YHC: Just when I thought Tuck couldn’t plan anything dumber… he goes and does this… AND TOTALLY REDEEMS HIMSELF!
Back in 2015 Tuck got the grand stupid idea of running all the Ballantyne parking decks (7 at the time) over the course of an hour-long Brave workout. Why, you may ask? Because it’s Tuck. And it’s the Brave. The better question becomes this. Why the hell not?
We continue the time-honored SOB tradition of gracefully scaling each parking deck and collectively holding our breath that security won’t foil our visions of grandeur. We shatter the concrete ceiling by taking on not just 9 parking decks, but 10. We throw reason to the cool wind that greets us at the upper deck. It’s time to take this to another level.
Here’s what you need to know if you consider yourself brave enough to take on the Deck-athlon:
Now join in with me!
Deck the halls with feats of folly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
‘Tis the gloom that makes us jolly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Don we now our reflective apparel
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Troll the risk of your own peril
Fa la la la la, la la la la!
YHC had his site-VQ at The Brave scheduled for 12/3 and around 8 PM on 12/2 a post went out on Slack specifically calling for “Fake Brave” at 0530 a mile up the road from The Brave and regulars from The Brave were tagged. Whoa! Wow! How could this be? Mind was reeling, but The Brave must carry on. Two strong men resisted the urge for a 45-minute “Fake Brave” in favor of joining YHC for no sleep till Gibson’s.* (*or whatever it’s now called)
THE THANG
Run towards the Morrison YMCA, stopping for some obligatory warm up — SSH, Goofballs, etc.
Go to Wayfair Meadow for 10x wall jumps, 20x Little Baby Dips on the curb. Repeato for 3 sets.
Head to Briarwick for alternating exercises at driveways
Cut through the woods and head to the YMCA parking lot for trip work:
Head south to the southern roundabout on Community House
Head north on CH to the next roundabout
Head north for another 10x wall jumps
Head back to COT with more running and one more stop for T-merkins
MOLESKINE
Friday in the gloom was time to get ill and a little Fake Brave wasn’t going to stop that. Big props to Wild Turkey and Midriff for keeping YHC honest and making the site VQ a fun one. Great conversation on the runs and a good time pushing each other through the wall jumps and the roundabout madness. As fate would have it, one of the turncoats was stuck at the light at Community House as the PAX ran up. He looked uncomfortable, some might say guilty. The PAX debated calling exercises in front of his early 2000s Sequoia but opted for the kinder route of a few verbal taunts.
As an update, it turns out the Fake Brave was an attempt to EH a guy who might not have 4 miles in him. YHC can respect that. In the completely unrelated words of Adam Yauch, “Well I got to keep it going keep it going full steam/ Too sweet to be sour too nice to be mean/ On the tough guy style I’m not too keen/ To try to change the world I will plot and scheme”
Knowing the rain would deter most Pax from showing up, YHC was really contemplating staying in the nice warm DRY bed, and telling himself, “Why would Gerber last minute aske ME to Q knowing it was gonna be 40 and 100% chance of rain?” well, this dumbass didn’t look at the weather before committing.
So, I roll my butt out of bed and head what seems like 2.5 hours to Cowbell from Marvin thinking maybe I can warm up with a pre-run. Show up and Gerber is waiting in the lot, we both look at each other and scour for dry land.. just as we decide to run for office at the Town Hall, Rain man shows up just in time to make this a party.
Rain lightened up just enough for a quick mosey, but wouldn’t be that way all day. Luckily the Puddle and drainage were still in full effect and we were able to get our feet wet immediately.
Warmup:
Potato picker/Arm stretch/LBAC/Motivators/calf/Up/Down dog.
Thang: We had to modify a bit due to rain being quite forceful at times, but pretty much 2 exercises with 2 reps of 20 then a run.
Finish up with some LBC’s to kill some time.
Moleskin:
I don’t think we expected to, but we somehow got over 2.5 miles in. Luckily we all wore As gerber called “our C shoes” knowing they’d be toast for a few days as we tried to cross the puddles. We had a good time chatting it up and listening to some tunes in the process. Thanks to Gerber and Rain Main for showing up.
Announcement:
What is Faith?
Faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something. In this case my faith was in the generosity of the fine men of F3 and the amazing women of FIA and it was rewarded in spades. When I was asked to put this race back on for the second time I was not sure how it would go but I was sure I would need help. Faith was rewarded again with a group of high impact men to help plan and execute the race. A board was assembled and the date was set the rest we left up to faith.
We had several marginally led planning sessions led by YHC. Luckily I was surrounded by a great team. Hoover, Franky, Cheese Curd, Soft Pretzel, Strawberry, Fuse Box and Bratwurst were instrumental in the success of the race. With out these intrepid men the event would not be anywhere near what it turned out to be. A massive thanks to them for giving up there time and energy to make the race amazing.
We were blessed to have amazing sponsors step up and help us as well. Olaf and his team at Charlotte Vitamin and Health were the main sponsor and donated not just money but amazing race fuel and recovery items for us. Kelly with Intuite Technologies and Focker with Stat Floor Cleaning sponsored as well. We also had a race team Up N Over get in on the action as well.
