Tag Archive for: Abe

Oyster Shell Injuries, Indian Run Education, and Hills.

Pre-Blast featured a reference to Hills this morning. The reality is that BRR is just around the corner and more and more PAX are finding their way to AGS on Sunday’s. For this morning’s edition of AGS, YHC figured it fitting to pick up where we left off from last week and provide another bootcamp style running workout with Hills as the main feature.  Last evening received an ‘HC’ from Deadbolt indicating a return to the gloom. A 5:45am pickup time was established.

As normally is the case on Sunday morning, YHC picked up his gear and in a half-awake manner, picked up the phone to check the status of Wescott clowns looking to clown car. Quick glance and was disappointed to see that Deadbolt was out. Apparently, oyster shell cuts to the foot are a real thing for those who spend time at sea, and can impact one’s ability to perform roadwork on Sunday’s. Not sure if these were suffered on the boat or at a restaurant, but in any event, he’d be missed out there for sure this morning.

Arrived to a very occupied Womble parking lot. That silver sedan has become a fixture, signifying Redenbacher was out getting his EC fix beforehand. And what is this?….A Double D sighting?  YHC thought he had seen a ghost. Glad to see him back in the gloom and especially on a Sunday. I’ve mentioned this before in previous BB’s, but when you put a Double D in the mix of any workout, it amplifies the experience to another level. Pull into my spot and give a nod to the right as DawgPound and Cowboy make their appearance. Plant the flag, greet Pablo, who will be rucking with DawgPound this morning. Good to see him back as well fresh off of vacation. Full House and Cruise arrive from their EC run just as UTI and H1N1 roll in.

Circled up and as 6 o’clock hits, we were off.

Warm Up:

Light jog to the back end Ivan parking lot for the following warm-up exercises. All in 13 reps (homage to Alex Morgan and today’s World Cup final and to redeem my cadence count blunders from yesterday)- Imperial Walkers, Good Mornings, Hack Sacks, Hillbillies, Mountain Climbers. Just as we finished up Mountain Climbers, we hear some very loud Mumblechatter in the distance…Better late then never, Yogi comes trotting in to cash in his HC from the night before. When you arrive late, you do burpees, so with that, 5 burpees OYO. Light jog to the far end of the parking lot to perform Fazio Arms 13 F\13B. From there, lined PAX up in single file for an Indian Run back to the flag. Squat hold at the flag while YHC explained the route.

The Workout: While Pablo and DawgPound took their ruck toward Sugg and to the lake, YHC would provide some hills and accountability to the PAX looking to run this morning. We would start on Stinson in front of the Womble parking lot and begin a scout run past the Hunt Community center to the top of the hill and continue it until we got to the 1st side path in front of the baseball fields. When we got to the path, we held for the six and and began an Indian Run back to the starting point. At times during this Indian run, we had a few gaps in the line causing some inconsistency with pace and some PAX leaving the back of the line before the prior PAX had a chance to make it back in front of the line. As we got back to the starting point, PAX squat holded for the six. As we squat held, Yogi provided a history lesson on the origin of the Indian Run. He shared that it was designed for longer distances to keep the PAX together, so that the line would move to accommodate the pace of the slower PAX to keep the group together and avoid instances where that PAX would not fall behind and get eaten by a bear or other wild animal. As I write this, I’m hoping that there is a PAX out there that decides one day to dress up in a bear suit and jump of the bushes the next time we do an Indian run at Womble to illustrate this point…. I digress, my apologies.

