Gettin ready for some mud….

Gettin ready for some mud….

2 men met at 0515 at the Vine Restaurant at the Ballantyne AO to stretch our legs, climbs some walls and do some pull-ups. Last Friday was the day before the Joe Davis run so most men were tapering to post a PR. Here’s what Cheddar and I did to prep for the next mud run:

The Thang:

We ran down Ballantyne Commons, east towards the far premier parking deck #2.

Run 5th level climbed the wall x 4.

We then headed down the stairs down Ballantyne Corporate Pl to the hill in front of the BofA building. We ran up the hill and back down and did 10 merkins at the bottom, repeat until we worked our way down to 5 merkins at the bottom.

We then ran a circuit around the pond and over the wall X 3.

We ran down the fitness trail over to the short parallel bars for arm walks X 3 then moved over to the tall parallel bars for monkey bars X 3. We then ran 2 laps around lock ness. We then did 10 pulls ups and 20 merkins X 2 and ran 2 more laps around Lock Ness.

COT

Moleskin:

It was a great morning to run around Ballantyne. Lucky for me, Cheddar showed up and prevented a sad clown workout. Cheddar was interested in a running workout so I think he got more than he bargained for when I added wall climbs, merkins and pulls ups.

 

The Bag Pipe 600

19 strong men unknowingly set out to complete 600 hundred reps and 6 laps around the pond.  8 Swifter’s took a different and perhaps wiser path.

First disclaimer given – check

The Thang:

Mosey to the closest pond and set up four pain stations at each end of the pond.  The challenge was to run around the pond to each pain station and complete 5 exercises and 100 reps for each completed lap.  Each lap went down something like this:

First Lap – Warm up (100 reps and one lap)

  • 1st station 30 side straddle hops then run to station 2
  • 2nd station 20 imperial walkers then run to station 3
  • 3rd station 15 merkins then run to station 4
  • 4th station 5 burpees then run to station 1
  • 1st station 30 x side straddle hops

Second Lap – Legs: (100 reps and one lap)

  • 1st station 30 step ups (15 each leg) then run to station 2
  • 2nd station 20 sit to stand then run to station 3
  • 3rd station 15 jump squats then run to station 4
  • 4th station 5 burpees then run to station 1
  • 1st station 30 step ups (15 each leg)
  • Hold peoples chair and then a 10 count

Third Lap – Chest: (100 reps and one lap)

  • 1st station 30 merkins then run to station 2
  • 2nd station 20 wide arm merkins then run to station 3
  • 3rd station 15 diamond merkins then run to station 4
  • 4th station 5 burpees then run to station 1
  • 1st station 30 merkins
  • Hold peoples chair and then a 10 count

Forth Lap – Triceps and Shoulders: (100 reps and one lap)

  • 1st station 30 dips then run to station 2
  • 2nd station 20 Carolina dry docks then run to station 3
  • 3rd station 10 derkins then run to station 4
  • 4th station 5 burpees then run to station 1
  • 1st station 30 dips
  • Hold peoples chair and then a 10 count

Fifth Lap Abs: (100 reps and one lap)

  • 1st station 30 lbcs then run to station 2
  • 2nd station 20 suite case crunch then run to station 3
  • 3rd station 15 Jay-Lo each side (thanks for clarify what a Jay-Lo was Chippy) then run to station 4
  • 4th station 5 burpees then run to station 1
  • 1st station 30 lbcs
  • Hold peoples chair and then a 10 count

Six Lap: Warm down: (100 reps and one lap)

  1. 1st station 20 lbcs then run to station 2
  2. 2nd station 20 flutters then run to station 3
  3. 3rd station 20 Rosalita’s
  4. 3rd station 20 Dolly’s
  5. 3rd station 20 merkins
  6. Run back to station 1 to complete the lap and the mosey back to the AO

Arrived back at the AO a few minutes early so we cranked out as many lbcs as we could before time run out.

Thanks to all of the PAX for giving it your all today and setting a solid standard in the short 45 minutes we had.

Announcements

  • Thanks to all that participated and supported the Joe Davis Run last Saturday
  • Sign-up for the Spring Mud to start soon. Please start thinking about your teams
  • Fight Club workout to begin this Saturday at the Vine Restaurant at 8am

I’M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

14 of F3 Nations finest eschewed the fartsack and gathered for the best workout in all of the F3 Nation (and I am site Q at Centurion – we may need to add 15 minutes to that one)

The thang:
Warm up with SSHX20, Slow SquatsX20, butt kickers, high knees, karoke (L & R), and backward run before heading up to 51.

