DECK the halls or jingle bell ROCK?
Date: 2025-12-19 AO: the-brave Q: midriff PAX: SweetWater, Hippie, Franky, frasier, gumbo, fire_hazard, kirby, madison, soft_pretzel, One Niner, 11 FNGs: None COUNT: 12 Hippie and fire_hazard tipped the scales to DECK, so YHC delivered — just not in the way Pax anticipated, requested, or legally approved (I definitely did not provide a disclaimer).
Mosey to Deck #1 for warmup as Hippie slides in at 0532, barely missing kirby and Franky at 0531 (timing matters, gentlemen). We hit the first ramp, then detour toward the Bowl, stopping at each deck for festive misery: merkins, sit-ups, SSHs, derkins. Christmas cheer was high. Morale was… adjustable.
Then off to the Carolina Thread Trail, because nothing says “smart decision” like post-storm, pre-sunrise, dimly lit greenways. Navigate the robust aroma of public infrastructure under the bridge before arriving at the rock pile for curls, presses, tricep extensions, and manmakers with rocks that definitely exceeds F3 recommended carry-on limits.
Enter stage left: a fluorescently clad walker delivering the prophecy — downed trees ahead. Not today. We are able-bodied men, on the clock, with a 60-minute window and absolutely no contingency plan. The only way is through. We clear the first branches with ease — which turns out to be a trap — before encountering two full-grown fallen trees blocking the path. fire_hazard is soon straddling a log while Pax coordinate lifts. YHC nearly takes out SweetWater after applying force in the wrong direction (physics is eternally undefeated). After five minutes, several near-deaths, and one moment that would’ve ended the workout permanently, the trail is cleared — for the good people of South Charlotte.One Niner casually noted it was “the perfect five-minute recovery” before proceeded on our 5-mile route. We press on. Run up the hill behind Pike’s Nursery, stopping for BB SUs. Franky pauses to compliment Hippie’s flawless form… then immediately blows off the exercise and keeps moving toward Community House like a seasoned professional. Make our way to Deck #5 for more SSHs, sprint the hotel hill, and are once again reminded that SweetWater may be 54, but Father Time has yet to catch him. Deck #6 delivers 20 more merkins as Pax scatter — or as frasier perfectly summarized, “bodies were falling everywhere.” SweetWater nearly flipped off an antsy Karen upset that crosswalk rules briefly applied to her schedule. Finish with BB SUs for the 6, then final run home. Final Scoreboard: :christmas_tree: 6 decks :runner: 5+ miles (4-mile minimum = optional pain ceiling) :deciduous_tree: Multiple trees removed :athletic_shoe: Shoes ruined :trophy: Unofficial Trail Maintenance Merit Badge earned
Closed it out with this reminder: Everyone sees the fallen tree. Few call others to action. Even fewer grab it, lift it, and move it. Be the brother, son, father, and friend who attacks problems head-on — and knows when to ask another brother to help carry the load. Merry Christmas you filthy animals
Mosey to Deck #1 for warmup as Hippie slides in at 0532, barely missing kirby and Franky at 0531 (timing matters, gentlemen). We hit the first ramp, then detour toward the Bowl, stopping at each deck for festive misery: merkins, sit-ups, SSHs, derkins. Christmas cheer was high. Morale was… adjustable.
Then off to the Carolina Thread Trail, because nothing says “smart decision” like post-storm, pre-sunrise, dimly lit greenways. Navigate the robust aroma of public infrastructure under the bridge before arriving at the rock pile for curls, presses, tricep extensions, and manmakers with rocks that definitely exceeds F3 recommended carry-on limits.
