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Hot one…

FNGs: Nope
Warm Up: The usual
The Workout:  Bullseye took the Q for YHC at U-Turn over the weekend for a what would be a hot morning for sure. Routes included, per usual, 3, 5, 5+ – “The U-Turn”
Mary: Nope.
Announcements: Check Slack and FB
T-Claps (Recognition): Boy George for pushing the Q Bullseye for a PR on the Strava segment to Starbucks!
Prayer:

Wine is fine but whisky’s quicker

8 PAX

FNGs: Possible FNG was a no show.  The fart sack is strong with this one.

E/C: 2+ 1 biker: Cupid, H1N1, Messi
Warm Up: Quick lap around the track, 20 SSH, IW, Hillbillies, Good mornings, Stretches.
The Workout: 6 cones set out for this workout.

1. Set of suicides

2. 10 LBC at each cone (60 total), crab walk between cones

3. Set of suicides

4. 10 merkins at each cone (60 total), bear crawl between cones

5. Set of suicides

6. 10 squats at each cone (60 total), lunges between cones

7. Set of suicides

8. 10 star jumps at each cone (60 total), duck walk between cones

9. Set of suicides

10. 4 burpees at each cone (24 total), backwards run between cones

11. Set of suicides

12. One more set of suicides for good measure

 

Mary: LBC, LSF, Box cutter, American Hammer, Captain Hammer
Announcements:FB/Slack, Vote for 2nd f salamander game on slack, Run the Quay – perhaps have a short, 10 min, pre-run F3 workout.
T-Claps (Recognition):
Prayer: 16-bit’s wife’s step father, Banana Seat’s sick family, those a run this weekend.  Unspoken and I’m sure I forgot something else.

EC/EC: Cupid lead us in a set of ladder sprints.  H1N1, Boy George, Cupid, Modify

R4TJ – gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble…. GOBBLE

FNGs: Welcome Face Plant!  He is one of the 12 Oaks gang and a semi-recent resident to Holly Springs and NC at large.  He and his family spend their downtime skiing in either the waters of Florida or on the slopes in the mountains.  The PAX struggled in the naming process this morning, as typical the turkey left them pretty lethargic (all that tryptophan?) so we zeroed in on his favorite activities and envisioned a face plant and so he was named.

Warm Up: At about 10 minutes to start time, Cowboy, Maybelline and YHC stood alone at R4TJ as we watched Lipstick quickly exit his truck for the john.  Shortly after, Lipsick exited and began running laps around the parking lot… strange but not unusual.  We shrugged and considered the allure of the LED beatdown at Possum Trot, “this is probably it..??” we thought.  Within a few minutes or so, Nemo and Yogurt arrived on the scene.  Good!  More running buddies 🙂  Bad!  Yogurt hill repeats 🙁  JK Yogurt JK.  Within a minute of start an SUV came barreling in.  To our surprise…  A 12 Oaks clown car complete with an FNG.  As Kitty would say… Let’s GO!

So… stretching is apparently bad or has no advantages…  So… we like… jogged together around the parking lot and stuff…  PAX were encouraged to butt kick, high knee, or really do anything that made them feel like they were ready to run.

The Workout:  The Turkey!!!  A 5+ mile route that makes the rough shape of a turkey on the Strava map.  She’s a big ole bird and she gets a little angry when you approach from the back side (Crossway).  No surprise, the 12 F3 PAX had little trouble running this turkey down.

Mary:  Thy name is Yogurt – Yogurt’s Ting Hill Repeats – Guaranteed to make you faster, stronger, and a better human being!  Cowboy, Nemo, Yogurt, Boy George, Lipstick and YHC were present.(note the 12 Oaks Clown Car didn’t stick around… I kid, I kid)

Announcements:  Tryptophan really did a number on these guys today…  Silence

T-Claps (Recognition): ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz….

Prayer:  Yep, tryptophan again…  YHC took us out.

Conversion Sprints

Did you know that there are 2.54321359219 centimeters in each inch?  Just ask Skidmark.  Precision is very important to him.

