Wait…This isn’t Soul Crusher?

/in /QIC:
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Here we are again…another Sunday in the “Springs.”  This time, however, it’s not raining and the air feels like a stale fart as the humidity is starting to settle in. There is a slight breeze, but somehow its inevitable that this would be a shirt soaker of a run this morning at AGS. After a week long hiatus from the gloom due to travel, YHC was looking forward to some miles and fellowship this morning. Pulled into the lot, planted the flag and performed some light stretches. First car rolls in and its one YHC has never seen before. Introduce myself and meet Coal Miner’s Daughter (aka-CMD), who was recently named during Friday’s Slide Rule Cletus Workout. He had mentioned that he was still a little sore from the Cletus workout and was looking for about 3 miles this morning and not the full 6. At AGS, we always make route accommodations, but once additional HIM start to show, there is no telling what inspiration can be drawn and mental\physical limits exceeded.

5:52..Now this was right about the time where things became interesting. First, Emeril rolls in, then followed by Pikachu. Full House and then Forceps. Emeril in an ‘on the fence’ kinda tone indicates that M4L will be here this morning, but was running late as he needed to ‘chit,’ so we should proceed with warmups and then he ‘should’ be here before we leave the lot for the Main Event.

6:00am- Let’s go, follow me….

Warm Up: Quick dash to the first picnic shelter with a plank hold for the six. YHC called out Mountain Climbers IC X10. Proceeded with a brisk mosey to the back lot with Carioca L over R, Right over L to the speed bump, with alternating butt kickers and light mosey to the back end of the lot. Circled up for Imperial Walkers X10. YHC then called for a single file line for an Indian Run back to the main lot. PAX circled up and as promise, M4L fresh of dropping some gross weight, arrives with enough time for YHC to explain this morning’s route before heading out.

The Workout: It seems like forever since we’ve been able to loop Bass Lake due to rain, so YHC called for the standard loop, counterclockwise with a Soul Crusher exit. For CMD, this would mean that with the warm-up, when we got to the greenway, he could circle back and get his 3.  PAX made their way out of Womble and onto Sugg. Good paces out there by all PAX and many circle backs for the six on the way to the greenway, on the greenway, and as we will later find…on the trails. As we were about .25 away from the lake, Pikachu, Emeril, M4L, Full House, and YHC made one last circle back. There he was, CMD, still ticking and tracking beyond his 3 mi target with Forceps pushing him along. PAX made their way counterclockwise around the lake. Pikachu, Emeril, M4L, and Full House pulled ahead far enough for YHC to see Emeril’s bright yellow shirt in the distance. Not looking to go around the lake, I informed CMD that he could continue straight and then up Soul Crusher, which would take him up into Sugg Farm and then back onto Grigsby and then Womble. YHC was later informed that when CMD made it to Sugg field, he had thought he had bumped his head and Jesus was calling him. Yeah- them hills have a way of playing mind games sometimes.

Meanwhile, on the counterclockwise path around Bass Lake, YHC and Forceps saw the glow of yellow come back the other way toward us. Apparently, trees were down on the trail and we had to call an audible and circle back. As we made our way back onto the greenway, M4L called for some Soul Crusher repeats. As YHC proceeded to the first opening on the left thinking it was Soul Crusher, I was quickly corrected. “That’s not Soul Crusher..keep moving.” “Wait-what?” All along, I thought this was Soul Crusher, but then quickly learned that there was a magical labyrinth of hills on the back side of Sugg Farm and we hit almost all of them. First we went down Heart Break Hill and then back up the ‘real’ Soul Crusher. We then proceed out to the main gates of Sugg, but not before Pikachu, realizing we were about 2.0 mi short, decided to take us through the side field of Sugg to attack some more hills. That’s when Emeril informed YHC to share some tunes, and was happy to share the playlist as we labored up and down the hills. By this time the humidity was meeting exhaustion and was time to get to Womble as fast as possible, and all PAX made a strong final push back to the parking lot. As we made it to Womble, all PAX were accounted for and got there just in time to welcome CMD back into the fold as he had finished his 5th mile.

Fist bumps all around this morning. Strong showing by all PAX posting.

Mary: Stretches OYO
Announcements: Skeet Shoot Fundraiser for Truth in Nature- see Forceps for details
T-Claps (Recognition): All PAX posting this morning in the humidity, while conquering hills.
Prayer: All PAX on IR. YHC took us out.

