15 of south Charlotte’s finest gathered on a still relatively warm late October morning to get a great start to their Tuesdays. After the normal disclaimer, where I both disclaimed myself and announced that Hopper would be the substi-Q if needed, and that he, too, was indeed covered by the disclaimer, we were off.
The thang:
Mosey to the turf field hockey and LAX field and circle up on the CL logo for COP. The relatively usual Hannibal warm-up:
Now that we’re warm, mosey to the end line, partnering up along the way.
Mosey to hot box, stopping briefly at the speed bump for 25 dollies to mark our territory.
At the hot box:
Active recovery with high flutter x25.
Mosey back to turf field, line up abreast on sideline. Heels to heaven suicide (run across field for 10 HtHs, back for 9, and so on to 1). Each time you cross the midfield point, drop and do one merkin.
About out of time, mosey to the parking lot by the MAC for 5 MoM (Rosalitas, low fast flutter, protractor).
AYG back to launch. Done
Moleskin:
It was touch and go as to whether YHC would be good to go for this one, which I think made Hops a bit nervous (Hopper evidently never had a doubt, despite the fact that he had to be well aware he was on deck). YHC severely sprained an ankle during his last Q 19 days ago at Hydra, which still has some swelling. The original plan was to stay off the legs as much as possible, but then I was to have “surgery” (medical lingo for “we’re going to charge you more”) to have a wart removed on the right index finger, which would have made upper body work difficult. The thought crossed my mind that we might stand around and just look at each other, which was an entertaining concept just to see how the refusiniks would refuse that (would they break out in burpees?). But alas, no “surgery” was required, the ankle held up in its one and only test yesterday at Base Camp, and so we were all saved.
All went pretty much according to plan. Pop Tart realized about halfway through the first set that we really didn’t need to partner up, but rather just do half the exercises each. #OnToMe But, the mumble chatter around the whole partner thing made it worthwhile in itself. One Eye and another (couldn’t tell in the gloom) crushed this set and were consistently out in front.
On the way to the hot box, Semi Gloss accused me of making the workout up on the fly. No brother, it’s just a sign of greatness that you can’t tell. Geraldo led the way on this set, opting to up his game and did jump ups instead of step ups. It’s you against you, and he’s better for it. We were forced to evacuate the hot box following the third set, as Semi Gloss unloaded the gaseous remains of last night’s dinner (or was it 2 nights ago?).
The PAX didn’t seem all to excited to go back to the turf, but all put in good work to finish strong. The single merkin in the middle was a disguised burpee, and even the refusiks seemed to do most of them. #ImSmarterThanYou. Finished strong up the hill to meet up with the Runstopper led Fast Twitch crowd.
Thanks to Hopper for the takeout, and to Hope and Hopper for the opportunity to lead this fine group of men.
Announcements:
The Thang:
Warm-up (in place):
Mosey to corner of Summerlin & Wessynton for warm-up part 2:
Mosey to corner of Summerlin & Abbottswood for the Summerlin Suicide. Run to each speedbump (there are 3) and back, and then a fourth point back up at Rea Rd. At each speedbump (and at Rea), 10 merkins. At the start, 10 squats each time. #mileage
Regroup and mosey one block west to Abbotswood & Brynwood. Hopper led Mary to allow the PAX to catch their breath.
Down Brynwood in the direction of home, stopping at each street light for Heels to Heaven.
Plank at Brynwood and Wessynton to collect the six, followed by lung walk, bear crawl and backwards run down Wessynton to get back to Summerlin.
Mosey back to school and to the wall. Partner up. Partner 1 runs a lap around the parking lot, while Partner B does wall sits, ending in dips.
Finish with Mary (Dollies, Rosalitas) before the mutiny. Done.
Moleskin:
The usual great Hydra group was in full force, including the refusenik trifecta, as well as a strong Flattenin’ the Hills representation #BrotherhoodBonds #KottersMargo. It’s pretty easy to tell with this group how your workout is going. When the chatter is high and NOBODY (among 23 PAX) is counting, you know you’ve lost them. That happened on exercise #2. When they start complaining (e.g., during the Summerlin Suicide), you know you’re pretty much in the zone.
