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Good thing my M knows math or my kids would be screwed.

Another glorious morning at the greatest place on earth. YHC was excited to see Deadbolt doing some weasel shaking last night on Facebook as a pre-blast so I followed up on Slacks.  I had an FNG coming out and it was great to see all the HC’s coming in. Welcome FNG OJ!

I promised simple and effective. If my math was better, it might have been a little smoother. The whole jack webb thing messes with me.

FNGs: Welcome OJ!
Warm Up: FNG Disclaimer, Lot Mosey, SSH x40 IC, Frankenstein x10, Sir Fazio, Seal Claps, OHC all x10 IC. Daisy Pickers x10, Standard Merkin x15.
The Workout: Mosey to the Abyss. Split into partners.  1 Partner at the top cycle through Standard, Wide and Military Merkins AMRAP until partner 2 returns from down the stairs and 10 Star Jumps at the bottom. Cycle through until each person has done the bottom 3 times.  We all went down and picked up the 6 with 10 Star Jumps.

Mosey back to the fields.

Suicide Lines

1st Set: Halfway, all the way.  At halfway, Mt Climbers IC x15, End WWII x15

2nd Set: Halfway: Chilly Jacks x15 IC, SSH x15 IC

3rd Set: Jack Webb 2-4 finish with 10-20 (or something close to that, this is where my math went off the rails)

Mary: Homer to Marge x10 IC (L/R), Box Cutter x10, LBC’s x20 IC
Announcements: HS/FV Q battle next week. Bring “all the clothes” for healing transitions
T-Claps (Recognition): Goldilocks, Bondo for hitting it hard today and FNG OJ!
Prayer: Those impacted by the storm, Families in Beirut, Small Business owners, YHC took us out.

Did You Put Those Deer There?

YHC has been trying to get down to “the Quay” more often. Figured if I sign up to Q, I’ll head down there. So YHC decided to Q a couple FV places he’s only been a couple times. Lemme Q Possum Trot and Kenny’s Grave back to back.  You never know what can happen right? After lagging behind somewhat on the EC, YHC was determined to hit at least 3 spots with challenging intensity. At arrival, Fonzie was already game planning for his beatdown to deliver during Q challenge week coming up. So I figured, I better throw out something good today. 13 pax posted strong today!

EC: Fanny Pack, Fonzie, LED, Shamwow!, And Norm (who did about a 1/4 mile catch up as he rolled in a bit late for EC…impressive).

FNG’s: POTS boy…welcome Meatball.  Swedish Metal Music = Meatball. Good enough!
Warm Up: SSH x 30, Good Mornings, Imperial Walkers, Squatted Seal Claps, Squatted Arm Circles F/R, Squatted Overhead Claps, Moroccan Night Clubs.
The Workout: Moseyed a loop and did 11’s on the big grass hill at the corner.  We did Mountain Climbers IC at the bottom, dips on the guardrail up top.  Mosey to the tennis court for some stacked Suicides on the lines. We stacked up and then unstacked with some extra absolutions for our 6.  Line exercises were: 5 absolutions, 10 burpees, 15 star jumps, 20 merkins, 25 monkey humpers, 30 LBC, 35 SSH.  Then we took the same stack back.

Mosey to the restroom pavilion for each pax 10 ct. of people’s Chair x2, and a 10 ct. each pax of BTTW. Finished down there, with 2 deer onlooking, with a dozen of each: shoulder taps, nipplers, Merkins. LED comments, “man Fanny Pack… Did you put those deer there?”  I aim to please…mosey back to the flag for Mary Mary: Feel the PT road rash… 20 Box Cutters, 20 H2M.
Announcements: Q shift week coming up… check Slack.  Mulch continues.., check Slack.  Sign up to Q…seriously fellas…check Slack.
T-Claps (Recognition): Breach showing great instructional form on burpees and absolutions. LED for doing an extra few lines during the suicide stack. My FV brothers for allowing YHC to come to their turf to practice my trade!
Prayer: In a strong move of boldness, Meatball… the FNG… took us out.  See you tomorrow my FV brothers!

