A Union County 2nd F started a conversation that led to 8 #HIMs meeting in the pouring rain on a chilly Thursday morning and going for a tour of the local neighborhoods. It all started with discussion when Shake N Bake and I learned that Cool Runnings had closed, leaving Union County without a running workout. In true #HIM fashion, SnB volunteered to start one, bought YHC another adult beverage and proceeded to EH me into launching it with him.
The new workout still doesn’t have a name, but it does have a purpose — to give PAX who want to log a few extra miles each week (but aren’t getting enough by doing pre-runs). The goal is to provide an running/bootcamp workout that will keep everyone together and allow guys to build speed & endurance as they train for an upcoming road or trail race. It is not a moderate running workout.
As mentioned, it was pouring rain at Socrates Academy at 05:10 when YHC parked, but the cars started rolling in. The rain slowed and the disclaimer was given. We set out to get a few miles & do a few merkins.
COP
SSH X 20 IC
IW X 20 IC
Mosey down Weddington Ridge to the intersection of Cameron Creek stopping at each road hump for 5 Burpees OYO. Ping pong back to pick up the six or plank until they arrive.
Hang a right on Cameroon Creek and mosey to the intersection of Hampton Glen. Hang a left on Hampton Glen and stop at the intersection of HG & Savannah Hills. Partner up.
P1 runs right on Hampton Glen to the cul-de-sac. P2 runs left on Hampton Glen to the other cul-de-sac. In the right cul-de-sac, perform 10 jump squats. In the left, 10 Carolina Dry Docks & return. Do 10 hand slap merkins when you meet your partner & then proceed to the opposite cul-de-sac & perform exercises. Repeat until 6:00.
At 6:00, mosey back to Socrates, circling back as needed to pick up the six. When we returned to the cars, we did light, intentional stretching for approx 2 min. until it was time to call it.
Announcements
Charlotte Marathon & SPEEDFORNEED event this Saturday. Come & support
We need a name. Suggestions encouraged.
*I’m sure there are others, but I can’t remember them now & didn’t record them then.
The Wet Moleskin
What do you get when you mix alcohol and beast athletes who want to step outside of their comfort zone and create an opportunity to help others? You get our new Thursday running workout. We didn’t expect the rain and frankly, YHC wished there was a “Cancel All” button on his phone when the alarm sounded at 4:45 Thursday. I didn’t expect anyone more than Shake n Bake and myself to show even though we had HC’s from several. I couldn’t believe my eyes when the headlights began to appear on Weddington Road and the cars started pulling in. It’s a true testament to how ISI and how guys are 1) accountable to each other, 2) accountable to themselves, & 3) willing to push themselves to become better athletes and men.
Some in attendance were self-declared “non-runners”. Not any longer, my friend…..
Some may have never run more than 3.1 miles in their entire running career, but they got a taste of .5 miles more and realized they can run faster & farther than ever imagined.
Some alleged to have scared up a couple of the local wildlife and had a stare down on Hampton Glen. I guess the local bucks didn’t like us invading their turf. For Gypsy’s sake, I’m glad it isn’t rut season (you city folk will have to look that up).
There was lots of mumble chatter about a workout being advertised on the F3UC Facebook page but meeting in Mecklenburg Co. I’ll only say that we’ll do whatever it takes to get numbers. #donthate
Last thing I’ll say is, it’s always nice to end a workout with more in attendance than you started with. Right, Radar?
Come out & join us next week. Same F3 time (Thursday @ 05:15), same F3 location (Socrates Academy).
Thanks to SnB for asking me to help with this launch. I need it. Thanks to all who braved #Cantore and showed. I needed your presence there more than you needed mine.
Gumby is one of those AOs that everyone seems to know exists but know very little about. The thing is, it’s an AO that everyone needs. I found that out the hard way by missing more than I was able to attend this Summer and I really paid the price. #F3Gumby a/k/a Stretching and Yoga encourage better circulation of blood throughout the body, including to the joints and muscles. This yields quicker healing of any muscle injuries and more nutrients coming to the muscles at all times, but that’s not why you are here. You’re here to find out what we did, what we listened to and read about any shenanigans that happened during the most climate controlled workout of the week.
It all started with a disclaimer and an admission that during prep, YHC discovered there were 2 types of Yoga – Vinyasa Yoga (yoga flow) and Yin Yoga (slower pace & hold poses longer). This discovery naturally led to a practice of both during our 45 minutes.