Unfortunately, on the last trip down Summerlin during said Suicide, YHC caught an edge of the asphalt and took a pretty big spill, twisting an ankle pretty good. They say ankles never really heel fully (#HighSchoolGlory), and I can affirm that conclusion. I appreciate Hopper jumping in and leading the next 10 minutes or so, and the PAX for their genuine concern. Tighten the laces, and press on. There was an 80’s movie reference (in the O2 deprivation accompanies by pretty sharp pain, I don’t remember) upon retaking the Q, but it was swift and with authority. I think Hopper had had enough of the PAX’s mumble-chatter in those 10 minutes, anyway.
We wrapped up fairly uneventfully, until the end, where there was pretty much a mutiny to end the workout. Maybe I stopped my watch immediately after the fall and thus I was behind? I don’t know, but the PAX who finished strong got their money’s worth.
Pleasure to lead this morning, what may be the best site in A51. Thanks to Sprockets for the takeout, as well as Sprockets and Gummy for the opportunity to Q this group of men (and lucky for you that I disclaimed myself before the workout).
Announcements:
Eleven men gathered on what has become a pretty normal,
balmy July October morning in the well-lit confines known as the South
Charlotte Middle parking lot to start the week off right.. Veteran crew, and so
after a brief disclaimer where I gave the PAX my heartfelt empathy for their
safety but that they could in fact sue the site Q’s (Thunder Road and Jello,
though they’d be unlikely to win), we were off.
The Thang
Mosey to the parking lot on the other side of campus for the first part of the warm-up:
Mosey down Strawberry to the next parking lot for second part of the warm-up:
Follow me, hanging a left of Hwy 51 to the entrance to Davey Park. In a well lit area of the entrance, but safely away from the road, we paused for some recovery and did a little Mary (LBCs, Dollies, Rosalitas). Then over to the turf field, forming 3-man teams for grinders, first with LBCs and Merkins, switching midway to Heels to Heaven and Carolina Dry Docks.
We then gathered at midfield for a plank ring of fire, followed by a jaunt over to the playground Partner up again, this time two-man teams. Partner 1 runs a hot lap in the parking lot, while Partner B does step-ups, dips, and derkins.
Finally, back across the grass field, mustering on the 51 sidewalk for 10 merkins. Open it up for the journey home, as you wish. 20 LBCs at 51 & Strawberry. Back through the parking lot for People’s Chair exercises. And we’re done.
Moleskin
As I climbed into bed last night, I was still undecided which workout I would hit in the morning. I thought it might be a good idea to check the Q Schedule, as that might influence my decision (really didn’t want any part of Spackler’s Knoll or Chelm’s coupons). Low and behold, who’s name is beside Base Camp? YHC’s! Wait, I’m pretty sure I have the Q on 10/21, not 10/7. So, I quickly texted site Q Thunder Road for clarification/confirmation, only to get no response (evidently, he went to bed early knowing he’d need his sleep before a Hannibal Q). Decided that I’d better show up to Base Camp, if in fact, I did have the Q.
So, the plan came together on the way to the workout at about 0520. Upon arrival, TR was waiting in the well-lit parking lot, and confirmed that his assistant had gotten the dates wrong (hard to find good help these days). Anyway, no worries as 10/21 really doesn’t work for me anyway, so I’ll take today.
Gummy rolled in at 5:29:30, as usual, right on time. I’ve also figured out why he can cut it so close. Since most workouts start with SSHs, and he refusiniks them, he knows he can get his stretching in then. #veteran Hopper was espousing something about Ohio State and their black uni’s from Saturday. Told him I’d pick one up for him at the Campus Store later today. #friend
Sardine thought I had returned to the Davie Park turf field to relive the Merkin Ladder he did during his virgin BC Q. Nope. Never, and my FNG still hasn’t come back, thank you. Jello was performing his site Q duties well, not heckling the Q but making sure all of the chicks were taken care of and accounted for. We thought Hammer made it the entire workout without a pit stop, but then we saw his monster truck head out of the parking lot on two wheels at 0612.
Nice to meet Dig Dug. Revlon, Mr. Magoo, Clover, and Marvel were all putting in the work. Not a ton of mumble chatter out of these men – they were too busy getting their money’s worth and working on their Summer 2020 beach bodies.
