Burpees, Walls and Sprints

Burpees, Walls and Sprints

Four men showed up in the gloom with some time left for introductions and small talk. The clock struck 5:15 and we were off to the school bus parking lot before the diesel fumes got too bad. During the short mosey in a black car came tearing in to on 2 wheels. Glad to see that general could make it out. He had HC’d the day before and I have never seen him miss an HC. Evidently, there was an emergency pit stop at the gas station.

Warm up:

All in cadence

10 – windmills

15 – Indian Walkers

10 – Merkins

A little plank work

15 Mountain Climbers

Then we moseyed over to the playgrounds for a couple of rounds of exercises and laps.

round 1 –

20 step ups

run to the picnic tables

20 Decline Merkins

Run to the small playground

20 big boy dips

round 2

 

20 pull-ups (rest and shake it out or modify if needed)

run to the picnic tables

20 Incline Merkins

Run to the small playground

20 big boy dips

Plank work between rounds while we re-grouped

Head to the walkway by the busses for a 50 yard lunge walk and a 50 yard bear crawl

Over to the short walls in front of the school.

2 pairs and a Q tagalong work toward 100 burpees per pair. One partner does burpees the other jumps 3 walls and then heads back.

Some wall sits to rest our upper body then over to the parking spaces for some sprints.

Birdcage suggested some abs so we did an extra long session of protractor to ablige him. Then for the suicides.

I cant remember exactly what we did, but there were suicides, backward suicides, bear crawls, crab walks and an extra long suicide.

Finally some Mary to end it all.

 

The Moleskin:

It was a great day in the gloom and I for one was smoked after the burpee walls and sprints.

General was leading the way the whole time as usual. I have gotten used to Qing from behind him. Kielbasa and Birdcage were both pushing hard today and have keep getting stronger and faster. It was great to see the prodigal Soft Pretzel back at The Arsenal. Pretzel always has a strong showing at all of his posts.

SYITG

Head Out on the Highway…

13 PAX read the PreBlast and posted anyway at #F3Swift on Tuesday.

Here was the PreBlast:

http://f3nation.com/2016/10/10/preblast-get-your-motor-runnin/

The THANG:

  • Read the Preblast (link above).  We executed it so well that there is no need to write an extensive THANG…

The Moleskin:

  • Most of the PAX chose the XL option, which after Reading the PreBlast, it’s surprising that there were so many PAX that showed up.  Missing some of the regulars due to the Fartsack or Ragnar recovery (or both, and there are some that would call this a SmartSack, but…).  Many of these PAX also are finally getting the notion that in order to do the XL option, there’s going to be a limited warm-up if you only show at 0515.  We probably had our biggest group at 0500 yet to get ready for this one.
  • Long intervals, dark streets (except for the streetlights near the 485 bridge that make it seem like it’s daylight), and definitely a you vs. you workout waiting for the clock to signal the end of the interval.  If you didn’t have the end of the interval counting down and listening for the ending tone, it probably seemed a lot longer not knowing how far you had to run for.  Frasier, turning back a little over halfway in to go back and get wrist warmers, was the only one who knew where he would end up on the first interval.  The rest of us just ran into the darkness.
  • Recovery seemed to be pretty short at only 10 minutes, and most of the time was spent looking for and gathering PAX on the dark Endhaven.  Never found StumpHugger, but turns out that he had alternate routes in mind that morning.
  • The way back should have been easier.  We had hit decent hills on the way out so it should be more downhill, and we knew where we were going.  You were at least chewing up the 2-3 miles that you had just run through.  Only challenge was in seeing PAX in front of you and not wanting to get run down by the PAX behind you.  Probably the most fun about out and back.
  • On the way back, there was one PAX that wouldn’t be run down.  His group said that he had shot off and left them, and he kept increasing the gap.  Then, when he heard foodsteps, he didn’t concede but pushed harder, well beyond whatever Threshold Pace was the target, right into a zone that only he knew about.  Nice work Beaker.  That Minnesota air must have helped you with some sort of Altitude training, but it’s only further North, isn’t that close to the same thing?
  • A bit of a brisk morning, most PAX were in the long sleeves and stayed that way.  No shirtless, but Mario was probably the last holdout to stay sleeveless.  May have also been the reason he didn’t want to slow down on the recovery in the middle and headed for home.  Probably to get some handwarmers that Frasier had left in the parking lot.
  • If you showed to the 0500 warm-up, you probably had about 9 miles today.  Not too shabby.
  • Already, YHC is not looking forward to next week’s workout, but YHC is still looking forward to the PAX that will be there after reading the PreBlast anyway.