The devotional came from Hebrews 6:13-20
The Thang
A series of deconstructed Sun Salutations to get warmed up, stopping at various points along the way to feel the stretch:
Flow thru Sun Salutation to a series of Warrior poses (each leg)
Crescent pose –> Warrior 1 –> Warrior 2 –> Peaceful Warrior –> Warrior 2 –> Warrior 1 –> Warrior 3. Flow thru Sun Salutation to a series of Warrior poses.
Flow thru Sun Salutation to Runners Lunge –> Lizard Pose –> Pigeon. (This began our series of Yin poses). Hold each pose for 1 minute. Switch legs & repeato
Come to a seated positon with legs crossed. Hands on knees and rotate at the waist right X 3 then left X 3.
Walk hands out front
Fold front leg behind you (think hurdler’s stretch). Keep inside leg bent in front. Walk hands out to front (hold), walk them in the direction of the inside leg (hold). Hands behind & walk/lean back to stetch quad. Switch legs & repeato.
On your back. Pull R leg in towards armpit. Grab strap & wrap around ball of foot. Hold strap & extend leg (hold). Hold both ends of strap in R hand & let leg fall to right (hold). Back to center – hold both ends in L hand and let leg fall to left. Repeat process on left side.
Corpse pose
Time is up!
Moleskin
Not much to report here other than Swiss Miss giving YHC grief for wearing a Road ID to a yoga class. #safetyfirst. All in all it was a pretty quiet crowd in terms of mumble chatter. I like to think it was because of the awesome Pink Floyd playlist. The Yin poses (and holds) did provide plenty of grunts & groans. As mentioned earlier, I have been MIA due to work or other Q’ing responsibilities, so it was good to be back. It was even better to see so many new faces. Keep up the good work men! As always, it was an honor to lead.
Announcements
You’ve seen what kind of impact Speed for Need can have on both you and the community, so let’s keep the momentum going. Join the A51 PAX and Tackling Dummy for the upcoming LET THEM SOAR 5K on 11/4. Read the personal story from Tackling Dummy below and be sure to sign up to support him and The Exceptional Foundation!
My brother, Andy, is one of the most influential people in my life, the namesake for my first son, and the most amazing individual I know. Yet Andy faces a challenge every day which I do not face; he has Down syndrome. Growing up, we had a community of friends and family that loved Andy well. The school system he grew up in embraced him and provided him long term friendships. However, when high school ended for Andy, he was left without a great way to engage people on a social level or to continue to develop his skills to contribute to the community. This is true for thousands of people like my brother across the country. Schools do a great job of inclusion, but when those activities are through, there is not much for an adult with a mental disability to do with their free time. With so much love and value to offer, it is a great shame that there are many like Andy that do not get to share it with others on a daily basis.
In 1993, my family was involved in the founding of the national Exceptional Foundation in Birmingham, AL…
“to provide a facility and programs for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to meet regularly and experience a broad range of social and recreational activities designed to promote healthy living, support social relationships, explore the arts, improve functional skills, and foster community involvement.” – The Exceptional Foundation mission
Through the great leadership of the board and executive directors they have employed, the Exceptional Foundation has become a transforming force in the lives of families (my family included) across the entire city of Birmingham. Hundreds of individuals with disabilities come to the Foundation on a daily basis and hundreds of volunteers have come alongside the participants in a meaningful way. In addition Merrill Lynch team mates in Birmingham have become key partners in the success of the Exceptional Foundation.
Today, my brother Andy has more friends, more social events and more fun than anyone I know. The fact that he has such a great place to spend time and build personal relationships has impacted his confidence, showcased the love he has for others and provided my family real community with others that have sons and daughters with special needs.
Tackling Dummy (John Jordan)
Please join me for the Let Them Soar 5K at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews on Saturday, November 4th supporting the Exceptional Foundation. I’ve spoken to many of you about how important the Exceptional Foundation is to me and to this community. I included a little more of my story at the end of this email, to remind you of the mission and purpose behind the Exceptional Foundation: which is to provide a special place for those with special needs. This month we are celebrating one full year of operations here in Uptown Charlotte (www.tefcharlotte.org), and things are going great. We have 4 employees and have created a great community for over 50 participants locally. For all of those that have supported the journey so far through volunteering, giving and moral support, THANK YOU! Your support is making a huge impact on the special needs community.
