12PAX and 16 2.0s (at least to start), left the city life behind and went west, found a little rain, no cell service, and perhaps one serial killer.
THE THANG:
Roll in on Friday, set up tents, communal area, figure out who is camping where, and get a fire started. The rain moved thru about 1pm and soaked everything for several hours. It did not dissuade the PAX from pushing forward (we had already paid for the campsites and the food) and by late afternoon the rain subsided, most PAX arrived, and the 2.0s were already running around the campsite.
Little did we know that on the way to God’s Country, a wrong turn was taken at a Lowe’s and a new name for one of the PAX was being born.
Upon his arrival, Chuck Wagon FKA Zinfandel, unloaded the food, then promptly informed us that one of his 2.0s did not fare too well and got sick on the ride up. Nonetheless, the promise of good times and sugar was the antidote for a quick recovery. So as the night wore on, with beer and Doritos consumed with reckless abandon, all seemed well…..
As daylight broke, Chastian’s truck was mysteriously parked in Chuck Wagon’s parking space, CW’s tent was gone, his minivan was parked in a different spot, and one stained covered sleeping mat was laying on the ground. As I walked closer to investigate, the minivan started and off it went, into the fog, never to be seen again. Upon closer examination of the crime scene, the stain on the sleeping mat was Dorito’s red, and one could easy surmise that we were down 1 PAX and three 2.0s for the remainder of the trip.
Chastain, as our Nantan, stepped up and took over the food duties. However, he quickly discovered, much to our chagrin, that Chuck Wagon stole the mac and cheese that was planned for dinner. We had 2 options, goto the FoodLion that was 10 minutes away and buy some, or gut it out. We chose the latter.
Saturday morning it was hiking trails for some while others decided to go kayaking. As the hikers were able to witness the clear skies roll out and the rain clouds roll in from the top, the kayakers were able to experience the torrential downpour in the middle of a lake. After hiking, it was lunch at Woodland’s BBQ for most and the coin operated laundry in Boone for the remainder.
After lunch it was more hiking, but this time to the swimming hole and then rock climbing up a waterfall.
With night time settling in, time for hot dogs, brats, and beans, followed by s’mores.
As the sun woke up Sunday morning, time to get rid of all the food, pack up, and go back to civilization.
All children were returned to their Dads without any broken bones.
MOLESKIN
Official rename: Zinfandel to Chuck Wagon, if you can’t figure out the reason, read this backblast again.
Surge made friends with our serial killer, camping neighbor, who we counted as a FNG and gave him the name Dahmer or Manson. We left him a gift of blueberry muffins as a thank you for not cutting our heads off during the night.
I have figured out why they call him Chatterbox, the guy would not stop talking the entire time.
Happy Meal is our professional fire starter and wood finder but he cannot be left in charge of the six.
We are renaming OneNiner’s son as well, it is now Romeo.
Thank goodness for Marta who brought the camping gear that CW was tasked to bring, assign, yet somehow the stuff did not make it.
We discovered that Mad Dog enjoys a good bag of chips a hoy (and so do raccoons).
We all have chair envy over Mad Dogs rocking camper chair, but he will spend most of the week doing an internet search on my Toto.
Sad Puppy provided eye candy for a young hikers (and her mom) at the top of rough ridge.
Hazmat’s wife is going to kill him when she finds out he let Uncle PJ sugar up the kids.
Thank you all for allowing me to organize this chaos and being foolish enough to join me in the adventure.
6 PAX woke up to a cool Monday morning, stumbled out of bed, and found their way to Waxhaw Elementary School to witness my first bootcamp Q in about 8 months and the latest episode of Lycan.
After a less then perfect disclaimer, we were off. Mosey to the back of the school, avoiding a car that followed us to the back lot, and circle up for:
COP:
SSH x 10, Merkin X 5, LBC X 10, LSS X 15. Merkin x 5. LBC x 10
Mosey down the gravel path and cross over the yellow gate to the abandoned Museum of the Waxhaws property for:
THE THANG:
Find some rocks (some smaller than expected) for arm work: Curls, tricep extensions, and shoulder press.
Mosey to the parking lot near the rocks.
Run from one island to the other for merkins, diamond merkins, Bobby Hurleys, jump squats, and ab work.
Mosey down a path to a pile of blocks for more arm work:
Curls, tricep, shoulder presses, triple lindy. Stretching the shoulders in between sets.