Announcements:

  • 10/22 Southern Discomfort (sign up)
  • 11/4-11/6: Mtn Biking and Breweries–Champagne on Q
  • 12/2 Christmas Party.  A51/SOB/UCo/IL.  Sign up
  • 1/7/2017: Joe Davis Run For Recovery.  Register

Leg tabata

10 men posted in the gloom for the promised leg day. YHC had been planning for some time to focus on legs at this workout, but included the tabata after Argonaut’s Q at Foxhole on Monday.

Warm up:

  • SSH x 20 IC
  • Partner up by bell size:
  • P1: Farmer carry to the second traffic island on the left and back
  • P2: Low slow squats (3 down/1 up)
  • Flapjack (thanks, WD, for taking over the counting)
  • P1: Carry (farmer, double rack, overhead) to the second traffic island on the left and back
  • P2: Hip bridges (commence #mumblechatter)
  • Flapjack

Main thang: :30 on/:30 off for 6 sets of each exercise; 1:00 between exercises

  • Double front squat with partner (flapjack during rest periods)
  • Deadlift (heavy as possible)
  • Goblet squat
  • Reverse Lungs L/R #audible
  • Swings
  • Alternating knee tucks (with or without KB)

Announcements:

KB clinic rescheduled for this Saturday, October 15th from 7:00-8:00am. Park at the soccer fields off of 51. Byron will be leading the clinic. If you’re an experienced KB pax, come on out and work on your form. If you’re newer to KBs, please join us for a low pressure introduction.

Moleskine:

  • A strong group of 9 vets and 1 #KBkotter (welcome, Cheese Curd) this morning. YHC almost (inadvertently) dispensed with the #disclaimer, but snuck it in there during the warm up.
  • YHC was trying to get a little variety to hit different muscle groups in the legs. Rather than doing calf raises, I went with the hip bridges, which unleashed a torrent of verbal abuse from the peanut gallery. “They should be called reverse monkey humpers.” “Don’t look at me when I do these.” That’s just a snippet of the thoughts the pax were kind enough to share this morning.
  • Alternating knee tucks were a tough first time addition. It looked good on the internet, but I think the demonstrator used a smaller bell than we had handy.
  • YHC paid up for a sweet tabata timing app called “Seconds Pro” that allows the user to set up his own timers and name the exercises to be performed for each set. To my surprise, it also announces the exercises over the speaker. #highdollar This worked flawlessly until the Q audibled to 6 total sets of reverse lunges instead of doing 6 left followed by 6 right. The pax appreciated the dulcet tones of the female announcer #fembot, but YHC will look for an Arnold Schwarzenegger voice for next time. #stilltheking
  • Thanks to High Tide and Brown for the opportunity to lead such a stellar crew this morning. One of the best parts about F3 is the 2nd F, particularly the #mumblechatter, which was in abundance this morning. It almost makes me want to call bear squats next time. Almost.

2017 Joe Davis Run for Recovery 5k/10k Pre-Blast

WHAT
The 5th Annual Joe Davis Run for Recovery 5k/10k
WHEN
01/07/17 at 8 AM
WHERE
Walter Elisha Park in Fort Mill, SC
WHY
To remember the life of Joe Davis and to save lives. Specifically, those who struggle with Addiction.
REGISTER
HERE

The 5th Annual Joe Davis Run for Recovery 5k/10k Run/Walk, benefiting Keystone Substance Abuse Services, is scheduled for Saturday January 7, 2017 at 8:00 AM at Walter Elisha Park in Fort Mill, SC.