Please consider joining me on this day to participate in the run. Details on the race as well as a link to register are below…you can participate by yourself, join a team or even be a “Spirit Runner” (you get a t-shirt and don’t have to run!). My entire family will out there in either the 5K or the fun run (appropriate for young kids). Please spread the word for this great event to friends, family and colleagues…it is a great team event and all are welcome!
http://letthemsoar5k.racesonline.com/register
Good afternoon & thank you again for supporting Heather´s Heroes and Speed for Need at the 2017 Charlotte Race for the Cure. Below are important details regarding START times, your t-shirt and packet pick up.
A week or so ago, Bullwinkle asked me “last minute” (his words) if I could Q Union County’s toughest moderate workout. I was honored that he asked and quickly obliged. BTW, there’s nothing moderate about the effort and exercises the 9 PAX put in at #F3Conviction. Here’s an example:
05:30 – leave main lot & mosey to bus lot at back of school. A few high knees and some butt kickers mixed in to help get the hamstrings warmed up.
SSH X 20 IC
IW X 20 IC
LSS X 20 IC
Merkins X 5 IC
Wide Arm Merkins X 5 IC
Mtn Climbers X 20 IC
The Main Thang
Round 1
1 Min of Rest
Round 2
1 Min of Rest
Round 3 (Lightning Round)
06:15 – Mosey back to main lot
Moleskin
Everyone, including YHC, was on time this AM, although Playoffs cut it close. Apparently he thinks STOP signs are YEILD signs at 5:29 in the AM. If he weren’t heading to the AO, you would have thought he was on a mad dash to look for Elvis with the way he rolled through the Stop sign at the intersection before the school entrance. He was the low scorer in the FFL, and we thought we would get to see him pay his debt, but Nomad has gone MIA and hasn’t provided the punishment. Speaking of MIA, it was nice to see Sling Blade in the gloom. He seemed to re-aggravate an old back injury during EMOM. Let’s keep him in our thoughts & prayers for a healthy & speedy return. Since YHC’s weinke was EMOM, it only made sense to provide music. I believe it was Arsenal who approved the playlist. It was definitely helpful to have a loud ‘noise’ to distract us from Shake n’ Bake’s Toy Soldier form. #notaprofessional. The workout started with a good bit of mumble chatter but it quickly died down as the minutes ticked away. To quote eHarmony, “a minute has never gone by so fast and at the same time seem to take forever.” I still want to know what Bullwinkle’s “deconstructed burpee” is. #notaprofessional. You can’t tell Woody was on IR for months earlier this summer. Dude crushes every workout. I guess he’s making up for lost time. Gypsy enjoyed the beatdown so much (or is so strong) that he asked for more #Mary at the end. #hesnotright. Glad we didn’t have time to oblige – I was smoked and hope everyone else was too.
Announcements
Oct 7 – Anson Co. convergence. UC PAX to help celebrate 3 yrs of Anson Co AO’s. Clown car from Carolina Courts at 6AM on 10/7
Oct 7 – SpeedForNeed event at Susan Komen 5K. Come support by being present & representing F3. Need people to be visible and available to answer spectators questions
Do I really want to do this? That’s a questions I kept asking myself as Friday night turned into Saturday morning. YHC not only had the Q at Outland (60 min boot camp), but I also HC’d for a pre-run with Double E. Did I really want to do that?? I didn’t talk myself out of it and at 06:00, I met Double E in the parking lot of SVMS. Horsehead & Boondock showed shortly after, and the 4 of us got in plenty of extra credit miles and strategically placed a few cones on the practice field before the Main Event. Woody was the next to show and Bonhoeffer pulled in with a couple of minutes to spare.
07:00 – Disclaimer and off we go!
The Main Event
End
Moleskin
The title of this backblast is “Do I really want to do this”, because after the pre-run of 4.75 miles, I was really asking myself that. Thankfully, 4 HIMs & a 2.0 showed up and encouraged me to keep moving. I figured with football season in full swing, it would be nice to incorporate the fields into our workout. The fact that the practice field was poorly marked and did not have the yardage displayed made it tough, but everyone seemed to forgive my math skills and followed the weinke for the most part (anytime Horsehead is present, there will be ‘modifications’ to the plan). Mumble chatter started early and increased in volume when we had to pick rocks. Boondock commented, “You don’t pick a rock, a rock picks you”. A couple of the guys wished their rock had picked other PAX, but everyone completed the most if not all of the reps (see previous comment about Horse). There was some speculation on whether I had run out of the weinke when YHC called for calf raises, but I was really trying to eat up the time so we didn’t have to go see our friend Jack Webb. Time was not on our side, so we had to pay him a visit.