A pleasure to lead this morning. Thanks to Thunder Road and Jello for the reins (though, admittedly, felt a bit like a hot potato). We got ‘er done. And thanks to Hopper for the takeout. Have a great week, all.
Announcements:
When Hops put in the call for me to queue at my alma mater (class of 1991), I knew that I could not and would not refuse. I also knew that it was my chance to take the PAX on a journey to relive my glory years and teach them a little about the school.
The Thang, with some of the Moleskin baked in
I built a workout that would take us around the various part of the “old” campus that many, based on the PAX comments, had not been seen before.
We had one FNG (see below), and so a thorough disclaimer was in order (whether or not anyone was listening is another story). With F3, Latin, and most importantly me in the clear, we were off.
Mosey from the parking lot, up the sneaky big hill, to where the carpool line used to be for warm-up. I say “used to be,” because there is a big ole building there now that wasn’t there before. I have no idea what they do in there. It may be the latest secret bunker built by the US Government (YHC went to The Greenbrier this weekend – that place is cool, but I digress).
When we were warm, clearly noted by the level of conversation not ceasing and even possibly increasing, it was time to move. Mosey to the entrance to the 400 building (Middle School) for a circuit of alternating bear crawl and lunge walk, with a merkin set at each corner. The circuit would take us from the 6th/7th grade hallway where my career at Latin began back in 1985, over to the 9th grade building, and then over to one of the two primary upper school buildings. This was a critical component of the workout, as it paid tribute to the academic excellence of Charlotte Latin.
At 10:00 every morning, we had a fifteen minute break from our rigorous academic curriculum. On many days, I wondered over to the gazebo right in the middle of this academic quad to sit at the picnic benches with my friends and a snack. It was only appropriate to bring my newer friends back to this same spot, especially for our break following the previous set.
Not only is Latin a top notch academic institution, the Hawks are often dominant on the fields, pitches, gyms, and pools. Time to venture to the extracurricular (not those, Spack). The first sports team I made (yes, we had cuts) was the JV tennis team in 7th grade. I took the boys down to the tennis courts for some suicides. We only ran two four-court suicides each, and despite being plenty, it was significantly easier in the 50 degree gloom vs. the 90 degree heat that feels 7 degrees hotter even on hard courts that comes with a Charlotte late spring.
We then moved down to the track, where I told them of my senior cross country season where 100% of the training was done on the track, most of it 400s. Talk about nasty. Had I known that our new coach at the time had that in mind, I’m not sure I would have committed. Nonetheless, our team of scabs managed to put this approach to work and we finished 2nd in the state. YHC even made all-conference. Interval training does work.
But a trip down memory lane wouldn’t be complete without a stop by the gym. While we were outside the “new” gym, and I had played in the “old” gym (Belk Gym – which felt a little like Carmichael Auditorium, Reynolds Coliseum, or even Cameron Indoor Stadium – think small, hot and loud), I had to bring basketball into this equation, despite being short on time.
Back to launch. Done with 15 seconds to spare.
Additional Commentary
Big and quality group of guys out this morning, and also plenty of chatter. Horsehead made a nice appearance, and it was great to see Kirk at Hawk’s Nest. Pretty ironic that when the harassing of the Q and his private school heritage started during warm-ups, it was predominantly coming from a group standing on the sidewalk refusing to get their shoes wet in the dew covered grass.
Spackler and Semi-Gloss provided plenty of their own commentary for the Q. As usual, Sprockets was way out in front, especially on the 400s. Hops is getting some wheels, too, I might add. There was plenty of huffing and puffing, but he pushed through, leaving YHC well behind. Good to see Bugeater out there this morning, despite apparently being left behind by Scratch-n-win’s chauffeur service.
Welcome to FNG Nathan, now named Kobayashi.
Announcements:
8 brave souls gathered in the most overused phrase of 2019 in “the last days of winter.” Every time we seem to think we’re at the end of winter, something happens (like snow), and we’re back. The thermometer read that we were barely over freezing, and the PAX dressed accordingly in hats and gloves. Got to get running to get and stay warm. After a brief, but self-proclaimed satisfactory disclaimer, we were off.
The thang:
Brisk mosey to the courtyard on the far side of Calvary to start our warm-up and stay out of any wind that there was. Somehow, that area always feels like being inside to me, and as one who hates cold weather, YHC felt that was a good and appropriate place to start.