Enter stage left: a fluorescently clad walker delivering the prophecy — downed trees ahead. Not today. We are able-bodied men, on the clock, with a 60-minute window and absolutely no contingency plan. The only way is through. We clear the first branches with ease — which turns out to be a trap — before encountering two full-grown fallen trees blocking the path. fire_hazard is soon straddling a log while Pax coordinate lifts. YHC nearly takes out SweetWater after applying force in the wrong direction (physics is eternally undefeated). After five minutes, several near-deaths, and one moment that would’ve ended the workout permanently, the trail is cleared — for the good people of South Charlotte.One Niner casually noted it was “the perfect five-minute recovery” before proceeded on our 5-mile route. We press on. Run up the hill behind Pike’s Nursery, stopping for BB SUs. Franky pauses to compliment Hippie’s flawless form… then immediately blows off the exercise and keeps moving toward Community House like a seasoned professional. Make our way to Deck #5 for more SSHs, sprint the hotel hill, and are once again reminded that SweetWater may be 54, but Father Time has yet to catch him. Deck #6 delivers 20 more merkins as Pax scatter — or as frasier perfectly summarized, “bodies were falling everywhere.” SweetWater nearly flipped off an antsy Karen upset that crosswalk rules briefly applied to her schedule. Finish with BB SUs for the 6, then final run home. Final Scoreboard: :christmas_tree: 6 decks :runner: 5+ miles (4-mile minimum = optional pain ceiling) :deciduous_tree: Multiple trees removed :athletic_shoe: Shoes ruined :trophy: Unofficial Trail Maintenance Merit Badge earned
Closed it out with this reminder: Everyone sees the fallen tree. Few call others to action. Even fewer grab it, lift it, and move it. Be the brother, son, father, and friend who attacks problems head-on — and knows when to ask another brother to help carry the load. Merry Christmas you filthy animals
For the records
Date: 2025-12-17 AO: the-maul Q: super trooper , PAX: super trooper, Adobe, SweetWater, Odd Job, patent_pending, Smash FNGs: None COUNT: 6 WARMUP: solid THE THANG: worked the bank and apartment areas across Rea rd MARY: little ANNOUNCEMENTS: see slack COT:
Weathermen Lie
Date: 2025-12-19 AO: ufo-ultimatefriz Q: MARTA PAX: MARTA, Crawdad, David Baker, Fruity Pebbles, JH, Paris, Pipes, Spyglass, Yeti, Velma FNGs: 1 Velma COUNT: 15 12/19 BackBlast:
Red (Winners): 1. Spyglass 2. Bulleystick 3. Crawdad 4. Smothered 5. Fruity 6. Pink Eye 7. Brainiac
Yellow (Losers): 1. Marta 2. Fly With Me 3. Yeti 4. Peanut 5. Wyatt (Velma) 6. Puddles 7. Paris 8. Pipes
The Pregame: A handful of pax stood hands in pockets at 5:15 as quiet banter developed as to if we would play and how “not bad” the conditions were. After reminding Yeti that he had the P & D’s, we sauntered down & picked teams. Crawdad & I watered the same bush before first pull (as good friends do). 15 total made for ideal play. Even Brainiac was there well ahead of schedule! Zero Respect (50+) this morning.
The Game: Very even match this morning. Paris was missing his normal banter-buddy (Wario), so decided to hash it out with BulleyStick instead. Brainiac had some success front-guarding Marta, but Marta continues to exhibit sneaky athleticism & throwing ability. Fruity still recovering from a cold case of the shanks last week. He’s only got a few more mental cobwebs to get out before he’s back to 100% himself. Puddles continues to show impressive handling skills. Yellow was up the first half of the game (never more than 2 scores), before a few breaks by red put them out front. Ultimately, a 12-9 finish for the good guys.
COT: – Welcome FNG Velma (Wyatt) recently called up from the Oakhurst Development League (ODL) – Next Wednesday – 7 AM – Christmas Eve game. Fam & friends are welcome. – Prayers for family of Covenant Day Assistant Principal & family who lost her husband/ their father last week.
Red (Winners): 1. Spyglass 2. Bulleystick 3. Crawdad 4. Smothered 5. Fruity 6. Pink Eye 7. Brainiac
Yellow (Losers): 1. Marta 2. Fly With Me 3. Yeti 4. Peanut 5. Wyatt (Velma) 6. Puddles 7. Paris 8. Pipes
The Pregame: A handful of pax stood hands in pockets at 5:15 as quiet banter developed as to if we would play and how “not bad” the conditions were. After reminding Yeti that he had the P & D’s, we sauntered down & picked teams. Crawdad & I watered the same bush before first pull (as good friends do). 15 total made for ideal play. Even Brainiac was there well ahead of schedule! Zero Respect (50+) this morning.