Run to Calvary with 5 burpees at each intersection starting at the school (total of 30).

Mosey to hill beside ball field for triple nickle with turkish get-ups at top and jumping lunges at bottom.

Audible due to wet field and mosey over to parking lot for partner sprints.  Partner 1 sprints down to other end and back while partner 1 does called excercise and then switch

  • Round 1 – Merkins
  • Round 2 – Jump squats with 45degree rotation
  • Round 3 – Dolly
  • Round 4 – LBC

Head back to school with the rabbits circling back three times to pick up the six.

Down to track for 13’s – Run to each corner of track and start with 1 merkin and 12 jump squats.  Ascend/descend by 1 at each turn for total of 3 laps.

Mosey up to parking lot for perfect one hour finish on the second.

Naked Moleskin

I”M Back – My first time Q’ing Fast Twitch since BRR as ankle of 49 year old takes a while to heal (especially when I turn it once a week on the basketball court).   It was good to be back and ankle felt great.

Spackler asked if gloves were needed and I said surely not (even though I had a pair on).    I did keep to my promise of no bear crawls but we did knock out a few burpees on the pavement.  He’s young so skin will grow back quickly.

Haze is getting soft in his old age. Two straight workouts without a single comment on my form (did I miss a Churpee/Churkin call).

Felt good staying near the front on the run down to Calvary but not so good on the way back. TL, Hairball, and Mr. Brady were way out front with Haze, Hopper, Bout Time and probably a few more (excluding YHC) not far behind.   I don’t think Hopper pushed me off the walk way but he was apologing alot so maybe it was a stealth push.   I did redeem myself on the track (perfect form). For someone that doesn’t seem to like running, Horsehead sure runs a lot.

Great to see some new faces (beard when it comes to Sly) so we hope you guys become regulars.

As always, it was an honor to lead such a great group of men and I thank you all for pushing me out there this am.

Announcements:

TL starting to build BRR roster.  Look for email from him or contact him if interested.

Tutoring ongoing at Billingsville (Randolph) on Tuesday at 4:30 and AG MIddle School on Thursday at 5.  Contact me (pchepul@gmail.com) if interested in making a difference in a kids life.

#F3Swift – Starting Again

Swift launched at 0515 with 8 PAX from the Vine restaurant into the Gloom of the Ballantyne Corporate Park.

The Thang:

  • Warm-up 1mi+ with some dynamic stretching and form drills.
  • Rounds of Intervals at 1mi Race Pace (a.k.a. R-pace from the calculator at http://runsmartproject.com/calculator) with equal jogging recovery between each
  • 200m, 200m, 400m
  • 200m, 200m, 400m (optional 600m)
  • 200m, 200m, 400m (optional 2 minutes or 600m)
  • Cool-down 0.5mi back to COT.
  • Total miles 5.5+

Moleskin:

  • With over half of the PAX at Swift this morning having participated in the Joe Davis Run over the weekend (Rock Thrill, Strange Brew, Stump Hugger, Haggis, and Bratwurst), they were eager to get back on the wagon and continue the path to better running fitness.  We were joined by Bagpipe/Swift flipflopper Long Haul, semi-regular Voodoo, and M. Tussauds (Kotters).
  • Trying something a little different for regrouping today, goal was to keep the 200m recoveries short by keeping the jog, and then everyone to the six after the 400.  Should keep a balance between the 1st and 2nd F.
  • While the Bull Ring is “flat”, there definitely feels like there is a direction that is uphill/downhill, headwind/tailwind, or of course clockwise/counterclockwise.  Some of those are “real” and perhaps affect each interval, but the variety definitely keeps it interesting.
  • None of that really seems to affect Haggis pushing hard, but admittedly the “downhill” feels better.  And also only the first 200m.  Everything after that is “just awful”.
  • M. Tussauds came in full winter long sleeves and pants.  He was either going right into the office right afterwards for his “busy season” or forgot that we work really hard at Swift and you could just wear the shorts/shortsleeves like Strange Brew.  However, didn’t seem to slow MT down and he was pestering and chasing right behind Long Haul on most intervals.
  • Voodoo has been poking into/out-of Swift over the last few months, and the 200/400s seem to suit his style with that powerful stride.
  • Long Haul, plenty of Respect for this guy who rolls along and pushes everyone with his example.
  • Rock Thrill, finally getting a chance to nurse a nagging injury, didn’t let that prevent him from being true to his form by coming out and encouraging constantly.
  • Stump Hugger delivered a non-stop effort.  Like a train coming down the tracks with that headlamp, he made sure to not get tripped up by any speedhumps on the Bullring.
  • Does Speedwork make you faster?  Just ask Strange Brew about his PR at the JoeDavisRun 10K.  Not one to sit around on past accomplishments, he was pushing forward again today.
  • I-pace / 2mile Race pace intervals coming next week.  A start to building that VO2max with 3 minute intervals.  Think about it – how much time between obstacles at a 60 minute mud run with 30+ obstacles – about 2 to 3 minutes.  That’s where we’ll focus on next week.

