Opposites Attract

Opposites Attract

Staring into three (3) Q’s this week I needed to dig way deep into the 8o’s archives to satisfy the Pax.  So without any cassette tapes, 45’s or the Sony Walkman I had to rely on some new-age Bluetooth speaker… seems way out there – who would have ever thought you could hear music on a speaker that doesn’t have a cord.

23 Pax were waiting for the DCCS (Living on a Pray – Bon Jovi). Disclaimer, cell phone, CPR – Saftey – we’ll be on campus but watch for cars entering the lot.

Warm up – Mosey to Basketball Court – SSH/PlankJax/LSS/Hurleys OYO

I’ve Q’d Watchtower a few times, but not an expert on the lay of the land so I decided to stay focused on the sparking lot and long stretch out front.

The THANG

Paula Abdul’s in the parking spaces – 2 forward/1back.  start with 10 BH’s/lunge walk two spaces and do 1 Big Boi Sit up/ Crab Walk back 1…9 BH’s….lunge..2 Big Boi sit ups.

Burpee Mile – 2 burpees at each corner of the large rectangle in front of the school.  Each lap = .36

Paul Abdul’s in the parking spaces – this time start with 10 Mike Tysons – duck walk- 1 speed skater – bear crawl back

Bobby Hurley ladder – finish for 5 minutes – curb to curb increasing BH’s by 1.  Most did 10+ touches so over 55 total BH’s

Mosey back to Flag

REVERSE NAME-O-RAMA.  Let’s not get stale – sometimes you need to switch it up.

It was hard to engage with each of you today as we didn’t do partner work – and most times I’m talking with the Donkeys or  Clyesdales as that’s where I fall on the run portion.

But I truly appreciate each and every one of you.  Everyone came to work hard today -some faces I haven’t seen in a bit – Chipotle/Big Tuna/ Tupperware- good to see you in the gloom.

Positive Energy Men – We have DryUary ending this week, Weight loss challenge continues and those doing goal setting are looking at a plan to improve themselves in 2020.

Announcements- Q school and site School coming up in consecutive Saturdays – Professor Posse has the details.

COT – Prayers for Damascus as he cares for the M who had pretty severe leg fracture and is recovering from surgery.  Prayers up for Legalized and his family as they head to Philly(?) for an update on his son and potential treatments.

 

 

Mile Repeats

The Thang

DICCS given, big group today, let’s roll …

Warmed up with mosey headed to CHS parking lot, had to dodge a bus coming on our left, we detoured and circled back to get us on route.

I’m not creative, period. I dug into F3 Exicon’s to find one or two new exercise and I changed up the typical warm-up drill for something different …

After our warm-up mosey …

  • Al Gore position, apparently optional for some PAX busy being chatty
  • Lined up for Frankensteins (or Toy Soldiers) 35 yds, transition to running another 35 yds.
  • Rinse and repeat this with The Flamingo (thx for the name Zin), Butt Kickers, High Knees each followed by 35 yd run
  • And how could I forget, we all did Cheerleaders too, as you’d expect … we didn’t last long, 15 I think (SSH w/ squat and hands below the knees)

Now that fellow PAX was feeling satisfied and loose, your Q asked everyone’s 5K pace, by the reaction I got, few PAX do. YIKES! We shall have to remedy this in 2020. You can all do a 5K, time to sign up. My goal was to run “mile repeats” around the campus and run at your 5K pace or a little faster …   Yeah I heard a little mumble chatter, but hey, your VO2 Max just improved … your welcome:)

Overall goal was to get some mileage in right???  C’mon it’s IGNITION!!!!  With some exercises between laps to allow heart rate to come back down .  How many laps? Good question, read on …