The Game: Very even match this morning. Paris was missing his normal banter-buddy (Wario), so decided to hash it out with BulleyStick instead. Brainiac had some success front-guarding Marta, but Marta continues to exhibit sneaky athleticism & throwing ability. Fruity still recovering from a cold case of the shanks last week. He’s only got a few more mental cobwebs to get out before he’s back to 100% himself. Puddles continues to show impressive handling skills. Yellow was up the first half of the game (never more than 2 scores), before a few breaks by red put them out front. Ultimately, a 12-9 finish for the good guys.
COT: – Welcome FNG Velma (Wyatt) recently called up from the Oakhurst Development League (ODL) – Next Wednesday – 7 AM – Christmas Eve game. Fam & friends are welcome. – Prayers for family of Covenant Day Assistant Principal & family who lost her husband/ their father last week.
Post storm fallout
Date: 2025-12-19 AO: mountain-goat Q: slim_fast , PAX: Spammer, fleetwood, retread, gullah, beaver, Insomniac FNGs: COUNT: 6 WARMUP: slim_fast Spammer with the rainy pre run THE THANG: slim cast was in full effect with the storm ending at 5:15. Walkers opting for coffee the fearless headed out searching for Christmas lights. (somehow we really never saw Insomniac) The light count was a failure with most of the blow-ups down and inoperable. We still were able to get in some hills including Rising Meadow and 4mi. All streets were cleaned of tree limbs and debris. MARY: na ANNOUNCEMENTS: COT: slim_fast
Fartosaurus Rex
Date: 2025-12-19 AO: scars Q: Roulette , PAX: Blanks, The Worm FNGs: None COUNT: 3 Great to see the boys brave the elements to make sure the fartsack didn’t win… Wide range of topics over the 3+ miles this morning, featuring elderly care, favorite Butcher’s market items, plantar fasciitis, holiday plans and a farting dinosaur toy… 12 Miles of Ruckmas tonight, launching at 1800 from the donut ruck AO Let’s be present and intentional with our day…
Fartosaurus Rex
Date: 2025-12-19 AO: scars Q: Roulette , PAX: Blanks, The Worm FNGs: None COUNT: 3 Great to see the boys brave the elements to make sure the fartsack didn’t win… Wide range of topics over the 3+ miles this morning, featuring elderly care, favorite Butcher’s market items, plantar fasciitis, holiday plans and a farting dinosaur toy… 12 Miles of Ruckmas tonight, launching at 1800 from the donut ruck AO Let’s be present and intentional with our day…
Old is new again
Date: 2025-12-18 AO: the-devils-turn Q: flipper PAX: hairball, bunker, frasier, gumbo, Polly, retread, Astro (Kyle Kirchhoff), Green Label, flipper, fleetwood FNGs: None COUNT: 10 WARMUP: a few pre runners THE THANG: run the Traitors Loop but return via the new greenway spur just opened, thanks Hairball for the fresh new routing MARY: she wasn’t invited ANNOUNCEMENTS: DT is on a two week hiatus, in recognition of two holidays. Get your miles wherever you are boyos and we’ll meet again in the new year COT: Astro took us out
12 Days of Christmas
Date: 2025-12-18 AO: _area-51 Q: Carny , PAX: Cheese Curd, Bombay, Brisket, shrinkwrap, Cooter2, ToeJam, tagalong, Bout Time, Rump roast FNGs: None COUNT: 10 WARMUP: brief THE THANG: Turn on the “Christmas Trap” playlist
12 days of Christmas Round 1, execute, round two perform round 1 then round 2 , and continue through all 12 “days” Round 1 10 Squats
Round 2 20 Side Straddle Hops
Round 3 30 Mountain Climbers
Round 4 40 High Knees
Round 5 15 merkins
Round 6 30-Second Plank
Round 7 14 Lunges (7 each leg)
Round 8 16 Glute Bridges
Round 9 18 LBCs
Round 10 Cossack squats
Round 11 22 Calf Raises
Round 12 24 Burpees
MARY: a bit of wall sit and planks at the end to cover the last two minutes.