This family-focused/family-friendly event has special meaning to my family because it is in memory of my brother Joe, who died in 2009, at the young age of 28 from an accidental drug overdose. This event was established to capture the hope that Joe always held onto, even when he struggled most. He was often quoted as saying, “Hope…never lose this.”

First, on behalf of my family, please allow me to thank everyone from both F3 and FiA for both past participation and for considering participating again this year as we stand together to fight the awful sickness and disease that is Addiction. This event would only have a fraction of the #IMPACT that it has had if it were not for you!

In 4 Years, the race has raised over $95K for the Keystone Substance Abuse Center! Total participation has grown from 400 in 2013 to 700+ in 2016, including almost 200 F3 and FiA participants. This year’s goal is to expand to 1000 runners, including 250+ F3 and FiA participants! This is achievable if everyone just invites one person! #1KSTRONG

The course is up and down by design. It represents the ups and downs that an addict’s life experiences.
#HILLS4HOPE

We need you, your spouses, your 2.0’s, your family, and your friends to please sign-up and join us in this fight! What a way to start the year!

We will make it fun and will track participation and speed for bragging rights!

If you can do a bootcamp, you can do a 5k! And there are plenty of running workouts and willing PAX to help you get ready!

Here is the link to sign-up now, while prices are lowest!
Register HERE

In the “Team” field, please indicate “F3” or “FiA” (as appropriate) and if you invite friends or family, please affiliate them as well.

Please share on Twitter and/or Facebook, when you sign up, and use the hashtags #1KSTRONG and #HILLS4HOPE.

THE WHY

Unfortunately, the odds are that each of us will be affected by Addiction in some way in our lifetimes, whether it be personally, a family member or a friend.

Every day in life, we talk about the “What.” In this case, a running race. But, the “What” matters only because of the “Why,” right?

The “Why” is to spread awareness that there is help available for those struggling; hope that our family wish we had known about. Help and support saves lives.

For our family, we hold tight to Romans 8:28, which reads,

“We know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”

It is so difficult to lose a member of your family or a dear friend and, unfortunately, there are many within our group who have experienced this. However, we all have a choice to make when faced with that reality. Our family has chosen to do our best to make an #IMPACT because we believe God saves lives through earthly resources when we align with Him. We believe this race is God’s purpose for us and we want Joe’s life to continue counting for good. So many times, when we are out at a restaurant, or in a race, or anywhere, someone recognizes us and tells us that they suffer from addiction or know someone who does, and that the race has impacted their life in a positive way. Those times serve as confirmation that the race is making a difference!

It will be tough, but isn’t it a great reminder of how tough it must be to get free of Addiction?

I hope you will join us as we celebrate Joe’s life on January 7th!

In Him and on behalf of the Davis-Boyd Family,
Rock Thrill (Chris Davis)

1. Proceeds raised from registration fees and donations go to support Keystone Substance Abuse Services, whose mission is promoting health, offering hope, and restoring healing to those impacted by substance abuse and addiction.

2. This is a great event to kickoff your 2017 fitness and commitment goals! Each year we have SEVERAL guys run their first 5K if not for the VERY FIRST TIME… at least in a long while! The PAX always step-up and provide great support for all runners… young, old, fast, not-so-fast, first-time, long-time… it is just a great event for getting 2017 started in the right direction!

3. Finally, by your participation, you encourage others in MANY ways… some ways you may never know…. You encourage neighbors with abusive addictions… You encourage your M’s, 2.0’s, friends and family to also participate… You encourage your PAX to push themselves to achieve something they might not thought was possible 6 months ago… You encourage a community to see what F3 and FiA are all about!!

There will be more information as we get closer and Event Q’s are named… the main thing now is to get signed-up!!

Flash 10/10

Plenty of running was promised and delivered, but 14 hearty souls showed up anyway.