Time to relocate. Mosey to middle of the Calvary field towards the intersection of Rea & 51 and circle up again. This time:
Got to keep moving – it’s cold. Bear crawl halfway to the sidewalk along 51, lunge walk the other half. Regroup and then jog down 51 to the light, cross and head down Rea to Sundancer. Left on Sundancer to the top of the hill for instructions.
Partner up. Partner 1 runs to the right and does 10 LBCs upon reaching the cul de sac. Partner B runs to the left and does 10 squats upon reaching that cul de sac. Return, meet in the middle for 10 handslap merkins. Repeat, alternating running directions until 5 rounds (50 handslap merkins) have been completed. Repeat entire set with partner decline merkins replacing the handslaps, again for a total of 50.
Wait for the six (oh, wait, I was the six) then 3 mary exercises (dollies, rosalitas & flutters) to catch our (my) breath. Mosey back to the Calvary courtyard for 2 more rounds of mary (heels to heaven, LBCs). AYG back to launch. Done.
Nekkid moleskin:
Small(er) crowd out this morning. Not sure if was the weather, tax season (Lorax), or someone remembering YHC’s last Q. I’m going with the first 2. In looking at Google Maps last night, those cul de sacs must have previously been hidden by the clouds because they are too good not to use. Gummy thinks maybe he’s seen others on Strava roaming those haunts, but I think it was new ground for everyone in our group this morning. Besides the distance to get there (which wasn’t that bad, especially for those who have been/thought we were going to Five Knolls, I think it’s worthy of being in the rotation. Ickey said he was putting this arrow in his quiver.
Not a lot of chatter this morning. #niceguys Some complaining about doing COP in a field when we had just left dry ground, but getting a little wet and dirty is good for you every once in a while. #oldschool We had an even number in the PAX, and so the partner exercises went well, even if we did get split up a little on the runs. Fortunately, the cul de sacs weren’t too far from center and so we did stay mostly together. However, if there was chatter, I didn’t hear a lot of it.
Brilleaux and Snooka were out in front the entire time. Gummy and LazyBoy weren’t too far behind. Always a pleasure to have Bugeater out there, who partnered with Ickey, who incidentally had few words (and a totally confused look) when Gummy asked him what he thought of Auburn being in the Final Four. Great partnering with Magoo this morning – dude is fast and was carrying me on the main event. Also, we were the safest team sporting our high vis yellow tops.
We got a little over 3.2 miles in according to my watch. Not a Hops-approved bootcamp due to the distance, but I think everyone got their money’s worth and hopefully took a centimeter or so off the old gut. Thanks to the site Qs for the opportunity to lead at Area 51’s historic and maybe finest AO, and thanks to Gummy for the takeout.
Announcements:
20 men gathered in the gloom to start their day off right (and that includes the decision to forsake Fast Twitch for the Hawk’s Nest beat down that would follow). Many of the usual suspects, some new faces (or Kotters – welcome back Escargot!), and seemingly all with something to say. Disclaimer given, with the usual critiques, and we were off.
Mosey down the entranceway towards the MAC, stopping off at a random parking lot on the left (when did it get there and why is that even there?) for the traditional Hannibal warm-up:
Mosey to Patten Stadium, around the back of the end zone over to the hill on the home side. From there, we embarked on the Latin Triangle:
Wall sits (or just talk, whichever you prefer) against the maintenance building behind the end zone, wait for the six to come in. Mosey back up the hill to the student parking lot south of the Auditorium for The Beast. 6 exercises, 6 stations, 6 rounds
Recover plank, with positions. Mosey to launch for 3 MoM (Flutters, Dollies, Rosalitas, LBCs, etc.)
Done
Ye Naked Moleskin
Really great crowd out this morning. The heckling started early, before we even launched, but YHC is a veteran and can handle it. Moreover, without it, I usually guess the PAX aren’t getting their money’s worth. Today’s workout was a straight-forward, what you see is what you get, beatdown. There wasn’t a lot of fluff, and some may argue not a lot of creativity. It was old school. If you put the effort in, you’ll reap the benefits later. Semi-Gloss called it “Dad Advice.” #Truth
It was great to be back on the old stomping grounds. It is true that YHC is an alum. But man, the joint has changed. #old The construction didn’t help either, as I was lost near the start, obvious to some of the PAX when we made a hard left into that unassuming parking lot for the warm-up. Back in the day, those “home bleachers” were a series of concrete slabs. Now, those slabs have been replaced with state of the art aluminum with rails and everything. #SlipperyWhenWet Kudos to the PAX for navigating those flawlessly. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve run that hill and those bleachers, and so it was good to be back. Thanks for enjoying it with me.