At the conclusion of this history lesson, YHC explained the route again to ensure everyone was on the same page. This would be a hill accountability run where we would be picking up the six periodically throughout the run and tackle the hills together. The route would take us down and up Stinson. When we reach the top of the hill at Stinson, we would circle back and pick up the six. We would then take a right onto Bass Lake and head to the parking lot at Bass Lake. When we reach the parking lot, we would pick up the six and ensure that we arrive at the same time and\or squat hold for the six. At the parking lot, we recovered on a series of 3 exercises- 5 burpees, 10 star jumps, 20 squats before making the final push back up Bass Lake Road and back onto Stinson. Great pushes by all PAX up the hill. We made 2 stops on the way up the hill were PAX either circled back for the six or did a plank hold with Merkins mixed in (thanks to DoubleD for setting this standard). On the last stop at Stinson, PAX performed one last plank hold for the six and performed 13 merkins, before making a strong push back down and up Stinson. As PAX finished up, they were treated to a Yogi and Abe jail break up the hill to finish up at precisely 6:58… 2 minutes shy of the 7am end time and just under 5mi of ground covered as promised.

Mary: Series of stretches as we waited for Pablo and DawgPound to finish up their ruck.

Announcements: JoCo needs some support. Head out there if you haven’t had an opportunity to experience a workout at these AO’s- Grow the Mustard Seed as UTI shared his experiences from recent travel to Michigan. F3 Dads Camp coming up. Check Slack and FB for details. Sasquatch July 27th CSAUP.

2nd F- Dunkin Donuts.

Prayer: Prayers for a pastor H1N1 knows, who recently suffered the loss of a child. Additional prayers for a Wescott neighbor Tom, who recently passed unexpectedly. Prayers for his family, wife, and 8 children. YHC took us out.

Go to the hill and make it suck

FNGs: Angel & Pyle
Warm Up:

Tennis courts, SSH, Imperial Squat Walkers, Fazio+Overhead+Seal Claps

Merkins

Blue Devil’s x10 🙂
The Workout:

Go to the hill, make it suck.

There were irkins, derkins, dips.  We went up, we went down.  Once we went up backwards via crawl bear (this was, in fact, not a great idea.  Props to Yogurt for solo completing that one).  We did WWII, star jumps.

One time, we went across the field via broad jump burpee, came back via bear crawl.

Did a round of Jack Webb’s for fun.

After that, the FNG and rest of the pax were revisiting the wisdom of showing up.

 

So we went to the pavilion and did a Banana Seat throwback…. Bear crawl parade on the picnic benches.  Hands on the ground, feet on the benches, go the length.

Bttw, because I love you Lucky.

 

Quick trip to the playground for 3 rounds of pullups, WWII, merkins.

 

Head to shelter for Emeril’s cool down yoga.
Mary: yoga with Ivan
Announcements:

Need more help with 3rdF this month.  We were asked to man a golf tournament+silent auction.  Still need 3-5 #HIM to step up and fulfill our commitment.  See Slide Rule, Wiggly, or Slack for details.
T-Claps (Recognition):

Pigpen took taker for next week.  Props to Yogurt for making it up that hill!
Prayer:

Warbucks pregnant wife fell and passed out yesterday.  Scary, but seems everyone is ok.  Crab Legs, Shredder.

Whole Lot of EC

10 HIM’s for EC

FNGs:  Kotter –Boot Scoot
Warm Up: Mosey

25 x SSH

15 x Windmill

Sir Fascio Arm circles 10 forward 10 Reverse

10 x Good Morning

The Workout:

2 Lines

Line 1 has rocks and the guy at front of line called out an exercise to do in 10 count cadence

Line 2 (no rocks) guy at front of that line called out core exercise to do in cadence with line 1’s call

Line 1 leader to bear crawl to back of line 2

Line to leader to crabwalk to back of line 1
Mary:

Catalina wine mixer x 10

Windshield wipers x 10

Captain Thor x 10
Announcements: 4th of July convergence. Details on slack
T-Claps (Recognition):
Prayer:

Father of 8 that passed away

Crablegs

Those traveling

18 car Choo Choo

FNGs: Not today

18 HIMs showed up to witness what fat, slow and weak Q looks like 

WarmUp:

20 Fozzie Arm Circles, 15 Good Mornings, 20 SSH, 10 Daisy Pickers, 10 Windmills, 10 Emperial Walkers, 10 Hillbillies, 10 mountain climbers.