We had several donations to the event that deserve a special thanks. Soft Pretzel, Fraiser, and Strawberry donated the refreshments and food at the event. We also had some special beverages donated by Hoover for the adults as well.
Selfless volunteers stepped up as well to support the race. Strange Brew, Midriff, The Worm, Patent Pending Wild Turkey and so many others that helped to make things happen before during and after the race from set up, guiding and cheering racers to the clean up. We thank you!
The Results!
YOU helped raise over $6000 that is going to go a long way to helping others out. The majority of it will impact three charities that are right here in the area. There are so many great and wonderful charities out there but here are the ones we picked to to make an impact.
Congregation for Kids https://www.cfknc.org/
and
Christs Closet https://unionumc.net/local-missions/christs-closet
PS. If you did not get your shirt please contact my self or Cheese Curd and we will make arrangements to get it to you.
Thank you again
Your Extremely Humble Correspondent,
Kirby
Today marks the 80-year anniversary of the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor. We remember the incredible sacrifice of many men and women who acted courageously in the face of chaos to protect our homeland. Chaos reveals the character of a nation. The US responded decisively and swiftly, by declaring war on Japan and joining the allies in World War II.
The Thang
80 years ago, America was attacked. Without hesitation, we responded and went on to win World War II. Today we remember those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor. And honor those who continue to defend our great nation.
Monday workouts are tough. Retribution for that extra drink or dessert while taking in the last gasp of the weekend. My attendance has been poor on Mondays, so took some action by signing up to Q.
The Thang
Reflections
Announcements
Close with gospel prayer. Because I am in Christ:
Pax: Goodfella, Hi-Hat, PETA, SoCal, Showgirl, FNG Exodus
One of the Forest Hill Church pastors (F3 “SoCal”) mentioned to me a couple months ago about these 30-minute workouts they were holding on Monday mornings at the church. The leader of the group is a young, jacked, Tactical Defense Professional and Competitor from Indian Land, SC who served in Afghanistan. He is in training for an upcoming competition. Since SoCal’s daughter is in my son’s Kindergarten Class at NorthPoint, I felt like I was being EH’d all over again by Ice9. So…I attended my first workout, with Hi-Hat and some other F3 Pax from Indian Land and the area (Periscope and PETA). I posted 2 more times to feel it out and volunteered to Q for my 4th workout at this “unofficial” F3 AO at Forest Hill – Waxhaw.
The Thang:
Though these guys have been doing 30-minute workouts so far, I have been pre- and post-running to get some more exercise. They joined me last week on a post-run and mentioned we needed to make this a thing to get to 45 minutes…sounds a lot like F3! I designed a typical Strength + Speed + Core workout to cram into “only” 30 minutes, and it went well. Here is how it looked/felt:
5-minute warning goes off (already?), mosey around the lot doing some side shuffles, backward running, etc.
Two minutes left for a quick Merkin Ladder in front of the church doors. Brutal way to end. DONE!
Moleskin:
F3 is all about being Freed to Lead as we all know. I’m grateful for the opportunity provided by the crew to join them for a “non-F3 workout” weeks ago, but also to allow me to lead these men today. Of the 6 Pax posting today, 5 of us either participate or have participated in F3 at some point or season of life (i.e. Showgirl hasn’t posted since March!). I’m also grateful for brother Hi-Hat showing up every week with me for accountability. He and his son (“Rock”) have been a tremendous addition to the NorthPoint family as well. Welcome to our F3 FNG and current Forest Hill Site Q, “Exodus” (Tristin Turner). Exodus left the desert of Afghanistan after he tore his bicep working out, but returned back to his family in SC to do the work he needed to do there.
What God has taught me through this is that F3 is everywhere, and it doesn’t have to be an official F3 workout or AO to do what F3 does. As long as we stick to the 5 Core Principles, it all works out (I even gave a quick disclaimer this morning!). God revealed to me what is happening through this workout and this site. After the workout, one Pax talked about his HS daughter struggling with Anxiety and Depression. Another wanted us to pray for his buddy who is going through a very difficult season of life. We also talked about 3 little girls at the school who are dealing with a tough domestic issue/divorce at home that is affecting them so much. This is creating a Bridge between guys from Forest Hill Church, NorthPoint Christian Academy, F3 Waxhaw & Indian Land, and non-F3 on a Monday to break themselves down so they can be built back up. There is a consistent bridge between these organizations and the mission of F3 to “Plant, Grow, and Serve small workout groups for men for the invigoration of male community leadership”. So many lives are being impacted by the work being done through and at Forest Hill and NorthPoint, and it has been a blessing to witness this for myself on a daily basis over the past 4 months.
We are in discussions with the school and church about when to launch the Official F3 AO and weekly workout here on campus. It will happen sooner rather than later, and the AO Name is already decided. There is no doubt it will be a success due to the need and interest in the communities and the organizations involved here. This site is going to bring me out of Site Q retirement, so I appreciate you guys praying for and supporting us. It’s the right time and place. Looking forward to seeing you guys soon. Iron Sharpens Iron!
