FIVE

FIVE

Thursday’s are typically reserved for the M to post FIA, who is always great about giving me her day when I have Q.  This week she informed me that the gift of Thursday would require my reciprocity in giving her Wednesday…until the forecast called for rain.  Alas, my lucky rainy day included 45 minutes of beatdown provided free-of-charge by Thin Mint.  17 men joined YHC at the AMC at Stonecrest for the weekly installment of Rebel Yell, which, as Strawberry informed me post-workout, is the hottest ticket on Thursdays in South Charlotte.  Disclaimer was given, we grabbed the 4 cinder blocks YHC had positioned behind the Toyota, and off we went.

Thang

Mosey to parking lot adjacent to Chik-Fil-A.  Circle up.

COP

All in cadence: IW x 10/MC x 10/Merkin x 10/Diamond Merkin x 10/SSH x 10

5 Stop Storefront Tour

Stop at end of each of four closest building.  5 Hand-Release Burpees at each stop and 5 H-R Burpees back at the blocks.  Plank-o-rama to regroup.

Mosey around the back of Target to 2nd speed bump.  People’s Chair to regroup.

5 Stop Double Merkin Burpees

Stop at the next 4 speed bumps and end at the stop sign.  5 Double Merkin Burpees at each stop.  Plank-o-rama to regroup.  Low Plank Jack x 10 IC.

Mosey out of the retail area up to Elm.  Left on Elm.  Left on Elmstone.  Stop at Rosebriar to regroup. Continue mosey a ways down the Murderhorn.

Triple Nickel 

Between 2 stoplights in the middle of MH.  Run up hill to light.  5 Burpee.  Run back down to launch light.  5 Heels to Heaven.  5 Repetitions.

Mosey down to the bottom of MH.  Plank-o-rama to regroup.

AYG up the hill back to Rosebriar.  Reverse Plank-o-rama.  Smurf Jack x 10 IC

Mosey across Elm back to launch lot.  Drop blocks at Toyota.  Circle up for Mary.  Burpees to allow six to join group.

Mary – all IC.  Hold 6 inches between.  Flutter x 10/Dolly x 10/Heels to Heaven x 10/High Flutter x 10

Wide arm Merkin x 10 IC

COT

Moleskin

Transport of the cinder blocks over the 2.5 mile workout was the responsibility of the group.  All men helped.  Big Tuna refused relief as he sprinted up the Murderhorn with a block.  Impressive Big T.  Alf and Doc were out front pushing on the pace for pretty much all of our work today.  Don’t think Alf really gets tired anymore.  Well done.  Two weeks in a row posting with Doc.  Dude gets after it. Tagalong and Shrinkwrap out there again crushing it.  Solid work men.  Bucky, Goonie, Fireman Ed, Toolbag, Heartbreaker, Strawberry getting it done, as always.  Good to meet Tiny Dancer.  He slayed it today, along with Morning After.  4 Respects all got it done this morning.  Partnered up with Van Pelt yesterday at Anvil.  He never lets up.  Great job this morning.

Today marks 5 years of my brother Eric’s death by suicide.  Many of you know of this story as YHC also Q’d a workout 11/09/2016 on his Bday.  I told some of his story at the workout and in the backblast.  This is why 5 played a prominent role in the workout this morning.

Funny things go through your head when you are leading a workout and thinking of bringing your own “stuff” into play.  Questions are asked.  Am I selfish to make this about me?  Will the men think I am looking for pity?  Does anyone care to hear about my struggles?  Answers: Maybe a little.  Doubtful.  Lastly, yes, these men, my friends and brothers, do care to hear about my struggles and offer support.

To me, this anniversary is a weird one.  It is like most other days in most ways.  But, 5 years ago, my family lost one of us.  What do you do with that?  Should I be more sad than on March 8, or any of the other days?  Don’t think so.  Got woke up this morning, not by my 0453 alarm, but by a 0430  text from my friend Rock Thrill.  It read: “Good morning.  I will be thinking about Eric’s life and your family today.  Praying for you all.  I am with you in spirit at your Q.  Enjoy honoring your brother’s life and using his life as a platform for impacting others.  In Him, RT”  Rock Thrill and YHC share the common bond of losing a brother.  His brother, Joe, from an accidental overdose, and my brother to suicide following a 10-year battle with addiction.  His support this morning was huge.  Inspiring.   Also inspiring is the 5 years of the Joe Davis Run for Recovery put on by RT and his family.  This year over $34K was raised and given to Keystone Substance Abuse in Rock Hill, SC.  #IMPACT

So, on this anniversary, we carried 4 cinder blocks (don’t have a 5th, which would have been fitting). All of us had to help to get that done.  The blocks represented the extra burdens that we all carry, whether it be the death of a loved one, problems with work, mistakes made in life, or anything else that weighs us down.  We all have something or many things.  The sharing of the burden of the blocks is much like the support we provide for others.  All the PAX were quick to take that burden from a brother.  The point YHC made in COT was that we need to remember to do that with those around us.  To be vigilant in supporting others, lifting them up, and being there.

Was at a recent 3F with Hops, Deep Dish, and Dolphin.  Something we discussed really stuck with me.  Not sure who brought it up, but the discussion moved toward asking the question: “How are you doing.”  We all ask this question several times a day.  At least YHC does.  It is asked as a pleasantry or a greeting.  Given the current usage, the power of the question is lost.  Most will respond, “Good,” or, “Living the dream,” or something to that effect.  It is automatic for most.  Think about asking a follow up question: “How are you REALLY doing?”  This will grab the attention of most.  Some will interpret it as genuine and may actually answer truthfully.  Be prepared to be leaned on.  Thankful for all of you men and for F3.  Awesome way to start this day.

Announcements

Wall restoration at Providence Presbyterian Church.  Round 2.  250-year-old stone wall is falling down.  F3 is trying to put it back together.  03/18/2017 from 0800-1200.  Check Slack for details.

Savage Race 05/13/2017.  Get signed up and join the 50 or so A51/SOB pax already committed.