DT Body Rockers

DT has been, like many other AOs, a site now known for a much smaller crowd. This weekend I had a few verbal HCs so I was excited to plan the workout. Heading back in from a nice EC run with Fanny Pack, we were greeted in the lot by several #HIM at the ready to put in the work. I wanted to do some serious rock work. Focus on form, slower cadence, and surround the sets with non-stop cardio. All said and done I think we were successful and we even logged 1.5 miles with a w/u jog and plenty of laps around the back of the library in what I like to call “the smile lot”.

FNGs: Nope
Warm Up: Regular DT loop then circle up for some w/u stuff
The Workout: Headed over to the rocks and picked up a rock that would provide a good challenge for curls. Moseyed over behind library and set up shop. Started with biceps – curls and then what I call 7’s 3 ways. Broke up the sets with some SSH and then a jog around the parking lot with a break for some plank jacks, MT Climbers and regular plank hold with focus on form. Did this routine a few times. Next moved to triceps with standard press followed by some SSH, then Crab Walk across the lot. Next we broke out a new one, the Body Rocker. This is 10-step exercise with the rock, focus on form not a crazy fast cadence. We did 10 of them, then jogged around the lot with a break for plank stuff, Did this 3 times too. Returned the rock alternating shoulders then set up for a bucket brigade style return – each of us taking the weight off our shoulder, having the man next to us pick it up and pass it along.
Mary: As always, a nice set 2x through of LBC, 6 hold to Low Slow Flutter to 6 hold, Homer to Marge, American Hammer.
Announcements: Mulch, upcoming Q weeks between HS and Fuquay
T-Claps (Recognition): Fanny Pack on the EC plus staying after to run hill loops on Library Hill and West Elm. All guys for showing up and putting in a steady effort for the full 45
Prayer: Educators working in uncertain times, those in recovery for continued strength on their journey, First Responders. A couple guys have a challenging start to work week with meetings with their boss. YHC shared a message about how we are all starting to carry added weight on our shoulders. We might not even notice it anymore but it’s there and it can sneak up and knock you on your ass at any moment. None of us needs to be a hero. None of us needs to be prefect. Let yourself share that weight through your faith, with your family and friends, with your F3 brothers. Closed in prayer after a silent count for unspoken.

What Is A Mahktar N’ Diayes Anyway?

FNGs: Yes! Welcome Omaha!  Arch nemesis of his (former) Patriot’s QB often used this in cadence…hearing it makes the FNG nauseous, and that made YHC smile, so we knew it was perfect.
Warm Up: Following the welcome and disclaimer to the FNG, mosey across the street to the church parking lot. 10 each IC: Good Mornings, Sir Fazios F/B, Overhead Claps, and Hillbillies. 25 IC Side Straddle Hops.
The Workout: 18 PAX showed up after the preblast by Mookie. After much EH’ing by fellow PAX (specifically Pablo, Dumbo, Mookie, Deadbolt, and M4L), YHC was provided with the opportunity to put the EH’s to rest. With that, YHC spent an inordinate amount of time preparing for this Virgin Q (afterall, YHC was still pure and wanted it to be with the right one, time was right, he was ready, etc.). His kids and wife may or may not have seen him pacing the halls as if he were about to give his left kidney. YHC even bought a watch, which he struggled with towards the end, and was lucky, frankly, to end on time…but not really because we were across the street and still had to get back to the pool parking lot. My bad if you were late to your next engagement.

Ok, the workout: Mosey to the curb where YHC had already chalked the named exercises on the asphalt. ALARMS and BLIMPS were in play. Some PAX had never heard of them, but they were about to find out. Split into 2 teams. Special thanks to Mookie who offered to lead Team 1 while YHC led Team 2. Six exercises were spaced across the parking lot for the ALARMS and BLIMPS. PAX on Team 1 would travel to each location via Bunny Hops (Stations 1 – 3) and Lunge Walks (Stations 4 – 6). PAX on Team 2 would travel to each location via Bear Crawl (Stations 1 – 3) and Crab Walk (Stations 4 – 6). Squat or plank hold for the 6 before starting each exercise. Teams that were doing BLIMPS then did ALARMS, and vice versa. Thank you to all PAX who helped YHC get through the counting…he was winded for sure.

BLIMPS: 10 Burpees, 15 Lunges IC, 20 Imperial Walkers IC, 25 Merkins, 30 Plank Jacks IC, and 35 Squats.

