Tag Archive for: Nemo

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.

I Only Have One Pace

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Today was all about interval training. Q put the Pax through several interval runs at which he was quickly informed by several that “I only have one pace.” Overall, the group covered about 5 miles.

Two for EC: Redenbacher and Skidmark

FNGs: None
Warm Up: YHC encouraged everyone to warm-up OYO before we got started but if you want to identify a warm-up it would 1 lap around Ting in 4 or 5 man Indian Runs.
The Workout: After the Indian Run mosey Q called out a location and a pace with which to run, once at location they turn back for the six.  At the stop sign below the basketball court Pax ran at half marathon pace to the stoplight.

After the intersection Pax ran half marathon pace up the hill in Bridgewater. Repeated 2x but on the second once Pax crested the hill they ran at 10K pace to the first road on the right.

Two runs at 10K pace up the hill within Bridgewater to the stop sign. Second one crested the hill 5K pace to the bottom by the Red warning flags. Pax ran three times back up the hill at 5k pace and ran recovery pace to the bottom. Last one up we picked up the six. From the peak of the hill in Bridgwater we did a progression of 1/2 marathon pace to the bottom at the hard right of the EC route, 10K pace to the powerline road, and 5k pace across that road to the end. Circle back for the six.

From this location two group indian run back to Ting with a jailbreak call at the intersection of Main St.

Mary: Some light stretching.

Announcements: Bring water if you need it.

T-Claps (Recognition):

Prayer: Be safe when running. More likely to die running a 5k than a half marathon. Know your limits and modify when you need to.

Dumbo took us out.

 

Yes, We Do Take Requests

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EC for Bernie and Brexit who ran over from home, and for Cowboy, Abe and Nemo – thanks Cowboy for inspiring us to get in a solid run despite the late start.  Bullseye was first on scene as he was so excited tto get his hands on the brand new breathtaker.  A couple guys reached out to ask about running today and there were some request to keep he running to a minimum.  When you are riding your bike to post, with breathtaker, and going on several days in a row, I will listen to your request.  Opened with the news about Warchild, many black shirts to represent and a moment of silence

FNGs: Nope
Warm Up: Regular lap around the big block, circled up for some quick w/u exercises

The Workout: Stayed right in the same spot the whole time.  Picked up rocks and circled up.  The workout was a build as we did everything ICx10 and added an exercise each round until we had 10 different exercises.  Some guys picked up on the patter, others thought it was totally random.  Either way, I like to think it was an even, consistent workout with no real breaks.  The exercise order went like this: curls, SSH, triceps, Goof Balls, Ground Pounders, Mt. Climbers, Wonder Bras, Merkins, Bus Drivers, Burpees.  So that means we did curls ICx100, SSH ICx90…all the way to just the 10 burpees, but we did them slow and in cadence to focus on form.  Time was on our side as we wrapped up, returned the rocks and circled back up.
Mary: 2 sets, all ICx10 and without letting the feet touch the ground: LBC, 6 inch hold, low slow flutter, Homer to Marge
Announcements: Mention of new AOs
T-Claps (Recognition): Great to see Coal Ash back out there today as he continues to recover – strong effort
Prayer: We took a silent 10 count for unspoken and YHC took us out

U-Turn

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13 PAX came out this morning to enjoy the cool weather and pick up some mileage. Good work men!! 

FNGs: Welcome Alpine!

Prayer: praying for all the fathers out their this weekend.

R4TJ BB

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EC: Pre-EC included 2.5 miles performed by YHC, Post-EC involved Yogurt’s patented 8-min abs Ting hill repeats which he performed solo.

