For this morning’s edition of AGS, YHC sent a pre-blast full of options, which included a 5mi EC at 5am, a 6mi Main Event (complete with a Rucking Option) starting at 6am. On Sunday’s its usually a rest day for most PAX, but in late September, it becomes a redemption opportunity for those that missed U-Turn or for some, it’s an opportunity to catch up on mileage. I like to think its an opportunity to start the week off right, exchange some quality mumble, and provide some accountability. The best part about this AO is the PAX that show up. You just never know who is gonna roll in that parking lot every week. The lineup has its usual suspects with some becoming regulars, but for the most part, there are always a few surprises.

For the 5am installment, as planned both LED and Fonzie are parked and ready for their 5 (onto 7 miles). Planted the flag and as I walk back to the car for a last swig of Gatorade, headlights hit my backside. Turn around to find Maybelline, who is gonna keep me honest this morning. As I greet him, I ask, “are you getting 10-11mi today?” He replies with, “We’ll see how I feel.”

Confirmed with LED, Fonzie, and Maybelline my planned 5.0 mi route. We’d go down and up Stinson, right on Bass Lake, left on Salem Ridge, left on Linksland, left on Holly Springs Rd. Follow HS Road all the way to Raleigh St. and then back onto Stinson to the Womble tennis lot. Hills- yes, but not as many had we gone in the opposite direction. YHC and PAX proceed on the route until about a mile in. YHC is now finding it more difficult to just get up and run, now finding the importance of the need to stretch to be a necessity. For that reason, YHC held up at mile 1 feeling the back starting to stiffen up and proceeded back to the lot for some much needed stretching. Maybelline has seen the route several times and had taken the lead with LED and Fonzie to ensure they were following the route as it was drawn up.

As I walked back and proceeded to the soccer fields, a faint glow was seen in the distance. A light up vest in the pitch dark, cruising a a steady speed. Maybe Pikachu, maybe not..As 5:45am approached, Maybelline, LED, and Fonzie returned soaked. The humidity was thick this morning and was suffocating at times. LED and Fonzie proceeded forward for there final 2 miles, with Maybelline circling around the lot to get his even 5mi’s.

At that point, the 6am crew was starting to roll in. Dauber- with ruck sack, Boy George- with a breathtaker. For the 3rd week straight, a Master Shake appearance, followed by Forceps. Nemo rolling in early and then another surprise of the morning….Double D? Yep- he was there. H1N1 pulled in and then a sweaty Pikachu looking to get some extra miles with PAX. And then from the shadows emerges Yogurt for a solid 13 PAX.

6am hits and started off with the following warm-up

Warm Up: light mosey around the lot. Circle up for Imperial Walkers X12, Hillbillies X12, Good Mornings X12….”wait, why is he giving us 12 counts?” Yogurt knew why and offered that he may merlot if the Brady 12 count continued.. broke the circle and continued a light jog to the other side of the lot, with Frankensteins on the return, alternating lunge walks and butt kickers, which then morphed into a set of carioca. Circled back up for Fazio Arm Circles 10F\10B, but continued with a final set of Prison Squats X12. Squat hold while explaining the running route. Dauber and Boy George already had their rucking route solidified. Later learned it was 3.25mi filled with 4 dozen frogs and quality mumblechatter.

As YHC explained the route, LED and Fonzie had just finished up their 7 mi run and would proceed with COT following the running route description.
The Workout:

For this morning’s Main Event, we’d peel out of the lot heading left onto Stinson and then a right on Raleigh all the way to Earp St. At Earp, we’d proceed right to Bass Lake and then all the way down to the lake. When we reached the lake, we’d proceed straight up the Bass Lake killer hill and do a semi-circle around the lake and back onto the greenway until we emerge adjacent to the baseball fields. From there, PAX would proceed down Grigsby and then a right on Stinson back to the lot.

Strong paces by the lead PAX, H1N1, Maybelline (who apparently was feeling good 10mi run today!), Yogurt, Pikachu, Nemo, and Double D. Later discovered that there was a slight misinterpretation of the route and were short changed by missing the Bass Lake Killer hill. No worries though as all PAX got their 5-6mi monies worth this morning. It is also important to note another improved run by Master Shake and Forceps, who decided 5-6 miles wasn’t enough. He wanted 7 and that’s what he got. Also big shout out to Nemo, who reached 100mi mark for the 3rd consecutive month.  Great work by all this morning!

Mary: Stretches OYO
Announcements: F3 Family Cookout.
T-Claps (Recognition): Nemo 100mi mark reached for 3rd consecutive month. Maybelline and Pikachu getting 10 and 15 miles within the stale fart humidity this morning. All PAX making this morning count despite the unfavorable running conditions.
Prayer: Pikachu’s friend Josh, who’s grandmother is challenged with health issues. YHC took us out.