Thanks for Participating..Here’s your Trophy. 9 PAX Make it Count in the Rain @ AGS

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After consuming a few too many pre and post-Derby adult beverages the night before, which parlayed into a few more during a pivotal Bruin win, YHC woke up a little groggy this morning. A quick check on instant messenger showed a text from Deadbolt, who HC’d the day before. A little rain continued outside as I grabbed my gear. Would we be running, would we be making the most of the shelters at Womble? Picked up Deadbolt and exchanged some good mumblechatter as we clown car’d to Womble. “What are you thinking, DB?  You think the rain will let up long enough to run?” and also “Who do you think will show?” The rain is always an interesting element that can have impact on AO attendance. It takes a very strong commitment to pull one’s self from the fartsack on a Sunday, especially if its raining.  Pulled up to Womble and would have thought the Town of Holly Springs was hosting an early morning soccer tourney with cars lined across the lot. The rain caused a “mogwai” effect this morning, with 9 PAX looking to raise their standard. Lots of gazelles and AGS virgins this morning- Pikachu, Skidmark, Maybelline, ShamWow, Aquaman, Dahmer. Oh yeah, and a Slide Rule, who was looking to raise his standard and join us in the drizzle. Arrived 2 minutes before start and the rain had let up. Planted the flag, exchanged some pleasantries, and then went to work for the following warm-up.

Warm Up: YHC took off and led the 8 PAX to the first picnic shelter for a round of 5 Burpees OYO. Continued the mosey to the Crazy Ivan Lot, squat hold for the six. Once all PAX were accounted for, YHC lead the group with 5 more Burpees in cadence. Continued to the other side of the lot with a series of Carioca L\R-R\L & Butt Kickers. Squat hold for the six, and performed 5 more Burpees in cadence. Light mosey back to the originating lot, with alternating lunge walks. At the last corner around the soccer fields, performed 5 more Burpees, leaving one remaining Burpee. PAX mosey’d back to the originating lot. Performed the last Burpee in cadence. 9 PAX x 21 Burpees= 189 Total (in honor of Riley Howell).

The Workout: The second week in a row putting the Lake out of play. Had to opt for a ‘dry’er’ route. Decided on the opposite route of what was run last week, which led us down Stinson. PAX would then proceed left on Bass Lake Road, with a quick up and back through Rhamkatte, with a left on Holly Springs Road onto a Right on Linksland, Right on Salem Ridge, Right up Bass Lake Road, and then left back onto Stinson to the soccer fields. Before the run, YHC had reiterrated the message from last week about raising the standard. Lots of speed out there this morning, so advised PAX that if they felt up to it, to push a little with the accountability partners we had running this morning. With that, PAX took off from Womble and headed down and up Stinson. Great mumblechatter through out, even with the hills that were served up throughout the route. The Sky Q held the rain off long enough to allow PAX to get their miles before he ordered the rain back on, while YHC (the six) finished along the soccer field fence

Mary: Stretches OYO in the shelter, with great exchanges centered on a lonely ‘participation’ trophy that was left behind from yesterday’s games. We wanted to give it to Bullseye, but had heard he was not able to claim independence from the fartsack this morning. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Announcements: Memorial Day Murph in the works..more to come.

T-Claps (Recognition): Dahmer, Aquaman, and Slide Rule making their AGS debut with solid runs. Alot of Iron Sharpens Iron going around at AGS this morning with Pikachu pushing Slide Rule to a 10K PR. Maybelline pulling ShamWow up Bass Lake on his way to a Bass Lake Rd PR. SkidMark, well….being SkidMark in picking up the six along the route and positive encouragement on the hills. Deadbolt for holding me accountable and getting me out of the house this morning and on time.

Prayer: Continued prayers for Shredder, CrabLegs, and marriages. Aquaman took us out.

PAX of 7 Raise Their Standard at AGS

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Pre-AGS blast set the stage with a simple concept, “Turn your ‘should do’s’ into ‘must-do’s’ and raise the standard.” Does anyone remember when our AO’s were just the workout, and not EC + Main Event or EC+EC+Main Event?  It is ritual now that EC has become the standard in the South Wake AO’s with usual 5+ guys who “just show up.” Over time, we collectively raised the standard, and in turn, have built one heck of a community with all 3F’s clicking on all cyclinders.

After a hiatus last week for the morning edition of AGS last week, YHC was looking forward to a nice lake run with 56 degree temps, making this a recipe for some great running weather. A quick check of ‘Alexa’ reaffirmed the reports I was seeing from the weather reports, but she was somewhat off in her questioning about rain as was later found this morning.

