Author Archive Abacus

Easy Friday Morning

20 strong PAX gathered at Charlotte Catholic for the weekly edition of Centurion.  Few guys showed up extra early (Van Pelt, Purple Haze, Snowflake, maybe one or two more) as YHC arrived at 0520 and they were in the parking lot ready to go.  Rest of the crew made their way in prior to our 0530 start.  With no FNGs in the group, quick disclaimer was given and we headed out.

Warm up jog towards the front entrance of the school and crossed over Hwy 51 to the parking lot near the McD’s.  Circled up for COP:

  • SSH x 20 IC
  • IW x 20 IC (Chelms booed, but we all know that is one of his favorites)
  • Squat x 15 IC
  • Merkins x 15 IC
  • MC x 20 IC

Made our way across the parking lot to the lot in front of Honey Baked Ham for a few rounds of suicides (plank at end of each round to wait for the 6):

  • Plain old vanilla suicides with 5 stops across the lot
  • Add increasing merkins (1,2,3,…) for round 2
  • Replace the merkins with prisoner squats for round 3

Got the legs warmed up, so we headed to front patio back at the school for some circuit work:

  • Jump-ups/Step-ups x 10, Dips x 10, Incline Merkins x 10
  • Round of Mary as we waited for group to finish
  • Rinse & Repeat x 2

Next we headed back around the school to the front entrance and paired up for the next bit of work:

  • Partner 1 completed BTW wall walk while Partner 2 completed bear crawl up the ramp, 10 merkins and then ran back down the stairs
  • Flapjack
  • Rinse & Repeat

Just enough time to head over to the parking deck to finish things off.  Entered the deck at Level 1 and lined up for the Stack:

  • Run up the ramp, 5 merkins
  • Run back down, 5 merkins, 10 jump squats
  • Run up the ramp, 5 merkins, 10 jump squats, 15 LBCs
  • Run back down, 5 merkins, 10 jump squats, 15 LBCs, 20 donkey kicks
  • Plank it up and wait for the 6
  • Rinse and repeat back down the ladder (start with 5/10/15/20 reps of each and work way down to just 5 reps of merkins)

Make our way back to launch point

COT

NMM:

  • YHC received text message from Champagne asking if I could sub-Q while we were up in DC for a little family sightseeing.  Happy to oblige as we were due back in town Thursday afternoon/evening & this week’s workouts had consisted of walking around DC all week (covered a lot of ground, but it’s definitely not the same).  Hopefully, Champagne will be returning from IR soon.
  • PAX may have noticed Chelms is a wee bit competitive.  Always looking to get an early jump even as instructions are being given.  With young guns Thin Mint and Maverick flying around all morning, Chelms made sure to get an insurmountable jump on the PAX on the run back to the launch point.
  • Week in and Week out, strong group of Respects at Centurion.  Consistently have 4-5 out with us in the Gloom on Friday mornings.  And don’t expect to  find them at the back at the pack.
  • Purple Haze sounded a little disappointed we did not make our way over to Palentine after we had crossed Hwy 51 at the start.  Did not have it as part of the virtual weinke this morning, but will keep it in mind for next time I Q at Centurion.

Announcements:

  • Sign up for F3 Golf.  Tournament will be held Friday, 7/29, at Olde Sycamore Golf Club in Mint Hill.  Proceeds to benefit F3’s Leap Expansion.  More info, registration and sponsorship opportunities can be found here:  http://f3golf.com/
  • Centurion will be sponsoring a hole for the F3 Golf Tournament.  Hole sponsorship is $100.  See Chelms to make $1/$2/$5/$10 donation.  Any and all contributions are appreciated.
  • Last official Saturday for F3 Dads this weekend.  Sites held at Colonel Francis Beatty Park on Weddington Road and at the Bull Ring in Ballantyne.  All 2.0s, boys and girls, are welcome.  Ages typically run from 2-10 with some older (my 13 year old 2.0 has enjoyed it).  9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Let’s Make Block Soup

(Posted on behalf of O’Tannenbaum)

Hot and humid at Area 51, so it didn’t take much to get the soup cooking . . . 1st ingredient was 7 dedicated men and 1 dedicated 2.0

WARM UP:  Mosey to the field for 10 laps of running (150 yards per lap).  The first 3 laps had interjections of SSH x 25, Merkins x 25, and Mtn Climbers x 15

NEXT:  Mosey to the blocks for 2 minute plank.  Grab a cinder block and carry it over to the lower parking lot for these activities:

  • Military Press x 10
  • Triceps Extension x 10
  • Shuffle down & back
  • Complete 3 sets

Partner Up for 5 Merkins at each side and then Lunge Walk to end

Move down to lower field.  Partner 1 completes Box Jump Burpees using Blocks x 10, Partner 2 runs to end of lower field and back.  Flapjack (Complete 3 sets)

MOVE BLOCKS TO SHADE:  Grinder set of 10, Squats and Broad Jumps

Carry blocks back home with multiple stops along the way for Mary: LBCs, Bench/Block Press & Flutter Combo, and Plank

Mosey back to Upper Lot and wrap it up with 3 sets of 10 Pull-ups and 10 Dips

BOM

NMM:  PAX will have to add their comments to fill in the details

Coupon Day at McKee

With YHC arriving promptly at 0700, we had 5 PAX for the launch of Area 51 this a.m.  Thankfully, recently added co-site Q Huggie Bear arrived early and had planted the SF securely in the soggy soil.  Got lucky as the rain showers from the previous 24 hours had passed through.  Q did not feel like playing around in the mud/muck this a.m. so we kept it mostly on the hard surfaces.

All veterans so no need for the disclaimer.  Everyone knew basically what they were signed up for.  Headed out for a quick loop around the lower parking lot and circled up for COT:

  • IW x 20 IC
  • Squats x 15 IC
  • Plank Jacks x 20 IC
  • MC x 20 IC
  • Peter Parker x 15 IC
  • Parker Peter x 15 IC

Time to Mosey.  Soccer fields and school grounds were pretty well soaked.  Therefore, we headed over to the sidewalk alongside the soccer fields and made our way over to the rock pile.  YHC informed the PAX to pick a rock and plan on carrying for a while.  Think everyone choose wisely.  Head back to the lower parking lot for Suicide Ladder with the Rocks:

  • 5 curls w/ rock, run suicide to 1st light pole (sans rock)
  • 10 curls w/ rock, run suicide to 2nd light pole (sans rock)
  • 15 curls w/ rock, run suicide to 3rd light pole (sans rock)
  • Rinse & Repeat x 2 w/ Rock Presses and Goblet Squats

Collect your coupon and head to back corner of school near tables.  Time for 1st round of circuit work:

  • 10 Dips, 10 Incline Merkins, 10 Donkey Kicks, Lunge Walk the length of the sidewalk along the back of the school
  • Rinse & Repeat w/ 15 reps and replace Lunge Walk with Backwards Lunge Walk
  • Rinse & Repeat w/ 20 reps and replace Backwards Lunge Walk w/ Broad Jump

Collect your coupon and we were off for another jog around the back of the school to the front wall near the bus parking lot.  Here we completed the following:

  • PC x 60 sec while holding the rock (work in 20 rock presses)
  • BTW x 30 sec
  • PC x 60 sec while holding the rock (hold the rock straight out front for 15-20 secs)
  • BTW x 30 sec
  • PC x 60 sec while holding the rock (work in 20 rock presses)
  • BTW x 30 sec

That was all fine and dandy, but time to work in some more running.  Take your coupon and head over to the track.  Time to hit the arms, legs and abs.

  • Rock Curls x 10, Goblet Squats x 10, American Hammer w/ Rock x 10, leave your rock and run a lap (Regular run for the straightaways, Karaoke from corner to corner at both ends of track)
  • Rinse & Repeat (Replace Karaoke w/ Backwards Run)
  • Rinse & Repeat (Replace Backwards Run with Shuffle)

Make the long return and drop off your coupons for another day.  Head back to the front playground for another round of circuit work:

  • 10 Pull-ups
  • 20 Step-ups
  • 20 Decline Merkins
  • Rinse & Repeat

Few minutes left, just enough time to circle up for Ab work from standing position (Perform each called Ab Exercise for 45 secs, then 10 sec recovery):

  • Full Walk Down/Out (From standing position, bend down & touch the ground and then walk your hands out to past the plank position.  Then walk it back up to standing position)
  • 1 Legged Crunch (Standing on one leg, raise other leg straight out while completing a crunch w/ hands over head)
  • Back to the Full Walk Down/Out
  • 1 Legged Crunch w/ other leg
  • Side Oblique Crunch Right (Lower down into side lunge. Perform Oblique Crunch to side PAX has lunged)
  • Side Obique Crunch Left
  • And wrap it up with 10 Burpees

COT

NMM:

  • Time for confession.  After almost 4 years posting w/ F3, not quite as excited about posting in the adverse conditions as when I first started.  Glad the rain passed on through and made a conscious effort to stay out of the mud.  Still got in some good work and I think all the PAX approved.
  • O’Tannenbaum, Lobster Roll, & Croissant led the way on the suicide ladder.  With the warmer temps and the new 2.0 getting on a good schedule, Croissant is becoming quite the regular at Area 51 on Saturdays.  Now we just need to prod Cold Cuts & Picasso to get back out there with us.
  • May not have seemed like a ton of work with the rocks, but just carrying those around for the majority of the workout added a little something to the routine.
  • Tclaps to Huggie Bear on the progress he has made over the past year.  He’s become a regular at Fast Twitch on Tuesdays and at Devil’s Turn on Thursdays and recently stepped up to serve as co-site Q at Area 51.  His assistance is greatly appreciated.  And a good candidate for the BRR if he hasn’t already been recruited.
  • Thanks to OT for the take out.

Announcements:

  • Opportunity to get involved in Whetstone Project.  Whetstone Project pairs men together in traditional mentor/mentee relationships.  It is being launched in both Area 51 and SOB regions in upcoming weeks.  Regional Qs are Lex Luthor (lexowgray@gmail.com) for Area 51 and Mario (jlacivit@gmail.com) and Fire Hazard (Chip.testerman@gmail.com) for SOB.  More info on program can be found here:  http://f3nation.com/2015/11/06/isi-in-action-the-whetstone/
  • Area 51 will be converging at Day Zero next Saturday, 5/28, for special Memorial Day Weekend workout.  No workout at McKee Road Elementary site.
  • Service Opportunity at McKee Road Elementary site this Sunday, 5/22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m., as part of the Change the World Day. School, with assistance from Home Depot and St Francis United Methodist Church, is planning revitalization of NC Landmarks Playground at the back of the school and also the surrounding school grounds.  Good opportunity to give back at site that serves as host of two of the weekly workouts in Area 51.  You can just show up or sign up for a time slot on Sign-Up Genius:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d4fa4ac28abff2-mckee
  • Area 51 Q school has been announced for June.  Alf (Alan.Lochridge@gmail.com) is heading this up.  F3 relies on PAX to step up and lead.  If you have been posting for a while, time to step it up a notch and lead a workout.  Q School 101 will provide guidance and help you take that next step.
  • F3 Dads is ramping back up for the summer.  2 sites this year with Area 51 being held at Col Francis Beatty Park on Weddington Rd and SOB being held at the “Bull Ring” in Ballantyne.  SOBs start up 5/28 and Area 51 starts 6/4.  Preblast/details can be found here:  http://f3nation.com/2016/05/08/f3-dads-summer-of-sixteen-south-charlotte-ballantyne-sob-land/?utm_source=Pax&utm_campaign=f0ff35ff61-Weekly_Email_20160516&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e2070eb2f3-f0ff35ff61-53411637
  • Q calendar for Area 51 is wide open this summer, after next week’s convergence.  Pick a Saturday and lead the charge:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a4aaba62ea57-area
  • That is all.  As always, it’s an honor and a privilege to lead a workout and post out in the Gloom with a great group of men.

 

Complainer’s Paradise

(Posted on behalf of Floor Slapper)

Probably a 1st for Area 51.  Rumor has it that 10 PAX (1 FNG) + 2 (2FNGals) posted at Area 51 for another weekly edition of the region’s original workout.  Cannot confirm or deny, but have it on good word from an eyewitness that a co-ed workout make have taken place last weekend.  Core Principles of F3 are that the workouts are free of charge and open to all men.  Recent headlines regarding Charlotte local law and NC Government veto of said law may have left the Q and PAX in quandary.  However, Q carried on as if nothing was amiss and the PAX followed his lead.

Went something like this:

Warm-up:  Run to the soccer fields, 20 SSH at 1st light pole (let the grumbling begin – something about the lack of true circle), Run to the next light pole, 20 IWs, 20 MC, 20 Merkins, 20 Squats, Indian Run around the field.