FNGs: uh uh… nope…

Warm Up:  Frankensteins, Daisy Pickers, Butt Kickers, and High Knees

The Workout:  Synchronize watches… and… GO!  PAX of 13 charged towards their hill laden destiny on the BROKED course.  We liked it so much last week, we just had to do it again.  These 13 brave HIM decided to make their legs hurt on purpose in the name of getting stronger- they got 4.9 miles for their efforts today.  The call out to the BRR crew yielded Sir DawgPound, Aquaman, ShamWow!, Blue Hen, Dumbo, and YHC

Mary: had a little lamb… little lamb… little lamb…

Announcements:

  • New AO that hasn’t been named will commence next Wednesday at Womble.  Check Slack and see Aquaman/Doc
    • Please note their is a superior alternative AO to this TBD AO and the Trot…  please see R4TJ 😀
  • Ultimate Frisbee at Tiger Blood this week.
  • YHC has your Q at Dad’s workout this weekend.  I hope you enjoy Kickball… specially modified kickball of course 😉
    • Anyone running an obstacle course or missing the Dads workout should still shoot for 2nd F at Dunkin’ if the time lines up.
  • Paradise City will be hosting a quarterly fitness test (stolen from Carpex) – see DawgPound for details and to make sure you show up for the right day if you are interested in tracking your progress moving forward.
  • An informal running option will commence in 12 Oaks on Fridays at 5am – Bring on them hills!!!

T-Claps (Recognition):  Great work out there this morning guys.  Crossway is no joke and the humidity doesn’t make it any easier.

Prayer: ShamWow! took us out.  Way to lead!

Laps for Days

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22 PAX came out for Purple Cobra beatdown by YHC. 8 PAX showed up for an EC run before what turned out to be a run-centric workout. We had it all, burpees, hills, running, what more could you ask for? Boogie EH’d his 2.0 to come out this morning, so a quick disclaimer for the FNG and we were off.

EC: 187, Axe, Dahmer, Dawgpound, Full House, Plex, ShamWow, Warbucks

FNGs: Iceman – Boogie’s 2.0, training to prepare for Air Force > Top Gun > Iceman.

Warm Up:
Mosey to Goodwill lot and circled up for:
SSH x30 IC
Morrocan night club x10 IC
Sir Fazio arm circles x10 forward/x10 backward
Steve Earle x15 IC
Mountain climbers x10 IC

The Workout:
PAX got into groups of 3 (1 group of 4) and repeated a lap with 4 stops for exercises, starting with 10 reps at each station, decreasing by 1 after each lap.

Station 1. Burpees – bottom of Lassiter Rd (Fun for all)
Station 2. Underdogs (rows) – on guardrail at top of Lassiter Rd (ShamWow wasn’t a fan as the guardrail gave him a boo boo)
* Bootcamp workouts in general consist of a lot of pushing exercises and very little pulling. I add these to try and balance out the workouts. Here is a good article on having a balanced bootcamp workout. The blog has a lot of ideas for those Q’ing and want to do something different. https://bootcampideas.com/balancing-your-bootcamp-training/
Station 3. Monkey humpers – sidewalk at Sunset Lake (did these on the road to give passerby’s a show)
Station 4. Pattycake merkins – Goodwill parking lot (these were interesting with 3)

Groups got in 5-6 rounds before being out of time.

Mosey back to start.

Mary:
ShamWow led some plank holds and shoulder taps until all were back.
Absolution: Groiners (legs out and back for 1,2), down to chill cut (3,4), chill plank jack (5,6), back up to plank (7,8)
Gas pump – Start in the LBC position and straighten your legs to the Dolly position and then back to the LBC position.
LSF x20 IC
Homer to marge x10 IC
right leg up x7 IC
left leg up x7 IC
LBCs x30 IC

Announcements:
Special Co-Q at Disney on Thursday.

T-Claps (Recognition):
8 for EC, good work fellas.
Good work put in by all today!

Prayer:
Warbucks dad with back issues, injured PAX.

YHC took us out.

Core on the Run

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Monday early start we had 7 on EC with Pikachu, Skidmark, 187, Slide Rule, Axe, Cowboy and Nemo.  YHC was looking to accomodate several subtle requests so I came up with a little something new for DT and added in a new stop along the way.

