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New Route to Crossways

EC: Skidmark
FNGs: Nope
Warm Up:
Circled up for the following:
Side Straddle Hops
Frankenstein Kicks
Leg Swings
Good Mornings
The Workout:

Took the Paradise City EC route and when we got to the greenway we took it to Crossways. Ran Crossways and back. Then took the greenway back to the parking lot.

Mary:
Circle up for the following:
Hamstring stretch. Pulling you down by holding onto your calfs and pulling.
Runner Pose deep stretch. Keeping your back upright push into the stretch.

Announcements:

Run for Dede April 4th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-run-for-dee-dee-5k-registration-84539745655

T-Claps (Recognition):
Prayer:
Pikachu’s wife
Wiggly
Forceps and his family
Wallaby
Lipstick’s Sister

Pre-Leap Day Leaps!

14 PAX for Sheepdog on Friday 2-28-20

EC: Lipstick, 187, Pikachu, Shredder, YHC

FNGs: None
Warm Up: SSH, Goofballs, Frankensteins, Hillbillies, Imperial Walkers, Daisy Pickers, Good mornings
The Workout: PAX formed up and ran Black Snake style to front parking lot. After 10 plank jacks, the PAX paired up, and leap frogged from to one end of the parking lot. 10 Hurpees OYO and then leap frog back to starting point, with 10 plank jack break in the middle. Leaping frog style takes longer than you would think, so leaping was briefly put on hold as PAX Black Snaked to playground for the main event: Dora with one partner lapping the mini-track – 100 Dive Bombers, 200 Frog Crunches, 300 Jump Squats
Mary: Embrace the suck! Circle of PAX held horse riding pose for 3 minutes.
Announcements: Blue Ridge Relay teams are forming, looking at a 9 and 12 team to get filled, watch for slack updates. Memorial Service Saturday 12-2pm, 2F at Harvest Moon to follow workout.
T-Claps (Recognition): @Fanny Pack @Tetanus @Dovetail @Breach @Gump @Sprinkler @Beater @UTI @Farva @Pikachu @Lipstick @187 @Shredder
Prayer: Family for Forceps, Beater, Wiggly, Pikachu

Lots of 20s at Thunder

FNGs: None

Warm Up:  Planted flag after meeting LipSync in the parking lot.  He has HC’d in his famous way on FB after my pre-blast targeted PAX who had fart sacked or was pondering doubling-down in the evening.  He ran a mile before meeting us at the flag.  Fanny Pack showed up and was ready to get to work after having a tough day at work.  Mental note made to bring the heat.  Rams strolled in with shoe laces that needed more tying after I told him we would be running around the soccer pitch.  It was getting close to 7PM and no sign of Pikachu had HC’d.  With 30 seconds to spare, Pikachu strolled in with two housemates, Jobs and Doogie.  He convinced them to come out after telling them I had worked out earlier this morning and I was over 50 years old.  Gorgeous night with temps in the high 50’s.  Love wearing shorts in February.  As the clock struck 1900, we were off in a nice mosey around the pitch to the amphitheater.  Mumble chatter was great.  The PAX were ready.   20 reps or in cadence were the trend identified by clever PAX after completing 20 SSH, 20 Daisy pickers and 20 Don Quixotes.  More 20’s with seal claps, overhead claps and sir Fazio arm circles (F/B).

