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Posted on behalf of the Social-Medialess Yeti

Perfect gloom on Friday the 13th as 5 consistent and seasoned veterans Joust gathered for this week’s downpainment courtesy of Yeti. Thankfully the magic box was closed but here’s what went down:

SSH x 15 IC (Gummy and Hops – YHC actually did these since the PAX was small in number)

IW x 15 IC

Mosey to the plush Charlotte Christian track

45 seconds each of 3 called exercises in succession (Freddy Mercury, Flutter, and LBCs.  Repeat in reverse (LBCs, Flutter, Freddy Mercury)

Partner up for some track work.

Partners run in opposite directions around the track and meet on the other side for 14 fakey handslap merkins.  Repeat for 4 rounds or 2 full laps.

Recover with another round of 45 second abs in succession (Freddy Mercury, Flutter, and LBCs

Partners run in opposite directions around the track and meet on the other side for plank-n-hops. Partner 1 holds plank, Partner 2 does side hops over legs of Partner 1. After 10 hops, Partner 1 drops to 6”, Partner 2 does 10 more hops. Repeat for 4 rounds or 2 full laps.

History lesson time as Yeti tossed out some knowledge about the discovery of Uranus in the 1700s and Pluto (is it a star or a planet).  YHC was not paying super-close attention but the correlation was the number 17 for Uranus, 9 for Pluto. PAX lined up abreast on the sideline.

17 Monkey Humpers

17 CCDs

17 dips

9 Burpee Broad Jumps

9 Manmakers

Bear Crawl the remaining length to the other sideline (#crowdpleaser)

Line up on the 50 and reassemble the partners.

Partner 1 does an inchworm towards the goal line. Partner 2 runs to the goal line and back to Partner 1.

Flapjack to the 5-yard line, then both partners finish with the inchworm.

Same format from the goal line to the 50, exercise was the Lunge Walk.

Mosey back to the track for some stairs.

Partner 1 snakes up and down through the bleachers, stops for 5 pull-ups at the top, then returns back to the track.

Partner 2 does called exercise.

2 rounds – 1) People’s Chair with Air Presses, 2) Dips

Mosey back to the launch for COT

Moleskin:

Smokey was sorely disappointed that the frisbee would stay in the trunk today.

There was lots of banter at the start about our different shopping lists (Slumdog was the winner here with diapers, ribeye steaks and wine), sold out TP, cancelled trips, extended school breaks, etc.

Yeti definitely brought the pain with a well thought out plan that kept the PAX moving the entire 45 minutes and it was great to get out and sweat a little.

Smokey, Yeti and Red Card were the leaders in the clubhouse for all events.  YHC and Slumdog wisely partnered up and kept a solid pace for the duration.

Not so much mumblechatter during the workout (too much heavy breathing) and truly a great way to start the weekend.

Announcements:  be leaders in the community by spreading encouragement and service, versus fear.

Thanks to Yeti for the Q and Slumdog for the strong closing prayer.

Do we need gloves?

5 of Area 51’s most seasoned PAX gathered in the gloom for the 2020 kick-off to the Joust season.  Not 2 minutes in and the questions about the next day of Ultimate had begun.  YHC deflected those questions (and plans) very quickly as we set off to tour the great campus that is Charlotte Christian.  Here’s what went down:

Mosey/Warm-up Lap in the upper parking lots, return to launch for COP:

  • IW x 15 IC
  • Squat x 15 IC
  • Mountain Climbers x 15 IC

Main event was a big lap around the campus, with some pain station stops along the way.  Starting at the launch, run down the parking lot, towards the field house and up the stairs to the press box.  From the press box, run up the hill to the playground.  From the playground run back down the hill, around Puddin’ Pop corner, then to the “Sally” ramp (the Joust regulars know what I’m talking about).  From the ramp, back around the buildings to the cafeteria entrance.

Laps 1 and 2: Press Box = 15 CDDs | Playground = 10 Pull=ups | Sally Ramp = Bear Crawl up | Cafeteria = 25 LBCs

Lap 3: Press Box = 20 Shoulder Taps | Playground = 10 Pulls-ups | Sally Ramp = Bear Crawl up | Cafeteria = 25 WW2 Sit-ups

Lap 4: Press Box = 15 Derkins | Playground = 10 Pulls-ups | Sally Ramp = Backwards Bear Crawl up | Cafeteria = 30 Alternating Crunches (are whatever those elbow-to-opposite knee crunches are called).

Mosey/Cool-down Lap in the lower parking lot, return to launch for COT.

Moleskin:

Excellent work put in by everyone today.  Stone Cold was questioning his need for gloves, to which YHC replied “our hands won’t touch the ground too much.”  Clearly a Q fail as we hit the sidewalks and playground bars pretty hard today.  Even without gloves, SC was hanging tough and killing it on those pull-ups.  Smokey is a cyborg… YHC only hopes to be that fit and that fast at the age of RESPECT.  Funky Cold came in hot but pushed hard all morning and was also out front on most of the running sections.  Slumdog, even with the hunger pangs of his new Keto diet, kept pace the entire morning.  3.3 miles in total.  Backwards bear crawls were by far the crowd favorite; we avoided Grandma (thankfully); and the PAX stayed relatively dry.