Everyone put in a solid effort Saturday and I think they got their money’s worth. It was an honor to lead & I’m looking forward to the next one.
Announcements
Susan Komen race on 10/7
UCHH this Thursday – 7:30 – Hickory Tavern Wesley Chapel
F3Golf – sign up to play
Thanks to Bonhoeffer for the prayer.
When I pulled in to Weddington High at 5:00, there was a local news crew on site. I thought to myself, Posse really rolls out the red carpet for a guest Q! I eventually found out that the TV guys were not there for me but for a very different & sobering reason. More on that later…. As 05:30 approached, more cars began to roll in and when it was time to launch, 8 HIMs were disclaimed and took a left out of the parking lot. Approximately 50 yards later, we did an about face as I realized I left my phone on the bumper of my car. We retrieved the phone and headed down to the football field/track for COP and the Main Event.
COP
SSH X 20 IC
IW X 15 IC
Hillbilly X 15 IC
LSS X 20 IC
Sun God (arm circles) X 10 IC each direction
Main Event
(All exercises OYO)
Plank until the PAX regroups. Mosey back to school. Plank at various spots when the PAX gets strung out. Hold until PAX regroups.
2 MOM – Freddie Mercury X 20 IC
END
Moleskin
We found out at the Convergence on Saturday that a student at Weddington High was killed in a car accident after school on Friday. We posted on Saturday AM oblivious to the news until the school principal asked us to pray for him and the student body. The cameras on site this AM were there as a follow up to their initial report. Please keep the families, students, faculty & all involved in your thoughts & prayers this week.
As for the workout, the Watchtower PAX brought their A-game this morning. YHC normally posts in A51, so it was good to see the guys from the other side of the county line. I’ve always been impressed by how hard the UC PAX works, so when Posse asked if I wanted to Q Watchtower, I could not resist. Since I was unfamiliar with the AO, I tried to plan a weinke that would keep everyone together and reduce my chances of getting us lost on campus. From the lack of mumble chatter, it seemed if the exercises were a real crowd pleaser. I was even able to introduce a new workout (Mary Catherines) to the guys – not sure they were happy about that. Just wait ’til next time. I’m saving the hurpees for my next Q! The Hard Rock Strength Training station on Pandora (I turned off the explicit lyrics as a precaution) seemed to be a favorite by the majority, but there were some requests to get back to the 70’s light rock that is apparently a staple soundtrack for Watchtower. Sorry to disappoint those of you who aren’t rockers. Maybe next time, if you’ll have me. It was an honor to be asked to lead by Posse and a pleasure to drag you guys around the school campus.
Announcements
Please keep the families, students, faculty & all involved in your thoughts & prayers this week.
Susan G Komen Race for the Cure & Speed for Need event is Saturday, 10/7. Sign up for the race & join Team Heather’s Heroes at http://www.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/CLT_CharlotteAffiliate?pg=entry&fr_id=6906
Sign up to push the SFN chariots (need 15 pushers) at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d44afac23a0fc1-susan
Despite the NC DOT’s efforts to thwart our 1st F, Union County’s only ‘moderate’ workout happened without incident….almost. Despite warnings earlier in the week that roads were closed all over the Stallings/Indian Trail/Union County area, YHC decided they didn’t pertain to him and set out to Q the toughest ‘moderate’ workout in the area. As YHC approached the only major highway between him and the AO, 2 of Union County’s finest met him with flashing lights and traffic batons indicating that “thou shall not pass this way”. Crap! Plan B is activated. Still 10 minutes before launch. YHC quickly takes a left only to find that the detour signs were not properly placed and the ‘detour’ only took him to a dead end (.75 miles later). Crap! Crap! Plan C. There is no plan C at this point, but I’m on Q and still have approx 5 minutes to get there, give the disclaimer and lead the PAX. Plan C was being created on the spot. Thank God for GPS. It at least identified where I needed to go and only showed that I was 10 minutes away….. As I made my way through the dark county roads, I began to contemplate aborting my mission and returning home, but decided to give it a few more minutes. Siri announces, “Your destination is on the right”. Thank God (again) because I had no idea where I had just come from or how I got there, but I was there and 4 studs were already hard at work. Time on the clock = 5:38
The PAX were in the midst of a series of karaokes & burpees and I think they may have been happy to see me show because nothing about what Shake n’ Bake had them doing looked moderate to me. Bullwinkle turned over the Q to (tardy) YHC and we were off for the regularly scheduled workout.