Shield is closed on Christmas
12 days of Christmas Round 1, execute, round two perform round 1 then round 2 , and continue through all 12 “days” Round 1 10 Squats
Round 2 20 Side Straddle Hops
Round 3 30 Mountain Climbers
Round 4 40 High Knees
Round 5 15 merkins
Round 6 30-Second Plank
Round 7 14 Lunges (7 each leg)
Round 8 16 Glute Bridges
Round 9 18 LBCs
Round 10 Cossack squats
Round 11 22 Calf Raises
Round 12 24 Burpees
MARY: a bit of wall sit and planks at the end to cover the last two minutes.
Shield is closed on Christmas
Christmas Trivia and a litte hope.
Date: 2025-12-18 AO: the-phoenix Q: wildturkey PAX: F3 Elsa, Blanks, Hawkeye, Roulette, midriff, SweetWater, war_eagle FNGs: None COUNT: 8 Today, we did a lot of running and some Christmas bible trivia. Time to dust off those bibles, boys!
1. The Bible never says there were “three” wise men We usually see three men in Nativity scenes because of the three gifts mentioned (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). However, the Gospel of Matthew simply calls them “Magi” (wise men) without specifying a number. There could have been two, or there could have been twelve!
2. The Wise Men weren’t at the manger Most Christmas plays show the shepherds and Wise Men together, but the Bible suggests the Wise Men arrived much later. Matthew 2:11 says they visited Jesus in a house, and by the time they arrived, Jesus is referred to as a “child” rather than a “baby.”
3. There is no mention of a “stable” or an “innkeeper” The Bible says Mary laid Jesus in a manger because there was no room in the katalyma. While often translated as “inn,” this Greek word usually refers to a guest room in a private home. Because the guest room was full, they likely stayed in the lower level of the house where animals were kept at night.
4. Jesus probably wasn’t born in December The Bible doesn’t give a specific date. However, it mentions shepherds were out in the fields “keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8). In Israel, December is the cold, rainy season when sheep were typically brought under cover, suggesting Jesus may have been born in the spring or autumn.
5. Animals aren’t actually mentioned in the birth scene While we always see donkeys, cows, and sheep around the manger, the Gospels of Matthew and Luke don’t actually list any animals being present at the birth. We assume they were there because of the manger (a feeding trough).
6. The “Star of Bethlehem” wasn’t seen by everyone When the Wise Men arrived in Jerusalem, King Herod and his advisors were surprised by the news. If the star had been a massive, unmistakable fireball in the sky, they probably wouldn’t have needed the Wise Men to tell them about it.
7. Joseph never speaks a single word In the entire New Testament, there is not one recorded word spoken by Joseph. We see him acting on God’s instructions and protecting his family, but he is a silent figure throughout the narrative.
8. Jesus had some “surprising” ancestors The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew includes four women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. In ancient times, genealogies almost exclusively listed men, and several of these women were foreigners or had “complicated” reputations, showing that Jesus came for all people.
9. An “army” of angels announced the birth The “heavenly host” that appeared to the shepherds (Luke 2:13) uses the Greek word stratias, which literally means an army or a military force. Instead of a small choir, it was a massive, powerful display of God’s glory.
10. The angels didn’t actually “sing” While many carols say “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Luke 2:13 actually says the heavenly host was “praising God and saying.” While they may have been chanting or shouting in a melodic way, the text specifically describes it as speech.
At its heart, the Christmas story is a deeply human portrait of a family navigating a season of profound uncertainty. Long before the gold and the grandeur, it was simply a story about a young couple, far from home and far from their support systems, doing their best to care for one another during a time of great upheaval. Mary and Joseph faced the “darkness” of physical exhaustion, political tension, and the vulnerability of being strangers in a crowded town. Yet, in that humble setting, their bond became the foundation for something extraordinary, proving that the strength of a family isn’t found in their surroundings, but in their devotion to one another. When the precious baby was finally born, it represented a spark of pure, unblemished hope arriving in a weary world. That moment in the manger serves as a timeless reminder that even in our darkest or most difficult hours, new beginnings are possible. It is a story that celebrates the arrival of light when things seem most dim, showing us that love—especially the love found within a family—has the power to transform a cold, quiet night into a celebration of life and a promise for the future.
1. The Bible never says there were “three” wise men We usually see three men in Nativity scenes because of the three gifts mentioned (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). However, the Gospel of Matthew simply calls them “Magi” (wise men) without specifying a number. There could have been two, or there could have been twelve!