The Workout

Jog around downtown block and then down to the rockpile.

While selecting a weapon of fitness, YHC learned he needs to be more clear on what the intent will be:

Although most were of respectable size, I had to question a few HIMs on their choice of rock dimensions (must of assumed we would be making caveman jewelry). 

Rotate around rocks between sets (not necessarily in this exact order).

  • 3 sets of 20’s – Curls for the girls
  • 3 sets of 20’s  – Overhead Overhead Tri-press
  • 3 sets of 10’s – Ground Pounders
  • 3 sets of 10’s – Trunk Twists

Leave rocks in the circle and jog a lap around the library and back

  • 2 sets of Rock Press
  • 2 sets of Windshield Wipers
  • 10 Rockies
  • 10 WWIIs
  • 10 Boat Canoes

2nd lap around the library

  • 20 Rock Squats
  • 20 Rock Lunges
  • 10 Star Jumps (187 considered doing these with his rock but then reconsidered)
  • 20 Plank Jacks
  • 20 High Knees
  • 10 Split Jacks

3rd lap around the library

  • 20  Merkins
  • 20 ct Chillcut Planks
  • 20 Freddie Mercuries
  • 20 H2Ms (10 standard, 5 single leg)
  • 20ct 6 inches
  • 20ct Supermans

4th lap around the library

Cusak rocks back to pile and circle up for COT

Announcements:  July 4th 1776 Convergence,  Megan Smiles Charity Event (July 20th & 22nd)- F3 SW made a commitment to support this event.  Wiggly & Slide Rule need a head count this week (Goal is to raise $2,500 which will pay for 1 child to get their smile).

Prayer Requests:  187’s friend Tom passed away leaving 8 kids behind. Prayers for his family and friends. Prayers for Dauber’s interviews. Prayers for healing: CrabLegs and Shredder.

YHC took us out.

Bunch of Bad Backs

FNGs:None
Warm Up:Quick mosey to big parking lot.  SSHx15, Sumox10, MNClubx10, Merkinx10, IWalkx10, HillBx10
The Workout: Pick your partner and size matters.  You are going to put your partner on your back and do 10 squats with said partner on your back and then partner carry to the other side of the lot and then switch and then 10 squats and partner carry to other side.  This was done twice per partner and this is where we learned that several of the pax have bad backs and modified to other exercises.

Next up was mosey to playground for 3 sets of alternating pull upsx5 and WW2x5.  Then over to track where one partner would run one way and the other the other way and when you met on the other side, paddy cake merkins x 10, repeat to other side and LBC’s in cadence x 10.  This was done 3 times each side and then a quick mosey to the steps by Hunt Center for box jumps up the steps and then run back around to bottom of the steps and then bear crawl up the steps and then back around.  Total of 4 trips up and around the steps.  Lots o running today men.

MARY:  box cutterx10, windshdx10, H2Mx10, Pickpoundx10, FredMx10, widegrip merkx10, CarDryDocx10, 20 count plank, amerhammerx10, finish with the signature bulldogx10

Announcements:  Mookie just finished a 7 pack with breathtaker.  Draper brought us up to speed on all the runs in Holly Springs.  Skidmark spoke about the eye patch and the meaning behind it.
T-Claps (Recognition):
Prayer:  Crablegs is still traveling.

Some like just vanilla, others need the sprinkles!

