8 to Be Great (Baby it’s Cold Outside)
Date: 2026-01-16 AO: the-brave Q: soft_pretzel , PAX: Franky, Roulette, Gump, kirby, soft_pretzel, wildturkey, Hippie, midriff, wingman, bunker, frasier FNGs: None COUNT: 11 WARMUP: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 – merkins and big bois while running the 1.5 miles to Lochness. THE THANG: 3x around. Stop for pull-ups, burpee jump ups, and decline CDDs. Run back stopping for leg stuff and Mary. MARY: ANNOUNCEMENTS: beer run w/gambling March 7. COT: F3 is always outside. Look it up.
Bump to Bump to Bump
Date: 2026-01-16 AO: mountain-goat Q: retread PAX: beaver, Benny, Insomniac, mallcop, retread, Sensei, slim_fast, Spammer, lois, kilowatt, Mounds FNGs: None COUNT: 11 WARMUP: Jaunty pace on Strawberry Lane including a flyby of the new development under construction, followed by dynamic stretching to try to loosen up on a frigid morning. THE THANG: Bump to bump action: 4x at tempo or faster with equidistant recovery, 5x tempo or faster + recovery, 1x out and back on Woodfox. MARY: Negative ANNOUNCEMENTS: Happy Birthday to Beaver, still going strong as a double respect. Krispy Kreme challenge Feb. 7. COT: The most honorable Lois with the closing prayer.
Parking Lot Grinder
Date: 2026-01-15 AO: peak-51 Q: Spammer PAX: Spammer, slim_fast, lois, Catfish, Mounds FNGs: None COUNT: 5 WARMUP: SSH, IW & Squats to get the blood moving. The morning winds were fierce, so in an attempt to escape them YHC managed to find a parking lot that was somewhat sheltered from the wind but was incredibly rough on the hands (and back). THE THANG: Parking space workout. Everyone does a called exercise in every parking space of the lot section we were in (about 25ish spaces). Round 1: 5x Merkins Round 2: 10x LBCs Round 3: 5x Squats Round 4. 5x Sit ups MARY: Headed back to launch to meetup with sparta. Ended up doing more Merkins w/ the spartans as we waited for the ruck group to arrive. COT: hoover
Dude!
Date: 2026-01-16 AO: ufo-ultimatefriz Q: Spyglass PAX: MARTA, David Baker, Fruity Pebbles, smokey, Spikeball, Spyglass, Yeti FNGs: None COUNT: 15 Red 15 – Yellow 7 Red Spyglass Yeti Dora Aoli Bully Stick Smokey Fly With Me
Yellow Biden Peaches Marta Spikeball Duff Fruity Pink Eye Puddles
Pregame: We all knew it would be a tough one with a 5 AM sharp start and 20° weather. On brand with the conditions, the light box was allegedly locked, so lights were not in the cards. Speculation was rampant that Yeti throws better with the light up disc so just claimed that he couldn’t turn them on today. I also say allegedly because I was dead asleep until 5:12 AM when all this was happening. I’m not proud of that.
Game: Speculation was confirmed as Yeti came out throwing dimes for two touchdowns in a row. Spy played some defense early (to make up for sleeping in). Bulleystick had shorts on. Game was tight until around 4-4. Some sloppy yellow play gave red a cushion that they never looked back from. Turns out that if Spikeball calls you “Bro…”, he is actually pissed at you. Peaches had some strong flicks. Smokey had a solid performance, holding it down for the 50+ (respect) division. The Aoli/ Fruity matchup did not disappoint. A special moment of acknowledgment happened at 4:55 that Paris was maybe just leaving to go to Magic Kingdom for the day with the fam, or just returning from a night at Magic City. He will have to shed light on that when he returns. Lead grew steadily, all the way up to 7 as LAX no-showed & play continued to press on towards 5:15. Play suddenly halted as Dora darted towards the back corner chasing down a long throw when he went down with a dislocated knee. Shoutout to Fly With Me for acting swiftly and getting it back in & to Spikeball for grabbing his truck & bringing it around. Dora eventually was carried off & play was done. He was able to drive home.
Postgame: Dora, keep us updated on your status brother. We are all thinking of you and prayed for you in COT. Prayers also for: Ben – Yeti’s longtime CLT friend who had brain tumor urgently removed yesterday. Flys Patient diagnosed w/ cancer this week in late 50’s. Pregnancies
Yellow Biden Peaches Marta Spikeball Duff Fruity Pink Eye Puddles
Pregame: We all knew it would be a tough one with a 5 AM sharp start and 20° weather. On brand with the conditions, the light box was allegedly locked, so lights were not in the cards. Speculation was rampant that Yeti throws better with the light up disc so just claimed that he couldn’t turn them on today. I also say allegedly because I was dead asleep until 5:12 AM when all this was happening. I’m not proud of that.