So the first 100 yds, Zin pointed out that we all must have the same 5k pace, because we were all together and boy were we mov’in!  Especially Deadwood, he was leading the front of the pack.  I gave it a little while and thought sure about half way he’d slow down, but nope, that dude kept on truck’in the entire mile.  Had to be around a 6 min/mile.  When we passed by the Flash group of course we all sped up to show off, I glanced at the watch, yeah 5:30 min/mile pace, is that wrong???  This may or may not have induced some dry heaving is some PAX (DW).  I know my lap two suffered because of that stunt:)  Freaking Gerber and Hollywood, geesh guys, talk about holding the Q accountable … you both suck are really strong runners.  We all know Gerber is FAST, but you all should have seen him when he SPRINTED to the bathroom on that second lap, LOL!  By the way, his third lap, seemed unfair since he was carrying a lighter load at this point. He ran off and left Hollywood and I.

After the first mile, we did exercises to allow heart rate to come down, things like Circle Burp, Merkins, Ab exercises. Then start w/ slow mosey for about 100 yds, building up to 5k pace for the next lap/mile around campus. Following each lap with more break exercises before setting out again.  Ended up with 4 laps … due to Foundation.

Scores & Highlights

  • It was reported by PAX that Foundation was pushing especially hard on lap 3, lap 3 guys, that’s when I was ready to collapse. And most importantly you need to know that weinke was complete after three laps, it was Foundations fault that you all had to run mile 4. He said “We going again?” It inspired me … I said “Do you want to?” He didn’t even reply, he just took off RUNNING. #Truth.
  • I don’t know if you all seen Smithers Group Me post, but that guy gets it. He has the right attitude and that’s 90% of the battle. The speed will come in time, don’t ever change that attitude. I love that you pushed yourself as hard as you did this morning. 6+ miles with exercises is no joke. Great work man!
  • Sprinkles … where were you? How old are you again? See you in the morning.
  • Zin … can I file a formal complaint aimed at marketing “FAKE NEWS”? I recall hearing very loudly “CIRCLE UP”. This had a negative effect on PAX Training and cadence mojo. Next time we FIGHT. LOL.
  • Bottlecap, please remember me when you crush your goal of a 6 min/mile here soon.
  • I appreciated when Shake, Legal Zoom and Sprinkles finished strong chasing down Hollywood, that is not an easy thing to do.
  • COT wrapped up nicely with a 2:45 second plank and pretty good form (for most of us). I may have caught Dasher flat on the ground toward the end, it was dark, so not sure it was him. And I thought I heard something about Goodfella ‘boning’ his wife? I hope it was Goodfella? And I’m pretty sure he confirmed it was performed in less than 2:45 seconds. #OurHero

Moleskin

I got wordy above, so I will make this short …

  • Always humbled that you guys allow me to lead a workout. You all make me better. Thank you.
  • I really appreciate the way we work together, guys going back for the 6th and encouraging each other for strong finishes, just noticing and pushing each other. Builds community.
  • I know I missed recognizing someone or something special today, my bad, it was not on purpose. 6+ miles right, that’s pretty special by itself, great work, hats off to all of you!
  • Think twice about pairing up with Legal Zoom, Fortunately I was not downwind when he crushed half our group with a FART. I think Goodfella was right next to him on the receiving end of that gift.

 Announcements

  • Q school something and soon … reach out to Posse soon he will know details. Or check Flash BB.

[Completely Unofficial and Unorganized] South Mountain 50K (or less)

A place to put your name:


What: Run/Hike 50K (or less) at South Mountains State Park in Connelly Springs

Route: The recommended “route” consists of 3 different loops (11.7 miles, 10 miles, 9.5 miles – details below) covering a total of ~5900 feet of elevation gain. Each loop starts and ends at the parking lot where someone’s pickup truck will have water and snacks (see below, bring a snack) for refueling before your next loop.

** If you don’t want to run 50K but still want to join in the fun, come run 1 or 2 of the loops. Or, come do your own darn thing since this is all just a suggested way to spend your morning. We have at least 1 HC to Ruck Loop 1 if that is more your style.

When: Saturday, February 22nd at 7:00 AM. Gates to the park open at 7. We will chat a little and then start running promptly at 0715.