The Workout: Took advantage of the offerings at the amphitheater and conducted 20 ic BTTW, 20 People’s Chair, 20 merkins, 20 step ups (L/R), 20 hanging over the edge WWIIs, 20 monkey humpers.  Added 20 shoulder taps and 20 squats.  Took a rest on the mosey to the path and began an Indian run to the rock pile.  PAX were asked to grab a rock they would be comfortable doing multiple reps.  Some rocks were bigger than others.  Gathered in the parking lot, each PAX found a parking space and got ready for the high tempo rock workout.  First exercise – a PAX favorite, 10 curls for the ladies.  Drop rock.  Hit the parking space curb with 10 step ups in cadence.  Back to the rock.  10 Overhead presses.  Back to the curb. 10-step ups ic.  Back to the rock for 10 rut-rows.  Hmmm, back to the curb for step-ups.  Back to the rock for bus drivers.  Changed things up and had PAX execute 10 erkins from the curb.  Back to the rocks for Ground Pounders.  I was reminded they do not count if you don’t hit the ground.  Set the rock aside and had PAX do build a bears with a merkin on each side of the curb.  Called an audible and had PAX get on their six with rock on their chest.  This is where I really challenged the PAX with continuous arm/chest movements with the rock.  Lats would be tested.  The following exercises were completed:  10 chest presses, 10 bent arm or straight arm curls, rock above chest for 20 ic with feet 6 inches off ground.  Rinse and repeat three times.  FUN.  On the last repeato, added a 45 degree for extra credit.  On our feet and had PAX John Cusack to the far end of the parking lot.  Set the rock down for 20 toe taps ic, followed by 20 Simbas.  Arms were burning.  Demonstrated the plank slap rock exercise and executed 20 of them.  Had PAX push their rock a few spaces.  Love the smell of rock on pavement. Executed 10 rock up and over on each side of shoulder.   Added 20 goblet squats.  Checked the watch and noticed we had less than 11 minutes left.  Time flies when you are having fun.  Our inner kids came out as we returned the rocks seeing who could get the most sparks.  Tie between Pikachu and Dauber IMO.  Line up on the path and mosey to the tennis courts for Mary.

Mary:  Congratulated PAX for a giving 100% during the workout.  While executing yoga moves, downward dog and pigeon, Dauber talked about the week and how we could be better men at home, at work, etc.  Spent a lot of time on the right side to the chagrin of the PAX and switched it up to the other side.  More stretching and more discussion/thoughts shared.

Announcements:  See Slack and FB; lots of great things happening with 3rd F.  See calendar.  Sign up on Q sheet.  Service at Hope for Forceps son.

T-Claps (Recognition):  Huge kudos for Rams’ new look, he’s lost 70 pounds via intermittent fasting, better eating, and exercise!  Also, great job Pikachu getting housemates out and supporting Jobs throughout the workout.

Prayer:  Unspoken, Victims in Milwaukee, Forceps & Family.  Dauber took us out.  Honored leading you men in the gloom.

 

2nd F at Blackdog Bottle

Puke’n’Rally!

The gloom was making a statement this morning. Foggy was an understatement. Norm and Dauber were out for EC at 0530. We started with 6, gained 1, lost 1 temporarily, lost 1 early, it was like musical workout. Anywho, here is what we did.

FNGs:
none

Warm Up:
Mosey down to concession stand with slides both sides on backside of courts
Up/downs x10
Reverse plank jacks x15 IC
Crab cakes x15 IC
Carolina Dry docks x20
5 burpees OYO (joined late by Dauber)

The Workout:
Step ups on wall x10 each leg
Dips x10, 1 leg out x10, switch x10
Rinse and repeat

Indian run to tennis courts

Merkin tidal wave – line up in straight line with feet on persons shoulders behind you in plank. Merkin down the line. Last guy double merkins then back up the line. HIM at end will have feet on the ground. X10 each him. Farva took off for bible study.

Fence irkins bear crawl train – PAX does irkins on fence while last person bear crawls under and through tunnel. Went long side of fence.

Partner carry suicides on tennis court (no sprinting, just carry)
– modify with lunge walk
*YHC saw Strawberry Hill walking for the exit and jokingly asked “Are you going to puke?” His simple answer “Yes!”*
Bunny hop suicides all four courts
Reg suicides 4 courts
*SH returned after a few minutes but finished the workout*

Burpee merkin ladder (increase merkins)
Last burpee had 10 merkins in it

Mary:
Sally song – chillcut plank down & plank up, pickle pounders on silent chorus
Windshield Wipers x10IC
Hello Dolly x15IC
Ankle taps 2 hands x20IC
HAND

Announcements:
Forceps sons service Saturday 12-2
Survey
Life saving training mentioned

T-Claps (Recognition):
Strawberry Hill feed the grass midway through the workout. He got back in the saddle though and finished.

Prayer:
Gump’s shoulder and job situation
Forceps family
Yosef’s kid
H1N1 injury
Personal prayers around the horn

Thanks for trying some new things with me today. Always a pleasure to lead you HIM.

BS Out!