Game: Speculation was confirmed as Yeti came out throwing dimes for two touchdowns in a row. Spy played some defense early (to make up for sleeping in). Bulleystick had shorts on. Game was tight until around 4-4. Some sloppy yellow play gave red a cushion that they never looked back from. Turns out that if Spikeball calls you “Bro…”, he is actually pissed at you. Peaches had some strong flicks. Smokey had a solid performance, holding it down for the 50+ (respect) division. The Aoli/ Fruity matchup did not disappoint. A special moment of acknowledgment happened at 4:55 that Paris was maybe just leaving to go to Magic Kingdom for the day with the fam, or just returning from a night at Magic City. He will have to shed light on that when he returns. Lead grew steadily, all the way up to 7 as LAX no-showed & play continued to press on towards 5:15. Play suddenly halted as Dora darted towards the back corner chasing down a long throw when he went down with a dislocated knee. Shoutout to Fly With Me for acting swiftly and getting it back in & to Spikeball for grabbing his truck & bringing it around. Dora eventually was carried off & play was done. He was able to drive home.
Postgame: Dora, keep us updated on your status brother. We are all thinking of you and prayed for you in COT. Prayers also for: Ben – Yeti’s longtime CLT friend who had brain tumor urgently removed yesterday. Flys Patient diagnosed w/ cancer this week in late 50’s. Pregnancies
🏀 AND 1 MIXTAPE – SHIELD EDITION 🏀
Date: 2026-01-15 AO: shield Q: tagalong PAX: Cooter2, shrinkwrap, Brisket, speed_bag, Moth, @Once-A-Week-Willy FNGs: None COUNT: 7 7 PAX showed up for basketball camp this morning at #Shield and put in work like we were all fighting for the last JV roster spot.
Started with dribbling laps around the track — “ball on a string” vibes.
Moved into free throws because “games are won at the line.”
Finished with knockout where egos were broken, dreams were tested, and handles > excuses. Cooter2 and Brisket were the winners.
No refs. No whistles. Just sweat, bricks, and that old-school gym class energy.
Because at the end of the day… hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
Started with dribbling laps around the track — “ball on a string” vibes.
Moved into free throws because “games are won at the line.”
Finished with knockout where egos were broken, dreams were tested, and handles > excuses. Cooter2 and Brisket were the winners.
No refs. No whistles. Just sweat, bricks, and that old-school gym class energy.
Because at the end of the day… hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
Jelly of the Month
Date: 2026-01-15 AO: sparta Q: ductwork PAX: mr_roboto, Orange Whip, geraldo, Gazette, hoover, ductwork, @Treadmill, Mr. Roboto FNGs: 1 Mr. Roboto COUNT: 7 It was great to be back at Sparta. 5 hombres chose the running option and 2 chose the rucking option. Strong work by all on that nasty hill… like a gift that keeps on giving. Welcome FNG Mr. Roboto (EH’d by @Treadmill) and well done on the tough introduction to F3.
WARMUP: Mosey to the fire station for SSH, IW, Sharon Towers and some stretching
THE THANG: A never ending suicide up and down Country Place Dr. 10 Merkins at the bottom, 10 squats at each of the 6 side streets. Over 5 miles for all.
MARY: Mosey back to launch for 20 merkins and Plank while waiting for the Ruckers
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
COT: hoover
WARMUP: Mosey to the fire station for SSH, IW, Sharon Towers and some stretching
THE THANG: A never ending suicide up and down Country Place Dr. 10 Merkins at the bottom, 10 squats at each of the 6 side streets. Over 5 miles for all.
MARY: Mosey back to launch for 20 merkins and Plank while waiting for the Ruckers
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
COT: hoover
Hydra 2026 – Round 2
Date: 2026-01-15 AO: hydra Q: Header PAX: Mikeoelz, puddin_pop, semi-gloss, marge, MARTA, high_tide, jet_fuel FNGs: None COUNT: 8 Another low mileage ghostwritten slsckblast for header who has not been on f3 social since Twitter days. Normal chatter and thankful marge made it back out after a late night coyote attack nearly took his ear. He seemed unphased in good spirits. Other Pax rued the day that OP removed the Porto johns rom campus. Hopefully they made it home. Under 2mi, lots of work.. don’t worry miles will come later.
WARMUP: Standard warm up at the derelict trailer farm. No homeless spotted this am.
THE THANG: Run t good Sheppard for partner work. One partner squats or merkins10-9-8-7.. to 1 other partner planks.
Run to umc wesley for rock work and running
Back to the track for mary
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Brew ruck COT: High tide takes us out
WARMUP: Standard warm up at the derelict trailer farm. No homeless spotted this am.