With the Bruins game beginning, took one last look at Slack and FB for any HC’s for Sunday morning. Saw a quick Yogi ‘HC’ on FB and an ‘SC’ from Lipstick on Slack with a DM from Deadbolt that read, “I’m gonna try and run tomorrow.”  To this reply, I added…”All about Standards. Time to raise them,” with the instruction that YHC would be in his driveway at 5:43, but to let me know if that changes. Turned off the phone and proceeded to watch what would be Double OT kick in the nutts by the Blue Jackets on my B’s. Luckily, I didn’t stay up for the finale as YHC had a ‘must do’ on the Sunday list.

Pan to 5:17am scan of Slack, and sure enough Deadbolt was up and rose from the fartsack. He was in!

Arrived to Womble and pulled up to Maybelline, who was parked next to Yogi, and further down the lot, H1N1 and Messi arrived to the gloom. One last vehicle emerged and in it was Nemo. That made 7. Originally had plans to go around the lake, but after additional consideration and a look of half disbelief\half ‘not a good idea’ by Maybelline, we decided to keep it dry and to take it to the streets.

Warm Up: 1/2 mile warm up-light mosey around the soccer fields with exercises at each corner. Corner 1- SSH X10, Corner 2 (Ivan Parking Lot)- Carioca L over R\R over L. Corner 3- Hacky Sacks, Corner 4- Imperial Walkers X10

The Workout: Route took us down Stinson, Right on Bass Lake Road, Left on Salem Ridge, Left on Linksland, Left on Holly Springs Road, with an option for gazelles to get an extra mile up and back through Rhamkatte before joining the 6 at Lowe’s before making the push down and up Stinson to the lot. Good mumblechatter throughout the run with all PAX pushing up and down the hills. A big shout out to H1N1 and Messi, who took the road less traveled this morning and navigated Rhamkatte. An additional shout out to Maybelline who continuously picked up the six this morning onto a 7 mile stroll.

Mary: Stretches OYO

Announcements: New JoCo AO- Jelly Stone Park- Clayton Community Park 5:30am

YHC shared the backdrop for the pre-blast and today’s message which was centered around raising the standard. In order to be successful, one must realize what needs to be sacrificed in order to achieve that success. Here we are on a Sunday morning at 7am, 6 miles in and pushing each other to be better. The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.  YHC was not just talking about fitness, this translates at home, in the office, and through fellowship. The ‘should do’s’ need to become ‘must do’s,’ becoming daily rituals which fosters the positives that lead to success and raising the ‘standard.’

T-Claps (Recognition): Maybelline for picking up the six. H1N1\Messi tackling Rhamkhatte, Deadbolt avoiding the fartsack, Nemo holding Deadbolt accountable throughout the run with a solid pace. Yogi for wind sprinting on the decline and pushing up the rolling hills of Bass Lake and Salem Ridge.

Prayer: Prayers for Azul from Carpex and Yogi’s friend Tony, who are both battling cancer. Prayers for health of all PAX and those traveling this week. YHC took us out!

AGS 10 Count for Hill Mastery and The Rise of Double D

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With only 2 PAX posting last week, YHC sent a pre-blast drawing inspiration from a 20+ count at U-Turn. The temps are getting warmer, but the rain and clouds are still making their presence known on the weekend AO’s. This morning temps called for 65 degrees, with a 35 percent chance of rain. Received 2 HC’s on the pre-blast post from Full House and ShamWow, with a possible SC by Maybelline. Don’t think there has ever been an HC on a Sunday for the following Sunday, but Yogi laid one down last week, and so was at least expecting 3, possibly 4 this morning, including YHC.

A Cowboy slack post indicated interest on this mornings route and what shoes to wear, provoked thoughts of a 5th brother. Rolled up on Womble this morning to discover quite a few cars…As expected, Cowboy. Then I see as an added bonus, the Sir DawgPound emerged to the parking lot. No sooner did a I turn around, I see the guy I hoped I’d see return to AGS this morning in the form of Double D. There was a post on Slack the night before that came from Forceps indicating he’d make an appearance to ruck parts of AGS this morning. As I saw him emerge from his truck, I considered the irony given that it was Masters Sunday. Is it me or is Masters Sunday a bit different when Tiger Woods is in the mix and pushing for another Major?

That’s the way I feel when Double D steps into any AO that he posts in. It’s just different. I can’t effectively put it into words. The bar is raised to another level and you know it’s gonna be a good day when he’s present and benefit from his energy. Great to see him back in the gloom!