Seven of Diamonds – The Nest 2/25/2020

When 5:30 rolled around, 11 PAX showed up, responding to the call for a non-stop, challenging workout.

Warmup:

EC: Norm, Marky Mark, Mr. Terrific, Boy George

SSH 20x, Smurf Jack 20x, Red Bull Smurf Jack 10x

GMs 10x

The Thang:

Whenever I Q, I try to maximize the unique features of the site. The Nest has a fantastic loop that’s not too long and not too short and includes a mini version of the ramp at Ting Stadium.

My goal for every Q is to challenge each PAX to do something beyond his ability. The Seven of Diamonds fit the bill for non-stop work. It’s a simple workout conducted on any circuit with four corners. On each circuit, you complete exercises in increasing multiples of seven: 7, 14, 21, or 28. I was impressed by the hard work everyone put in this morning!

Seven of Diamonds

Here’s today’s circuit:

  • Lap 1: 7 burpees each corner (total 28)
  • Lap 2: 14 low slow flutters in cadence each corner (total 56)
  • Lap 3: 21 Merkins each corner (total 84)
  • Lap 4: 28 squats each corner (total 112)

Everyone landed with someone their own pace. Pikachu and Mr. Terrific took turns challenging each other to sprints on the straightaways. Little did they know that I had sprints planned on the mini ramp. Two or three other groups naturally fell out and counted the exercises together. Faster groups circled back and completed exercises with slower groups.

Turns out that one corner is a bus stop. The bus rolled up while we were doing burpees. Pretty sure the kid was afraid to get out of mommy’s car and walk to bus until we were mostly done.

After completing the first four laps, I converted to an Indian run between corners to keep everyone together. We counted the final lap together, which included all four of the exercises.

Sprints: Finally, with about nine minutes to go, we all lined up for sprints. After all, I really didn’t want to disappoint anyone! In the dark, it was hard to find good markers, but I broke the ramp into thirds.

Three markers: Sprint to first marker, walk back; sprint to second marker, walk back; sprint to third marker, mosey to where we warmed up.

Mary: Low hold 30-60 seconds, Have A Nice Day!

Announcements: Check Slack. Also, look around you. Your F3 brothers are the ones who will make you stronger, both mentally and physically. You’ve tried it on your own, but it’s not sustainable. Enjoy these brothers around you. Keep giving, keep leading, keep motivating.

Prayer requests: Forceps and family, Wallaby and family, Lipstick’s sister

This was a fun Q, always a privilege to lead!

Modified due to rain

Pax of 3 for modified Murph today because the pull-up bars were wet.  Rain didn’t stop us from running though, followed by sets under the pavilion.

Warm Up:  Run one mile

The Workout:  Modified Murph, substituted pull-ups with burpees.  Half way through workout we figured out that following 5 burpees with 10 merkins was a bad idea.  For second half of the sets we did LBC’s instead

Total workout:  50 Burpees, 50 LBC’s, 200 merkins, 300 squats

Mary:  Run one mile

Announcements: None

Prayer:  Silent

So There’s This Guy in Front of the Elevator doing Jumping Jacks…

EC: Yogurt, Full House

A balmy 48 degrees for YHC’s 2nd Q at the Train. After planting the shovel flag, YHC had to do a little recon on the parking deck to be sure no ice patches were left and we had a clean playing field. Returned to the lot to find many PAX ready to roll. 11 mighty men got stronger aboard the train today.

FNG’s: None
Warm Up: SSH x 20, Good Mornings x 10, Seal/Overhead Claps x 10 each, Frankenstein x 10, IW x 10, and Hillbillies x 10.
The Workout: PAX moseyed a non-traditional DT loop down to the library circle and back to the 2nd floor of the parking deck.