The Thang…

Warm-up:

  • Cotton-pickers X 10
  • Side-straddle hop x 20
  • Imperial walker x 20
  • Merkin tower (consecutive merkins counting up to 5 and then back down to 1)

Mosey on around the front of the school to the big hill (with some Kareoka and high knees thrown in along the way).  Time for some 11s up the hill and back down: Carolina Dry Docks at the top, pistol crunches at the bottom

Mosey nearby to the courtyard:

  • 20 donkey kicks against the wall on your own
  • 10 Mike Tysons – 4-count exercise starting with feet against the wall – combination of horizontal squat and a merkin

Continue our trip around the school, stopping at the parking lot gate and partnering up.  Partner 1, supines.  Partner 2, run across parking lot and back.  Repeat until 100 supines completed in total.

Continue our run around the school to the benches by the lunchroom:

  • step-ups x20
  • lunges x20
  • dips x20

Then, grabbed a spot on the wall for some peoples chair combined with Moroccan Nighclub x100.  Finished it off with another round of 10 Mike Tysons

Continue run around the school back to starting point, with a short break along the way for 5 8-count burpies.  Arrive back at the starting point and finished it off with some Mary and a little more running for good measure.

Great effort by all and thankful for opportunity to lead the PAX as always.

 

 

 

BB – yoydlhdlhfhxo

Late BB, but have been under the weather, technically since before the workout…so, no apologies on it being late, just an acknowledgement that it is.

Thang

Ran the HT mile.  Partner up.

P1 – 7 pull ups, 14 dips, 21 knee ups
P2 – runs to baseball fence and back

Switch ad nauseum (word is well known, often read, but apropos description).

Ran the HT mile again (except YHC, who feeling like hot garbage, opted for a Mary solo in the parking lot).

Moleskine

This was a very simple workout, but one that kept the HR up while hitting the arms, back, and core.  Legs needed a break, as some smaller, stabilizer muscles were still sore from the weekend Ragnar mud run.  Simple =/= easy, and the repetitive nature of just a few exercises (even in small sets) had a big cumulative effect.

YHC was deep six with whatever sickness this was (is) worsening after the initial mile (still sub 7).  Don’t remember much, but sure the banter was incessant and witty.  Kudos to everyone.

Data Dump

  • Smokey Mtn Relay sign ups just started (limited to 70 teams, so jump on it).  YHC a sc to run.
  • Southern Discomfort coming up on 10/22, which will hit OPE as a final stop.
  • Christmas party sign ups just started. If you know you’re going, sign up early to help with planning.
  • Church on the Street also coming back up on 11/6.  Claim your spot now.

That’s it.  Weak BB, but a BB nonetheless.

  • Kirk

Stay on the high ground

A few Advil and it’s on to Day 2 of the AARP roadshow.  Pondered repeating the Ultimate Relay Q from Anvil the day before, but still working on modifications – and healing.  Was quite surprised to find a full parking lot waiting to honor me (?) upon my arrival.  Puddin Pop and Good Hands are driving the numbers!  Even Flutie Flakes booked a flight from Boston JUST to attend the “Week of the Aged Q” – heartwarming.  The numbers did divert me from the intended weinke, so we’ll have to save that one for later.  Great morning.

 

The Thang:

The 20 gathered Pax take the slow mosey around the front of the school and circle up in the parking lot for COP:

  • IW x 20 IC
  • Mt Climber x 20 IC
  • Groiner x 20 IC
  • LBC x 15 IC
  • [at this point there is an unsavory and extended sound from the pax.  down-wind doesn’t worry me – i’m hoping i’m not downhill from that]
  • Dolly x 15 IC
  • Flutter x 15 IC

I think that’s it.

 

Mosey to the center of the field and count off into 4 groups for some Starfish(y).  T-claps to Champagne for being aware and noticing that we did not have an adequate exercise for the head of the fish – good catch.

Rotate through the following stations with 5 burpees in the center between each:

  • G1: 10 supine pullups + 10 decline merkins
  • G2: 5 pullups + 10 merkins
  • G3: 10 burpees + 10 donkey kicks
  • G4: 10 step ups + 10 dips

 

Nothing too grueling but we stay in motion.

