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.