FNGs:None

EC:Aquaman, Dahmer
Warm Up:Mosey to baseball field complex.
The Workout:Partner up! We dived up the complex into 4 quadrants. 12-3:00, 3-6:00, 6-9:00 and 9-12:00. Leaving one partner in the middle doing as many merkins as possible, the other ran out to the main path around the whole complex at 12:00 and proceeded along to 3:00 then back to center and repeat with partner. Then 3-6:00 were continuous burpees until partner returned, repeat. 6-9:00 were squat jumps and 9-12:00 was a LBC into a WWII as a 1ct. each quadrant was about 1/3 of a mile run. Repeat until no more time allowed. 3+ miles with increased intervals.
Mary:Mosey back to tennis courts. On the way back YHC mentioned that we should name the workout we just did. Peeping Tom, dripping with sweat, said “vanilla would be good”. Why, YHC asked? “Because it was plain and repetitive” he said……YHC, a bit deflated, mainly from getting after it, entered the tennis courts super excited to see what glitz and glam Peeping Tom has on his next Q!
Announcements:New Crossover AO with Carpex Wednesday mornings @ Crowder Park. Beta Wednesday July 3rd. One of the site Q’s, Peeping Tom (Mr. Sprinkles to me from now on) will have all the glitz and glam your heart desires! Love ya buddy!
Prayer:YHC took us out.

Is “Mini EC” the new thing?

It’s been a few good months since launching Downtown Train. To date, the biggest (and only) disappointment has been watching the construction of the parking deck.  I was really excited about the idea of a true multi-level parking ramp right in our very own downtown, having posted a few times in Hendersonville at a great parking ramp spot.  Sadly enough, it is now clear our deck will have no ramp, no multi-level with slope.  Oh well, at least it will provide some walls and some coverage if we need to seek shelter in the rain and cold.

I don’t think any of us know what to expect when we start a new AO (and there have been plenty in South Wake recently) but for me this has been a great experience.  Each week we have had a strong group always ready to put in the work, and also patient about exploring the opportunities in the downtown area.  Today was no different as we had a strong group of 9.  I have been taking requests lately and recognizing the interest in a workout that is not quite as run-centric as others.  We have had some guys coming back from nagging injuries, become a popular spot for breathtaker, and hosted many a #HIM who has pushed themselves on runs Fri/Sat/Sun.  Although the constant temptation of both Library Hill and Cemetary Hill constantly linger on the near outskirts of the starting lot, I am all about offering up an early week alternative that fits well with the PAX.

I will say, the EC streak is alive and well.  If you recall my tenure as Disney site Q, I was proud of the fact the EC streak extended in perpituity through my transition both on and off of that role.  There is a disclaimer for Downtown Train.  In the early days, Coal Ash and I were holding down the fort with dark, cold runs down to 55 and back.  There were several days I held down the streak on a lonely loop down to Womble and back.  Now, we have Brexit and sometimes Bernie getting the EC on the run from home.  This morning, and last week as well, due to some delays getting out of the joh…I mean, house, YHC was running late.  The good thing is, there were a few other late for EC but way early for the main event, so YHC, Redenbacher, 3rd Cousin, Abe and I headed out for a nice 1 mile jog.  A little EC is better than no EC at all, and full credit to Redenbacher for coining the phrase “mini EC”.

FNGs: Not on this Monday
Warm Up: Jog around the big block but stop short and circle up in the church lot for a basic run through of w/u exercise with some stretches as well.
The Workout: On the jog up to HS Road we found a spot on the wall of the shut down drug store and we dug in for 5 sets that went as followed:  all 10 count or ICx10, no breaks – BTTW, People’s Chair, Plank Hold, Merkins, Plank Hold, Shoulder Taps, Plank Hold, Mt. Climber, Plank Hold, Squats.  4th and 5th sets we dropped the plank holds but upped the count to 15.  Finished with a bonus BTTW 20 count..  On the jog back to start we did 3 full sets of a shoulder burn as follows and all to 10 count or ICx10 – hold arms out, fazio arms front and reverse, hold arms out, seal clap, hold arms out, overhead clap, hold arms out for a final 10 count.  After 2nd set I asked that everyone think of someone who they know is taking on a bigger challenge in their life – clearly more challenging than pushing through a burn out set.  With this focus in mind, everyone stepped up and pushed through the final set.
Mary: Round of plank-o-rama
Announcements: Need a Q for DT next week, 1776 convergence workout
T-Claps (Recognition): Great to see Deadbolt out there this morning as I had not posted with him in a couple weeks, Mookie for breathtaker (doing the workout but also supporting the cause), and I want to say Redenbacher has been killing it, he shows up, puts in the work and brings a great presence every time
Prayer: Friend of 3rd Cousin, I believe her name is Marilyn, diagnosed with and now battling cancer.  Deadbolt took us out.