FNGs: None today
Warm Up: Regular lap around the big block, circled up in town hall lot for some IC SSH, Good Mornings, Squats, Fazio Arms
The Workout:  On the jog back up Main St we went all the way to the abandoned drug store on the SW corner of Main and Holly Springs.  Why?  Because they have a wall.  We got right to business with BTTW 10 count, drop to plank hold for 10 count, Mt Climbers ICx10, and up to a 10 count squats.  Recover on a 10 count, and repeat for a total of 5 sets with the last set being to 15.  Back on the run we headed over to cemetery hill.   Squat hold for the 6 at the top.  At the top we safely dropped for a round of modified ATMs – 10 count plank hold, ICx10 shoulder taps, 10 count plank hold, 10 count merkins, 10 count plank hold.  Recover on the jog down the hill for 3 burpees OYO and climb back to the top for another round.  We did 4 climbs up the hill and upped he last round to 15 IC/count,  On the jog back to start.  Finished with over 2 miles.
Mary: 2 quick rounds LBC/Homer to Marge/6 inch hold/low slow flutter
Announcements: See Facebook/Slack for lots of unique opportunities.  Tea Time location change, Ivan/Cletus merge for COT for new month for breathtaker
T-Claps (Recognition): It was a great group out there this morning and everyone was giving a huge effort.  T-Claps to Katniss for pushing through that workout with breathtaker.  Also, I just want to say I have been doing quite a few runs with Cowboy recently and this guy is showing up, putting in the work and getting stronger every day.  Always great to be out there with you and congrats on your run this past weekend at the Quay RFTQ.
Prayer: All unspoken so we took a silent 10 count and YHC took us out.

10 Foot Woodage.. A New Standard at AGS

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I’m gonna start this backblast a little different to help illustrate a lesson in Iron Sharpens Iron. For those that are familiar with the movie, Pulp Fiction, I’m gonna ‘Tarantino’ this one. Here we are- Pikachu, Skidmark, Cupid, YHC, and a newly named four legged-F3 canine- Backstroke lounging with Dunkin cold brews on the outdoor seats at 7:20am for a second F reviewing the Strava feed from this morning’s run. Skidmark turns to Pikachu with Strava segments in display and says something to the effect of good recovery run, but I think we went a little  slow…..

If anyone saw their times during yesterday’s Run the Quay, Skidmark was not far off in this statement as the run today was a little over 2 minutes what they recorded yesterday. Let’s face it, these guys are fast and their recovery run was my fastest paced run of the year. Did YHC take offense to this comment, absolutely not. In fact, I knew if I could keep the shirtless wonders in my site this morning, I knew I was having a good run and that’s the point of the story, along with the great push and fellowship shared by the 7 PAX that posted this morning, 2- with a 4-legged accountability partner in tow.

Arrived to the parking lot with a clear air at our backs with almost no humidity. A huge change from a week before. Red Truck- Skidmark, Grey Truck- Nemo, Pikachu rolls up and then in the backdrop I see Cupid making his debut and picking up an early morning deposit from his FNG. Yogurt comes rolling up with Crumb Snatcher, and then followed by Maybelline.

Warm Up:

5:59 hit just as something foul exited Pikachu. With that YHC called ‘Go Time’ manuevering around the scene of crime to the first picnic shelter. Called for PAX to occupy a picnic table for a set up 10-step ups IC. Mosey’d to Ivan lot for carioca to the halfway point and butt kickers to the far end where we circled up for Imperial Walkers X10 IC. Mosey’d back to the flag for a set of stationary high-knees X10 IC.