The Thang:

  • Head to the rock pile for 20 curls, 20 Shoulder Presses, 20 Triceps Extensions, 20 Goblet Squats, Rinse & Repeat
  • Down to the Lower Field for 11s with Merkins and Jump Squats
  • 5 min Mary
  • Run back to playground
  • Circuit Work – 10 pull-ups, 20 incline merkins, 20 squats, Rinse & Repeat
  • Head to the track for 4 Corners (led by a Dookie none the less) – Loop around the track with stop in each corner for 10 of called exercise (Merkins, Jump Squats, Frog Kicks, Burpees).  Rinse & Repeat.
  • Head back to the Parking Lot for Suicides w/ 2 rounds of Sprints
  • Finished

COT – Welcomed new FNG and FNGettes & Q gracefully mentioned slightly better smelling and less vulgar option of FIA

NMM:

  • Will have to ask the PAX in attendance for recap as YHC was DR for 2.1’s horse show at Rowan County Saddle Club.
  • Some confusion as to whether the Q realized that there was something amiss with the PAX in attendance.  Either that or so taken aback that he acted like a true man and proceeded as if nothing was wrong or unusual (Not lost if haven’t run out of gas).
  • Apparently Pop Tart and Huggie Bear put forth a little extra effort to make sure they were not a part of the 6.  Guess that is one way to find some motivation.

 

“Darth Beaver” redefines “easy” for the Pax

(Posted on behalf of Beaver)

YHC tweeted out that Beaver and I would be co-Qs for Saturday morning work-out at Area 51 at McKee Rd Elementary.  However, when YHC arrived, Beaver waved me off and indicated he had a full Weinke planned and he would be taking the full 60 minutes.  No skin off my back as I was happy to let him lead and lead he did.  9 PAX (10th would join us at COP) gathered around Virtual Shovel Flag (VSF) as real one was at the beach with Huggie Bear, new co-site Q.  With clock striking 0700 hours, Beaver led us on quick loop around the lower parking lot and then circled us up for:

COP:

  • SSH x 20 IC
  • Merkins x 20 IC
  • IW x 30 IC
  • Plank Jacks x 20 IC
  • LSS x 25 IC
  • Diamonds x 10 OYO

The Thang:

Mosey to stumps –

  • Derkins x 20
  • Step ups x 20
  • Run to back of school
  • Donkey Kicks x 20
  • Repeato

Plank work at stumps

Woods run:

  • 20 dips and woods loop x 3
  • 20 Derkins and woods loop x 1 (you can thank Pop Tart for the extra loop)

Mosey to field:

  • Lunge walk
  • Bear crawl
  • Lunge walk
  • Crab walk
  • 50 LBCs oyo

Channeling Pop Tart:

  • Circle Merkin 5x5rx5lx5rx5lx5

Station work:  Partner up and alternate run and work out station at main entrance to school.  Partner 1 runs loop through the parking lot to other end of teacher lot and back while Partner 2 performs exercise at one of the stations set up.  When Partner 1 returns, flap jack.  Continue until each partner attempts each station.

  • 2×4 step ups (a.k.a. Sveto drill)
  • Milk pitcher pours
  • curls
  • press ups
  • Bosu steps
  • Playmate Cooler chin raises (not sure what to call this one)
  • Figure eight agility work

Run to other end of school and find a spot on the wall

Peoples Chair with presses x 60

Mary:

  • flutter x 25 IC
  • dolly x 25 IC
  • alternating LBCs x 25 IC
  • russian twist x 15 IC

15 Burpees (because a day without Burpees is like a day without sunshine).

 

Moleskin:

Beaver’s evil twin “Darth Beaver” showed up to apply the beat down and brought the Playmate cooler to add some additional pain.  For those PAX wondering what was in the cooler, it included:  a cat’s claw tool, wrenches, cement fixer and other secret ingredients.

Croissant has some homework Burpees to do and, in a surprising burst of agility, Pop Tart nailed the figure eight work.  Impressive.

Great work by all PAX.

 

Beaver

 

Slaying the Beast

Cantore forecast a bit of rain for the morning.  One site Q was DR in Chitown for work and the other site Q was MIA.  YHC agreed to Q at Dromedary and 10 other strong UC men elected to join me at Marvin Ridge Middle/High School campus.  Tweeted that we would stay on the solid surfaces and mostly kept that promise other than one slight detour.  Think everyone made it through unscathed.

As the clock struck 0530 hours, we headed off for a nice little warm-up jog around the high school.  Started off with 10 PAX and Doc wheeled in as we were making our way in front of the high school.  It was one of the few times Doc was in the 6.  We managed to work in some high knees and butt kickers before circling up at the back entrance to the campus for COP:

  • SSH x 25 IC
  • IW x 25 IC
  • Squats x 20 IC
  • MC x 20 IC
  • Peter Parker x 20 IC

Time to get the main event started.  Made our way down the driveway behind the school and stopped at the Tennis courts.  As I was picking up my 2.0 from school earlier this week I noticed how there were 4 No Parking signs lining the back driveway, spaced evenly apart.  Perfect setup for the running of the Beast.  Instructions were provided for the 6 rounds, with 6 stops each round with 6 reps of a called exercise at each stop.