ALARMS: 10 Burpees, 10 Jump Squats, 10 Mountain Climbers IC, 10 Rocky Balboas IC, 10 Mahktar N’ Diayes IC, and 10 Seal Claps Sobriety Style (YHC felt this was fitting given his recent F3 ‘departure’).

Question was asked after the fact: What is a Mahktar N’ Diayes anyway? YHC answered that it was a plank hold to chill cut and back up IC. PAX said, “Oh, we did more than that.” YHC responded, “Yes, you were doing Absolutions but there was no reason to correct you because you were doing more than required.” Well done!

Following the completion of the circuit, YHC was a little stressed because we still had 20 minutes to kill (lesson learned). YHC was not feeling that a ‘rinse and repeat’ of previous exercises would be well-received. Audibled for an Indian Run to Mookie to meet at the parking lot entrance (each Team goes opposite way). At the entrance, YHC called for a jailbreak back to the mailbox followed by a mosey to the rock pile.

At the rock pile, PAX picked up a medium sized rock. The following exercises were performed IC between 15 and 25 reps, and much thanks to the PAX that stepped in to help YHC get through this: Curls for the Girls, Tricep Extensions, Rut Rows, Bus Drivers, Midget Love Handles, Midget Cookie Pouches, American Hammers, Overhead Press, Low Slow Flutter, and Chest Press.

Mary: With 6 minutes remaining, YHC lucked out. Mary consisted of the following IC: Freddie Mercuries, LBCs, Homer to Marge, Pickle Pounders, and Have A Nice Day.
Announcements: Mulch at Bass Lake – get signed up! Continue to visit AO’s that you don’t frequent very often; and Q Swap in August.
T-Claps (Recognition): Mookie for his assistance; all other PAX for their encouragement and willingness to step up and get YHC through this VQ.
Prayer: Those in recovery due to substance, verbal, physical, or mental abuse and/or health; Bondo’s granddaughter Piper; YHC’s cousin (cancer) and M’s grandfather (hospice has been brought in); Omaha’s marketing career; First responders; and Leaders of our country that we may get through the chaos that is rampant today; Unspoken.

Dumbo took us out.

It is a privilege to lead; thank you. YHC will keep learning, striving to do better next time.

If I had known we would stop early, I would have done more squats…

It’s been a few weeks since I took the helm at Disney. I have had some ideas rolling around and my Q-Plan kept getting pushed based on some great leadership stepping up to fill the Q-Sheet (including Bobby Dahl’s VQ which was brutal). Given the recent postings that kicked off around mental health and PTSD awareness I thought we should incorporate some of that into the beat down. So… We took a friend along with us for the ride today (about a 30lb rock) and we did a shit ton of merkins.

FNGs: NOPE
Warm Up: Quick trip around the lot to circle up. SSH x25, 5 Burpees OYO, Imperial Walker x10, Good morning x10, Daisy Picker x10, SSH x15
The Workout: Bataan Death March – But we’re going slow and low and carrying our friend. 1st man out with the rock and mosey along to exchange with the first person in line. Repeato for almost a mile to the half-circle behind the school.

Count off in 2’s and pair up.  DORA 200 LBC’s 400 Merkins, 600 Squats…..Partner splits first and taking a loop up the stairs and across the trailers with 2 stops before back down the other stairs to return to your partner. 1st stop 10 merkins to the corner past the top of the stairs another 10 merkins back to your partner.  After the first loop around the rock was brought into play. It was exchanged through each group so everyone could get a turn carrying it around. Because of time we had to end early, which I know everyone was not happy about… Nemo – not knowing I was gonna have to cut us off early said he would have done more squats if he knew. Ha. Q knew that this was a risk going in of not being able to finish but also wanted to see how far we could get.

Return with the rock for Mary.

Mary: Homer to Marge x10 RL, WWI x10, WWII x10, We’ll call this one The Crotch (basically your soles of shoes are touching and knees folded out, laying on your back. You reach forward using your abs to move your hands from over your “cup” forward.) x10 and then hold as directed by the Q x10 + 5 holds, LBC’s x10 IC, Iron Cross x10, A standing crunch x20.  HND.
Announcements: “Q Swap” starting 8/10 – opportunity to show off between Fuquay and Holly Springs. Mookie to post details soon.
T-Claps (Recognition): Welcome back Kid Cracker! We’ve missed you. Also – POTS – Dude sprinted up the lot hill to Mary hauling ass and carrying that rock over his head.
Prayer: Full House’s extended family, Hump from F3 Raleigh and his M as they are going through some birth complications.