Timing Is Everything..

This morning’s edition of Any Given Sunday was a bit different. YHC sent a pre-blast the night before indicating a Ruck was in play as well as running for those wanting to get some miles in. Have you ever had one of those mornings where things just fall into place even though you weren’t expecting them to go 100% right?

It was definitely one of those mornings. Started out with a 5am alarm. Gear at the side of the bed was picked up and carried to the bathroom.  Headed downstairs, but upon arrival to the kitchen, noticed that I was missing socks. Not to worry, there was a pile of clean whites in a laundry basket right at my feet. Problem solved. Exited the garage 20min until go time and got halfway out of Wescott past 187 and Dumbo’s house before realizing I forgot my shovel flag.. Turn around, grab flag and head to Womble.

8 PAX waiting on the curb, 6 with ruck sacks-2 without. Five minutes til 6am. Just enough time to plant the flag and exchange pleasantries before the warm up. With one minute to spare, our 9 count, including YHC, turned into a 10 count with Redenbacher rolling up on the scene for some running miles. Six o’clock hit and inquired with the PAX on who would be running and who would be rucking. Three for running and 7 for the ruck.

Advised PAX to drop their gear for the warm up that went a little like this.

Warm Up: Light mosey to the far end of the lot, lunge walks and Frankensteins back. Circled up for Imperial Walkers X10, Hillbillies X10, Fazio Arm Circles X10F\10B, Good Mornings X10, Mountain Climbers X20, Toe and Heel walks to the middle of the lot with a Squat hold as I explained this morning’s routes.

For The DawgPound, Cowboy, and Redenbacher, they would be running the standard Bass Lake route with a counterclockwise path around the lake and back. For those rucking, YHC would lead PAX up to Sugg with mixed exercises along the way before heading back for COT. The finish time was set for 7am, figuring with the 5mi and change run and 2.5 mi ruck\exercises, we should hit it just right and all regroup at the same time.

The Workout: 3 PAX went on their way to the Bass Lake running route, while remaining 7 grabbed their gear and made their way out of Womble. Along the baseball fields YHC called for PAX to stop at the railings on the running path and get an overhand grab of the bar from underneath to perform upright rows. Dauber, who’s pack was a bit full squeezed himself under the bar and gave me a look as if to say, “You d*@k”.  Upright rows X15 were performed in cadence and PAX continued to mosey onto Grigsby. Great mumble chatter along the way, particularly the topics of bacon, how ‘responsible’ Dauber was as a lad, prank phone calls, and how grain alcohol and gatorade is not such a good idea.

Arrived at the Sugg Farm gates and eventually into the event field at the far end. YHC noticed some picnic tables to the left of the field and called for some step ups X20 and Erkins X30. As the sun was just peeking through the tree line, YHC wanted a better view and ironically saw some more picnic tables perfectly placed in the middle of the field. Called for another set of Step Ups X20 and Diamond Erkins… “Are those really a thing?” To which I replied, “If they aren’t, they are now.” Diamond Erkins X30 with conviction were performed. PAX then circled up around the flag pole for a set of Prison Squats X20 and a set of Merkins X20. Rucked back to the first set of picnic tables for one more exercise…. Derkins X 30 on YHC’s down. The count dropped after 26, but I’m sure the remaining 4 were executed by all PAX physically or in spirit.

Mosey’d back to the road on our way back to Womble. As we passed the first set of porta potty’s, PAX witnessed irony at its best as a trotting Lipstick came toward us. This kid does not stop. On a bike yesterday for 30 miles, and now on his way fresh off a porta potty 100 yards in front of us. On his way by, he gave PAX the heads up that they may want to use these facilities next to us and not the one in front of us. Thanks, Lipstick..Way to be!

