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Two Big Bowls of Quinoa – aka 1776 workout

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First, WTF is quinoa. Second, I had to ask Alexa how to spell it.

Happy Independence Day!

5 for 7.4 mile EC: Pikachu, Cobbler, Warbucks, H1N1, Skidmark

Several others for 2 mile EC

39 Pax posted this morning.

FNGs: Welcome Oboe and Snowden
The Workout:

T-Claps (Recognition): American Eagles: Popinski, H1N1, Yogurt, Banana Seat, 187, Pikachu, Lipstick was on his way.
Prayer: Warbucks and family, Thank you for the freedoms and our first responders, 243 years ago men sacrificed their lives to fight for the freedom we have today, good to Noah’s Arc back out, safe travels this weekend

Schweaty Cobra

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12 Pax came out for a beatdown at the Purplest Cobra and 5 for EC. It was a schweaty morning. For the second week in a row, Plex rolls up as the EC crew is taking off. Axe hung back last week, but this time we all circled back to pick up our tardy comrade. As the F3 mantra goes: we leave no man behind, but leave no man where we found him. Upon return, we were greeted by the remaining PAX. Mookie said M4L HC’d, but we all know what that means. 0530 hit, no FNGs and we were off.

EC: Warbucks, Dahmer, Plex, Axe, 187
FNGs: Psssh
Warm Up:
SSH
Windmill
Sir Fazio arm circles
We are not worthy
Butterfly
Mountain climbers

Made our way to Dollar Tree by way of: skips, high knees, butt kickers, carioca, side shuffle, and mosey. YHC led PAX to the crosswalk to safely cross the street, but for some reason neglected the do not cross sign. Luckily 187 was there to keep YHC in check.

The Workout:
At the DT, split into 2 groups for an Indian run around DT and bank while other group does AMRAP of exercise(s) called. Rinse and repeat.

Exercises were:
Merkins
Burpees + LSF
Monkey humpers + LBCs
Star jumps + pickle pounders
Lunge walk + homer to marge

Mosey to Lassiter rdby way of the crosswalk. #safetyfirst At Lassiter rd, we lined up for 7s with squats at bottom, box cutters at top.

Mary:
Coal Ash led Mary for us. We did the following, plus some I forgot.

1 minute plank hold
American hammers (several sets)
LBCs
Freddy Mercury

Announcements:
Sign up for Derek Davis 5k https://event.racereach.com/derek-davis-memorial-5k-run – Code “Merica” saves you 10%

4th of July convergence

T-Claps (Recognition):
Plex coming out while recovering from shoulder surgery.
Coal Ash out 2 weeks in a row and continued recovery.
Prayer:
187s friend Tom passing.
Praise for Pac-man’s friend Arthur for healthy baby born at 32 weeks after scare last week.

YHC took us out.

18 car Choo Choo

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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.

4 Miles..Scout’s Honor

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YHC decided to mix it up again at AGS this morning. Pre-Blast promised no more than 4 miles, two less than the standard 6 everyone has come to know and experience on Sunday’s. A lot of familiar faces this morning- A Cowboy with DawgPound, and Cupid. An unoccupied silver sedan, which meant Redenbacher was out getting some EC. Planted the flag and in the corner of my eye see a Bobby Dall sighting. He survived Whiplash yesterday and was looking for some recovery…Unfortunately, for him this morning his workout from yesterday was to be a continuation, but at a different speed, which I’m sure he appreciated..

At the 6am start, we had a perfect 6 to start the morning off right.

Warm Up: Light mosey to the Ivan parking lot. Circled up for prison Squats X10, Mountain Climbers X10, Imperial Walkers X10, Fazio Arm circles 10F\10B, Michael Phelps, HB’s X10. From the Ivan parking lot, mosey’d to the top of Stinson with a Squat hold for the six and while I explained this morning’s menu.

The Workout: This morning we would break out the areas surrounding Womble into segments of accountability. We would first journey to the Stop sign at the bottom of Stinson. When PAX arrive to the stop sign, they would perform 5 Burpees, 10 Star Jumps, 20 Squats, and LBC’s until the last PAX had completed their squats.  From the bottom of the hill, PAX would continue their run back up the hill and back to the top and perform the same set of exercises- 5 Burpees, 10 Star Jumps, 20 Squats, with a Squat hold for the 6. By that point, everyone had a good lather going and YHC called for an Indian run to the left and proceed up Grigsby to the crosswalk just before the baseball fields to the left. PAX did a rinse repeat of Burpees, Star Jumps, and Squats. Then called for a Scout run, where the lead PAX would run their 5k pace as far ahead as they wanted and then circle back to fall back in line. The run continued all the way to the Sugg Farm gates, where PAX did another rinse repeat of Burpees, Star Jumps, and Squats. Squat hold for the six, before scout running it back to the statue in the middle of the baseball fields. Circled up for a set of squats and monkey humpers. Checked the watch, and was going to do it again for the second straight week by making good on my promise of exact mileage and timing. 4.0 miles, no more and no less. Redenbacher questioned whether YHC had an internal GPS.  I guess we’ll have to see what happens next week.