FNGs: Nope
Warm Up: SSH, Daisy Picker, Hillbilly, take a lap together around the normal Paradise City loop
The Workout:

YHC and his trusty sidekick Cowboy put out cones just before the workout.  They were roughly spaced at:
40, 100, 200, 300 yards.  Much time and effort was spent discussing the merits of these distances vs. meter distances.  Again, ask Skid Mark.

The PAX were instructed to sprint hard to the cones, recover across the parking lot, then sprint back to the stop sign.  After going 300, go a full lap around the lot (1/2 mile).  Then, repeat in descending order.

Mary: Yeah right
Announcements: 2nd F with Carpex this Friday
T-Claps (Recognition): Props to Blue Hen.  After realizing the time was going to be an issue, YHC instructed everyone to cut off the second full lap and save themselves a half mile.  Blue Hen’s fax got lost and he plugged along.  Well done sir.
Prayer: Abbreviated, but we all know Crab Legs, Shredder, and many others need our prayers.

 

Be more than a Fitness Fraternity.

 

Pace Mountain!

 

The Route

Hand Cramps

12 PAX for a bricktaculous workout at KG. YHC filled the trunk with some red bricks last night for a not so FNG workout. Overachiever started this Monday so he was the freshest PAX member to join us at KG. YHC returned from EC with 3 minutes to go. PAX grabbed a brick for each hand and away we went.

EC:
2.5 miles: Cupid, H1N1, Messi (bike), Overachiever, Banana Seat

HC/Fartsack:
Norm – alarm problems

Warm Up:
Get bricked for warm ups
Laps around parking lot with carioca and some butt kickers.
Air squared x20
Windmills x10
Stretches w/o bricks
Sir fozio arm circles 10F 10B
Good mornings x10

The Workout:
Partner up and then mosey over to the baseball field
Brick-barrows – Take turns with partner brickbarrowing base to base. Squat hold when complete. All PAX went back to 3rd base to help bring in the six.
Lunge walk the bases with bricks overhead. Brickees X5 at each base. Squat hold for the six.

Mosey back over to the parking lot
Brick-a-sides
P1 runs to cones and back with bricks, 4 distances (tap the ground with brick when changing directions)
P2 does exercise called with bricks AMRAP
1-Bricklers (nipplers)
2-Hammer Curls
3-Morning Wood
4-Triceps
Hand stretches once completed

PAX was pretty smoked but lot of time left on the Vivoactive. So we circled up with our bricks.
Brick flys x20 IC (fly out to side, down, then out to front, down = 1)
Plank jacks on bricks x20 IC
Hand release merkins with brick extensions out to side for the release x10

Mary with bricks of course:
American Hammers x15
Boat Canoes x15
WWI’s x15
Have a nice day!

T-Claps (Recognition):
YHC called out the 6 to hear a little about them. However, we just did this with Dovetail so the next HIM inline was Boy George. He was returning to the gloom since Oct 4, 2018. BG got his name because he use to play in an 80’s hard rock cover band. F3 has helped contribute to his strong running ability. BG accomplished a double marathon, a 100-miler, some ultra’s, etc. BG showed some emotion as he realized what he’s been missing in the gloom. Awesome work my man and welcome back!

Announcements:
Events and Runs coming up, Dads 2.0 workout this Saturday, Dads Camp, TC Awareness month coming to an end.

Prayer:
16 bits MiL’s husband had foot amputated
Praise for Boy Georges wife finishing dental school with honors
H1N1 work travel
UNCC families
Cupid’s friend having back surgery
Banana Seats good friend Brandon had a heart attack a couple weeks back
Crab Legs and injured PAX

YHC thought of the 3 Little Pigs story when loading the bricks up last night. The house stood strong once made with bricks. They make us stronger during a workout just like making a foundation stronger. We need to build a strong group of friends that will support you, such as F3. HIM to lean on during life’s struggles. Sharing this metaphor was a bit different but hopefully you get the idea.

It was a great day to be at Kenny’s Grave. I hope all the PAX got stronger and pushed outside your limits. It was almost a Q merlot near the end of suicides but held strong. Only 1 brick was destroyed by Messi. Thanks for letting me lead again guys and for the company this week.