The Beast is just a beast. It’s a no holds barred, smack you in the face set of exercises that if you push through it, you’re better for it. Of course, you have the option to refusinik, and there are times to do so. Laziness isn’t one of them. Hats off to those who pushed through this morning.
Great to see Escargot back out this morning. First post in a year! Ironsides may have tweaked a hammy – get well brother. Margo gave up FT for 15 minutes of sleep to join the workout – appreciate that. Other Flattnin’ the Hills teammates were present (Gummy, Hopper, LazyBoy, Chelms) – once in the band, always in the band. Busch and Bulldog were swinging kettlebells early – kudos to you both. Harley doesn’t look the same without a visor, but great to have him out. Good to see Mermaid back from vacation, and from eavesdropping, sounds like he had some productive fishing. Hops, thanks for the takeout, as well as the opportunity to lead – it’s an honor to be handed the reigns with this group. Great work to all – see you next time.
Announcements
16 men gathered in the gloom for another Hannibal beat down. At some point, Bugeater joined us and we became 17 and better for it. Also, a decent number of new faces, mixed with some old timers made it a fun crowd.
Brief disclaimer (YHC was a bit grumpy – the longest short week ever) and we were off.
The Thang:
Mosey around the back of the school to the East parking lot. Normal Hannibal warm-up
Mosey back to launch by way of the front of the school
Main Event: 5 x 10 x 5 4 (5 stations for exercises, 10 reps each, 4 times)
Mary while waiting for the 6 (various on-your-six exercises)
Mosey behind school to near the playground. Get in 3 main groups. Grinders from this point to the concession stand. Squats and Dollies at end points.
AYG back to Launch. Done.
Moleskin:
YHC might have his Q-card revoked after this one. Last night, Marge tweeted that YHC would be on a pitch count not to exceed 4 miles. Well, that lap around the school is ALWAYS further than I think it is, and at the beginning of the second lap of the main event, we had already broken a mile. With the threat of Marge going to the bullpen early, and with all of us sucking wind pretty good, YHC audibled the original 5 cycles down to 4. No one complained.
Really proud of everyone pushing through on that. Marge and Queen were killing it. Jet Fuel wasn’t far behind. We will all be better for it (though it may take us a few days). Mary while the six came in was a welcome break, even on the cheese-grater parking lot that is Olde Providence Elementary. The grinders at the end brought some good conversation among the PAX (which is when YHC noticed that Bugeater had shown up at some point during the workout).
All in, we did close to 3 miles without ever leaving the campus. Not bad. Great to see some new blood out there. Prayers specifically for Utah’s father and Jennings Palmer. Please lift these guys up today!
No other announcements. Pleasure to lead a fine crew.
The Thang
Quick disclaimer (somebody threw out “lawyer”) and we were off. Mosey to the Church at Charlotte parking lot for warm-ups. No need to get out of the rain, and so we stayed out in the open.
SSH x20
IW x20
Mountain Climber x15
Peter Parker x15
Parker Peter x15
Run through Church at Charlotte breezeway. No need to stop – again, not raining, across Colony and down Charmay Trail to Castellaine Dr. Hang a right to the cul de sac for instructions.
7s from one cul de sac to the other at opposite ends of Castellaine (squats & wide-arm merkins)
Mosey back to Church at Charlotte campus, run through the smaller breezeway north of the “other” breezeway – again, no need to stop, not raining. Find the wall in the main parking lot for some let work.
People’s Chair, with 30 air presses x2
Okay, now we’ll go to the main breezeway and stop. Even though still not raining, I’m running out of modifications for this workout planned with a downpour in mind.
Partner up.
Each team does 300 150 step-ups, 200 LBCs, 100 dips
While partner 1 does exercise, partner 2 runs the short lap around the building. Flapjack.