Where: South Mountains State Park, High Shoals Parking Area (https://goo.gl/maps/DrA4wHzbuYrRdXE89)

Cutoff: There’s no official cutoff as this is not an official run but the guy with the pickup truck has to leave by 3:00 so if you’re not done by then the snacks/water will be gone. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting yourself home anyway so nothing else changes.

Who: PAX from wherever. This is going to be a fun day of running/hiking in the mountains with friends both new and old. Hope to see you there.

Cost: If you haven’t been paying attention, this is unorganized and unofficial and therefore FREE. If you are so inclined, it would be nice if you brought a snack to put in the backup of the pickup truck for your friends to try.

DISCLAIMER: To be clear, this is not an organized or official run/race/event. If you come, you are on your own and entirely responsible for your own safety and well-being. If you choose to run the same loops in the same order as us, awesome! But, as with all things F3, you are encouraged to modify as necessary to avoid personal injury and overall make good decisions with your life.

The loops/routes will NOT be marked. There will be GPX files available for those with fancy watches as well as printed maps and cue sheets available in some guys truck in the parking lot at South Mountain. Most carriers will have cell service out there so it is highly recommended that you carry your phone with you and common sense thoroughly suggests that you stick with a buddy.

Bottom Line: This is going to be a blast. If you haven’t been to South Mountains State Park before, you are really missing out. We will cover almost all of the trails there, including all the big views overlooking Jacob Fork Gorge, the 80-foot High Shoals waterfall, and the beautiful mountains of Western NC. As stated above, if 50K is too much to bite off, you can always come run one of the loops, make up a route of your own, or just come eat snacks and high five your friends when they stop at the pickup truck.

Interested? Add your name, etc. to this sheet so we can all have an idea of who’s coming:


Tentative Route Maps (to be finalized soon):
Full Route: www.plotaroute.com/route/993852 (31.2 miles / ~5,900 ft elevation gain)
First Loop: www.plotaroute.com/route/993743 (11.7 miles / ~2,100 ft elevation gain)
Second Loop: www.plotaroute.com/route/993851 (9.5 miles / ~1,700 ft elevation gain)
Third Loop: www.plotaroute.com/route/993748 (10 miles / ~2,100 ft elevation gain)

 

What are we going to do now, stand on the kettlebells and work on balance?

10 pax gathered for the 4th episode of Swole on what turned out to be the best weather we’ve ever had for the gear workout that is still in it’s infancy.

The Thang:

Quick Warm Up:

10 SSH, 10 IW, 10 Windmills

10 RDLs each leg

5 rounds of 90 seconds of waiter carry(spend 45 seconds with one arm going one direction, switch arms and turn around for 45 seconds)

5X5 Double Cleans with heavy KBs

5X5 Double Front Squats with Heavy KBs

End of planned weinke so YHC had to get creative….

Kettlebell Tunnel of Love(all kettlebells must travel through the tunnel of planked pax, about 30 bells ranging from 30-62 lbs)  #crowdpleaser

24 LBCs(for Kobe RIP)

1 minute of elbow plank

1 minute of hollow holds

A little more than 1 minute of glute bridge

COT

Moleskine

Better weather, more pax.  Pretty simple.

The two workouts we are alternating with RDL/WC/2xcClean/2xSquat vs Press/Swings/FC and it seems the former consistently takes less time to complete than the latter.  YHC knew we’d have to have an extra 10 minutes or so of goodies to finish up with.  That led to KB Tunnel of Love.  I’ve pulled it out for Tweet and Meat in the past but it is more fun with more pax and kettlebells.

Voodoo provided the tunes for this week.  He has been doing a better job of picking good music than I have.

Announcements:

Pray for Madison’s daughter as she has an MRI on Friday and pray for Doc McStuffins during his heart surgery on Wednesday

Program continues this week at Meathead(Calvary) on Wednesday and Olympus(Elizabeth Lane Elem) on Saturday.