  • Round 1 – Squats
  • Round 2 – LBC (Yes the pavement was a little wet, but no you are not going to melt)
  • Round 3 – Merkins
  • Round 4 – Jump Squats
  • Round 5 – ‘Merican Hammer/Russian Twist
  • Round 6 – Burpees (Wouldn’t be the Beast w/out finishing it off w/ Burpees)

We added in some plank work for the early finishers to gather the PAX after each round.

With that behind us, we headed over to the patio outside the cafeteria of the Middle School.  Gathered around the benches for some circuit work, as follows:

  • Jump Ups/Step Ups x 10
  • Dips x 15
  • Derkins x 15
  • Rinse & Repeat
  • PC x 75 secs (incl Arms out front & Air Presses x 30)
  • Another round of Jump Ups/Step Ups, Dips & Derkins
  • PC x 75 secs (incl each foot up & then forward Air Presses x 30)

Headed back towards the launch point before gathering in one of the vast Student parking lots.  Lined up on one side of the lot for the Stack, which consisted of the following:

  • Run across the parking lot, 5 Merkins
  • Run back, 5 Merkins, 10 Squats
  • Plank to gather the 6
  • Run across the parking lot, 5 Merkins, 10 Squats, 15 LBCs
  • Run back, 5 Merkins, 10 Squats, 15 LBCs, 20 Sister Mary Catherines

Clock was flashing 0615 hours, so we headed back to the cars

COT

NMM:

  • Great group of guys continue to post regularly at Dromedary.  Weather does not seem to be a deterrent.  Heavy rain held off for us this morning.  And 10 min or so into a workout rain does not tend to matter anyway.
  • Turtle made strong push during 1st round of the Beast to finish ahead of Doc McStuffins.  Both guys were pushing it at a strong pace.  Turtle couldn’t sustain it during the later rounds, but as he indicated he likes to pick his spots to push the pace.  Transporter & Enron stayed up front with Doc as well to keep him honest.  Almost looked like NASCAR out there with the leaders swapping paint.
  • Transporter dealing with a bad hip, but still managed to find another gear.  Hope it is nothing too serious.
  • After the Beast, YHC led the PAX towards the other side of the Middle School.  Made an early turn towards the bus parking lot and we were off the sidewalk and had to make our way across some soft ground.  Fortunately no one bit the dust as we carefully crossed to the parking lot.
  • Strong efforts from Frack, Posse, Moneyball, Grease Monkey, Popeye, & Dirty Bird throughout the workout.  Each kept grinding as we made our way around the campus.

Announcements:

Staying Afloat in the Bermuda Triangle

With Bratwurst, one of the venerable Co-Site Q’s, rolling in at 0530ish, we had strong group of 14 PAX at Dromedary this morning.  Brat raised the SF and then joined us for COP, after we had made a quick loop around the student parking lot.  Round 1 of COP consisted of the following:

  • SSH x 20 IC
  • IW x 20 IC
  • Squat x 15 IC

With that, we gathered up the troops and took a stroll around the high school and made our way to the traffic circle near the entrance.  Circled up for round 2 of COP for the following (after letting the school staffer, who showed up extra early for school, by):

  • Merkins x 15 IC
  • MC x 20 IC
  • Peter Parker x 20 IC

Now that everyone had had a chance to loosen up and shake the legs out a bit, time for a cruise around/through the Bermuda Triangle.  First round through we kept the PAX together so everyone could get the lay of the land.  Started with 20 Incline Merkins on the curb.  Ran to the far end of the soccer field.  Completed 20 LBCs.  Made our way over to the benches by the tennis courts.  Completed 20 Step-ups and 20 Dips.  Then we headed back to the starting point.

Time to head off for something else??  Not quite.  Now that everyone had a feel for the course, instructions were given to complete as many trips around the loop until the Q called time.  PAX made 3 or 4 additional trips around before YHC called time.  It was definitely a grind and each PAX had the opportunity to push themselves as hard as they wanted.  No score kept and it was really you vs you.

At the end of the final loop, we Planked up and waited for everyone to make their way over to the benches.  Mixed in a little RHH/RLH and then LHH/LLH before we headed over to the Middle School patio.