BS Out!

Taper Mode Edition

Great turnout for U-turn this morning as Pax are gearing up for WB and Tobacco Road. 187, LED, Sliderule, Warbucks, Boy George, Skidmark for some extra miles at the beginning.

Warm Up: some quality dynamic stretching
The Workout: standard 5 mile loop and picking up the 6.
Mary: coffee and stretching
Announcements: WB I think is next weekend. 5k Friday night for Crablegs. Wear red. Banana Seat will post details. 2.0 workout.
Prayer: lots of pax with injuries. Buford, shredder, Double D, Crablegs. Recent losses of family and friends. Lipstick’s mother in law. Too many. Enjoy the time with 2.0 today. We are blessed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Workout:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Rucking Magic Show..11 PAX Got Stronger and Served A Large Helping of Hills at AGS

Another brisk morning at AGS with cloudy skies. Temperatures hovered around 34-35. As I pulled into the lot, I came upon the grill of a giant truck that had backed into the spot facing the entrance. Put the car in park and looked to my left and it witnessed a rare Sunday Cowboy sighting. He had missed U-Turn yesterday, and heard the news that there were miles to be had on Sunday. Pulled the flag out from the back seat and planted it with authority. Today was gonna be one of those days where it all comes together to set the tone for the week. As I planted the flag, Dauber rolled in, followed by Dumbo who had heard there would be some ‘Rucking’ at AGS the night before.

At that moment, I must have either been deep in thought or maybe my head was down long enough to not see that the Sir DawgPound arrived in his silver chariot. It was like a damn magic show at that point, as M4L emerged from Dumbo’s truck equipped with his backpack. Boy George appeared from the shadows of the newly installed bright lights at Womble, then followed by the boys of WoodCreek- Lipstick and UTI.  Another unexpected surprised appearance came in the form of Yogurt, who ran in from the other side of the lot with a 4 legged companion, Anabelle (aka-F3:Crumb Snatcher). With 2 minutes before 6:30, Forceps was putting the finishing touches on his mountain bike assembly to ride alongside our rucking and running brothers this morning. 6:30 hit and YHC advised those that were rucking this morning to drop their bags for the following warm-up that went something like this…

Warm Up: Light jog to the far end of the lot. Carioca L over R\R over L back. YHC then made the call to have PAX follow down the steps and start counter clockwise around the soccer fields. Squat holds for the 6. Circled up for Imperial Walkers x10. Mosey’d to the far end to the Crazy Ivan lot where PAX circled up for squat claps x10. Lunge Walks alternating to Butt Kickers and High Knees to the Stinson side corner of the soccer fields. Circled up and performed Hillbilles x10. Toe Walks and Heel Walks to the last corner with alternating Butt Kickers, Lunge Walks and Frankensteins. Last Corner circled up for a set of Moroccan Night Clubs X 10. Mosey’d back to the lot where PAX performed a squat hold while YHC confirmed this morning’s route for running and ruckers received instruction on their Sunday edition route.

The Workout: The running route was as follows: PAX headed up Grigsby to Sugg Farm and headed to the preceding neighborhood onto the greenway. Once entering Bass Lake, PAX proceeded counter clockwise making a half moon around Bass Lake, and proceeding down Bass Lake Road to a right on Salem Ridge. PAX then followed Salem Ridge to a series of lefts, one on Linksland, another on Holly Springs Rd, and then Raleigh, Grigsby, and Stinson back to the parking lot.

The rucking route included a wonderful 3.5 mi route complete with majestic skyline views through the Sugg Farm gates and a date with Soul Crusher. Although I did not have the privilege of experiencing this route today with those that were rucking, I am sure the mumblechatter was on point and just what the doctor ordered for those in attendance. I did see some pictures of PAX attacking Soul Crusher afterward and can only imagine the quality exchanges that took place on this particular segment on the incline.