YHC took us out in prayer!
Goodfella
“And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” – Romans 8:28
Holiday gatherings, the time honored tradition of cramming ourselves into an enclosed space during the annual global pandemic that is flu season. Like watching aircraft try to land at Cheese Curd’s house due to the excessive volume of overly festive lights that confuse red-eye pilots coming from Vegas, it’s a train-wreck waiting to happen. But who doesn’t love the Festivus-inspired airing of our grievances while imbibing on expired eggnog or a keg of classy beer like Schlitz Malt Liquor. And why should the SLT of Area 51 deny pax an opportunity to gather and celebrate the holidays in style? So as the dually appointed 2nd F Q of Area 51, I present to you the Area 51 2021 Holiday Kegger, or Holiday Gathering for the grown-ups that have to sell this to their Ms.
It’s an opportunity to catch up with people you’ve only seen in the dark at 0530, so you won’t recognize them in the harsh halogen infused light of a rented space with dropped ceilings. And since Thanksgiving is close enough in our rearview that the “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear” disclaimer isn’t warranted, our super-spreader turkey gatherings have enough time to process the Omicron variant and gear up for another classy super-spreader event. Because how could your holidays get any worse? Take a look around you, Ellen! We’re at the threshold of hell! So let’s get some alcohol and put it to work killing the germs it was designed to kill.
Here are the details that you need to know:
The Area 51 SLT will graciously be providing the following.
And remember, your donations are going towards a good cause shoring up the Area 51 paypal account. Not just a lift kit for Purple Haze’s truck. Because nothing says over compensating like needing a step-stool to get into your mid-size truck.
T-Claps to High Tide for pulling some strings and getting us these sweet digs. More details to follow.
Looking forward to it, men.
Mild morning with 21 PAX arriving bright eyed. It was a pleasure to lead today.
Warm-up
Mosey from the parking lot by the shed for a warm up.
20 Imperial walkers
Plank, 6”, repeat
20 Mountain climbers
Mosey to front of middle school
20 side straddle hops
Plank, 6”, repeat
Calf stretch
Runners stretch
The Thang
Mosey to school road in front of the MS, stopping at first streetlight
Alternate 10 x merkins, 10 x big boy sit ups at each light to the stop sign
Mosey to large parking lot by football field, 4 corners
Three series of:
25 heels to heaven
25 plank jacks
25 american hammers
25 mike tyson’s
Mosey back shed, gather as a group and then to COT
The Moleskin
We had a great turn out and there was a lot of complaining especially with the third round of mike tyson’s (was only planning to do two) but complaining = a good workout so I thought we should continue.
Announcements
Fuse Box noted a few changes for the race tomorrow. Be there by 7am (or earlier) to start by 7:15am.
Chastain is still open to do more burpies so sign up/donate even if you don’t want to run.
F3 dad’s are getting together 12/11 for a kickball game but really to do a toy drive for Christ’s Closet. New and used toys will be collected. The event will be at the high school lot 9am.
Zin is doing an “ornament” exchange on 12/4…bring whatever you like to drink or what you want to get rid of…either way is good. Still don’t know what type of ornament he is looking for. Guess you have to show u to find out just please RSVP so he can get a better idea of how many will show. Its for all Pax, even guys that are not part of F3.
EFFEE will be hosted in February. Location and date to be confirmed
Chatterbox’s wife is selling traditional Indian meals to benefit Roof for a child.
The Monday after Thanksgiving is always brutal, getting back into the swing of work and real life after a blissful few days off spent watching football and eating too much is a real kick in the stones. We’re entering the mad dash sprint between Thanksgiving and Christmas where we fight the urge to shut it down at work while trying to tie up loose ends so we can focus on more enjoyable things like buying gifts for loved ones, planning gatherings, and watching superior collegiate tackle football teams prevail over their lesser rivals. The early alarm got the sprint season started earlier than desired, but health and fitness are imperative at this time of year so tossing around kettlebells is a fine way to attack the day.
We are wrapping up the current program which focuses on squats, cleans, presses, and snatches much to everyone’s delight. My reading of the Holy Spreadsheet of Antioch told me that 6 sets were in order, but the group found that news most displeasing and insisted that the correct number was 4. Have it your way. Following the compulsory portion of the workout we did complexes of swings, merkins and LBCs for three rounds, then rows and deadlifts for a bit. The playlist was my Spotify curated Christmas music list. I’m unsure if the rest of the group shared my early season enthusiasm but I certainly tried to make it a holly jolly Monday.
When Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” inevitably came on we wondered how much she makes each year from the song, originally released in 1994. After minutes and minutes of exhaustive internet research it appears that Mariah makes about $3 million annually, which would definitely put some fruit in your cake. I’m old enough to remember when the queen of Christmas was young, attractive, and sane. “Last Christmas” by Wham! clocks in at about $1 million per year. Conversely, whoever wrote “The Christmas Shoes” should be required to pay royalties to everyone whose ears that atrocious pile of dreck has ever assaulted.
It’s officially Christmas season, so remember to move the elf.