Bobby Dall then shortly rolled in followed by Full House, and then a fleet footed light up vest emerged from the soccer field fences. The figure was fast and swift and yep…you guessed it, SkidMark! Did a quick turnaround and there was Maybelline emerging from the shadows cashing in his ‘SC’ on slack for an ‘HC.’ This was the result of a solid headlock that was applied by ShamWow the night before. The final piece to our HIM Team came in the form of Lipstick, who is always ready to run and can always count on him visiting YHC about 5-6 times throughout the route as he picks up the 6.

Clock hit 6am and with the Team assembled, YHC welcomed the 10 PAX to AGS by sharing that this morning’s edition of AGS was sure to be an interesting morning. PAX followed YHC for a lap around the soccer fields with intermittent exercises that went a little like this….

Warm Up:

Light mosey to first picnic shelter. PAX spread out and circled up for SSH X10. At count 7, YHC’s cell phone flung out of pocket and at count 8, ShamWow landed awkwardly on his ankle. Not an ideal start, but after a careful check to ensure all was ok, ShamWow assured the Q his ankles were the strongest part of his body and could continue. Continued mosey to Ivan parking lot for a series of carioca L\R, R\L to the opposite corner. PAX circled for Imperial Walkers X10. Continued Mosey into lunge walks and then morphed for Frankensteins, Butt Kickers, and mosey back to originating parking lot. YHC called for a series of prison squats X10 and then explained the route to PAX

The Workout:

With PAX already a 0.5mi in with the warm up and provided they already started their watches on the warm up, today’s route would keep us on the road (given the rain) and away from Bass Lake. Double informed YHC that he would be rucking this morning and would navigate a 4-mile route near and\or along the lake. This morning’s running route would provide heavy doses of hills, starting downhill on Stinson. PAX would then proceed left on Bass Lake Road. This would offer Lipstick two opportunities to drop gross weight at Lowe’s, before continuing onto Rhamkatte Village. Later learned that he bypassed Lowe’s for a porta potty option (evolution of BRR training starting to take shape). Once inside Rhamkatte Village, PAX would continue down Jones Hill Road all the way down the row of townhouses and U-Turn back out to Holly Springs Road. PAX would then continue left onto Holly Springs Road all the way down to a right on Linksland and then a right on Salem Ridge Road before gathering their thoughts and oxygen to proceed with a right up Bass Lake road. Knowing that we had some glowing (light up vest)  gazelles in the mix this morning, YHC gave them an extra mile to have them continue onto Earp with a left on Raleigh. For the six (YHC included) we had an alternate route back up Stinson and onto Womble where all PAX met within 5 minutes of each other back to the flag. A big shout out to Lipstick for picking up the six periodically throughout the route and gaining 8+ miles and additional PAX getting 7 this morning…

Mary: Stretches OYO with Mumblechatter

Announcements: YHC shared the underlying inspiration for the pre-blast post centered around the importance of being a great teammate. Earlier in the week, YHC came upon a letter that was written by Brad Stevens (former Butler University Head Coach and current coach of the Boston Celtics) to his daughter for a Leaders and Daughters event. The entire letter is attached here for those interested, but to paraphrase it spoke of the importance of choosing to be a great teammate:

https://leadersanddaughters.com/2019/03/04/brad-stevens-be-a-great-teammate

“Great teammates raise the energy in the room. They smile a lot. They show gratitude. People know that when they walk in, they have others’ best interest in mind, and want to bring out the best in each and every person. Who doesn’t want to surround themselves with energy raisers?”

“When times are good, be the great teammate that others want to celebrate with. When times are tough, be the great teammate who offers a shoulder to be leaned on. When you get older, you’ll realize that it wasn’t about the good or bad times, it was about who you navigated those times with, the lessons that you learned and the relationships that you forged.”

YHC further explained that it is always an honor to lead, but more importantly, the PAX I see in the gloom are usually the first faces YHC sees in the morning. Collectively we set the tone for that day and for the week. We need to continue to be great teammates not only in the gloom, but at home. As a Team, we need to continue to be those shoulders to lean on and push each other to be better men, husbands, neighbors, and fathers.

T-Claps (Recognition): Double D return to AGS, Lipstick for picking up the six, Solid Runs by this morning’s gazelles (Skid, Maybelline, Full House, Bobby Dall, Lipstick, ShamWow). Cowboy and DawgPound for pushing YHC up Bass Lake and Stinson.

Prayer: Special prayers for Double D and his family. Sally Hart (who was coached by Double D) and whom many of us F3-HIM have been fortunate to run with is running the Boston Marathon tomorrow. Good Luck to her and additional prayers for a great run tomorrow. YHC took us out.