THE THANG: Run t good Sheppard for partner work. One partner squats or merkins10-9-8-7.. to 1 other partner planks.
Run to umc wesley for rock work and running
Back to the track for mary
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Brew ruck COT: High tide takes us out
Joie de Vivre!!!
Date: 2026-01-15 AO: the-phoenix Q: Roulette PAX: wildturkey, midriff, Franky, war_eagle FNGs: None COUNT: 5 The damp, pre-dawn air at The Phoenix AO was thick with more than just humidity; it was heavy with the “Gloom.” At 05:30, five men stood in a circle, their breath hitching in the frigid air like rhythmic exhaust.
They weren’t just there for the Burpees. They were searching for something the French call Joie de vivre—that elusive joy of living that often gets buried under spreadsheets, mortgage payments, and the monotony of the daily grind.
The Fellowship of the Gloom – Roulette (The Q): A man who lives up to his name; you never know if the next exercise will be a stroll or a smoker, but today, he had a gleam in his eye that suggested a long-distance gamble. – Franky: A high-mileage machine who treats a 5:00 AM sub-freezing start like a tropical vacation. – midriff: The apex predator of the pavement, today trading his road flats for trail lugs, ready to hunt miles. – war_eagle: The veteran presence, steady as a rock and always ready to push the PAX through the “Suck.” – wildturkey (The Nantan): The regional leader, here to ensure the culture remains strong, even when the thermometer is dropping.
Into the Woods
“Adventure is our middle name,” Roulette declared, signaling the turn off the pavement. “Follow me.” The PAX plunged into the mountain bike trails bordering the YMCA. It was a chaotic symphony of headlamps cutting through the mist. The trail was a labyrinth of switchbacks, jagged roots, and high banked turns. Franky and Midriff did their best to keep pace forcing the others to redline just to keep their lights in sight. They weren’t just running; they were navigating a landscape that demanded total presence. The gloom was no longer a weight—it was an obstacle course.
The Dock Incident
Deep in the woods, the trail spat them out at the edge of a black, glassy pond. A weathered wooden dock reached out into the water, shivering in the wind. “Decline ‘mericans! Feet on the bench, hands on the planks!” Roulette commanded. The five men scrambled onto the narrow structure. As they hit the “down” cadence in unison, a low, ominous creak echoed across the water. The wood groaned, and the far end of the dock dipped dangerously toward the freezing surface. “Uh, Roulette,” War Eagle grunted, his chest inches from the vibrating wood, “the dock is losing the battle against gravity.” “Ten more!” Roulette barked. The dock swayed and shuddered, nearly collapsing under the rhythmic force of five grown men pushing against the earth. They finished the last rep just as a support beam gave a final, splintering protest. They scrambled back to the shoreline, hearts hammering—not just from the exercise, but from the sheer adrenaline of nearly taking an early morning swim.
The Joie de Vivre
They climbed the final ridge, the mountain bike trails finally giving way to a clearing. Wild Turkey stopped first. The sun was beginning to burn through the grey, turning the frost on the pines into diamonds.
“”This is it,” “”Midriff”” panted, steam rising from his shirt like he was on fire. “The dock almost ate us, my lungs are screaming, and I can’t feel my toes.” “And you’ve never felt more alive, have you?” “”Wild Turkey”” replied with a grin.” The Joie de vivre wasn’t found in the comfort of a warm bed; it was found in the shared risk, the near-collapse of a wooden pier, and the muddy shoes of five men who chose the trail less traveled.
They weren’t just there for the Burpees. They were searching for something the French call Joie de vivre—that elusive joy of living that often gets buried under spreadsheets, mortgage payments, and the monotony of the daily grind.
The Fellowship of the Gloom – Roulette (The Q): A man who lives up to his name; you never know if the next exercise will be a stroll or a smoker, but today, he had a gleam in his eye that suggested a long-distance gamble. – Franky: A high-mileage machine who treats a 5:00 AM sub-freezing start like a tropical vacation. – midriff: The apex predator of the pavement, today trading his road flats for trail lugs, ready to hunt miles. – war_eagle: The veteran presence, steady as a rock and always ready to push the PAX through the “Suck.” – wildturkey (The Nantan): The regional leader, here to ensure the culture remains strong, even when the thermometer is dropping.
Into the Woods
“Adventure is our middle name,” Roulette declared, signaling the turn off the pavement. “Follow me.” The PAX plunged into the mountain bike trails bordering the YMCA. It was a chaotic symphony of headlamps cutting through the mist. The trail was a labyrinth of switchbacks, jagged roots, and high banked turns. Franky and Midriff did their best to keep pace forcing the others to redline just to keep their lights in sight. They weren’t just running; they were navigating a landscape that demanded total presence. The gloom was no longer a weight—it was an obstacle course.