Plenty of Qing opportunities(ie every week is open) for Swole.  Because it’s a WIB at this point, perfect opportunity for newer pax looking to cut their teeth at Qing or more  seasoned pax looking to up their Qing totals in 2020.

 

Facing Your Fears 2020

16 men decided not to fartsack on a cold, late January Monday to join me for a social anxiety busting Q.  DiCCS given (Disclaimer, Cell phone, CPR, Safety) with reminder to circle back for the 6 and to lead Mary.

Mosey to middle school front parking lot.

  • Moroccan Nightclubs x 20 IC
  • Side Straddle Hops x 20 IC
  • Low Slow Squats x 20 IC
  • Mountain Climbers x 20 IC
  • Calf Stretch
  • Upward Dog

Pair up (clydesdale with gazzelle) for 10, 20, 30’s loop

  • P1 and P2 pair up and start with 10 Big Boy Situps, once finished each pax runs the opposite way around parking lot loop
  • Wherever pax meet on other side of loop both face each other again and each does 10 Bobby Hurleys, each pax runs the opposite way around parking lot loop
  • Continue process two more times while increasing counts by 10 each time

Mosey to the covered area in front of middle school for a round of “Super Tysons”

  • Start with 1 Mike Tyson followed by 4 Super-Man’s repeat sequence until you reach 10 Mike Tyson’s and 40 Super-Man’s

Next up an on your own “Rockwell Ripoff” keeping with the 10, 20, 30 theme

  • Complete 10 Jump Squats, 20 Donkey Kicks and 30 LBC’s then run to picnic table area behind middle school and bear crawl under covered walkway on the way, when you reach picnic table area complete 10 Derkins, 20 Step-Ups and 30 Dips then return to front of middle school covered area while bear crawling under covered walkway on way back.  Rinse and repeat two times.  When done mosey back to picnic table area and do Mary while we wait for the 6.

Mosey to the sidewalk area of the bus lot and do alternating Side Shuttles to the bathroom area.

Grab some wall on the bathroom

  • 50 Air Presses IC
  • 50 Air Jabs IC

Closed it out with a fast paced mosey back to COT with 10 Dry Docks every other light pole.  I took us out (thanks to Goodfella for pushing me to do so).

Done!

MOLESKIN:

Chilly morning today, however, as Mad Dog mentioned… it felt a little warmer than expected.  I wasn’t sure what to expect regarding turnout and my goal was to simply get through the workout with minimal mistakes etc.  Thanks to those who circled back for the six, lead Mary etc. and to Chicken Little for giving me the opportunity to lead today.

One thing I wanted to mention here is my appreciation for F3 and the acceptance/push it provides.  Most of you have no idea who I am etc. and that’s pretty much “on me.”  I’ve shared my anxiety issues with the PDS crew and a few other Pax so they know about my “jester.”  I’ve struggled with social anxiety (Social anxiety is the fear of social situations that involve interaction with other people. You could say social anxiety is the fear and anxiety of being negatively judged and evaluated by other people. It is a pervasive disorder and causes anxiety and fear in most all areas of a person’s life) for as long as I can remember and I’m just now finally starting to address the issue (thanks to F3).  Today was a big step towards facing my fear, getting out of my comfort zone etc. (even if it was just a simple re-cycled Q that probably bored some of you).  I wanted to mention my “jester” because I sense that some of you are mistaking my shyness for something else (being aloof, uncaring etc. which for those that “really” know me… isn’t who I am at all).  Anyway, hopefully this paragraph gives you a littler more insight in to “the current world of La-Z-Boy.”  I look forward to facing my fears in 2020 and getting to know each of you more as we progress through 2020 and beyond.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • Site Q school this Saturday 6:30 AM at Cutherbertson.
  • Q school the following Saturday
  • Thoughts and prayers for Doc McStuffins regarding his upcoming heart surgery.
  • Bottlecap mentioned the urgency for the Pax to take part in second and third F events vs. just attending the first F workouts.