Hit the skids

FNGs: None
Warm Up: SSH, Sir Fozie arm circles (10 forward / 10 back) Windmills, single leg dead lift.

The Workout: 4 cones spaced 75 feet apart in a square. cone 1 > PAX choice, Cone 2  > Abs, Cone 3 > Biceps/Triceps, Cone 4 > Chest and back. Group split into teams of 2 and a group of 1.  Each Cone had an additional 44lbs tractor weight. Once the timer started tractor weights could not touch the ground, penalty for dropping was 5 burpees per drop.  A skid was placed at Cone 1 and pushed/pulled to the next cone with the tractor weight. Partner helped without picking up the skid. Once the skid hit cone two the 2nd tractor weight was added and the next group pushed/pulled the skid. This rotation continued around all four cones.  The next pass around the cones we dropped off one weight and continued the rotation. The HIM’s owed 50 burpees at the start of the workout and each pass of the skid deducted the overall burpee count for the 30 min ME.  As the team got the jest of the activity it became very clear that we have conceptual thoughts about how the theories of E=M2 works in physics, but we were very challenged in practical application of the theory.  POTS worked the skid and weight with out a buddy to help and we lost one tractor weight early. 55 burpees before we made one pass and another drop put us at 60.  We got better as the time passed, but a PAX that shall not be named (POTS) maybe dropped two weights accidentally on his mosey to the next cone.  At the end of the 30 min we owed 10 burpees from an apex of 60.

Mary:  Korean Wars (20 count) Ball Diamonds (20 count) Side Raises / Oblique V-ups 10 each then switch sides.

Announcements:  Mulch..Mulch…Mulch.
T-Claps (Recognition):  Thanks Sprinkler for bringing the coupons.
Prayer: Families trying to figure out school and working parents, First responders, People in isolation. Unspoken

Let Me Teach You a Lesson…

It normally doesn’t take this long to squeeze out a backblast, but this one needed to take some time to do it justice. We all joke at the lessons M4L can provide. Sometimes he shows to workouts he commits to, sometimes he doesn’t. Sometimes he does 1/2 of the workout, sometimes he does 1/2 Side Straddle Hops, sometimes he does a full one or just flaps his arms. On that Friday, last week at Kung Pow, he delivered one of the more memorable Q’s I’ve been a part of, and truth be told…when he shows to Q, they always have a lesson.

On an aside, these guys at Wescott are bringing it and I’m not saying it because it is home turf. I have yet to see a duplicated workout and every single one has a signature footprint. Pablo’s manhole merkins, Deadbolt and DoubleD’s Reagan era burpeefest, and who could forget that time where YHC almost killed Fram, DoubleD, Sprinkler, and Fonzie with cardio cul-de-sacs a few weeks ago.

I will say this, anytime I have seen M4L Q, I always come away with something. It could be an exercise routine, it could be something personal he has shared, but more importantly, his Q’s always extend beyond just a workout (hence F3- more than a workout) and have always shown me to appreciate the moment and embrace these great things we have… F3 and each other. Just like we tackle these workouts, we are also going through everything life throws at us together.

On this Friday morning, it was destined that something special was gonna happen. Pre-Blast yielded 8 HC’s, which was a really high number considering none of the regulars were HC’ing the night before. Also, nobody HC’s anymore…anybody else notice that?

Picked up Deadbolt… yes- we drove only being a half 0.4 mi down the road.  Arrived  to a completely full Wescott parking lot, 13 PAX limbering up, representing all areas of SouthWake-some from Fuquay, another from 12 Oaks, even one from Cary and also from Raleigh. 15 total- A new record at Kung Pow.  Full House later shared that he was undecided that morning, but just like Nemo from a few weeks ago, he was drawn by the pre-blast marketing campaign.

What on earth did M4L have planned? Whatever it was, it was about to go down as we were at 5:29 and the mumblechatter was starting to rise above the level that gets us exposed on our neighborhood Facebook page.

Time to mosey. Extended the 15 PAX group across the street to do some warm-ups at the Veterinary clinic across the street.