Announcements:

  • Results are out for the Joe Davis Run, and there is evidence that Area51 is kicking it into high gear.  There were the well-knowns out there with Frasier, Honeybee, and Haggis, but SOBs Mermaid and Market Timer were in the Top 10 for Area 51 in the 5K.  Let’s get them and more of you guys out to Swift!
  • Abacus and Chelms are personally involved in a 5K/10K/1 mile run on 03/21/2015. Team Chepul Hill will raise money for brain cancer research.  Look for preblast from Chelms on the website.
  • Preblast for F3 Team at the Corporate Cup 13.1 & 5K – http://ift.tt/1z65jSi

Reserve Capacity

Twenty five pax came for Skunk and got Meathead instead.

WARM UP

  • 2H Swing x 20
  • 1H x 10 ea side
  • IW x 20
  • Good Morning x 10
  • Low Slow Squat x 10
  • Low Slow Squat Jump x 10

HEART RATE SET

Eleven minute Ciabatta. Goal is not to put down bell down. All work intervals x 30 seconds, rest intervals x 3 seconds (enough time to switch hands)

  • Snatch – L
  • Snatch – R
  • Reverse Lunge – L
  • Reverse Lunge – R
  • High Pull – L
  • High Pull – R
  • RDL – L
  • RDL – R
  • Clean – L
  • Clean – R
  • 1H Swing – L
  • 1H Swing – R
  • Press – L
  • Press – R
  • 2H Swing
  • 2H Swing
  • Viking Salute – L
  • Viking Salute – R
  • Sumo Squat
  • Goblet Squat

SWOLE SET

Partner up with like sized KB.  Q chooses the exercise, each pair chooses their reps with the following requirements:

  • Pax 1 does the agreed to reps, passes KBs to Pax 2 who does the same number.
  • Each pax does 2 more reps each round.
  • Ladder up and down, as required, for 5 minutes of total work.
  • At end of 5 min, take a lap around parking lot

Called exercises:

  • Double swings
  • Double front squat
  • See Saw Press

FINISHER

Flapjacked Double swings x 10 per partner, 3 minutes.

COT

MOLESKINE

  • Any resemblance to Weinkes from yesterday or last Thursday are purely intentional.  Smoked myself at the last two and the third time was no different.  Fitting that most of us were occupying handicapped spaces.
  • Two bullets dodged today:  I cautioned Bananas away from his 28kg prior to the workout, as I had the Secret Service Snatch Test queued up after the Tabata.  Audibled to the partner work instead–hope you got a decent workout with the 50.
  • Emboldened by the positive feedback from Kevlar’s playlist last week, I created a new mix for the Pax last night but forgot to sync the phone.  Your loss.
  • See Saw presses exposed a bit of asymmetry for me, perhaps for you, too.  Front squats are tough.  You won’t feel the swings in the hamstrings until this evening, though the forearms may be a little gummed up at the moment.
  • Upsizing a few KB sizes may not be prudent for some moves (like presses or maybe snatches), but most guys proved today that they have considerable reserve on swing capacity.  The double KB are an elegant solution:  go double when you can, single when you have to.
  • A few for extra credit today.  Looked like Sussudio and Header both ran, but separately(?), while Freedom is rucking to and from the workout.
  • Chanel debuting the new sleeveless A51 gear shirt.  Not sure if Palm Beach Tan has an Elbows to Shoulders package, but you may want to look into that.  Just sayin’, Voldemort.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • You got an email about the 2015 BRR today from Turkey Leg.  You need to do this.  A 12-man team is doable for anyone that can complete a workout.  It is the best 2nd F event of the year.  30 hours in a van with your buddies can’t be beat.  Clear the calendar for Sept. 11-12.
  • The Spring Mud Run is getting organized now as well.  Get your teams figured out.  Sign up info will be posted soon. Don’t register on USMC Mud Run website–wait until you hear from Madame Tussauds, our next Mud Run Q, on registration info.

Pain in the Rain

In the sub-40’s rainy gloom, 3 of the baddest Sons of Ballantyne stepped out onto the Elon Park AO for an epic workout of which legends are made.