Foggy Gloom, No Foghorn, but found a Yogi…

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Pre-blast announced during 2.0 Squirts workout and sent via Slack and FB to PAX the night before that AGS will now operate under a 6am start time. With the new start time in play, YHC set the alarm for 5am, but had a near ‘Midget moment’ this morning realizing that the alarm stop was pressed and not snooze. 5:38am gave just enough time to quickly get the gear together, shovel flag in car, and was off and out of Wescott by 5:47am.

Arrived to an empty parking lot filled with a backdrop of dense fog and 51 degrees.  If ever there was a picture definition of ‘the gloom,’ there it was at Womble this morning. Planted shovel flag, did some Sir DawgPound Good Mornings while I waited for a possible Foghorn or Skidmark sighting. Though there was no formal HC the night before, there was an slight possibility that there would be a post from each.

Warm Up:

6:00am start time came and went and then thought that it could be possible that PAX believed their to be a 6:30 start. With that thought, I decided to stay close and do a loop with alternate stretch exercises at the corners around the soccer fields. If there were PAX in the lot, we’d run, but if not I’d pack it in and head to the Fern. Corner 1- 20 Merkins, Corner 2- 25 Prison Squats, Corner 3- 25 Mountain Climbers, Corner 4- Lunge Walks back to the Womble lot from the picnic shelter. At the lot, did a light jog to the other end and then another pass back to the original starting point.

The Workout:

6:25am and the first sign of life all morning appears in the form of a grey Mustang convertible. Passenger sporting bright orange apparel, enough to cut the fog consuming the lot. As I approached, there it was, an ‘F3 Yogi!’ license plate. Ready to go as always, it only took but a few minutes before the distinct decibels of excitement in his voice broke the air with a simple, “Let’s do this Mook!’

Solid lap around the soccer fields with some slightly louder than usual mumblechatter along the way. Squat hold in the lot, while YHC explained this morning’s route as usual to PAX and first-time guests. The night before, I had planned a route to the famed Lowe’s bathroom. I have to be honest, though the Beer Garden in this Lowe’s is a solid commodity, the real crown jewel of the place, is the bathroom. I’m sure Dauber and Lipstick would concur.

As Yogi was a first time guest to AGS, I decided it only felt right to give him the full lake loop experience this morning, complete with Soul Crusher at the end and save today’s route for next week. Off we went, around the baseball fields and onto Sugg with a some quality mumblechatter throughout. As we hit the greenway, darkness started to turn into early morning light, but with the fog we weren’t going to get any glimpses of a sunrise. I had made a comment that it was kind of disappointing that we weren’t going to see one this morning, but then was quickly corrected by Yogi, who mentioned that there was nothing disappointing at all. “Mook- how many guys do you know wake up on a Sunday morning, knowing that there is someone that morning waiting for him to make sure he’s holding the other accountable…Would you have run these miles if I didn’t show this morning?” (probably not, I was headed to the Fern where there wouldn’t be any inspiration to get me on a treadmill for 6 miles)…”Forget the sunrise, this..what we are doing right here, is living. This is F3.” There it was, as plain as day and with enough truth to cut the fog that lay ahead of us in half.

PAX rolled for another mile until we maneuvered counterclockwise around the lake. Strong push uphill at the top of the half moon, and kept mosey’ing until it came time to escape the lake via greenway or Soul Crusher. “I’m following you Mook.” Alrighty then… YHC took Yogi right and then the quick left to Soul Crusher. My attempt to invoke continued mummblechatter on this segment was quickly paused by Yogi, who wanted all the air he could get to make it up the hill in an efficient manner. Soul Crusher conquered and PAX made it out of Sugg with smiles and a few laughs with several Yogi chants of “Nice work…Come get you some” to other runners heading in the opposite direction.

Arrived back to Womble with an even 6.1 on the Garmin and equipped with another example of Iron Sharpens Iron.

Mary: Stretches OYO

Announcements: Next 2.0 workout- 5/4

T-Claps (Recognition): Yogi- first post at AGS and longest run of the year.

Prayer: Prayers for Shredder recovery, DoubleD and his family. Crablegs. Health and safe travels for all PAX and their families this week.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow…6 PAX Get Stronger with 6 miles and Fellowship

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Clown car carrying Deadbolt and YHC arrived to a 50 degree Womble parking lot this morning. Clear skies with hints of blue and gold in the distance. Next week we’ll have to slide the time back to 6am to accomodate the earlier sunrises for the remainder of spring and summer. If you have posted over the past 2 weeks, you’ve probably noticed a consistent fixture in the form of Maybelline. Right on queue, there he was right where I left him last week, getting some stretching in. That’s 14 straight workouts, fellas. Strong work!.