The Workout: YHC called for a squat hold while calling out the route. With 4 PAX looking for recovery runs, some looking for 3, others 6. YHC had a mix of payement and trails planned. Those wanting 3 would head down Stinson, left on Bass Lake, right on Holly Springs Road heading down to Linksland and head back. For those wanting 6, they would take a right on Linksland, right on Salem Ridge, and a left onto Bass Lake to the trail along the boat house by the canoes and then head to the greenway. At the greenway, we would take the HSHM route up the trail into Sugg Farm and then back out to Grigsby. With the first mile down, Maybelline made the first push out ahead of the PAX followed by Pickachu, Skidmark, Nemo, Yogurt and Crumb Snatcher, YHC, then Cupid and FNG-Backstroke. As we made our way to Linksland with Yogurt picking up the six, gave Cupid the heads up that if he heads back from the point where we stood, he’d have a little over 3 by time he made it back to Womble. “I think he “Backstroke” is ok and we can do 4. Yogurt gave the nod and said, “I’ll head back with you once we hit 2mi.” This seems to happen spontaneously at AGS, PAX are always recording more miles than they think they’ll record. With a few extra fist bumps at the pole, YHC was off to join the remaining PAX. Made the right on Salem Ridge dreading that up and down hill before hitting Bass Lake. Just as I was thinking stop to take a quick breather at the bottom of the short hill before Bass Lake, down comes Skidmark to pick up the six. He began to start a conversation (which I can’t remember as I was focused on the hill and keeping up), but in any event, I somehow managed to carry the conversation and the hill at the same time. Somewhat relieved that I survived and kept up, we then joined the remaining PAX- Maybelline, Nemo and Pikachu. Nemo gave the warning to not venture 10 feet into the wooded area just to the right about 50yards up. Apparently, Pikachu adjusted gross weight, but was polite enough to do so while maintaining ’10 foot woodage’- a new standard for pathway deposits delivered during running AO’s.

PAX took note of the Sky Q’s incredible sunrise before making their way up the trail to Sugg. Strong push up the hill and to the remaining stretch to Womble, where we reunited with Cupid, Yogurt, Crumb Snatcher, and Backstroke

Mary:Stretches OYO
Announcements: Crazy Train next Saturday
T-Claps (Recognition): Cupid, Skidmark, Pikachu, and Yogurt for strong showings on Saturday and having the energy for a run this morning. Maybelline for setting the pace and Nemo for the added push throughout the run.

Prayer: Maybelline’s dad and all PAX with family members who are battling cancer. All PAX with injuries and safe\healthy returns to the gloom. YHC took us out.

Nice Ass POTS

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I wanted to provide the PAX that are doing the Triangle Tri and Run the Quay tomorrow a friendly workout that should loosen everyone up.

EC: 16-bit, Dawgpound, Chips, Aquaman, Lucky, Pikachu, Skidmark, Bullseye, Nemo
FNGs: None
Warm Up: None
The Workout:
Yoga with Kassandra Minimal Cues.  She says at the beginning you know the part we skipped that with the minimal cues she expects us to be more advance.  🤷‍♂️

Mary: None (Kassandra did this part too)
Announcements:

Run the Quay
Triangle Tri

T-Claps (Recognition): None
Prayer:

Unspoken
Accordian’s Daughter
All injured pax

R4TJ gets B.R.O.K.E.D.

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EC: YHC did 2 miles solo before official start / Yogurt completed his Ting Sprints solo afterward

FNGs: Nope, everyone knew what they were getting into…

Warm Up: Frankensteins, Windmills, Skipping

The Workout: Some running AOs refer to themselves as “BRR Friendly” (air quotes). R4TJ likes to refer to their flavor of BRR training route as the BLUE RIDGE OUTRAGEOUS KLIMB ELEVATION DEMO. We here at R4TJ like to say that your legs will feel B.R.O.K.E.D. when you’re done – Satisfaction Guaranteed! Or your money back!  So…We got B.R.O.K.E.D.!!!  For the uninformed, this is done by running from Ting, down to Crossway, continued to the dead-end on Crossway, and turned around for the return to Ting.

Mary: I think she fartsacked….

Announcements:  Best of luck to everyone racing the Quay and the Triangle Tri this weekend

T-Claps (Recognition): Aquaman for joining us on his first R4TJ, we hope to have him back more often.

Prayer:  Maybelline’s dad is fighting prostate cancer