Mary: PAX performed a series of stretches- Plank position performed a right foot over left\left over right to stretch out the calves. Regular Plank, Right Arm Up, Left Arm Up. As we switched to Left Arm, Bernie cruised by to say a hello to PAX. Continued with a runner’s stretch-left leg to left hand, right leg to right hand. Homer to Marge both legs X10, Left Leg X10, Right Leg X10. American Hammers X10. Plank to a Downward Dog with a slight roll back to upright position. As we resumed upright position, Bernie had circled back for some quality COT

Announcements: Cupid shared that Ultimate Frisbee is on the agenda for Mutiny tomorrow. 1776 Workout on July 4th. YHC called a second F at Dunkin Donuts to cap off this morning’s activities.

T-Claps (Recognition): All PAX for holding each other accountable throughout this morning’s workout.

Prayer: Prayers for speedy recoveries for PAX that are injured and for those managing marital challenges. YHC took us out.

Bunch of Bad Backs

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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.

Uncle Rico Meets Paul Bunyan

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It was YHC’s 3rd Q of the week and what better place to wrap up a 5 pack birthday week than back down at my roots in South Wake!  We had one FNG, Galaxy (soccer fan who’s from LA), and a visitor YHC’s coworker from JOCO, Bunyan.

FNGs: Galaxy (Tina if he ever forgets his name)
Warm Up: Circle up immediately on the spot for the following:
SSH ICx53
Frankenstein Kicks ICx15
Turkish Getups 10 OYO
Daisy Pickers ICx15 (I’ve literally never called these but we needed a breather)
Turkish Getups 10 OYO
The Workout: Mosey over the top of the stairs and partner up.
Partner 1 – LBCs
Partner 2 – Run to the bottom of the stairs and then Bear Crawl up the stairs with merkins on the steps
Flapjack, Repeato

Form 2 lines for Indian Runs Das Loop Style (something I picked up in Wilmington on Monday)
Last man does a double weave to the front.  We did this over to the lower parking lot.

At the lower parking lot keep same partners for half laps around the pickle for patty cake merkins.  First lap was 1 each side, then 2, then 3, on up to 5.

Form the 2 Indian Run Das Loop Style lines again and head back to the big soccer field near the flag.

At the soccer field we did back planks on the end line.  When YHC said GO! PAX sprinted to the midpoint and did 2 Turkish Getups and then Moseyed to the other end.  Repeato back each time increasing by 1 Turkish Getup until we got to 8.  At that point we started from Back Plank and sprinted to the end with no pausing for TGs.
Mary:  PAX called out various exercises ICx15:
Diamond Merkins, Low Slow Flutter, American Hammers, and some others that I can’t remember right now.
Announcements: Sasquatch in ENC (talk to Pikachu for more details)
NEW BETA AO – 7/3 at Crowder Park 0530
Night Train (talk to Lipstick or anyone in Carpex other than YHC for more details)
T-Claps (Recognition): EC: Lipstick, Dumbo, Pablo, Galaxy, Mookie, Pikachu
Mookie on his 6th workout of the week with Breathtaker
YHC on his 5th workout of the week for a 2nd straight 5 pack, and 3rd Q of the week
Lipstick for showing up to a workout that Peeping Tom was at
Prayer: Crab Legs Ballpark Tour, those healing, unspoken

 

Guys – as always it’s a very special pleasure coming back down to visit, let alone Q.  I enjoyed it!

A trip to the Five & Dime

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23 HIM’s posted in the gloom at the Trot this morning for a little arm work with a little gray block of cement!

FNGs: None

Warm Up: Led by FedEx – 5 burpee penalties were doled out to all pax who showed up to run EC while remaining pax held squats, SSH, Good Mornings, IW, Hillbillies, Michael Phelps, Fozio AC forward / reverse all in cadence. YHC added an additional 5 burpees in honor of Puddles who had requested on Tuesday that the pax perform burpees on his behalf since he had to return to his new abode in Beaufort, NC. We miss you Puddles!