The Dock Incident
Deep in the woods, the trail spat them out at the edge of a black, glassy pond. A weathered wooden dock reached out into the water, shivering in the wind. “Decline ‘mericans! Feet on the bench, hands on the planks!” Roulette commanded. The five men scrambled onto the narrow structure. As they hit the “down” cadence in unison, a low, ominous creak echoed across the water. The wood groaned, and the far end of the dock dipped dangerously toward the freezing surface. “Uh, Roulette,” War Eagle grunted, his chest inches from the vibrating wood, “the dock is losing the battle against gravity.” “Ten more!” Roulette barked. The dock swayed and shuddered, nearly collapsing under the rhythmic force of five grown men pushing against the earth. They finished the last rep just as a support beam gave a final, splintering protest. They scrambled back to the shoreline, hearts hammering—not just from the exercise, but from the sheer adrenaline of nearly taking an early morning swim.
The Joie de Vivre
They climbed the final ridge, the mountain bike trails finally giving way to a clearing. Wild Turkey stopped first. The sun was beginning to burn through the grey, turning the frost on the pines into diamonds.
“”This is it,” “”Midriff”” panted, steam rising from his shirt like he was on fire. “The dock almost ate us, my lungs are screaming, and I can’t feel my toes.” “And you’ve never felt more alive, have you?” “”Wild Turkey”” replied with a grin.” The Joie de vivre wasn’t found in the comfort of a warm bed; it was found in the shared risk, the near-collapse of a wooden pier, and the muddy shoes of five men who chose the trail less traveled.
Everyday I’m shuffling
Date: 2026-01-14 AO: sacs Q: midriff PAX: hoover, Cheese Curd, Roulette, geraldo, wildturkey FNGs: None COUNT: 6 WARMUP: Arrive promptly at 0514 and we are off with a short and sweet disclaimer for YHC’s magnificent first Q at sacs THE THANG: Some said it was impossible to ruck 4 miles in a single hour. Others said it was stupid. Thus we embarked on the Bevington 4-mile loop. Speedruck for quarter mile, run with ruck on for quarter mile, stop for 15 merkins. Rinse and repeat until we made a full loop, stopping for hoover to catch up and to say hello to middle-aged women jogging with red running tights on.
Despite Cheese Curd’s advances attempts, they did not want to join in our rucking festivities. Roulette was out front right out of the gate and had his foot on the gas for the full 60 minutes. Speaking of gas and gas tanks, wildturkey has had far too many car problems. Cheese Curd is a glutton for punishment, electing to ruck 1/3 of his weight. hoover is questioning his career in the financial services industry and provided color commentary on his voluminous morning meetings that have kept him from the gloom. geraldo regaled is with GoRuck event lore, whether it was preparing for a race with udder and Scratch and Win or putting his face in a woman’s crotch. MARY: We had time to spare and incorporated some in at the end, with our packs on except for geraldo . ANNOUNCEMENTS: SOB Beer ruck and run for charity, The Prod on the first Friday in February COT: hairball joined us and asked for us to pray for a friend who is paralyzed after a skiing accident. Roulette dropped some nuggets of truth about the importance of consistently showing up, making relentless forward progress and building the ability to do hard things with others. Sounds like there is even a QSource chapter on this (f3nation.com/pht). Thank you for the opportunity to lead and follow other High Impact Men
Despite Cheese Curd’s advances attempts, they did not want to join in our rucking festivities. Roulette was out front right out of the gate and had his foot on the gas for the full 60 minutes. Speaking of gas and gas tanks, wildturkey has had far too many car problems. Cheese Curd is a glutton for punishment, electing to ruck 1/3 of his weight. hoover is questioning his career in the financial services industry and provided color commentary on his voluminous morning meetings that have kept him from the gloom. geraldo regaled is with GoRuck event lore, whether it was preparing for a race with udder and Scratch and Win or putting his face in a woman’s crotch. MARY: We had time to spare and incorporated some in at the end, with our packs on except for geraldo . ANNOUNCEMENTS: SOB Beer ruck and run for charity, The Prod on the first Friday in February COT: hairball joined us and asked for us to pray for a friend who is paralyzed after a skiing accident. Roulette dropped some nuggets of truth about the importance of consistently showing up, making relentless forward progress and building the ability to do hard things with others. Sounds like there is even a QSource chapter on this (f3nation.com/pht). Thank you for the opportunity to lead and follow other High Impact Men
Leg day
Date: 2026-01-14 AO: wamrap Q: mcgee PAX: mcgee, Alf, Ironsides FNGs: None COUNT: 3 McGee called at 5:30. Said he was 30 seconds out and wanted the Q. The smart me should have taken off without him. The dumb me stayed out with Ironsides and suffered for it.
We did legs. It sucked. But better for it.
-Alf
We did legs. It sucked. But better for it.
-Alf