Ode to Operation Gothic Serpent

Ode to Operation Gothic Serpent

After a strong message from a keynote speaker a week ago, YHC had it on his heart to relay the message, albeit in a much different way to the PAX.  Keni Thomas was a US Army Ranger in Operation Gothic Serpent, which was the mission in 1993 in Mogadishu depicted in the movie “Blackhawk Down.”  While he recounted stories of that horrible night where the USA lost 19 soldiers, he spoke of some tenets of leadership he learned.  Most importantly, “Leadership” is not about a title or a position but rather about stepping up with action right where you are at.

With that in mind, YHC wanted to honor Keni’s inspirational thoughts along with the 19 fallen soldiers during the workout.  A shovel flag was planted at COP as well as in the field where PAX would gather later.

WARMUP:

• Mosey around parking lot
• Disclaimer given about not being a professional and in fact, not planning on leading today
• Told PAX about impact that Keni Thomas’ words had and that we would be honoring the 19 fallen soldiers by doing 19 reps of all exercises
• YHC would select different PAX to call out and lead different exercises
• Jingles:  SSH x 19
• Johnny Utah:  Merkins x 19
• Doc McStuffins:  Plank Jack x 19
• The Grease Monkey:  LBC x 19
• Duck Dad:  Squats x 19
• Frack:  Carolina Dry Dock x 19

THE THANG

• Mosey to rock pile for a LIFTING rock
  • EDITOR’S NOTE:  Webster’s Dictionary defines “Lifting Rock” as:  A stone that is awkward to carry, uncomfortable to run with, and CANNOT be lifted with only one hand
• Most carried rocks to field; some Mecklenburg PAX stuffed their pepples in their pocket
• Circle up around the flag in middle of field and drop rocks
• 2 hot laps

SAPPY INTERMISSION

• Plank it up
• YHC cued up a song by Keni Thomas entitled “Not Me”
  • Click to watch “Not Me” video
• Various plank moves for 4 minutes during song
• For those who could concentrate during the muscle twitching, you heard some incredible and likely convicting words during the chorus
  • “The world becomes a better place
    When someone stands and leads the way
    Steps forward when they’d rather say not me”

BACK TO THE THANG

• 2 Hot Laps
• Bottlecap:  Hydraulic Thrusters x 19
• 1 Hot Laps
• Hollywood:  Curls IC x 19
• Rockwell:  Tricep extensions x 19
• 1 Hot Lap
• Das Boot:  Twist Lunges IC x 19
• Bratwurst:  Dead Lift
• 1 Hot Lap
• Moneyball:  Curl to Press x 19? x 5?  x small rocks x missing PAX
• 1 Hot Lap
• Replace rocks/Mary x 19 waiting for Six
• Cowboy-Indian run with Shovel Flag around parking lot to COT
• Amy Grants x 19
• Merkins x 19

MOLESKINE

• While YHC is well known for playing bad music, I will undoubtedly take some abuse/jabs for a different/sappy workout
• As many Qs state, “It is a pleasure to lead a great group of men” but I would also say it is great to BE led by a great group of men.  I always appreciate when PAX “step forward” whether it be as a Q at a workout, leading a Bible study/Book Club discussion, coaching one of my kids, volunteering at church, helping out at a school event, serving in your neighborhood, and on and on and on.  There are MANY times I say “Not me” waiting for others to step forward.  Keni Thomas, in his speech and specifically in his song, convict me to STEP FORWARD more often.  I hope it does the same for you as our community and this world needs more leaders like each of you.  Let’s go out and BE THE LIGHT and BE THE HANDS AND FEET!  Please hold me accountable!

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Frack’s favorite):

• Prayer Request:  Verity, Johnny Utah’s daughter, is having some imaging done