The group did some fast feet on the curbs down the length of the lot. Squat hold for 6. The return trip was typewriter style back down to the beginning using the curbs. Plank hold for the 6. Returned to 1st floor

Pax were each assigned a parking space for a series of AMRAP exercises. The “timer” would be the first pax in line who would run the stairs to the 3rd floor and do SSH x 10 in front of the elevator. No talk of any weird stares from any customers. Too early I guess… Pax would then return to the end of the line, next pax would go and exercise would change.  This train went down to the wall and back until all pax climbed the stairs twice.  AMRAP exercises were:

Prisoner Squats, LSF’s, Merkins, Sumo Squat Jumps, Plank Hold, WW2’s, Split Lunges, Shoulder Taps, Star Jumps, Homer2Marge, Standard Squats, Pickle Pounders, Monkey Humpers, Carolina Dry Docks, LBC’s, People’s Chair, Wide Grip Merkins, Dying Cockroaches,  and 3 sets of Burpees mixed in there.  I think I heard Da Business say “c’mon seriously” when YHC called for the first set.  It’s ok, he was the stair climber on the last set of those. RESPECT  .

The train made it successfully both ways. YHC had 2 more Thang’s on the docket for today including some sprints and some BTTW work, but to no avail as time expired.

Mary: Mixed into the Thang’s.
Announcements: Forceps son memorial service this Saturday 12-2 at Hope Apex. Yogurt has the Q at The Nest Tuesday.  Come on down and get out of your comfort zone he says. Run for DeeDee 5 k coming up.  Check slack or w/ Skidmark about this.
T-Claps (Recognition): All the pax putting in great work today!
Prayer: Forceps, military, first responders, our Nation. Pumpkin Spice has a neighbor who lost his brother, needs support, and hopefully can get EH’d to a workout soon.  This young man needs this community of HIM. Honored to lead fellas!

You Say It’s Your Birthday…It’s My Birthday Too…and Mine Too!

Funny the coincidences you find in SouthWake. I had known there to be a very high population of PAX sharing the first name “Todd” (ie: Wiggly, Norm, Pablo, Maybelline, Coal Ash, and YHC), but what are the chances of 3 PAX posting on the same morning, sharing the same birthday. That’s just crazy talk. Arrived to Disney this morning not feeling any older, but definitely forgetful as YHC forgot his flag. Did remember the chalk to mark the ground with, but did forget the flag. As I was starting to make my way down the lot, Dawgpound came rolling in for some EC. Exchanged some pleasantries and headed toward the Community Center to the back side in front of the football stadium entrance.

This area is a nice one for circuit training as I did see Pablo introduce this once before. There is a lower level and upper level with staircases on opposite sides. Lots of room for running up and down and in between. At the bottom of the staircase, I labeled ‘Get Ups’. As you travel ahead and bend toward the right there is another stair case (mini abyss). At the foot of this staircase, I labeled “Wide Grip Merkins.” Travel up the stairs of mini abyss and straight ahead to the walkway that joins the original staircase in the distance, I labeled this spot “Diamond”. To the left there is a brick shelter, that has a perfect wall for B2W’s. Labeled that ‘B2W’ of course.

Made my way down the staircase back to the beginning and ventured back out to the large lot of Disney by the high school entrance. Noticed a yellow gate that was closed to the right, which would connect school traffic from either side.

Checked the watch, which left plenty of time to make it back without a mosey. A bit chilly this morning, but not too cold and would produce some comfortable workout conditions. Back to the starting point, saw a few more cars and more rolling in. 187 and I exchanged some ‘Happy Birthday’s,’ knowing from last year we shared the same day. Additionally, I learned on Monday at Paradise City that Doc also shared the same birthday, but would he be here this morning? Turn around and there he was to complete the birthday trio.

Who else was coming out to celebrate? I left an open invite on preblast the night before, but who would show? After all was said and done, we had 12 total PAX- The birthday boys- 187, Doc, and YHC, along with Emeril, Dawgpound, Java, M4L, Nemo, Bobby Dall, Potts, Quiver, and Pikachu. A great crowd. Unfortunately, most of 12 Oaks missed it, including Slide Rule who HC’d at Panera the week before (Pikachu was there and can vouch).

Quick check of the watch and it was 30 secs to lift off. PAX were greeted and thanked for attending this planned birthday bash. We had 3 birthday’s so YHC fortunately had 3 workouts planned. 5:30 hit and we were off with a skinny lap around the lot.

Warm Up: SSH X43, Imperial Walkers X20, Hillbillies X20, Morocan Night Clubs X10, Fazio Arms X10 F\10B, 2 Burpees… Quickly instructed PAX to form 2 lines. This was met with a Dawgpound groan. I think he knew what YHC meant when he said we’d keep things moving this morning- no 10 counts.