Speaking of strong work, did anyone see Skidmark’s 5K time on Saturday? And just like that, there he was in the front seat of his red truck looking for an early morning recovery run. Another truck rolled in with Nemo in driver’s seat. Planted flag with 5 minutes left for any last minute takers of today’s edition of AGS… Received a text from Bobby Dall with the heads up that he was on his way.

6:31 hit and we were off for the following warm-up

Warm Up: Light jog to the end of the lot, side step squats on the return and circled up for SSH X15, Imperial Walkers x10. At that point, Bobby Dall joined the circle. No penalty burpees this morning as YHC was still recovering from Pikachu’s Turkish get ups at the Mason Dixon convergence yesterday. Also, for those in attendance at said convergence yesterday, what was up with the wheelbarrow staircase walks as the opening exercise?…Dang, Pikachu.

Finished off the warm up with a set of Mountain Climbers x15, Michael Phelps, and Left hand\right elbow-Right hand\left elbow stretches. Squat hold while YHC explained this morning’s route.

The Workout: Standard Bass Lake Route. Slight modification from previous week’s in that we would navigate the Lake in a clockwise fashion and enter and exit via greenway. No soul crusher this morning. YHC was just not feeling it, but will not disappoint next week if it is dry. As we ventured around the baseball fields, Skidmark confirmed a 2nd F at Dunkin Donuts after our run, and continued up Grigsby with Maybelline, Nemo, and Bobby Dall.

At the Sugg Farm entrance, Bobby Dall circled back for the six, first YHC, then Deadbolt. Exchanged some quality mumblechatter along the greenway, and about a mile in, Bobby Dall picked up the pace to catch up with Skid, Maybelline, and Nemo. Along the trail, took a few quality snaps of that trademark sunrise just beyond the trees. As we entered the Bass Lake parking lot, YHC and Deadbolt approached the Bass Lake “Killer Hill” with some reluctance, but more determination. Tackled the hill and the final bend around the lake. Halfway on the greenway back to Womble, we noticed a light rain sprinkle, which provided a welcomed cool down as we finished up our last 1.5 miles to the finish. YHC later received a pic from Bobby Dall who was able to capture a rainbow during his run. Strong runs by all PAX posting this morning and good to see some familiar faces return to AGS.

Mary: Stretches OYO

Announcements: Dunkin Donuts 2nd F, Wrightsville and Richmond Half-Full Sign-ups (never too early). NC Spring Classic 8k and 16k-April 27th. Coal Ash VQ tomorrow at Downtown Train. Maybelline VQ at Purple Cobra on Tuesday. PAX love VQ’s….come out and show some support. They will most certainly be beatdowns for sure.

Prayer: Prayers for Shredder, Crosby, and all PAX working through injuries. Additional prayers for a Wescott Neighbor who suffered a heart attack recently. Continued prayers for Lipstick’s mother in law, CrabLegs, DoubleD and his family.

Sunrise, Lake Views, and Hills por Cuatro Hermanos

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As advertised by the AGS Marketing Team the night before, this morning started with clear skies, a route to porta potties, and a sunrise that turns that decision to wake up early on a Sunday into a solid choice. With an HC by Lipstick and an interesting ‘MC’ (Midget Commit) by Dauber, YHC wasn’t certain what to expect as he arrived to an empty parking lot at 6:21am. Fresh off the new route at U-Turn yesterday, Maybelline comes rolling in looking for some additional miles. YHC has been traveling these past few weeks so have been way behind in posting, but came to learn that this was Maybelilne’s 7th straight work-out. A big shout out for putting in the work this week.

6:29am and here comes H1N1 and then quickly followed by Lipstick making good on his HC the night before.  No Dauber sign of Dauber, who cashed in his “Midget Commit” this morning.  YHC may have to consider alternate marketing to entice Dauber into HC’ing for next week’s workout that clearly outlines a route past Lowe’s.