Prayers lifted for Peyton, an acquaintance of Smokey’s, for medical healing; and for the USA & Middle East turmoil.

Always an honor to lead at Joust.  Very much appreciate the PAX who posted to kick-off 2020.

You did this to yourself

A seasoned crew of 12 showed up this morning at Fast Twitch, even with the weather experts advising of heavy precipitation in Area 51.  Thankfully we avoided the predicted rain and after submitting a thorough and legally-binding disclaimer, headed out to Raintree.  Here’s what went down:

Mosey from the launch to the intersection of Raintree and Providence. Advised the PAX of the day’s plan – the Raintree 5K AMRAP.  Run the length of Raintree to Highway 51 and back.  Round trip is a 5K on the nose.  A simple yet challenging plan and as YHC’s high school soccer coach would say, it was “Gross but Effective”

Moleskin and Observations:

Although YHC and the entire PAX have spent countless mornings and evenings in that terribly hilly neighborhood, this morning seemed extra difficult.  The struggle was real for YHC and was well summarized by Purple Haze at the end of the first 1.6. He simply stated the obvious and advised YHC, “you did this to yourself.”

Round 1 – Purell jumped out front early a la Secretariat.  I think that guy is put together like the Million Dollar Man and simply does not get tired.  Alf, Turkey Leg, Enron, Joker and Prohibition were on Purell’s heels and moving at a very nice clip.  Gummy, Taco Stand, and Utah were also shot out of a cannon, and YHC kept seeing the blinkies and flashy vests getting farther and farther away.  Purple Haze and Retread were in cadence and putting in the work on the hills too.

Round 2 – more of the same order (although Purell may have been on round 3 or 4).  The second group had spread out a bit but were still killing it.  Gummy mentioned something about a promise to himself… perhaps making a deal to crush the first 5K and work on form for the second 5K.  Utah, Taco Stand, Retread and Purple Haze continued to chop wood. Circa 6:08, the PAX gathered back at the top of Raintree, then headed on back to the launch to harass Hawks Nest and Hopper’s National Nut Day Q.

Mileage varied from 5.5-ish to over 8.  No one got lost, no one got shushed, and no one got run-over.  Overall a solid, demoralizing run… typical for Fast Twitch.  And tclaps to Purell on coming back for YHC, after YHC went a little too far on the second out and back. #watchyourwatch

Thanks for the opportunity to lead this great group; and for the privilege to pray with the men of F3.

Announcements:

F3 Christmas Party in November – check Slack for details

Area 51 Coat Drive – bring to Fast Twitch and Hawks Nest, or any participating AO

As smooth as…

Even though most folks were recognizing a work break for Columbus Day, 8 men showed up and got better at The Matrix.
YHC had not been to this AO in a long time but still managed to find my way
there and Q a professional showing of Area51. Here’s what went down:

Mosey from the launch down McKee towards the Korean Church. Pit stop there for COP:

IW x 20 IC

Squats x 20 IC

Mountain Climber x 20 IC

 

Mosey further away to the
neighborhood on the right (do not recall the name) but they have a nice fountain in front of the clubhouse. Partner up. P1 runs around the hood and
back, P2 does called exercise:

LBC

Lunges

Derkins

Dips

Incline Merkins

 

Wait for the departing car and mosey back towards the launch. A quick stop on Fred Gutt Drive for a little more interval work. Start at the beginning of the street and run towards the end. 15 merkins at each intersection; return trip had 15 squats at each intersection. 25 LBCs OYO to finish off Fred Gutt.

 

Mosey back to the school and grab some wall for People’s Chair:

50 Air Presses and Recover

People’s Chair round 2, while the PAX showed off perfect form with 5 burpees each #crowdpleaser

 

Mosey to the Rock Pile and find a snake-free rock:

25 Shoulder Presses

25 Curls

25 Squats

Continue the pattern with 15, 10 and 5

 

Mosey back to the launch for 20 Flutters IC.

 

Done.

 

Moleskinny:

Great group of vets this morning and the mumblechatter courtesy of McGee started early as we compared emissions discrepancies between big trucks, SUVs and itty-bitty hybrids. The first (and perhaps only) Q fail was referencing Squid’s birthname during the disclaimer; but this group is
well versed, so we took off into the gloom. The mosey out was a challenge as YHC had a little too much Q juice and we looked to ID the sidewalk dip that took out McGee and Taco Stand a few weeks back. Searching hard and talking about the potential spill zone when BAM, we were there. Thankfully no casualties of falls but that is a dangerous spot.

Into the Korean Church property for COP and most of the chatter revolved around the nice, new parking lot. Squid compared it to a clean-shaven face. There may have been some other thoughts there too… and we all agreed that it would be a good spot for future Matrix groups (think bear crawls)

The partner work at the fountain started when out of the gloom, OT appeared and remained with us for the workout. Not sure how he found us but glad to have him with the PAX.