Quick disclaimer (disclaimer #2 for the PAX)
Track Work
Back to Start
Infield Work
There are 11 vacant bus parking spaces – too good to pass up
We find ourselves at the far end of the lot. Have to get back….
Partner Work
Mosey to playground.
Playground Work
Mosey to wall & line up for People’s Chair
Mosey back to cars for 2 MOM
Finis
Moleskin
Today was a stressful Q for YHC. Not because of the weinke, but because it may be the only time in the history of F3UC that the Q was late to his own workout. Funny thing is, the roads were opened up and the usual route was available by the time we finished the workout. The most impressive part of the morning is that the PAX did not let the lack of a Q stop them. When I arrived, they were already hard at work. That screams of leadership and fortitude. Thanks for stepping up and forging ahead instead of making excuses. Once again, the effort did not disappoint. I see these guys getting stronger every week. It was my first time meeting Gypsy in the Gloom and he was killing the workout. Shake n’ Bake, Bullwinkle & eHarmony are inspirations for their determination, strength, and dedication. Conviction is advertised as a ‘Moderate’ workout, but these guys bring their A game and showed that the only thing ‘moderate’ in today was the name. It’s a pleaseure to lead such a great group of strong men, and I’m honored to call them friends.
With the hype of the solar eclipse behind us, the Union County PAX turned their excitement to the weekly Tuesday morning beat down known as Thrive. YHC is fresh off his F3 World Tour of Raleigh, Knightdale, Atlanta, & Morehead City and was excited to share some new exercises or a new spin on some old ones. Here’s how it went down this AM.
Disclaimer.
Run to the end of the road beside the soccer fields (approx 300 yds) & circle up for COP
Mosey to stop sign & line up facing the cars. Between the 2 stop signs there are 6 trees. Run to tree #1 & perform 5 Merkins. Proceed to tree #2 & perform 10 Merkins. Proceed to tree #3…. You get the picture. Plank at the end to wait on the six. Total Merkin count = 105
Now we have to get back to where we started, so reverse the route but instead of Merkins at each tree, the called exercise is squats. 5 squats at tree #1, 10 at tree #2, etc. until you get to the other end of the road. Perform Mary until the six regroups. Total Squat count = 105
Mosey to base of the hill at the soccer field. At the bottom of the hill, perform 5 hand release burpees (Hurpees) OYO. Run to the top of the hill. On your six. 10 toe touches & back down the hill. Repeat 5 times. Perform LBC until the six finishes the set.
Madison Mosey to pic-nic shelter in the main lot. 10 step ups (20 total), 20 Derkins & 30 Dips OYO. Complete the set 5 times. Pretzel crunches (if you finished) early until everyone completes all 5 sets
Mosey to the cars & circle up for 5 MOM
That gets us to 6:15.
Announcements:
Need a 10th player in the F3UC Fantasy Football League – let Playoffs know if you are interested
Playoffs on Q for Overdrive Friday
Sign up to Q Thrive
Show up & represent F3UC at AMRAP4Autism this Saturday
Susan Komen Race for the Cure & a special Speed for Need event is Oct 7. Register & join team Heather’s Heroes here –> http://www.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/CLT_CharlotteAffiliate?pg=entry&fr_id=6906
Thanks to Nomad for the prayer.
Moleskin
Today’s group was a little smaller than what we’ve seen at Thrive lately, but the guys there got their money’s worth. I overheard someone mention Bullwinkle’s threat to fartsack and it was pretty unanimous that fartsacking is something he does not threaten – he either does or does not. I guess today, he went to Fight Club. The Merkin Mile was tough, but eHarmony got through it like a jack rabbit. Shenanigans were called and YHC seems to recall someone asking him if he was counting like Shepherd. A fellow PAX disagreed and just said he was doing his Merkins like Glass Joe. YHC can neither confirm nor deny either of the allegations because of O2 dep. Seems as if the entire group is holding one another accountable since there were many ‘call outs’ during the step up/derkin/dip portion. Glad to see it – you are only cheating yourself. The one thing I can confirm is that each and everyone of the PAX at Thrive this AM is getting stronger. You can visibly see the bonds of friendship strengthening, see the stamina increasing, and see guys slimming down. It’s clear that the 1st & 2nd F’s are working. Don’t forget the 3rd F. Make it a point to get out to Misty Meadows Farm and the Susan Komen race to support the causes. You will not regret it.