After about 3 rounds we do a bit of plank-o-rama until the groups form up.

 

Slow mosey to the parking lot to cool down:

  • Freddie Mercury x 15 IC
  • Diamond Merkins x 10 IC
  • Side Crunch x 10 IC – flapjack
  • Staggered Merkin-Right x 10 IC
  • Heels to Heaven x 10 IC
  • Staggered Merkin-Left x 10 IC (that one hurt)

 

And……………………..we’re done.

 

 

Moleskin

Great to be back at Hydra – still one of the best AO’s in A51.

Strong group – in hindsight I think I should have turned it up a notch – I think I noticed some boredom and a little too much idle chatter.  Need to up my game a bit.

Had a hard time keeping up with Spackler.  Is he fast? – or – maybe because his participation in the exercises was …… random.

YHC almost wandered off into the dark but was called back by the group – – “no man left behind”.  Touching.

Great to see the alumni returning – Kotters to Flutie for posting while visiting from Boston.

 

Announcements

  • Southern Discomfort (Part Deux) on October 22. Sign up link below:
  • http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0f4ca9ab22a4fa7-2016
  • South Charlotte Christmas Party which includes A51, SOB, Indian Land & UC is Friday December 2nd, 1900 at Firethorne Country Club
  • Joe Davis Run is January 7, 2017

It’s all in the weekly email.

Great takeout from Grapevine – watch for someone hurting or in need and reach out.  Good word brother.

Pet Rocks

The Thang:

16 PAX joined me for my virgin Q. It was slightly cooler than my preferred beach weather so a good warm-up was needed. We started with a short mosey around the parking lot and COP.

  • SSH X 50
  • IW X 30
  • Mericans X 20
  • Mountain Climbers X 20

Then run to each corner of the parking lot. Stop at each corner and perform the following:

  • 3 rounds of:
    • 12 Burpees, sprint to next corner
    • 12 Squats, sprint
    • 12 Mericans, sprint
    • 12 Lunges, sprint
  • 1 round of the same but substitute 12 mericans at each corner. I think there was some LBCs in there somewhere also.

Mosey across the parking lot, choose a rock, and do three rounds of the following:

  • Side lunges X 20
  • Curls X 20
  • Thrusters X 20
  • Do a lap around the island carrying said rock

Next I was going to do a rock egg toss game, but we were running out of time so we finished up with planks and sit ups instead.

Done.

NMM:

  • Thanks to Enron and Bratwurst for pretending like the running was hard and then leading the plank yoga stuff while they waited for everyone else
  • Ash Pond was making accusations that I was lifting a pebble vs. a rock, but I don’t fall for such distractions
  • Someone spotted Frack doing push-ups without using his arms
  • I have new respect for the cadence counting in cold weather

Announcements:

  • 3rd F at Brooklyn Pizza in Wesley Chapel Thursday @ 7:30pm
  • November 5th Inflatable 5k in Concord. Talk to Posse.
  • Divinci workout now on Saturday at 6:30 Chic-Fil-A in Blakeney

Default Q

9 guys decided to post and see what YHC had to offer this morning.  I couldn’t get the 4th quarter Q schedule done in time for October, so having to piece things together for a couple of weeks.  And since nobody was lined up for today, YHC was the default Q.  I think all left satisfied…this is what we did after I planted the shovel flag.