Fred Gutt Drive was an interesting experience and we hoped to avoid being shushed by the neighbors, a la Fast Twitch last week. We successfully completed the challenge and crept up on a weird exchange of some sort of the end of the road. Pretty early to see idling cars and what appeared to be a Mom picking up a kid from said car and walking into the house. She did pose a question to the PAX but YHC was unable to hear.

Back to the school for lively chatter during People’s Chair. Not a soul was counting on the air presses, but the burpees were a hit as we attempted to determine the best and worst of the forms on display. Not sure anyone won that competition.

Rock work was quiet yet effective, and Squid may have the best curl form in all of Area51.

Closed out with a quick flutter to end things as Gummy pointed out we started late so no extra time for YHC (maybe the second Q fail).

Good group of men this morning. Much respect to OT, Cage and Hot Yoga. Gummy, Way and Squid were killing it. McGee was out front most of the day and YHC was only trying to keep up.

 

Appreciate the opportunity to lead and pray with these men.

 

Announcements: Don’t forget the Area51 coat drive. Bring those unused coats to an AO near you.

Back to Basics

13 men showed up for this morning’s edition of Joust. Some expected ultimate but others knew it was time to get back to basics.

Mosey from the launch and around the track, COP in the center of the field:

IW x15 IC

Squats x 15 IC

5 Burpees OYO

Mountain Climbers x 15 IC

5 Burpees OYO

Mosey to the top of the bleachers to check out the excellent new CC playground equipment (you can’t hide money). Partner up.

Partner 1 runs to the blue door while Partner 2 performs called exercise and flapjack. 3x through Pull-ups, LBCs and Dips

Mosey back down to the track and around the loop to visit Grandma. 7s with squats at the top and merkins at the bottom. 2x through the speed ladder/high knee apparatus at the bottom of Grandma to show off our mad foot skills.

Mosey back around the track, find some wall at the bottom of the bleachers. People’s chair while the watching (critiquing) the PAX perform 5 burpees OYO.

Snake up/down, up/down, up/down the bleachers then at the bottom, 20 step-ups each leg, 10 derkins.

Mosey back to the launch and end with 5 burpees OYO

Moleskinny:

A veteran group of Joust regulars and a few new faces took the plunge this AM. Many were disappointed the LED frisbee was not in play for another round of ultimate (although Stone Cold brought several just in case) but we persevered. YHC even considered an audible midway through Grandma’s 7s to move back to the field and fire up ultimate as it has been a long time since the PAX visited that terrible relative. Limited mumblechatter due to all the heavy breathing but lots of hard work put in by everyone. It was awesome to get back into bootcamp mode at the AO that started it all for YHC. Appreciate the opportunity to lead and pray with this group of men.

Keep the BRR teams in your prayers. Good luck to all runners!

No permission slip needed

17 men decided to celebrate the end of the school year with some hard work at Joust, and also avoided a little field trip to a local favorite. Here’s how the events transpired:

COP:

Run a few laps in the upper parking lot and pick-up the late arrivals

IW x 15 IC

Squat x15 IC

SS x 15 IC

The Thang:

Mosey to lower parking lot to find an assortment of coupons with each PAX grabbing a labeled pain station for some circuit work.

Tractor Tire Flips, Battle Rope Waves, Shoulder Presses, Curls, Squats, Chicken Wings, Tebows, American Hammer, WWI Sit-ups, Super-Flies, Merkins, Burpees, Lateral Bear Crawls, Gorrillaz, Lunges

One runner was the timer to the end of the lot and back, rotate clockwise, 2 rounds. Smoked.

Moleskin:

This was a repeat of sorts for a sub-20 degree workout by YHC back in December with much better temperatures this time around. The Battle Rope, Gorrillaz, Tire Flips and WWI Sit-ups were favorites and there was plenty of Mumble Chatter throughout the morning. Comments on the purple dumbbells and if they glow in the dark (no). Questions on how one can do an exercise if it is spelled incorrectly (gorrillaz). Pure jealously over YHC’s mini-speed-cones (Stone Cold’s favorite). Wondering if YHC had all that stuff at his house (yes).

And the PAX truly did avoid a visit to Horsey-McHorseArse as YHC had planned a field trip to introduce that torture to the men of Joust. However a solid pre-run by Semi-Gloss and Stone Cold on that very route saved the day and YHC decided to audible for some parking lot laps instead. Excellent work by all with lots of effort put forth on the pain stations. Great to see the usual suspects out there and to also see Chin Music has been released from IR. Nice to have Entourage and Heartbreak (site FNGs) join us and thanks to Skywalker for the solid take-out. Sound off in the comments if I missed anything. It is always an honor to Q where F3 all started for YHC.

Announcements:

F3 Dads each Saturday in June – Area51 9:00 – 9:45 Francis Betty Park

Speed for Need Donations. Check Slack or Twitter for information

Convergence with Kevlar June 23rd