Everyone found a place on the wall and we completed the following:

  • PC x 60-75 secs (w/ 30 arm raises mixed in)

Now that everyone had had a chance to catch their breath, it was time for a little stationery circuit work:

  • Jump-ups x 10/15 (first call was for 10, may have said 15 on follow up instructions)
  • 15 Dips
  • 15 CDD
  • Rinse & repeat x 2

About 6-7 minutes left on the clock, so we circled up for some Mary:

  • Dolly x 20 IC, hold’em 6 in (10 count from Doc)
  • Flutter x 20 IC, hold’em 6 in (10 count from Bratwurst)
  • Rosalita x 20 IC
  • LBC x 30 IC
  • Russian Twist/American Hammer x 15 IC

Head back to launch point, avoiding the departing buses and gas fumes as we crossed the parking lot.  1 min left as we arrive back, so 10 Burpees OYO (I hate burpees, but they’re good for you)

COT

NMM:

  • With the vast AO we have at Dromedary thought it would be a good location for the Bermuda Triangle.  As Bratwurst mentioned, it is a grind.  Allows you to push yourself as hard or little as you want.  However, with PAX around you powering through the reps, really gives you the incentive to go as hard as you can.
  • Speaking of powering through the reps, Doc McStuffins is a beast.  Led the pack throughout and was pushing it hard.  YHC tried to keep up with him for the first few rounds, but he was like the Energizer Bunny and just kept going and going. . . .
  • Solid work put in by all the PAX.  Strong group coming out regularly in Union County.

Announcements:

  • Informal running group meeting on Sunday mornings.  Look for announcements on Twitter (@F3Area51, @F3Run51) or the Area 51 App, found here:    http://f3area51.apphb.com/?utm_source=Pax&utm_campaign=dba6534ab4-Weekly_Email_20160201&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e2070eb2f3-dba6534ab4-53411637  6:00 am and 7:00 am options.  8 min pace for 6:00 group and No Drop group at 7:00 (10 or 11 min pace).  This Sunday group will meet at Starbucks at Rea Rd and Tom Short.
  • Opportunity to volunteer with kids at Alexander Youth Network this Saturday, 2/6/16, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. Contact Joker, Shawn.Heath@duke-energy.com, for more information or to sign up.
  • Apologize for the missing PAX.  Add your F3 name in the Comments and I will get you added for your proper credit.

 

 

Off the Grid for a 2nd time, 1st for a Few

YHC tweeted out not to be late as we could be headed off campus, way off campus, for this week’s edition of the oldest workout in Charlotte South, Area 51.  Wanted to make sure OT and Floor Slapper had ample warning so that they would not have to send out a search party to find us or wander aimlessly looking for us, like OT had to do the first time we made the trek I had in store.  Apparently those 2 had better options this week.  Joker came in hot on 2 wheels in the Honda Civic just as we were heading out and gave us a lucky 7th PAX member for the morning.

SF was planted and we were off.  Led the troops down to the bus parking lot and we started off with a few down and backs to get the legs warmed up.  Completed the following:

  • Run down at 50% or so to 2nd bball goal
  • High Knees back
  • Karaoke to the left
  • Karaoke to the right
  • Backwards run
  • AYG back to the start (Probably more like 75% as crew was not ready to open it up just yet)

Head back to the teacher parking lot for the proper COP (order in the universe is restored):

  • SSH x 20 IC
  • IW x 20 IC
  • Squats x 15 IC
  • MC x 20 IC
  • Peter Parker x 20 IC

Now that everyone had had a chance to warm up and get the kinks worked out, unveiled the destination for the next part of the workout.  Plan was to head down McKee Rd to the Promenade on Providence.  YHC had taken the PAX down to this destination once before, but a few of the PAX in attendance had not been there that day.  Direction was provided to head down McKee Rd until the leaders reached the Fire Station.  Once there, turn around and run back to the 6 and everyone continue to the station.  Not sure I communicated this clearly as the rabbits out front waited at the fire station for us to arrive.  Not a problem as the 6 was not too far behind.

Completed a few exercises here (May have been some Merkins, possibly some Prisoner Squats, maybe one more).  Then we continued the trek down McKee Rd.  Made our way to the stoplight at the corner of McKee and Providence and planked to wait for the 6.  Completed some CDD and one or two other exercises.