Once Bratwurst got the optimal layering situated, HB figured out how to turn off his truck lights, and Frehley’s put on his ben-gay (old bones), we struck out across the AO to where the puddles are the deepest and the mud the thickest.  We then passed by there and went to the bus stop awning and remained there for the rest of the workout.

Here’s what we did:

  • SSH x 20
  • Forward Lunge x 10
  • Imperial Walkers x 20
  • Side Lunge x 10
  • Mtn Climbers x 20
  • Merkins x 20

COP #1

  • Turkish getups x 3 per side
  • Biceps (top to ½) x 10
  • Triceps extensions x 10
  • Turkish getups x 3 per side + 5 deck squats
  • Biceps (bottom to ½) x 10
  • Scull crushers x 10
  • Turkish getups x 3 per side + 5 deck squats
  • Biceps (full range) x 10
  • Diamond merkins x 10

COP #2 (in same place)

  • Slow merkins x 20
  • Plank rows x 10 each side
  • Close hand merkins x 20
  • 1 hand rows x 10 each side
  • Merkin
  • 1 hand rows x 10 each side

If time, hit some swings and such…

  • 2 hand swings x 20
  • Clean & Press x 10 per arm
  • 2 hand swings x 20
  • Clean & Press x 10 per arm

Mary

  • Dying cockroach
  • Flutter with KB press
  • LBC with KB

Moleskine:

Good time out there even though the weather was bad.  The awning made it tolerable.  YHC found out that a raincoat makes for difficult KB moves with excessive swishing noises.  Reminiscent of Frazier blowing past you at full sprint.

Frehley’s is a beast and grabbed the 44 lb’er for many of the exercises. Bratwurst was rocking the Turkish get-up by the end.  As usual, Brat out ran the PAX on the way back (even with a 30+ lb KB).  That’s just how it goes…

Until next time gentlemen!

 

The Three Musketeers

Posted on behalf of The Late Show…

Three men in BDU’s, black sweatshirts, and black toboggans. With the wardrobe planning session checked off our list, let’s get going.

COP
Gather around for a warmup Hairband Mile.
Followed by SSH, IW’s, Low slow squats, low slow side squats.

Mosey to the elementary school, stop for a complimentary rail slide and some peoples chair with plankups.

On the elementary track partner up.
P1 repeats a triplet of (4) supine rows, (5) push-ups, (6) squats.
P2 runs a lap, stopping 1/2 way for some lunge-o-Rama work.
Flapjack, repeat.

A quick round of Jack Webb and his unpopular partner. See Jan 9 Overdrive bb.

The cheese is back, so a little dose of dairy as we weave through the buses.

Handoff to Shep and CT for some team QIC.

Indian run to the intersection behind the MS and ???

Backwards run to the MS softball field.

A little base running so to speak. Lunge walk b/t bases with called exercises in between.

Thanks CT for the horrible plank walking squat thrust/burpee that you called.

Seal team sit-ups at home base – a personal fave, thank you Shep!!

Back to the front of the MS for some Mary.
P1 calls exercise and runs an HB Mile while P2 completes said exercise. Continue rotation until time is up.

Moleskin
Solid work today gents! The mood was light but 100% focused on the task at hand. Kudos to the Outland Joe Davis crew for representing. Just hope there was a Bojangles nearby for Horse’s pit stop.

#F3Swift Preblast – Continuing the basics

Why did so many Area51 PAX that participated in the Joe Davis Run set Personal Bests in the 10K or 5K?  Even in spite of the 10K as a legitimately very tough course, and not only because of a slightly short 5K course (perhaps 200m short), but also perhaps due to our increased focus on Interval run training in Area51…

Let’s review the current Area51 “Running” opportunities:

  • Tuesday – Swift = Speed Workout
  • Tuesday – Fast Twitch = Running/Boot Camp
  • Thursday – Devil’s Turn = Tempo Run
  • Friday – The Brave = Obstacle Course Race Training
  • Sunday (impromptu) – Rum Runner = Running

Swift is a “Speed Workout” because we generally focus on running at 2 Mile Race or faster for our Intervals, and that is certainly the target through the April Mud Run.  There are never hands on the ground (unless you trip over a speedbump or we get done too early before Bagpipe finishes at COT).  There are no PAX left behind (unless you can’t follow simple directions) for we regroup after most sets of intervals.  You don’t need to be training for a marathon (at a minimum, we will average a 12:00/mi pace over the course of an hour).  Interval running means there are periods of high intensity followed by adequate recovery (think “10 counts”, but you’re still moving forward).