The Workout:

Birthday Party#1

Indian Run out of the main lot all the way to the community center, take a left down past the make-shift classroom buildings, all the way to the main entrance of the football stadium. Broke the Indian Run and quick had PAX squat hold for instruction. Informed PAX to find an accountability partner and that I labeled the ground with a specific exercise, starting with 2 Turkish get ups where we were standing, run around the corner to the base of the (small abyss) to perform 20 wide grip merkins, proceed up the stairs and straight to the walkway for 20 diamond merkins, and then Balls to the Wall on that shelter in cadence X20, before heading back down the stair case to do a rinse repeat of the circuit. If anyone ended early, they’d need to come back for the six until all were finished.

PAX did a great job staying together and in many instances all shared the same cadence counts. Squat hold at the bottom while waiting for the few remaining PAX to mosey down the steps after their second round.

Birthday Party #2

Formed back into same 2 lines and executed an Indian run to the yellow closed gate YHC saw earlier in the morning while setting up. Got to the front and instructed PAX to bear crawl underneath about 10 yards to the street, look both ways and mosey to the large Disney lot. Mosey’d to the far corner, where we would do a progressive circuit with their accountability partner..

Corner 1- 2 Burpees

Corner 2- 2 Burpees, 20 Prisoner Squats

Corner 3- 2 Burpees, 20 Prisoner Squats, 20 Mountain Climbers

Corner 4- 2 Burpees, 20 Prisoner Squats, 20 Mountain Climbers, 20 Shoulder Taps

Formed 2 Indian Run lines again and took PAX to the abyss

Birthday Party #3

At the Abyss, Partner 1 stayed for LBC’s, while Partner 2 proceeded down the Abyss and at the bottom performed Pickle Pounders X20 in cadence before coming back up. At the top, Partners Switched out

YHC remembers Nemo mentioning that it seemed kind of odd PAX were performing Pickle Pounders in silence at the bottom. Usually during this exercise, its a time of ‘Yo Momma’ jokes and ‘That’s what She Said’ humor.  Mumblechatter was really low this morning and appeared to be all business.

Once PAX finished up, YHC instructed a single file Indian Run back to the flag (fortunately Pikachu brought one). As we made it back to the beginning of the lot I’m not sure what 187 said to Bobby Dall, but there was a jailbreak that ensued…one for the books with both in an all out neck in neck foot race.

Circled up for Mary, but not before YHC called for a plank hold. Yep- YHC wanted to check his clock to make sure it was working. Clockwork merkins all the way around from 1-12 to finish up the morning. Nemo likes these, I could really tell.

Mary: Low Slow Flutter X20, American Hammers X20. Asked Doc for an exercise and did some dying cockroaches X10, 187 gave PAX some Peter Parkers X10. YHC also instructed on a series of stretches, Pigeons, Downward Dog, and one last Good Morning in cadence. What a morning it was!

Announcements: Emeril did have an announcement and lead PAX the singing of Happy Birthday to celebrate the birthday trio. Check 3rd F for community opportunities. Forceps’ son Jon’s service will be held next Saturday, Feb 29th at Hope Community Church from 12-2pm
T-Claps (Recognition): All PAX getting out there this morning and pushing each other. Potts is putting in work these past few weeks. I see a half marathon in November for that guy.

Prayer: Forceps and his family. Additional prayers for Lipstick’s sister, Wallaby, and those battling substance issues. All those unspoken and continued health for PAX and their families.  YHC took us out.

First Appearance of the Steel Mace

Snow came the day before. Still 10 men braved the chilly weather to come see the steel mace!!

FNGs: Nope
Warm Up:
Quick lap to warmup
Circled up for the following
Good Mornings
Fazio Arm Circles
Leg Swings both directions both legs
BackStroke
The Workout:
Counted off by three. We had four stations, but I wanted groups of three since there were three Pax present that had already did a steel mace workout. They should be the Shepard for the steel mace. The goal was to keep the legs fresh for tomorrow’s long ass run.

3 complete circuits. Each Station was 2 minutes and 15 seconds. Each pax did 5 to 10 reps each exercise. After completion keep on going till the timer sounds.