It is a true honor & a pleasure to lead.
Madison
July 31 marked 2 important dates – another trip around the sun and the 3 year anniversary for YHC. I could think of no better way to celebrate than to lead the strongest group of men in all of A51 in the Monday tradition that is The Matrix.
Word spread that it was a big date for me and the Matrix faithful came out in droves, 2 FNG and a few guys from Union County made the trip across the county line, so when 05:30 struck, there were 20 ready to get their week started in the best way possible.
The standard disclaimer was provided and an addendum was included that announced that the workout would be a blast from the past. It went a little something like this:
Mosey along the sidewalk, past the track, thru the bus lot and back to the main school parking lot for COP
SSH X 25 IC
IW X 20 IC
LSS X 15 IC
Merkins X 10 IC
The Main Event
Mosey to playground & perform 10 Pull Ups, 20 Derkins & 30 Dips OYO
Mosey to rock pile. Form teams of 3 & 2/3 grab a lifting rock
Mosey to lower lot with rocks for GRINDERS
P1 starts at one island, P2 starts at the other. P3 runs from one station to the other and takes over called exercise for total # of reps.
Round 1
Station 1 = 150 Merkins / Station 2 = 150 CDD
Round 2
Station 1 = 150 Squats / Station 2 = 150 Lunges
Round 3
Station 1 = 200 O/H Press / Station 2 = 200 Curls
Round 4
Station 1 = 200 Calf Raises / Station 2 = 200 Monkey Humpers
Round 5
Station 1 = 200 LBC / Station 2 = 200 Flutter
Return rocks & mosey back to cars for 4 Minutes of Mary
Freddie Mercury X 15 IC
Heels to Heaven X 10 IC
10 Burpees OYO + 5 Burpees OYO
Time!
The Moleskin
Welcome Trey – No Doubt & Max – Bernie
Because of the F3’versary, I knew I wanted to repeat my very first workout. Today’s weinke was easy to prep. On paper, it seemed fairly simple and easy. In reality, what Alf put us through 3 years ago and what we repeated verbatim today was a real smoker. Today was a real test of your fitness and all passed with a big A+.
I announced to the group in COP that this was a repeat of my virgin post and a few people quickly noticed that I didn’t give proper credit to the Q that day (I think they wanted to know who to blame if it sucked). Alf led the original workout and that immediately led to lots of mumble chatter because he’s known to provide solid beatdowns. There was some confusion & wonder when we arrived at the rock pile and gathered our ‘lifting rocks’ and then ran to the lower lot. Some need a new definition of ‘lifting rock’. It was pointed out that some of the lifting rocks were more like pebbles and we heard some pretty lame excuses as to why they were picked. Even with some rocks weighing 1/10 of the rock Squid picked, everyone got what they came for. I’m sure the FNGs thought we were crazy when we started, but they hung in there and left with smiles on their faces. My bet is they come back for more.
Now for the sentimental Moleskin….. When I first posted on July 28, 2014, Alf led us through the beatdown listed above. It was new, it was weird, but most of all, it was what I needed. The guys that showed this AM may or may not have had an idea of the significance of the day to me, but they came for their own reasons. That’s what keeps F3 alive – the higher purpose that each PAX is striving for.
Today was an important for me. It marked 2 significant milestones in my life, but more importantly, it reinforced (for me personally) the credo of F3, Iron Sharpens Iron. I am truly humbled at the challenges that my brothers overcame this AM to be part of my special day – some rescheduled prior commitments, some drove 25+ minutes, and some resisted the traditional Monday AM fartsack. Make no mistake, each and every action made an impact on me. As I mentioned, it’s hard for me to open up and be vulnerable, but it was laid on my heart today to try to explain the impact you guys have had in my life. My family and I moved to Charlotte 3 years ago in late-June and I was introduced to F3 by Zip-A-Dee less than a month later. I posted 2-3 times the first week and then became inconsistent. Alf must have noticed my repeat absences and sent me an email encouraging me to come back. You have no idea how much that meant, so don’t miss the opportunity to reach out to the guys who you haven’t seen in a while. They need to hear from you and need to be encouraged. I am now a regular in both A51 and Union County because someone took the time to let me know I was missed. I now post at every opportunity not because I need to bless you guys with my presence, but because I need to bless myself with your’s.