FNGs: None, but would be alot cooler if there were…
Warm Up: SSH X10, Burpee X10, Uneven Merkins- Right arm extended forward x10\Left Arm extended forward X10. Mumblechatter= more burpee X10, then followed by a mosey back to M4L’s vehicle.

The Workout: Upon arrival, M4L pops the trunk. Strategically stacked where several bricks with the words “No OYO” spray painted on them. Everybody grab a brick- one for each hand. I’ve seen this workout once before, but judging by the other faces they had not and wasn’t sure what they were more surprised by…the possibility that they’d have to carry these bricks the whole workout or what M4L meant by “No OYO.” As suspected, Midget instructed PAX to mosey with bricks in hand down Wescott Ridge. PAX stopped about halfway down among the trees lining what we refer to in Wescott as the ‘fairway.’

As a tribute to New Mexico, PAX performed a series of quick feet with bricks in hands. Recover on the mosey to Bells Walk (oh- if anyone puts the bricks down, 10 burpees with bricks for all PAX). At Bells Walk, M4L calls for a Indian Brick Walk with curls where the trailing PAX double times it to the front curling alongside group of 14 PAX who are also curling in single file. Made it to the end of the cul-de-sac for 31 Monkey Humpers with bricks (31 years since entering the US) . This was also in honor of one of our favorite Wescott residents, bless her heart. She is looking for a gently used Oboe, so if anyone knows a friend of a friend who has one let us know. A real Oboe…not you, Oboe. Really- not kidding.

After those were performed, M4L called for a faster paced Indian Run with bricks, except halfway down the street, Q ended up ‘dropping’ his bricks.. 10 burpees OYO all PAX. Continued to the end of Bells Walk and onto Dumbo’s house. How we were able to fit all 15 PAX in his driveway was beyond me, but we did and its unfortunate he did not have a Ring camera to capture this. There was mumblechatter as to the other cameras he has in his house, but we would need to wait for him to return from vacation to either confirm or deny.

Inside the driveway, all 15 PAX performed 31 tricep extensions , followed by 31 overhead presses. With arms already significantly torched, M4L now reveals the true meaning of the lesson behind the “No OYO” bricks. He instructed PAX to partner up. From here, one member of the unit would give their bricks to the partner, so one carries all 4 on the mosey, while the other stays with him for moral support. Do not leave your partner- He will need you.

Not sure Fram got that memo, even with 4 bricks, he was running a 5K pace and YHC was having trouble keeping up with him as he made his way up Wescott Ridge and down to the Palm City cul-de-sac where M4L used to live. At the cul-de-sac, M4L shared a story of what F3 means to him and specifically how PAX should never do life alone- hence the “No OYO” bricks. We all carry something and should never feel afraid to ask for help and lean on your brothers to help you through difficult times. A message that hit home with everyone that morning.

On the return, PAX mosey’d with their bricks again, making sure that each partner didn’t leave the other behind. At the top of the hill, M4L did a quick check of the lead PAX to ask where their partners were. If they were left behind, he instructed them to apologize for leaving them behind as a reminder that we are all accountable to ensure we are picking up the six.

Mary: Merkins on the “Bring Sally Down”- A tribute to “Gone in 60 Seconds” (67 seconds to be exact-the amount of time remaining in the workout)
Announcements: Q Swap coming in August; New AO- Something Awesome on Monday
T-Claps (Recognition): All PAX getting out there this morning. A great crowd, great workout, great message.
Prayer: Healthcare workers, Bondo’s new grandchild Piper. Continued health for families near and far.

Double D took us out!

Filter or Cowboy Style?

The air was thick down in the Teeter bowl this morning.  Cigarette butts were abundant among the parking spaces that were used just about all through the workout. Mumblechatter surrounded cigarette style preference, proper exercise form, slow bear crawlers, and the size of sweat stains. “Hey, can get that last drag?”  “You got menthol filter over there?” “Nah, this ones cowboy style.” “ How many merkins on these burpees?” These were only a few of the mumblechatter examples as we moved constantly throughout today’s AO.

EC: YHC, 187, and Aquaman. Why did we take the Wescott hill route.

