this upcoming weekend, 9/11 Stair Climb

Prayer: Continued prayers for Double D and his father. Additional prayers for YHC’s daughter, Caroline, who will be having oral surgery this Tuesday. Prayers for those running BRR this upcoming weekend and that they stay healthy and travel safely. YHC also shared a story he had read with his kids this past week.

It was about a group of frogs that were traveling through the woods when two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead.

Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out.

As it would turn out, the frog that made it out was deaf and thought the other frogs were encouraging him the entire time. The lesson here is that there is power in the words that we speak. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day. We need to be mindful of this in our daily interactions with co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family, as there is power in the words we speak. An encouraging word can go a long way. -Aye!

10 PAX for Any Given Sunday- Headlamps, 6 Miles, and a Sunrise

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This weekend we have seen a welcomed transition from 92 degree humid conditions to cooler\less humid desirable running weather. Driving down Raleigh St., Brexit was seen getting some extra miles. As YHC pulled into the parking lot 9 minutes before the Any Given Sunday start, he was greeted by a shirt-wearing, ready-to-go Pikachu, complete with headlamp. Clown cars started to roll in, Wrangler and Slots, followed by LipStick and UTI. Fresh off a U-Turn run from yesterday, The ‘Sir’ DawgPound and Forceps decided they wanted in on the free ‘All-Inclusive’ 6 mile run.

Noticing the need for more light for the first few miles before sunrise, DawgPound grabbed a second headlamp. Six 0’clock hit, and Brexit and Bernie joined to make a perfect 10 for this morning’s work-out that began with some dynamic stretching that started as follows..

Warm Up: Light jog to the back end of the parking lot, carioca back (L\R), Butt kickers to the back end of the lot, Frankensteins back. Circle up for Hacky Sacks x20, Pike Stretches (Rt over Lt heal, Lt over Rt heal x10count)

The Workout: 6 Mile Scenic Scout Run (going counter-clockwise this time around Bass Lake) with periodic trips back to pick up the 6.

Mary: Cool Down stretches. Rt leg over Lt, Lt over Rt x10, Downward Dog- Pike calf stretches R and L x10 count/2x, Michael Phelps, Tricep stretches L\R. Planks with Cobra stretches to stretch out the back

Announcements: Anniversary Q this Wednesday at Possum Trot- EC is in play prior to as well. BRR is coming up (12 days to go).

Prayer: Prayers for Crab Legs, Double D and their family’s. Forceps friend Brandon who is facing significant health issues. YHC shared a message to the PAX to remember to breathe. Often times we are overwhelmed with the challenges of daily work and family life that we forget to breathe and really take time for the moments that matter. A parallel can be drawn with running. We can sometimes get caught up in trying to keep up with others and setting a pace that we can’t maintain over long periods of time as we forget to take those deep breaths. This past week, I had a friend who had texted me a message saying, “Can you call me?” It was a busy week filled with deadlines, travel, and a myriad of family responsibilities, and unfortunately didn’t stop to breathe to make the time to call him back til days later. As it would turn out, he needed my help, and I wasn’t there to help him get through the challenge he was facing that day. Somewhere there is someone who needs our help at any given time and we have to remember breathe to make the right decisions and do what is most important. -Aye!…Have a great week, everyone..

Any Given Sunday- Hill Run Audible

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Warm Up: Dynamic Stretching: Light jog to far end of parking lot with butt kickers and high knees mixed in. Karaoke (Left\Right) back toward starting point with Frankenstein kicks and High Knees to the start.

The Workout: Given the storm from the night before, PAX anticipated a very soggy and unpleasant run on the trail. An ‘audible’ was called and PAX were treated to a hill route up and down some local favorite roads- Stinson, Bass Lake, and Salem Ridge. For those that ran the Derek Davis Memorial run the day prior, they got the added bonus of running up Linksland Drive instead of down. PAX made their way back onto Holly Springs Road and headed back to Womble. Shout out to Double D, making several passes during the route to pick up the 6. As the PAX turned and headed down Raleigh St and onto Grigsby paces started to increase as we approached the final leg and loop around the soccer fields of the (5-6 mile) route (Bernie, Brexit, Double D EC 1-3 miles prior).

Mary: Stationary Stretching: Right Leg over Left, Left Leg over Right, Quad Stretches R\L, Downward Dog- Calf Stretches R\L

Announcements: South Wake 5 Year Convergence- Aug 29th 5:30am- 6:15am  (Action Park- Possum Trot- Home of the Original AO of South Wake F3), 9/11 Stair Climb, Brexit’s US Citizenship. Mookie and 187’s 1 year F3 Anniversary this week.

Prayer: Thoughts and prayers to 2 members of Brexit’s church community who have faced recent life threatening accidents. We pray for continued healing and care as they progress through this difficult time. Prayers for Bernie as he starts his new job and the added challenges that come with starting a new venture.