F3 Waxhaw Update

F3 Waxhaw Update

Fellas:

First of all, YHC and your Board of Brothers hopes you and your families are all safe and well, and you’re enjoying this much needed “Time Out” called. None of us saw this coming but there is no group we would rather go through this with than our F3 Brothers.

The F3 Waxhaw Board met via Zoom last week to discuss all the unforeseen benefits and blessings that have come as a result of the SIPO, and our plans to “re-open” our AO’s and activities.  Every Region and dynamic is different,  and we never really shut down our operations in Waxhaw…we just transformed how we operate and engage the Waxhaw Pax.  It has been great to see men continue to push themselves and each other in the Gloom, but also draw closer to each other and their faith during a challenging time for our families and community.   We all know the importance of a healthy and strong body and immune system to fight off viruses and disease, and exercise is a vital part of this.  F3 was built for this!

There have been many examples of leadership and strength in F3 Waxhaw during this time, and here is some of the goodness we have seen since we “closed” normal operations 6 weeks ago on 3/16/20:

• We incorporated “OYO” vWOD’s, posted by a virtual Q the day/night prior to the workouts (took some planning but going well)
• We tried Zoom Workouts.  Although, adoption rate has been poor as most guys choose to workout together.
• We allowed men to make their own decisions whether to post with others or not.  We are ultimately responsible for our own health and safety, not the Government!
• We saw the Majority of the Pax choose to workout in small groups…we have a lot of fight in us!
• We created Virtual COT’s for accountability and some good laughs.  Dasher set the bar high in this area!
• New AO’s formed in our core neighborhoods of Lawson, Briarcrest, Millbridge, Walnut Creek, Bushwood, and even at Frack’s house!
• We welcomed several FNG’s into the mix, through workouts and at Open Door.
• We saw greater Fellowship taking place in the small workout groups…the original design of F3!
• We still have Q Source and Sanctuary happening virtually with great numbers.
• We started an “Iron Sharpens Iron” GroupMe Channel for guys to seek/share encouragement and positive words…now up to 34 Pax!  Amazing!
• We saw the virtual “Open Door” explode with 100% increase in the normal Sunday morning attendance! Such great discussions and words being shared. Thanks for Bottlecap’s leadership here!
• Our marketing dept is still operating and is clearly “essential”, thanks to Zin.
• We see new leaders stepping up every day!

Great stuff, fellas. We are a small, but mighty group of warriors doing great things for our families, our brothers, and our community, and will continue to impact more men and their families moving forward.

Our plan to “re-open” F3 Waxhaw:

We decided as a Board to not recreate the wheel, and take what other Regions have communicated to their Pax (Cape Fear, MeCa, others) about a re-opening plan.  We need to make decisions based on what works best for Waxhaw.  The Cape Fear letter and tone was on-point and we appreciate their leadership and direction. If you haven’t seen it, we will repost on GroupMe for everyone to read.

The bottom line is that we are ready to “re-open” as soon as the current phase of SIPO is lifted. As of now, we are targeting Saturday 5/9/2020 as the date so we can enjoy a good beatdown, and some much needed 2nd F Coffeterias around the area (keeping a physical distance, of course).

What does this look like?

• We will open up our current AO’s, 6 days/week, with our current Site Q’s and structure in place.
• Start times will be moved 6am for workouts, to allow Pax to transition back easier. We are approaching “Summer Hours” and this should work well.
• Invite FNG’s, since gyms are closed and many men are struggling right now. They need this as much we did when we started!

There are some new considerations and expectations as part of our Disclaimer, or “DiCSS” as we call it in Waxhaw.  Some slight modifications to what Cape Fear posted:

• We will still communicate our usual “Welcome to F3…you are here on your own free will…modify as needed…can’t sue me, F3, the facility…look out for your brothers and help keep them safe…”. We are already doing this!
• All workouts will be split into 10 pax or less at any particular AO for the foreseeable future. Site Q’s and Q’s will need to enforce this for the safety of the Pax.
• Maintain safe Physical Distancing of at least 10′ at all times, including at COT and Ball of Man. We are already doing this in our small groups!
• No shared Coupons or Equipment (bring your own) and Partner exercises need to be at a distance.  We are already doing this!
• Gloves are Recommended. Be smart and responsible.
• If you are sick, or have been around anyone who is sick, do not post! Use Zoom or workout OYO!

We are asking every Pax to take this seriously, but also take responsibility for keeping themselves, their families, and their brothers safe and healthy.

It’s wrong to assume everyone is dealing with this the same way, since we have never been through something like this.  Like I have mentioned before, “we are all in the same storm, but on different boats!”. What works for one might not work for another, but everyone is welcome to join us back for a traditional F3 workout or event as soon as they are ready! No pressure at all.  We have been known to bust chops of guys not posting, but we all want what’s best for the Pax.

With all this being said, the data, science, and facts about COVID-19 are more clear now than they were 6 weeks ago.  We still take this threat seriously, but the healthy men of F3 are not being affected like those above the age of 63 or so, and those with co-morbid conditions.  With so much doom-n-gloom being spread by the media and others we associate with, and the selfish motives of many, it’s important to stay positive and not fear.  Ultimately, it is our responsibility to lead our M’s, 2.0’s, and families through this since they will remember how they felt, and remember less about the particular details. They are relying on us, fellas.  Remember, “Adversity doesn’t build character, IT DEFINES IT!”

Please reach out to me or anyone on the Board if you want to talk, vent, ask questions, ask for help, etc.  We have all learned that our plans can be derailed or destroyed quickly, and many of the “things” we valued before are just that…Things! Our health, our families, and the time we get to spend with them is the most important thing in our lives…even more important than a job or F3 (although they are secondarily important).

We are ready to re-launch here in Waxhaw soon, and before we know it we will be celebrating our 1-year anniversary as our own Region.  This will be a big celebration of our success and growth, followed by the 10-year anniversary of F3 Nation in Cape Fear, NC! Be well, brothers, and we look forward to seeing you in the Gloom soon!

Goodfella

“As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another” – Proverbs 27:17