As we reached the baseball fields, YHC looked down at the Garmin and noticed 9min til 7 and 2.25 mi. Timing was perfect as we arrived to the parking lot right at 7am and 2.5 mi on the nose. Splits on Strava even later revealed an even 18:00 for miles 1 and 2. Turned around and found The DawgPound, Cowboy, and Redenbacher back from their run at the exact same time.

Timing is everything..

Mary: Stretches OYO

Prayer: Moment of silence for War Child. Prayers for those struggling with addiction. Additional prayers for marriages and those facing marital challenges. Prayers for healing those who are impacted by health issues. YHC took us out.

Double Digits at GP

11 HIMs (several GP virgins) showed up to for the beat down this morning 

WarmUp:

20 Fozie Arm Circles, 10 Good Mornings, 25 SSH, 15 Daisy Pickers, 10 Windmills, 10 Emperial Walkers, 10 Hillbillies

The Workout

Mosey to the wall:

2 sets of at least a 55 ct Wall sits and BTW (can’t say what the could was for sure since there were some PAX who decided to mumble chatter instead of counting – typical)

Mosey to the Rock Pile – rotate around rocks between sets.

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

Special thanks to Pikachu for the herculean rock

Mosey to the Playground with rocks for Aik’n Station Time:

  • Aik’n Arms: 15’s  Merkins, Derkins, Shoulder Tap Planks & Dips
  • Aik’n Abs: 20 LBCs, 20 Pickles, 10 WWIIs, 15 H2M alternate legs
  • Aik’n Legs: 20 Squats, 20 Step ups, 10 Star Jumps, 15 Mnt Climbers
  • Aik’n Abs: 15 American Hammers, 20 ct 6 inches, 10 Rockies, 30 ct Chilcutt Planks
  • Aik’n Arms: 10 shoulder tap merkins, 20 Dips, 15 Plank Jacks, 15 Hand Release Merkins.
  • Aik’n Legs: 20 Step Ups. 15 Lunges, 15 High Knees, 15 Split Jack

Announcements:  July 4th 1776 Convergence,  Mookie is wearing Breath Taker for A Cure in Sight this week (3 mile AGS Ruck option tomorrow),  other important things I can’t remember.

Prayer Requests:  Dauber’s family for healing, Continued prayers for marriages and families. Brothers dealing with injuries. Praise Dauber’s interview with Amgen went very well.

YHC took us out.

T-Claps (Recognition): T- Claps for Warbucks putting some serious miles in downrange and Mookie for his generous donation to A Cure in Sight

Better late than never

FNGs: Rousey
Warm Up: Jog to large parking lot for SSH x 15, Goodmorn x 10, Cott Pic x 10, Sumo Sq x 10, Merk x 10, Mt Climb x 10.  Mosey to outdoor stage
The Workout: Against Lucky Charms directive, we did Jump Squats x 10 and Balls 10 count in cadence.  This was done 3 times.  We then did an Indiana Run around the soccer field with last guy doing 3 Merkins and then running to the front.  Stopped at the picnic pavilion for 3 sets of Urkins x 10, Durkins x 10, Dips x 10 and one leg lifts x 10 each leg.  Mosey to big parking lot and gather a rock for a favorite of mine called 4 corners.  1st corner, 20 x gound pounders, Lunge walk to next corner.  20 x curls, Bear crawl to next corner.  20 x triceps, lunge walk to next.  20 x straight leg dead lift, crawl bear to next while pushing rock.  20 x shoulder press, lunge walk to next.  20 x squats and bear crawl back to start while pushing rock.
Mary:  10 x LBC, 10 x Freddy Mer, 10 x Pickle Pound, 10 x Wide Merkin, 10 x Bulldogs (Da Business specialty)
Announcements:  None because Slide Rule did Crazy Ivan(HaHa)
T-Claps (Recognition):
Prayer:All unspoken.

Great to lead this group and my apologies for taking so long to get this BB posted.