Mosey back to WE, behind one of the ball field to a shelter and use the benches for leg work
Step ups and split leg squats. Different cadence counts to keep the PAX on their feet.
Mosey around the ball field to find a hill for Triple Nickel.
Merkins and abs.
Mosey back to the front of the school for a round of Mary, each PAX choosing an exercise.
Cross the parking lot back to launch but stop for the called plank.
Regular plank, 6-inches, elbow plank, regular plank, Makhtar N’Diaye.
MOLESKIN
I am not sure Site Q Dunkin knew what to expect from me this morning, since I typically only post/Q one boot camp per year (Thanksgiving-Turkey Jam) and neither did I. My initial thoughts were to have the PAX run to Millbridge and back. But I opted for a simpler workout, focusing on the basics, nothing too fancy.
There was a lot of activity at the school this morning, not necessarily from us, but a few cars coming into the parking lot and buses running. So much for schools being out for the summer.
Goodfella’ and Transporter kept the mumblechatter running, mainly whining about the wet grass, one opting for some version of a squat instead of LBCs on the Triple Nickle.
We are thankful for the return of Graffiti, his first post after suffering from a stroke. He put in some great work this morning.
Thank you for allowing me to lead this great group of men.
22 PAX converged at the Improper Pig in Waverly with hopes of a well-organized bootcamp for the 6th Annual Turkey Jam. What they received was something a little different. After a full and fair disclaimer, we were off, warming up with a mosey around the Green Monster, before ending up in the Harris Teeter parking lot for:
COP:
LSS x 10
5 merkins OYO
SSH x 10
5 merkins OYO
LBC x 10
THE THANG:
Mosey across the Harris Teeter parking lot, up the stairs behind the Atrium ER, then across Providence Rd, and stop at a small wall near Fifth Thirds Bank.
3 rounds: Dips x 15 and Incline merkins x 15,
Then mosey to the smaller parking deck a few feet away to the ground floor. Line up facing the other side of the deck and in front of us was a line line of columns. Run to each column and perform the called exercise. When you get to the other side of the deck, elbow plank while waiting on the 6.
Round 1: Merkins
Round 2: LBCs
Round 3: Floor slap squats
Round 4: Flutter kicks
Then mosey to the bigger parking deck behind the hotel. Divide into two groups on the bottom floor. Run up the assigned stairwell to the top floor of the deck, perform 5 merkins and run across the top of the deck to another stairwell, run back down the stairwell to where we started.
Then run up the stairwell that Snowflake “found” to the top of the deck and enjoy the sunrise over South Charlotte. Run back down the same stairs and mosey to the small green space in front of the hotel and grab a chair for some arm work.
2 rounds of curls and 1 round of tricep extensions with the chair.
Mosey back to launch and line up in front of the Christmas Tree facing the Green Monster.
Run across the Green Monster and at each lamp post perform 3 burpees until we reach the sidewalk that divides the Green Monster and wait for the 6. At the sidewalk, a 70% sprint to the end of the Green Monster and wait for the 6. Then turn around, facing the Christmas Tree, and run back to the sidewalk, performing 3 burpees at each lamp post. Then a 62.5% sprint back to the Christmas Tree.
Circle up in front of the Christmas Tree on the Green Monster for Round-O-Mary (each Pax calling a Mary exercise).
Finish off with some broga moves, ending with the frog.
MOLESKIN:
A big thanks to Trickle who provided the participation trophies for the 2nd year in a row.
It was great to see PAX from all over our region (Area 51, SOB Land, Waxhaw) and Birmingham, AL (Biscuit) for the frozen version of Turkey Jam.
At this point in my F3 career, when I Q a bootcamp, I have a general idea of what I want to do, but for the most part, I figure it out as we go along. Somehow Goonie figured out my strategy and called me out on it. That’s what happens when you post with a brother for about 5 years. They get to know you.
There was a healthy amount of mumblechatter among the group and great to see the runners show up for their annual bootcamp.
One thing of note, Chopper was not the oldest PAX to post, I think that award went to Blue Screen who crushed it.
My favorite part of Turkey Jam is the COT when each PAX has the opportunity to mention one thing that they are grateful for. There were some powerful shares this morning and I know it helped remind me of what I should be grateful for.
I was overwhelmed and thankful for all those who showed up as it is always humbling to lead this group of men.
Happy Thanksgiving my brothers!
9 PAX with mats, one matching it with his socks, found their way around the playground in Milbridge for F3Prickle & Goo.
Dynamic stretching, followed by deep stretching, ending on our backs.