FNG’s: None, but Bullseye is officially an FNG behind the wheel with his permit now!
Warm Up: Mosey around the lot a bit stopping for Good Mornings, Sir Fazio’s, Squatted Seal And Overhead Claps, Frankenstein’s, and Imperial Walkers.
The Workout: Bear Crawlers Choice as we laid down some tracks along the parking spaces. Each pax in a parking spot. First pax calls an AMRAP exercise and bear crawls to the end.  Continued this procedure for the whole workout. The only break in action was when we hit an island, we all jailbreaked to the end of the lot, moseyed back to our spots and continued. Did this twice. Lunge walked back the second time. All kinds of exercises were called. Merkins, Irkins, dirkins, dry dicks, squats, lunges, pistol squats (ouch!), Shoulder Taps, WW1s and 2’s, Pickle Pounders, H2M, LBC, LSF, Guantanamo’s, burpees, Star Jumps, absolutions, Peter Parker’s, Box Cutters, Boat Canoes, American Hammers, mountain climbers, Freddie Mercury’s, wine mixers, plank holds, side planks, and several more.  The pax altogether called out a solid workout!
Mary: During the Thang.
Announcements:  Mix it up, get to other AO’s this week.  Mulch continues. Q Swap at the end of August.
T-Claps (Recognition): Lots of sweat stains on the lot this morning.  Great work HIM’s!
Prayer: Military, first responders, teachers to have peace and service during uncertain times.

I discovered today we could not do this routine all the way to the end of the lot.  We got about 2/3. Thanks brothers for helping me learn new things each time I Q. Honored to lead.

The Ruck – 3 Mile

FNGs: None
Warm Up:  OYO
The Workout:  3 miles red loop and some extra strolls in the parking lot.  Midget and his Gal sighting (someone’s alarm did not go off). PAX carried 20-50 # depending on stupidity, I mean strength and will-power.
Mary:  No appearance but a ton a mumble chatter.
Announcements:  Mulch, future Rucks.  And for the record, do not ever piss off POTS!  He was on a roll today and a wee bit cantankerous.
T-Claps (Recognition):
Prayer:  Unspoken

 

This Ruck was the best morning ever to adjust Gross weight!!!

YHC talked to Breach about a food Ruck for Momas House of Thrift. Put it out on slack earlier in the week so you HIM could prepare. It was not disappointing this morning with 13 PAX for the Ruck and 3 for some miles. Arrived this morning to find at least 8 already packing the food into their back packs. M4life had a little extra pack for each one to hand off and carry along the route. 

FNG: None 

Warm UpThe RUCK 

The WorkoutAt 6:00 am we were off. Started the Ruck off with lots of mumblechatter. It was noted right off, that someone was already complaining about the weight of their pack. No name calling! After we hit the blue trail towards Breaches house he mentions, hey lets stop by my house. I said whats up? Nothing, I have a case of toilet paper we can pass around OTW. I was the first one to tote the box of paper. It was passed around for the first mile….until it was Breaches turn. He did carry it for a few feet before stopping and we regrouped. (Box of toilet paper no fun to carry.) We removed all the toilet paper and stuffed it into grocery bags and packs. This would have been the best morning ever, to adjust gross weight. Lots and Lots of TPBack on the route to Momas House. Still heard complaining about the weight a certain HIM pack. No Names! A little over 4 miles we arrived to drop off the food. We estimated it was over 400lbs of food. Way to step up and help out when in need!! We soon found ourselves getting refreshments and coffee at Dunkin. The Ruck back was a much faster pace! The total Ruck was around 8.5 miles.  Breach and I decided we did not need to lead. We walk to fast!

MaryNone 

AnnouncementsBass Lake mulch starts back Saturday M4life reminded to donate to the 4 families dealing with COVID and can not work.  

This is one of the best ways to get to know everyone. One minute you are walking and talking and the next you are near the middle or rear fellow shipping with another. Come out and join us next week. 

After much discussion when we returned we will make the food Ruck a monthly trek. More details to follow. 

T-Claps (Recognition) Pikachu, Cupid and Skidmark for getting some miles this morning. All the HIM’s for getting up and supporting this worthy cause to assist those in need. 2.0 Slaps LED’s son for joining us OTW back.  

PrayerContinued prayer for LED’s friend. Victims of COVID. Our Country. Others had unspoken. Those who carried to much weight this morning! 

It was an honor to leadSprinkler