Made our way across Providence (of course we waited for the walk signal as any good law abiding citizen should) and headed over to the Green (Nice lawn area w/ Fountain) in the center of Promenade on Providence.  Here we completed a little circuit work as follows:

  • Dips x 20
  • Decline Merkins x 20
  • Step-ups x 20
  • Run a lap around the Green
  • Rinse & repeat x 2

With that out of the way, had the Pax line up on the sidewalk and then we continued with the following:

  • Bear crawl to the other sidewalk
  • Crab walk back
  • Broad jump to the other sidewalk
  • Lunge walk (?) back

Had a little over a mile to get back to the AO, so had to call off the fun at this point.  We headed back up McKee Rd and made our way back to the school with a couple stops along the way for a few additional reps.

Made one last stop at the rock pile on the way in for some strength work:

  • Rock curls x 15 IC
  • Rock Presses x 15 IC
  • Goblet Squats x 15 IC
  • Rinse & repeat

Drop the rocks and head back to the parking lot for COT

NMM:

  • This was the 2nd time we made a trek down McKee Rd to Promenade on Providence.  It a bit over 2 miles round trip.  On our initial visit a while back, O’Tannenbaum arrived a few (several) minutes late and spent the next 45 minutes on a search & rescue mission looking for us.  Tried to make sure we had all the PAX rounded up this time before we ventured out.
  • The PAX were in a little in shock when we began the workout with the parking lot work.  Slapshot questioned whether this had been approved by corporate, but Joker did not raise any red flags.
  • Speaking of Joker, not sure what he had for dinner the night before, but he was crop dusting as we left the fire station.  Probably put a little pep in everyone’s step as we quickly dispersed from there.
  • Great to have Huggie Bear back out with us in the Saturday gloom.  He’s been a bit under the weather lately and has not been able to post at Area 51 like he normally does.

Announcements:

  • Area 51 looking to start a Tutoring Program with South Charlotte Middle School.  Look for more details to be announced in weekly e-mail.
  • Joker looking for PAX to volunteer at Alexander Youth Network on Saturday, 2/6/16, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.  E-mail him at Shawn.Heath@duke-energy.com if interested in helping out.
  • Sign-up to Q at Area 51 is available on SignUpGenius.com.  Link can be found here:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a4aaba62ea57-area

Who Needs Uber when Lobster Roll is at the Wheel

(Posted on behalf of Lobster Roll)

Outlook for Area 51 was a bit questionable last Friday after Winter Storm 2016 had hit the Charlotte region.  Gave Lobster the call as to whether we would hold the workout and left it up to him to decide. Lobster Roll responded on Friday evening with “All Go” as Joker had made the HC to join him.  Come Saturday morning, Turkey Leg signed on as well and all 3 loaded into Lobsta’s 4-wheel drive vehicle for the trek over to McKee Rd Elementary where they arrived safely at the AO.

With no other PAX in sight, the 3 took a minute for a quick stretch and then headed off into the frozen tundra.

1/4 mile jog – Grab a cinder block on the way.

  • SSH x 25 IC
  • IW x 25 IC
  • Squats x 25 IC

1/4 mile jog

Round 1 of Block work:

  • Shoulder press x 20 IC
  • 5 Merkins
  • Tricep Ext x 20 IC
  • 5 Merkins
  • Curls x 20 IC
  • 5 Merkins

1/4 mile jog & 10 Pull-ups

Round 2 of Block work:

  • Shoulder press x 15 IC
  • 10 Merkins
  • Tricep Ext x 15 IC
  • 10 Merkins
  • Curls x 15 IC
  • 10 Merkins

1/4 mile jog & 8 Pull-ups

Round 3 of Block work:

  • Shoulder press x 10 IC
  • 15 Merkins
  • Tricep Ext x 10 IC
  • 15 Merkins
  • Curls x 10 IC
  • 15 Merkins

1/4 mile jog & 6 Pull-ups

Round 4 of Block work:

  • Shoulder press x 5 IC
  • 20 Merkins
  • Tricep Ext x 5 IC
  • 20 Merkins
  • Curls x 5 IC
  • 20 Merkins

1/4 mile jog & 4 Pull-ups

Return the Blocks

Jog to front covered (dry) area in front of school

  • 2 min PC
  • 25 Monkey Humpers
  • 15 Jump Squats
  • 10 LBCs IC
  • 10 Flutter IC
  • 10 Dolly IC
  • 10 Mason Twist IC
  • 20 Donkey Kicks
  • 2 min PC
  • 25 Monkey Humpers
  • 15 Jump Squats
  • 10 Bicycle IC
  • 10 Back Scratcher IC
  • 10 Rosalita IC
  • 10 Left over Right Crunch IC
  • 10 Right over Left Crunch IC
  • 20 Donkey Kicks

 

  •  2 min PC
  • 25 Monkey Humpers
  • 15 Jump Squats

10 Burpees Every Minute for 5 Minutes

That’s a wrap.  Time to pile back in Lobsta’s Uber ride and go thaw out.