Mosey back to launch.
2 MoM (Dollies, Rosalitas)
Done.
Moleskin:
Great group out today. I think the A51 guys outnumbered the Metro guys for a change. Forecast called for a steady rain, and so YHC planned for a workout that would keep us (sort of dry). By the end of the workout, when we were still all mostly dry except for the sweat, YHC figured that it would be a terrible to end a wet workout all dry, and so we left the cozy dry confines of the breezeway for the wet Carmel Park parking lot for our two minutes of Mary. And yes, the intent to get nice and wet led to the call of dollies and rosalitas.
The 7s on Castellaine turned out to cover 2 miles! YHC didn’t see that coming. Good BRR training if you can get it! Kirk was way out in front, with One Eye right behind. Enjoyed the mumble chatter, led by Gummy (as usual). Good to see Rock out there again. Always a pleasure (and a challenge) to lead this group of men.
Announcements:
11 strong men of south Charlotte gathered to start their Easter weekend the right way. After a brief disclaimer, we were off.
The Thang
Moderately quick lap around OPES to get the blood flowing in our legs, back to launch for our warm-up.
Mosey to playground (Station #1)
Mosey around baseball outfield to concession stand between fields (i.e., the long way – Station #2)
The Main Event
Recovery mosey to parking lot on the “other side” of the school
Mosey across front of school to the short track
Done
The Moleskin
Good crew this morning, and everyone pushed hard. Marge and Gummy were out front for a lot of the 11s (and everything else). After a brief comment about the disclaimer, Gummy was pretty silent in the harassment department. Not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. Spackler must have taken the first half of 11s off, because when he decided to go (around #5), he blitzed the rest of us. I hate to admit it, but there must be something to that Orange Theory thing. Puddin’ Pop was pressing (take that however you want), and Queen was his metronome self – solid.
Harley and Arena were carrying on a deep conversation through most of the 11s (I think it was you two), and it must have been interesting, or at least a nice diversion from the pain that was starting to set in near the end of those. Frosty Paws, and Bounce were moving as well. MAD, I don’t know how you do that with a 30 lb. ruck, but well done!
Apologies for the late BB – it’s been one of those weeks. We all get them. However, it was great to Q Hydra again; it’s been a while. Thanks for the opportunity Marge and Queen. Hopefully, I haven’t totally destroyed your Site Q credibility in week 1! Queen, thanks for the takeout.
Happy Easter everyone. We’re all forgiven because of the price He paid on the Cross. He is risen!
16 strong men assembled at Base Camp for their trek to start the week off right. After a thorough disclaimer for the veteran crew (#notneeded), we were off into the gloom.
THE THANG
Mosey to the side parking lot and circle up, waiting on a couple LIFOs coming in on two wheels to join us. COP #1.
Mosey down Woodfox, and stop about 200 yard in for COP #2.
Continue down Woodfox to Burning Tree Dr. 30 yards into BTD COP #3.
Mosey to the end of Woodfox, hang a left down to Rising Meadow for the Main Event.
Slow recovery mosey back to the top of the hill, and make way to the cul de sac with a combo of lunges and backwards run. COP #4
Back down Rising Meadow, stopping at each driveway for LBCs x5.
At base of Rising Meadow, partner up for Catch Me If You Can back to the school, with 10x merkins (modified to 5x) as the called exercise.
People’s Chair with arms extended, followed by air presses (x10 normal cadence, x10 double time). Rinse and Repeat.
Done.
MOLESKIN
Looked like a lot as I type this out, but it was all pretty basic. Some running, with some strength (mostly merkins) and ab work (mostly LBCs) mixed in. My watch read 2.4 miles, and there’s nothing wrong with that! My goal was to create a workout that would give everyone something – push the experienced guys and still be challenging, but not to a fault, for the others. I hope I accomplished that. There seemed to be a lot of heavy breathing, and nobody died (that I’m aware of), and so that seems good.
Great to see some of the regulars – Goonie (who was flying), Fireman Ed, Smash, Insomniac, Triple-7, amongst others. Great also to workout with some guys I don’t see very often and met for the first time. Thanks for the privilege to lead, and I already look forward to the next one. Thanks to Insomniac for the takeout.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Savage Race – May 13. Sign up.