What are the benefits of a Speed Workout that you can’t get with other Bootcamp workouts?  Improve your running economy (becoming more efficient) with each step you take so that your running form improves.  Improve your Cardio output (increase your body’s ability to handle high stress on the heart and lungs) by heaping the right kind of work on the engine that gets you through most workouts.  There’s a lot of 2nd F (remember the virtual “10 counts”, well there’s also at least a mile warmup jog, often cooldown, etc.).

Join us this week and through the Spring to keep Mud Run race distance in mind.  This week, we’re going to step back into 200s and 400s on the Bull Ring.  Come join us.

We launch at 0515 from the Vine Restaurant on Tuesday.

 

War Baby? Is that a good thing?

The SF was planted securely, and 5 old men were on their way for another stroll around the DMZ.

The Thang:

Run 1/2 mile to Carmel Presbyterian

COT:

SSH x 20 IC

IW x 20 IC

Merkin x 15 IC

Break into 2 groups.  1st group was the really old men (Snowflake & Jamboree) and the 2nd group were the 3 not-quite-as-old (Flutie Flakes, Orlando & YHC) for the following:

1st group runs lap around parking lot while 2nd group does H-R merkins. Flapjack.

Did 5 laps with the exercises being: LBCs, Flutters, CDDs, Plankorama

Run 1/2 mile back to Carmel Road Park

Lunge walk 30 yds

Bearcrawl 30 yds

Lunge walk 30 yds

Bearcrawl 30 yds

Jog to CAC courtyard/campus for the following:

People’s Chair variations including overhead press x 25 IC, R/L off ground, Frankenstein, TD signal

Donkey Kick x 15 OYO in between 2 or 3 People’s Chair variations

Run to benches on Colony Road side of campus for following:

15 dips, 15 derkins, 15 step-up’s.  Rinse & Repeat

Run to lowest part of lot.

Backwards run uphill 60ish yards.

AYG run back to courtyard for following:

Plankorama including: Chilcutt, Laettner, Southern Gentleman, Yankee Agressor

Freddie Mercury x 13 IC

Makthar Ndjaiye x 13 IC

Russian Twist x 13 IC

LBC x 20 IC

Run back to Carmel Park lot for following:

Plank/6 Inches Wave x 2 or 3?

Protractor, finishing with leg lifts (10 degree to 60 degree) x 20 IC

COT

Ye Olde Moleskine:

Thankful 4 of pax joined me for the downpainment this morning.  T-claps to Jamboree for running in for the workout.  YHC always offers him ride home after DMZ, and the Silent Assassin always politely declines.

Orlando said he thought about running in….but changed his mind after hearing the rattling of his gutters with the rain.  Just glad you posted brother!

Didn’t hear Snowflake’s dog barking its head off this morning, perhaps muffled by YHC’s lid and the downpour.

Flutie Flakes was sporting his Joe Davis Memorial Resolution Run long-sleeve T-shirt this morning – strong work at the race there Saturday brother; and strong work this morning, too.

As is always the case, it was a privilege to lead the pax.  Not sure whether YHC’s War Baby status was a good thing?  It was a first in my 3+ years of doing F3.  Where were all the hate-hate’s and hate’s?

Announcements:

F3 Ski still has room – Alta Utah – a place like no other.  Sign up!

Charlotte Brain Tumor Race: Saturday, March 21, 2015, Marshall Park, Charlotte, NC.  Team Chepul Hill (Bill Chepul – Chelms’ & Abacus’ brother is fighting for his life against a brain tumor) would love the support.  Run with them, contribute, come support: http://www.braintumorcommunity.org/site/TR/TeamraiserEvents/CharlotteBrainTumorRace?team_id=71982&pg=team&fr_id=2420

 

 

 

 

Two’s Company

What goes together better than rainy and cold?  Probably just about everything, but no choice this Monday.
Right into it:
Run to fire station for SSH x 25
Run back to launch for SSH x 25 (pick up stragglers-there were none)
Run around field
IW x 20
8’s across parking lot, 2 sets alternating between Merkins, Diamonds, LBCs, and Squats
Side Lunge Walk x 2 across lot
Sit on the wall with presses and a lap in between x 4
BTW x2 with 5 Wall merkins and 200 LBCs and 40 hand release merkins
Run to playground for 2 sets of pull ups x 10 & 20 dips
Finish with 5 ‘Feet to the bar’ and 5 “knee ups’
No announcements and a solid send off by O’Tannenbaum.
Posted on behalf of O’T.
There was some other awesome and tough exercises thrown in there.  But because you fartsacked in the rain, we’re not telling you.
-Alf