Zinfandel was gracious enough to demonstrate the perfect yoga release a number of times throughout the workout.
Duncan on Q next week, followed by Goodfella.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
June 16 Blood Drive
August 20 F3 Dads Camp at Camp Thunderbird. Waxhaw Region is in charge, its fun, need some volunteers to assist.
SYITG
9 PAX found their way to the airnaisum.
We came, we stretched, we conquered.
Those who opine that our flexibility style AO (which is now in at least 3 regions) is not a “real” F3 Workout are obviously trying to overcompensate for their own inadequacies.
Don’t worry, we are here to help you…just bring a mat.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Memorial Day Convergence: 6:30am launch, need volunteers to help set up
Blood Drive
17 PAX including a FNG gathered in a well-lit parking lot of Five Stones Church for the latest edition of Diesel. Chastain, Mayhem, and Spitz helped me drag a bunch of gear up to the launch site (most of which we never used) and after staring at the pile of gear for a few minutes, I finally figured out what to do. After a proper disclaimer we were off for:
COT: SSHx10 , 5 merkins OYO, LSS x 10, 5 merkins OYO
THE THANG:
Round 1: 11s. Grab a cinder block and line up at the curb facing the parking lot for curls and shoulder press. Perform 1 curl with the cinder block by the curb, then walk to the white line about 25 yards into the parting lot with the cinder block and perform 10 shoulder presses. Return and do 2 curls and walk across parking lot and do 9 shoulder presses and so on. Plank waiting on the 6 and a few random Mary to end the round.
Round 2: 21s (curls): Grab coupons (bricks or dumbbells) for arm work. 7 reps half way up, 7 reps the other half up, and 7 full curls. This did not work. Bricks/dumbbells were to light for the Diesel faithful. Walk over the the rock pile near the gravel lot, find a lifting rock, and circle up. Tricep extension 15x at cadence count. Shoulder press 15x at cadence count. Curls 15x at cadence count. Then finish off with a 15x Triple Lindy (curl, press, tricep extension is 1 rep).
Round 3: Time to work on the legs. Return to launch site and using the cinder block for split leg squats 15x in cadence count each leg. Then 15 x squats (with or without cinder block or weights), and 15x Bobby Hurleys (without weights). Rinse and repeat 3 times.
Finish up with random PAX calling Mary. Chastain (American Hammer), Chicken Little (flutter), Jingles (protractor), Penalty Box (Rosalita). Mayhem (Os), and Bratwurst (J-Lo)
MOLESKIN:
Happy Birthday Mayhem, welcome to the 50 club!
This morning culminated a weeks worth of Qs. After WTF (or any race) I take a recovery week, i.e. no running. I feared the fartsack. The only way to prevent sleeping in was to step up and Q. On Monday-MASH, Tuesday-Morning Woods, Wednesday-site Q duties at Prickle and Goo, Thursday-The Floater, and today Diesel.
This was the first time in my 6 year F3 journey that I Q’d a gear workout. It was only my 2nd time attending one. The 11s with the cinder block is something I stole from Lobsta Roll/Alf who made me do something similar at The Matrix. But they made me run across a soccer field and do different exercises with the cinder block. I commandeered the split-leg squat idea from Champagne. One Friday morning at Centurion we devoted almost the entire workout to legs using a set of benches at Charlotte Catholic. Using a rock to do arm exercises is a common as it gets in F3.
I provide this information to encourage those who are nervous about leading a workout to step up and serve. None of what I did today or this week as a Q was new or unique. I have no idea if it was effective. Some of it was probably an epic fail. But all that is asked of me is to step up and serve.
So here is the challenge: If you have not Q’d or have not Q’d in a while, step up and serve. Reach out to a site Q and offer to take a day. Don’t wait for them to ask you.
If you are not sure how to Q, ping me on Slack or GroupMe and I will talk/walk you through your weinke. That is not a new idea either, ask Outback, who took pity on a guy who was new to F3 and taught him the finer points of a parking deck Q.
Waxhaw is a great region (I have now been a part of 3 F3 Regions) and it is growing fast. That means new sites will have to be created from crowded ones or started in new places. As a result, we will need more Qs and more leaders. We cannot rely on the same guys. But that is what F3 is about. We don’t sit on the sideline and consume, we step up and serve.
When will you?