Station 1:
Stairs — Run them or carry a bell. Just get up and down them.

Station 2:
Kettlebell
LawnMowers
Push up On the Bell
Push Press
Chest to Chest in bridge

Station 3:
Battle Rope and Core
Battle Rope
Midget Love Handles
Midget Getups
Midget Cookie Pouches

Station 4:
Steel Mace
Upper Cut
Bent Over Rows
Side Paddle Overhead (No lunge)
Kayak
Ballistic Curl

Mary:

Circled up for some stretching:

Leg across and open up the hips. Like getting in a pigeon pose but keep the leg straight
Runners pose and open up the hip
Runners pose concentration on going deeper
Fire Hydrant Circles
Fire Hydrant Kicks

Announcements:

ATT run tomorrow

T-Claps (Recognition):
Prayer:

Wallaby as he comes home from Rehab
Forceps and his family
John, Deadbolt’s friend that is battling cancer

Fruity Pebbles with a glass of OJ

I’m going to get straight to the point. No talking smack on those that didn’t make it. No talking smack on other AOs. As long as you took the plunge today and did a workout with your brothers you are good in my book.

FNGs:  None have shown up.  They must have gotten lost.  I hope they are okay

Warm Up:

Jogged to the basketball hoop and circled up
30 Side Straddle Hops.  I meant to only do 25 but I missed my exit.
5 Foot traces both directions both feet
5 Legs swings both directions both feet
Wring out the shoulders.

The Workout:

Jog to pickup the bricks.  2 bricks per pax.

Bear Crawl with your bricks across the field
Cusack to the basketball hoop and circle up

We stacked the bricks on top of each other.  Then we got in a merkin position with one hand on the bricks.  Did a merkin and the hand that was on the ground we did a shoulder tap.  This will be referred to as Brick Merkin Taps

2 Rounds:
10 Brick Merkin Taps Right hand on bricks
10 Brick Merkin Taps Left hand on bricks
20 Goblet Presses
20 Exaggerated toe touches with the bricks in hand

We then airplane to the wall by the playground.  Arm’s straight out to the side.

We all took a spot on the wall.  Holding your bricks either out in front or close together depending on how you felt.  Three pax went and did pull ups till fatigue.  Once they completed they rejoined the wall and the next pax took their place.   Once all pax completed the pull ups we moved to the flags.

1 Round:  — Should have been 2 but I noticed I was running out of time
10 Fruity Pebbles — T merkin into I, with the bricks
5 Reverse to Forward Lunges Right leg with bricks overhead
5 Reverse to Forward Lunges Left leg with bricks overhead
20 Hello Dolly’s ‘I think that is what they are called’

Cusack to the bus drop off.

Pax got into two lines.  Plank jacks until you get to the front of the line.  Then once in the front boo boo bear crawl.  Switch legs at the median.  Run back to the line and continue the plank jacks.

Moved back to the flags

1 Round:  — Should have been 2 but I noticed I was running out of time.  Also dropped the Hello Dollys
10 Fruity Pebbles — T merkin into I, with the bricks
5 Reverse to Forward Lunges Right leg with bricks overhead
5 Reverse to Forward Lunges Left leg with bricks overhead

Airplane to the wall

We all took a spot on the wall.  Holding your bricks either out in front or close together depending on how you felt.  Three pax went and did pull ups till fatigue.  Once they completed they rejoined the wall and the next pax took their place.  Once all pax completed the pull ups we moved to the basketball hoop.

1 Round: — Should have been two and I dropped the toe taps
10 Brick Merkin Taps Right hand on bricks
10 Brick Merkin Taps Left hand on bricks
20 Goblet Presses

Return the bricks and jogged to the flags.  I was going to wheel barrow the bricks back across the field but no time.

Circled up for Mary

Mary:

Bring sally up/Bring Sally down  6 inches to 45 degrees
Homer to Marge
Luges
Supermans

Announcements:

Long Ass ATT run this weekend
Thursday 2F at Lowe’s Food 2.50 pints

T-Claps (Recognition):
Prayer:

Forceps and his family.
Wallby and his family as he continues his journey.
Lipstick’s sister.