As for the running route, YHC had an opportunity to catch up with PAX after a week away from the gloom due to work travel. Sunday’s are special to YHC as selfishly it’s the one day where I hit the reset button, reflect on the week, catch up with my F3 brothers, and clear my head for the week ahead. I have been committed to Sunday 10k runs at AGS for many weeks now and wouldn’t have been able to do it without the accountability from the PAX that continue to show each week and push me in ways I never thought possible. Speaking of pushing, Lipstick (aka-Anthony Sobier’Jetski’-thank you Dumbo) led the way with UTI not far behind and making the most of his AGS experience by picking up the six several times on the 6+ mile route on his way to 9 miles by the end.

At the beginning of the run, it appeared that Crumb Snatcher had taken to some extracurricular activities at Womble, which led Yogurt to head back to corral her before eventually rejoining the PAX on the greenway. Cowboy, SirDawg Pound and YHC made our way up Grigsby and onto Sugg, but not before noticing that someone built a large wall along the new construction, which unfortunately now blocks the panoramic view of the orange, pink, and purple hues that make up the main attraction of the AGS.  Made our way to the greenway, but not before snapping a photo of the sky-a prefect blue\pink watercolor between the neighborhood homes. PAX made their way around the lake and then onto Salem Ridge for some hill work. At this point in the workout, YHC would like to say that he chewed these hills, but it was more like a chew and some choking between bites as there were periodic walks and squats at each block along the way to Linksland. Fortunately, Lipstick and Cowboy kept YHC accountable throughout this segment, with UTI later giving high-5’s to PAX along Holly Springs Rd. as he picked up the six.

Along Holly Springs Rd with Cowboy in front, we witnessed a car being pulled over on the other side of the street. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought this poor guy got pulled over unnecessarily as a result of the reading on the street radar sign Lipstick put up with his running today and not this guy’s actual vehicle speed. Anyway, PAX proceeded onto Raleigh, then Grigsby and Stinson, back to the lot to join PAX for COT.

Was later informed that Bernie, Brexit, and PSI were out in the gloom this morning, making it happen with 14 miles of roadwork. Nice Work, Gents! Also a Draper jeep sighting….we’ll have to check the Strava..

Mary: Stretches OYO. YHC offered a few words as we approach this week and shared a story from his travels this past week. The message shared today was inspired by some recent branding from his company that states “When you change what is possible, you change everything.” Almost two years ago, YHC was uncommitted and in many ways in need of F3 without even knowing it. I couldn’t walk walk up 5 flights of stairs, let alone run a half mile. Now I’m here every Sunday running 6+ miles. The message is simple and true in all things. YHC reminded PAX to be aware of their ‘energy’ not just in the gloom, but at home with family, and in their relationships. The positive energy we exude is important not only to positive decisions and relationships, but decisions of purpose that impact the positive change and help others achieve what is possible. Keep headlocking, Men! There are many out there that need us.

Announcements: 3 weeks to Wrightsville, 4 weeks to Tobacco Road. Dunkin Donuts for 2nd F-where we met Skidmark were later treated to an economics lesson by Dumbo and a Dauber Lowe’s adventure story.

Prayer: Prayers for Shredder, DoubleD, Double D’s Dad, Marriages. YHC took us out.

U-Turn

17 Pax training for the upcoming marathon season. Welcome FNG Maybelline.

Warm Up: Imperial Walkers, Hillbillies, SSH, Jog in place with high knees and asskickers.
The Workout: Standard U-Turn route
Mary:
Announcements: Q-source, Q Swap, Breathtaker
Prayer: Double D,Ausfart, Crablegs

Accountability

Lots of Pax this morning at U-Turn but the final count came in to 26. Tons of varying distances and lots of Pax turning back to pick up the 6. Some Pax continue to set PRs in pace and distance. Well done men and well done to the men pulling and pushing other Pax this morning. You will not fail. If you fall we will pick you up.

Warm Up: Slight mosey with high knees and ass kickers. Imperial Walkers x 10, Hillbillies x 10, Frankensteins x 10, Mountain Climbers x 15.
The Workout: Varying distances and paces. Lots of good work out there.
Mary:
Announcements: Be careful out there. Christmas brings out the best and worse in people.
Prayer: Be careful. Lots of joys and sadness around the holiday. Troops that aren’t with their family.