15 PAX gathered in the gloom for a post Cinco De Mayo celebration in downtown Waxhaw. After a proper disclaimer we moseyed to the original launch point of the Floater for:
COP: SSH x 10, 5 merkins OYO, LSS x 10, 5 merkins OYO, 15 LBCs
THE THANG: Mosey to the Waxhaw bridge for a round of 7s. Start on one side of the bridge do 1 rep of the called exercise, run over the bridge and perform 6 reps of the called exercise, then 2x and 5x, etc. Called exercise: squats.
The original plan called for another round of 7s but an attempted Q jack by Chastain and Zinfandel required an audible. Partner up, with one partner running over the bridge, one running in the opposite direction, around the train tracks, when the partners met up, 10 burpees. Continue running in the same direction, meet up again and to do 10 burpees. We did this for 3 rounds.
Then mosey to the front of Blue Door Deli for a Merkin Train. Lining up the PAX facing the elevated sidewalk, do a merkin then shift your hands to the left and do another merkin and continue in that pattern until we reached the end of the sidewalk.
Then mosey back to the water tower for 3 rounds of The Beast. Pick 3 spots in the gravel parking lot and at each spot perform 6 reps of the called exercise going and returning (6-6-6). This Beast was abs only: toe tap crunch, flutter, and heels to heaven.
Remain in the gravel parking lot for field of plank. Take a few steps and perform the called plank until we make it to the end of the lot. Regular, right arm high, left arm high, elbow, 6-inches, and Makhtar N’Diaye.
Mosey back to launch for circle of Mary.
MOLESKIN
This was my recovery week after running WTF, I couldn’t think of a better way to recover than to Q a boot camp. I was fortunate that Easy Button could provide an opportunity to lead and help me avoid a fartsack. The weather was perfect and there are alot of gravel parking lots in downtown Waxhaw to enjoy. Good to see Beetle and Loafer stepping up to Q in the future and thank you Baio for taking us out.
As always, I am always grateful and shocked to be allowed to lead a great group of men. SYITG
4 PAX made their way to Cuthberson on a Monday morning and found themselves on the opposite side of the parking lot. We joined the boot campers to start and then we were on our own for:
WARM UP:
Dynamic stretching: butt kickers, walking imperial walkers, toy soldiers, open the gate and LSS.
THE THANG:
Medley of Merkins, perform the called merkin followed by an ab exercise:
Regular Merkin x 10, LBC x 15
Diamond Merkin x 10, Heels to Heaven x 15
Wide-Arm Merkin x 10, toe-tap crunch x 15
Then it was time to concentrate on the arms: one round of 21s with dumbbells or bricks, then tricep extension x 15 in cadence count
Use the sitting portion of the bench for incline merkin and dips. Do a merkin, then a dip, move down a bit, do another until you are down one side of the bench then go to the other side and do the same thing.
Stay at the bench to work on legs. Squats x 10, split leg squat (r) x 10, squats x 10, split leg squats (l) x 10, squats x10
Rinse and repeat: Medley of Merkins, arm work with dumbbells, and leg work on bench.
Finish with each PAX calling a mary and some stretching.
MOLESKIN
It was great to finally get to Q MASH. I don’t know if they got anything out of my Q, but at least I was able to get Penalty Box to crack a smile at one point.
Thank you for allowing me to lead.
8 PAX watched some guys run into the woods then stretched their way to a better day.
Dynamic stretching to start off, then the fun began. We added bouncing ninjas and used the fence around the playground as a prop this week.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WTF volunteers needed this Saturday at Walnut Creek.
Look for a folding party coming soon to help Christ Closet.
The month of May will feature an All-Start line-up for Prickle and Goo starting with Bratwurst next week.
SYITG!
13 PAX showed up at a dimly lit parking lot with their mats in order to become more flexible.
We stretched, we laughed, we shared our feelings.
Some passed wind, a few reached past their limitations, and the Q was inspirational.
Most vowed to return next Wednesday, while others left with a strange look on their face.
All were amazed at the total body and mind transformation that occurred.
MOLESKIN
Come see what all the hype is about next Wednesday, 5:30am at the playground in Millbridge.
There is WTF, a blood drive, and many other 2nd and 3rd F opportunities in our region.
Happy Birthday Deadwood. Instead of 40 burpees we made him do 40 partner stretches.
Bratwurst was our 6th man. He is an OG and one of the PAX behind the start of the Waxhaw region, if you can ever keep up with him when he posts, a great PAX to speak with and get to know.
Thank you for allowing me to lead and SYITG.