Warm Up:

6:31am (1 min behind) and gave the word to the PAX to follow YHC to the 1st picnic shelter. PAX performed alternating step ups in cadence X10 each leg. Mosey’d down the steps and to the opposite picnic shelter for some prison squats x12, Recovered on the jog toward the Crazy Ivan lot where we performed 10 Imperial Walkers IC.  A few duck noises were heard at count 5, and by count 7, the stench was clear….Lipstick cologne. Some Michael Phelps to waft the lingering smoke cloud away and then quickly mosey’d for alternating Butt Kickers and High Knees to the far end of the lot. PAX performed stationary leg lifts X10 and proceeded back to the start with some toe and heel walks. Continued the mosey and mixed in some squat slides, which is a sideways walk with a squat at each step X12. Recovered on the jog back to the parking lot where PAX held a squat hold while YHC explained the route.

The Workout:

This morning was gonna a hybrid trail lake run with a heavy dose of hills. The route was the standard Bass Lake run, going counterclockwise around the lake, but instead of performing the full loop around the lake, PAX performed a half moon and proceeded straight back up Bass Lake Road and on to Stinson, with periodic circle backs for the six. A big shout out to all of the PAX posting this morning for picking YHC up all over this morning’s route. The hills were an aggressive decision after UTurn yesterday, but with thankful for the push and stronger because of it. With the circle backs, Lipstick had 6 by the time we hit the parking lot, but quickly realized H1N1 and Maybelline were short changed about 0.5-0.75mi. Maybelline proceeded to baseball fields and a right onto Grigsby and back onto Stinson to the parking lot to get his 6.

Mary: Stretches OYO

Announcements:

Crab Legs work day- Today 2-5pm

Prayer:

Prayers for Lipstick’s mother-in-law, continued prayers for Shredder and DoubleD. H1N1 for safe travels to the UK today and all PAX traveling over the next few weeks.

Hills for Four

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Warm Up: Various Stretching to get us loose
The Workout: PAX was on the lookout for Forceps, but with time slowing moving, it was clear our friend was not coming.  H1N1, UTI and YHC took off on feet, and Messi led us by bike.  We used a route out of the old Dawg’s playbook, and headed out Stinson to Bass Lake.  We quickly moved down Bass Lake to Holly Springs Rd and took our left on Linksland for some fun on the hills.  PAX was energetic and ready for Crossway.  We hustled up and down the hills, with a quick pit stop for YHC about half way. PAX made there way to the Crossway exit and headed back down Main St. and back to Womble.  5.5-6 Miles in all.

Announcements: Sprint Tri: Looking to start some work in the pool, check the slack channel
Prayer: H1N1 travelling to Liverpool for work. YHC MIL had mixed results from the surgery.  Please keep her in your prayers, as she will find out March 25 if she will require additional treatment beyond the surgery for her cancer.

Oh Wait..Here Comes Nemo…

/in /QIC:
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Surprise, surprise…It’s raining..Again.. Yes, that has been the standard ingredient at AGS and most of the other AO’s from week to week. As mentioned in yesterday’s BB for Ground Pounder, with most of our SouthWake PAX away in Wrightsville over the weekend, I really didn’t know what to expect in terms of turnout for this morning, given the rain and also the time change. My internal clock was on point this morning, getting up at 4am (really 5am) after a quick conversation with ‘Alexa’ who corrected what I was reading on the microwave as the time. I’m up, my clothes are layed out so I guess we are doing this.

Is it really going to be a ‘we’ though? I pondered that as I was adjusting gross weight and hearing the rain hit the bathroom window 2 feet above. From the kitchen, I turned on the light to the outdoor patio, illuminating a soggy and very unpleasant glimpse into what may be a not so favorable running experience in the next hour. Grabbed an extra jacket on my way out, packed a Gatorade from the outdoor fridge and reluctantly made my way out of Wescott. Pulled in at 6:20am to an empty parking lot. At that point it was pouring and surely no one would be crazy enough to get up to run in this, but this is F3 and sometimes like the new Nike slogan states “It’s only crazy until you do it”. Planted the flag to push the reality that this workout was happening a little further and ran back to Knight Rider to stay dry. With head down thumbing through some pretty incredible Strava results from yesterday, I took a quick glimpse at the time to see it was 6:27am. At that point, I mumbled to myself, “if nobody shows by 6:30 on the nose, I’m packing it in.” As I said that, I had a few forward visions of going to the Fern for a workout, grabbing some donuts for the kids, grabbing some coffee for me and the M, settling back on the couch and catching the extra hour of sleep I missed due to daylight savings, writing a backblast that was entilted “I came, It rained, I was conquered.”