Warm-up lap around field

COP

  • SSH x15
  • IW x15
  • MC x15
  • Merkins x15
  • Squats x15
  • Heels to heaven x15

Ladder on football field

5 exercises of varying counts followed by varying distance sprints (or whatever speed you can muster).  The exercises were: burpees, squats, merkins, knee tucks, regular sit-ups

  • First set – 3 reps of each followed by 20 yd sprint and back
  • Second set – 6 reps of each followed by 40 yd sprint and back
  • Third set – 9 reps of each followed by 60 yd sprint and back
  • Fourth set – 12 reps of each followed by 80 yd sprint and back
  • Fifth set – 15 reps of each followed by 100 yd sprint and back
  • Sixth set – 12 reps of each followed by 80 yd sprint and back
  • Seventh set – 9 reps of each followed by 60 yd sprint and back
  • Eight set – 6 reps of each followed by 40 yd sprint and back
  • Ninth set – 3 reps of each followed by 20 yd sprint and back

Head over to the wall for recovery peoples chair (w/ 25 air presses IC)

Hot mile

Hot lap / 20 x LBC

Hot lap / 20 x Squat

Hot lap / 20 x Flutter

Hot lap / 20 x Merkins, 20 x Wide-arm, 20 x Diamond

Done – mosey back to launch point

M-skinny:

We’ve officially jumped from summer to winter…from 70+ degree temps to 40s.  Anyone know where fall went?  I know it was cool this morning but I was still very surprised that I was the only pax wearing short sleeves.  Really?  It isn’t THAT cold.

Good to see Retread out at The Charge for the second time.  I think he liked our accommodations, as he should – it’s quite a fancy place.  Cowgirl and Funky Cold seem to be settling back in at The Charge.  Each after a hiatus for different reasons.  Good to see Voit too – looking forward to having you lead again as the fall school sport schedule lets up a bit.  Tesla and Pigskin were showing us why we need to respect…also pushing hard this morning.  Tulip was out front a lot this morning….looking strong out there!   I believe I saw Floatie move out front a bit during the hot laps too – nice work!

Fourth quarter Q schedule is still coming together.  Please reach out to me if you’re interesting in leading – andersbt@icloud.com

It was fun this morning men!  Thanks for the honor of leading.  Tesla – thanks for the strong prayer in COT to take us out.

Announcements:

  • 10/22 – Southern Discomfort Preblast – http://f3nation.com/2016/09/18/2016-southern-discomfort-preblast/

 

Ultimately it will be painful – i promise

15 Pax posted in the gloom for a test-weinke known as the Ultimate Relay.  Some tweaks to be done for future versions.

We take a slow mosey across the parking lot, and then we circle up.

 

COP:

  • Squat x 15 IC
  • IW x 15 IC.
  • Merkin x 15 IC
  • Side Crunch x 10 IC, Flap jack, Side Crunch x 10 IC

 

Partner up, and mosey past the rock pile (pick up 1 rock per pair) and gather up at the parking lot light pole.  We carry the 2 puke buckets to the far light pole for further instructions.

Here’s the deal:  Each bucket includes ~20-25 exercises – partner 1 draws an exercise, sprints (!) to the far light pole, performs the exercise, and returns.  P2 repeats the cycle, and then they begin the next round with a newly pulled exercise.

 

The key to this workout is pushing the run throughout the time period – if you’re bored waiting for your partner to return, you’re not pushing the run hard enough.

 

This continues …. Forever.

 

As time closes up we mosey back to return the rocks, and stop enroute to circle up and go through the cards one more time – with no running in between.  Easy.

 

That’s all we got.

 

Moleskin

Was fun to test a new format….working at speed…presumably.

Disappointed that the pain level was not what I had hoped.  Old Man anger has not been quenched.

Stole this idea from a camp in California I attended/observed this summer.  A group of D1 athletes did this across a football field for a little over an hour – there was much delirium, crawling, gagging, a few KO’s.  I thought to myself: “Brilliant idea for F3”.  Have had it in my purse ever since.  Will need some tailoring to recapture the pain I witnessed in CA.   Be patient.   Since I was in a triple, I had to try to keep up with Cane on all the runs – not good.

 

Announcements

  • Southern Discomfort (Part Deux) on October 22.  Sign up link below:
  • http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0f4ca9ab22a4fa7-2016
  • South Charlotte Christmas Party which includes A51, SOB, Indian Land & UC is Friday December 2nd, 1900 at Firethorne Country Club
  • Joe Davis Run is January 7, 2017
  • All this, and more, on the weekly email.  Get some!