Kicking off 2016 with a bang

After kicking off 2016 with the F3 5th year anniversary workout at AG on Friday it was time to get Area 51 started off on the right foot for the new year with a solid beatdown at McKee Road Elementary.  SF was planted in the soil and the PAX gathered in the more seasonal temps than the wet, mild weather we have been experiencing the last few weeks.  YHC was glad to have a little more winter like weather.

As the clock struck 0700 hours we headed out on a slow mosey around the school parking lot and circled back to the launch point to pick up O’Tannenbaum as he rolled in at his customary 0701 hours.  Circled up at the launch point for COP and were soon joined by Floor Slapper as he rolled in later than is customary for even him.  Completed the following:

  • SSH x 20 IC
  • IW x 20 IC
  • Squats x 20 IC
  • Merkins x 15 IC
  • MC x 20 IC
  • Parker Peter x 15 IC

After getting a proper warm-up out of the way, we made our way over to the rock pile to pick up a coupon and then strolled back over to the lower parking lot for some circuit work, as follows:

  • Rock Curls, Rock Presses & Goblet Squats x 15 IC
  • Run to the other end of parking lot w/ your rock
  • Rock Curls, Rock Presses & Goblet Squats x 10 IC
  • Set coupon down and run back across the parking lot & return
  • Rock Curls, Rock Presses & Goblet Squats x 5 IC
  • Karaoke across the parking lot and run back
  • Rock Curls, Rock Presses & Goblet Squats x 5 IC
  • Karaoke facing other direction across the lot and run back
  • Rock Curls, Rock Presses & Goblet Squats x 10 IC
  • Run back to the starting point with your rock
  • Rock Curls, Rock Presses & Goblet Squats x 15 IC
  • Take coupons back to the rock pile & return them to their resting spot

Mosey over to the side of the school building for PC

  • PC x 75 sec w/ 40 air presses
  • Lunge walk out to the bushes
  • PC x 75 sec w/ Right Foot Up & then Left Foot Up
  • Lunge walk out to bushes

Jog over to the NC Landmarks playground area for some more circuit work:

  • Jump Ups or Step Ups x 10, Decline Merkins x 10, Dips x 15
  • Rinse & Repeat x 2

Line up on service road behind school for an Indian Run around the back of the school and over to the track.  Time for a little 4 Corners.  Pax completes lap around the track stopping in each of the 4 Corners for the called exercise.

  • Lap 1 – CDD, Squat Jumps, Dolly and Wide-Arm Merkins
  • Lap 2 – Sister Mary Catherines, LBC, Hand Release Merkins and Lunges
  • Lap 3 – Flutter, Burpees, Prisoner Squats and Russian Twists

After wrapping up the 3rd lap we headed back to the launch point for 3 rounds of Suicide Ladder:

  • Merkins x 5, 10, 15
  • Jumping Lunges x 5, 10, 15
  • LBCs x 5, 10, 15

COT

NMM:

  • Missing a few of the regulars with the end of the holiday week.  Still had a sold group with a visit from Coal Miner’s Daughter and his 2.0, Smalls, as well as a visit from Back Office (a regular at The Matrix on Monday but often not able to post on Saturday).  Good to have all 3 of you join us this week.
  • O’Tannenbaum and Cold Cuts pushed the pace on the Suicide Ladder along with Back Office and Floor Slapper.  Good way to wrap up the workout to push all of us to finish strong.
  • Great showing from Smalls.  Coached him on my U10 basketball team a year ago and he put in some solid work throughout the workout.

Announcements:

  • Joe Davis Memorial Resolution Run scheduled for next Saturday, 1/9/16, at Walter Elisha Park in Fort Mill.  5k, 10k, and Fun Run options.  Sign up information can be found here:  http://joedavisrun.racesonline.com/register
  • New Saturday workout, da Vinci, starting 01/16/2016 in Blakeney.  Workout will be held at 0700 hours.  Tuck and Mic Check will be site Qs.
  • Qs scheduled for the next 3 weeks at Area 51.  Schedule opens up after that.  See below for SignUpGenius link to sign up to Q.   http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a4aaba62ea57-area