6:29:03…Still no sign of life. I said 6:30, so once that hits, I’ll grab the flag and go. Head down, I continued thumbing down work emails that needed response and what I’d need to tackle later today as I head into another travel week. Ok- 6:30….No sooner did I look up and my left hand grab the door handle, did I see a giant set of bright beaming headlights fill my rear view mirror..Oh wait, its Nemo. The rain had let up a little at that point, but it was still coming down. “What do you think,” I said. “I guess we can wait and see,” Nemo replied. With that exchange, we took it to the picnic shelter to do a quick warm up that went a little like this..

Warm Up:

Picnic Table step-ups OYO, Squats OYO, R over L, L over R- with quality mumble chatter exchanges throughout.

The Workout: As we finished the last of the Picnic Table step ups, we glanced at the lights beyond the tennis courts to see that the rain let up and was now more of a cold mist. With a quick arm extension beyond the shelter to confirm the situation, we decided to get some miles this morning. Quick squat hold in the parking lot to confirm the route, knowing that if it started to pour again we’d be close enough to easily jail break back to the lot and if the rain held, we could make the decision to go further for more miles beyond the parking lot. YHC and Nemo agreed on a ‘tap the fence’ segment that took us to the gates of Sugg Farm and back to the lot. A nice steady pace with mist and a little wind, we made our way up Grisby to the Sugg Farm gate. Gave the gate a little tapity tap, tap, and then headed to Womble. A little over a mile and change, still no rain when we got back to Womble, and Nemo called the next audible which was a modified 2.0 mile Cletus EC run up Raleigh St. and back to Womble. Overall about 3.5 miles and some leg work under the shelter. To think I was going to pack it in and lay on the couch for the rest of the day. That’s accountability, Gentleman. Had Nemo not shown, I more than likely would not have headed to the Fern. The weather already had me psychologically conflicted and without someone to hold me accountable, the couch was looking really good this morning. There is no way I would have done 3.5 in the rain. Maybe I’d do one step up to tie my shoe, but that would be the extent. Was not feeling it this morning, but with accountability, the crazy is not so crazy anymore. So thank you, Nemo, and I do apologize for the name I called you under my breath when you rolled in.

Anyone asks me what the best thing is about F3, I always tell them “It’s all of it.’ This morning I got my workout in, exchanged some great commentary through fellowship, and had some time to reflect and pray for those within our community. No gym offers that and if you want some inspiration and support, just hook up to strava, slack, fb-F3 SouthWake page…there’s something special going on in F3:SouthWake and its infectious.

Mary: Stetches OYO through cooking\cleaning mumblechatter
Announcements: Tobacco Half\Full Next Week

Last week Doc had a ‘Point of Trust’. Today, Nemo and I had a ‘Radius of Trust’
Prayer: Continued prayers for Shredder recovering from surgery, Double D and his family, Moby’s Dad, Lipstick’s Mother-in-law, Cupid’s grandmother. All PAX for a safe and healthy return home from Wrightsville. YHC took us out.

To Poop or not to Poop

/in /QIC:
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Warm Up: Monkey Humpers x10 and various stretching
The Workout: We missed Mookie the novelist out there this morning.  I will do my best to summarize the morning in Mookie’s best literature.

Standard AGS Loop 6 miles-  The morning started off with a discussion on whether or not it was warm enough for no sweatshirt, gloves and hat, but the cool wind in our hair had us choose to layer. YHC and Nemo discussed their urge for secondary evacuation and where we may find a landing, given the Womble facilities were still locked up. (More to come)   We took off on feet + Forceps on cruise control for Bass Lake.  We enjoyed a nice pace this morning and didn’t push ourselves.  As we entered Bass Lake it was pretty quick that we realized we would not see a beautiful sunrise this cloudy morning.  We trecked around the lake dodging mud puddles and made our way up the hill to the back lot. At this point YHC decided to try the back lot facilities for a landing spot but soon realized they were locked as well.  YHC headed into the woods to only realize there was a camera at the back of the parking lot and was hoping it didn’t have features of sound and 360 degree angles.  Nemo and Forceps soon passed by and YHC finished up evacuation and took off to catch backup.  Upon catching backup, there was a Yogurt and crack sniffer spotting about halfway around the Bass Lake Loop.  UTI and Lipstick enjoyed some Yogurt and crack sniffer time on the trail and back to womble.  Yogurt said his goodbyes at the back of the ball fields and the rest of the crew headed back to the lot for COT.

I think we all know Nemo won the battle and YHC headed home in shame, with hopes that the brown on the back of his legs was indeed mud.

Announcements: Nemo shared his involvement with fellowship brewery.  Chat with him or Gump, pretty cool stuff they have going on.
Prayer: Pax stay safe this week and be smart before Wrightsville