2. The Wise Men weren’t at the manger Most Christmas plays show the shepherds and Wise Men together, but the Bible suggests the Wise Men arrived much later. Matthew 2:11 says they visited Jesus in a house, and by the time they arrived, Jesus is referred to as a “child” rather than a “baby.”
3. There is no mention of a “stable” or an “innkeeper” The Bible says Mary laid Jesus in a manger because there was no room in the katalyma. While often translated as “inn,” this Greek word usually refers to a guest room in a private home. Because the guest room was full, they likely stayed in the lower level of the house where animals were kept at night.
4. Jesus probably wasn’t born in December The Bible doesn’t give a specific date. However, it mentions shepherds were out in the fields “keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8). In Israel, December is the cold, rainy season when sheep were typically brought under cover, suggesting Jesus may have been born in the spring or autumn.
5. Animals aren’t actually mentioned in the birth scene While we always see donkeys, cows, and sheep around the manger, the Gospels of Matthew and Luke don’t actually list any animals being present at the birth. We assume they were there because of the manger (a feeding trough).
6. The “Star of Bethlehem” wasn’t seen by everyone When the Wise Men arrived in Jerusalem, King Herod and his advisors were surprised by the news. If the star had been a massive, unmistakable fireball in the sky, they probably wouldn’t have needed the Wise Men to tell them about it.
7. Joseph never speaks a single word In the entire New Testament, there is not one recorded word spoken by Joseph. We see him acting on God’s instructions and protecting his family, but he is a silent figure throughout the narrative.
8. Jesus had some “surprising” ancestors The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew includes four women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. In ancient times, genealogies almost exclusively listed men, and several of these women were foreigners or had “complicated” reputations, showing that Jesus came for all people.
9. An “army” of angels announced the birth The “heavenly host” that appeared to the shepherds (Luke 2:13) uses the Greek word stratias, which literally means an army or a military force. Instead of a small choir, it was a massive, powerful display of God’s glory.
10. The angels didn’t actually “sing” While many carols say “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Luke 2:13 actually says the heavenly host was “praising God and saying.” While they may have been chanting or shouting in a melodic way, the text specifically describes it as speech.
At its heart, the Christmas story is a deeply human portrait of a family navigating a season of profound uncertainty. Long before the gold and the grandeur, it was simply a story about a young couple, far from home and far from their support systems, doing their best to care for one another during a time of great upheaval. Mary and Joseph faced the “darkness” of physical exhaustion, political tension, and the vulnerability of being strangers in a crowded town. Yet, in that humble setting, their bond became the foundation for something extraordinary, proving that the strength of a family isn’t found in their surroundings, but in their devotion to one another. When the precious baby was finally born, it represented a spark of pure, unblemished hope arriving in a weary world. That moment in the manger serves as a timeless reminder that even in our darkest or most difficult hours, new beginnings are possible. It is a story that celebrates the arrival of light when things seem most dim, showing us that love—especially the love found within a family—has the power to transform a cold, quiet night into a celebration of life and a promise for the future.
9 x 3 = 27
Date: 2025-12-17 AO: bagpipe Q: war_eagle PAX: F3 Elsa, kirby, taggart, Hawkeye, Roulette, wildturkey, Eleanor, Blue Tent FNGs: None COUNT: 9 WARMUP: Mosey to the hotel for standard warmup. THE THANG: – 4 corners at the Campbell parking lot with wide arm merkins, squats, diamond merkins and sumo squats. 9 reps at each corner for the 9 days left till Xmas. 3 rounds for the 3 wise men. – Lochness Hill for 3 rounds of 9 V-ups at bottom and 9 J-lo’s at the top of the hill. – Wall at Loch Ness for 27 derkins. MARY: There was some. ANNOUNCEMENTS: – Thursday night at 6:30 PM be at the Ardrey clubhouse for Lights in Tights. – Friday at 6:00 PM meet at Dunkin Doughnuts at Rea and Colony for the 12 miles of Ruckmas. COT: – Prayer requests for friends experincing medical hardships, Midriff’s son with a broken elbow, violence against others just because of religious beliefs and the realization that we need to be there for wives and others who take on the weight of the holiday season for us men. Keep thinking of others and what we can do for them and not just ourselves.