The Workout: Two year F3 anniversary for FedEx and Double D who co-Q’ed a trip back in time to the days of the local Five & Dime. Cinder blocks were conveniently placed across the parking lot and Pax were instructed to push, pull, drag, or get cinder block anyway they so chose across parking lot to tennis courts without block leaving the asphalt. Once inside all Pax lined up at one end and a series of sets of 5 & dimes were called by YHC across the courts of curls for the girls, overhead presses, uneven merkins, blocks around the waist, rut rows, box jumps and plank jacks on blocks. At each end FedEx called an exercise with or without blocks of balls to the wall, mountain climbers on blocks, LBC’s, American hammers, wonder bra’s, etc, and then the series of 5 & dimes resumed back to the opposite end of courts. After a several trips to the Five and Dime blocks were then carried back out off the courts to be pushed, pulled, dragged back across the lot to YHC’s truck to be loaded up for another day! An audible was called for 10 burpees OYO after loading up the blocks.

Mary: Led by FedEx for a series of LBC’s, American hammers, pickle pounders, Homer to Marge, WWII’s

Announcements: Both FedEx and YHC expressed our thanks for this group of friends who inspire and challenge us here in SouthWake. YHC encouraged the Q’s to mix up their workouts by adding whatever they so choose and to think outside the box like assigning penalties to those who performed EC. Yoga tonight at Snap Fitness, Deadbolt’s & Gump’s 5 year anniversary Q at Womble on 7-19-19 – don’t miss it! The Arena workouts every Friday at 2:30 PM – try to do our best to give back to those men at Healing Transistions

T-Claps (Recognition): Mookie sporting Breath taker this week. Strong work Mookie!

Prayer: Robinson family whose husband/father very recently suddenly passed away, Noah’s Ark’s wife FedEx led us out in prayer.

Rise of the Dodo Bird

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20 Pax showed up for a beatdown by YHC after a week of being downrange. It was good to be back in the gloom with these HIMs and this morning was no different. A strong crowd for EC on a hot and muggy morning, the definition of gloom. Breathtaker made an appearance after the reassurance that running was not the focus of the morning. There were chafed nipples, a malfunctioning light vest, and a Skidmark. As 0530 hit, with no FNGs and 1 self proclaimed Kotter, we were off

ECEC: Warbucks, Skidmark, Redenbacher, UTI
EC: Warbucks, Skidmark, Redenbacher, UTI, Axe, 187, Plex, Dahmer
Skins: Skidmark, UTI, Warbucks

Warm Up:
SSH x30 IC
imperial walker – 10 IC
hillbilly 10 IC
squat 10 IC
sir fazio arm circles 10/10 IC
moroccan night clubs 10 IC
seal claps 10 IC
overhead claps 20 IC

The Workout:
Everybody was warm, so we moseyed to the Path to nowhere for:
People’s chair – 5 count by pax. This took a really long time, resulting in mumble chatter about partner leg massages and 187’s strong legs from carrying so much weight around.
Ascending testicles – 1 round
mosey to better wall for round 2

Mosey To loading dock grab 2 rocks
Curls were done while the 6 arrived

Circled up for 2 rounds of:
Overhead press
Triceps extensions
Dodo bird – 187 gave history of the dodo bird
Curls for the girls

This circuit was going pretty smooth, but got way off track when 187 gave Pax a history of the dodo bird. Apparently they are extinct, can’t fly, and ate rocks to digest berries. Pax stopped counting, so many dodo birds where done until we got to a 15 count. This mumble chatter approached Carpex status.

With tired arms, we moseyed to guard rail for 2 rounds of:
Dips
Derkins
Underdogs

Mosey back toward start, stopping at far end of lot. Pax grumbled when YHC told them to partner up based on leg weight. We
Wheelbarrowed back to start with burpees when switch, increasing each time.

Mary:
With Mary awaiting, we moseyed back to the flag where Dahmer led the following while I retrieved my phone:
LBC
LSF
Freddy Mercury
PicklePounder
Homer to Marge

Announcements:
See social networks.
1776 convergence on 7/4
Umstead trail run

T-Claps (Recognition):
Redenbacher with lots of good work lately. Keep it up and you’ll get that sub-2 half in November.

Particle board on his ability to avoid Qing a workout. Hope to see you leading one soon.

Prayer:
Crablegs on his journey to all MLB parks making memories and spreading awareness for ALS.
Follow him here: http://challengelarry.org
Unspoken and injured PAX.

Is “Mini EC” the new thing?

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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..

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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.