Ultimate KanJam

14 guys decided to pull themselves out of bed to throw a frisbee in an empty parking lot.

 

I arrived early to the site to set up in a completely dark parking lot.  I knew the lights would turn on by the time we started, I just couldn’t remember which ones so I set up the two “goals” under what I thought were the two areas that would be lit the most (spoiler, I was wrong).  Grabbing frisbees from Posse the day before, all that I was missing was the KanJam can’s.  I had no worries, Swimmers is a dependable guy….but just in case I brought back up cones for us to throw at.   7 minutes to start, no swimmers.  I begin to worry.  Perhaps I better go set up my back up plan just in case.  2 minutes – DICCS…and still no swimmers.  5:15.  Time to go, no Swimmers.  Lets Mosey!

WARM UP

Mosey to round about then around the target parking lot.  Smokey up front turning back saying he wasn’t sure where to go.  I said I would give him a heads up when it was time to turn…..or better yet..take your gazelle butt to the back and pick up the six for some extra running.  He smiled instead of scowled (thank god) and took off to the back.

Circle up under a light (at which time I notice is not of the the lights I put a goal under).  I also turn around to find Blades of Glory on my heels as I yell to circle up.  I see that weight loss is helping you to gain to more speed.

20 Moroccan Night Clubs

20 Side Straddle Hops

Jimmy Duggan

Calf Stretch for the Site Q (Who wasn’t there).

 

THE THANG

Mosey to hill at entrance of neighborhood for triple nickle.  10 Atomic Merkins at bottom of hill.  Run up hill.  10 Jump Squats at top.  Repeat 5 times.  To no ones surprise, Smokey and Transporter killed this part.  Because they were so far ahead, I asked that they keep going.  Smokey’s smile turned into a scowl this time…uh oh.  Posse asked if we would recover at top or bottom of hill.  I told him top, but it was a lie (sorry Posse).  I wanted everyone to finish out and meet me at the bottom and if I said recover at bottom, some would skip that last hill sprint.  Marry at bottom of hill with In/Outs (no Merkin and I expected pax to be vocally happy about that considering we just did 50, but they weren’t).  Give it all you got to light pole – oh wait….there’s swimmers with KanJam!  Awesome.  Grab KamJam as we sprint to light to divide into teams.

 

ULTIMATE KANJAM

For those that don’t know what KanJam is….its a game played with a frisbee in which you score points with a partner through a variety of ways.  Being that this was ultimate kanjam with multiple players, we modified the rules to the following:

  • hit can = 1 point
  • put frisbee in top of can = 2 points.  (figured there would be no other way of scoring than this)
  • Each team had their own frisbee.
  • Goalies had a cinderblock in hand and performed 20 each of Curls, Presses, Dips, Rows, and Side Squat Hops.  Rotated Goalies once 100 reps were done.
  • Goalies couldn’t use hands to block goal and had to have cinderblock in hand and only use body to defend.
  • If you drop the frisbee or it gets knocked down – entire team does 10 Carolina dry docks and you start back over from where the frisbee is.  (This became contentious later).
  • If the team intercepts your frisbee – the entire team does 10 atomic merkins and goes back to their goal to start over.

As with any sport, rules are broken and modified.  Defending teams started chucking dropped frisbees back towards the other teams goal.  Transporter (and rightfully so after Swimmers threw their frisbee a mile) protested and we modified the rules to no more than 10 foot throw if dropped.  Teams quickly adapted and started covering the frisbee before performing dry docks to prevent the other teams 100 10 yard throw.

 

Teams:

Fuse Box, Nails, Bounce, Smokey, Loafer, Posse, & Swimmers

vs

Transporter, Akbar, Big Tuna, Chipolte, Blades of Glory, Rebuild, & Shop Dawg

 

MOLESKIN

As with anything you try, there are always lessons learned.  I attempted to balance the amount of rules against the time we had and the comprehension of pax.  I didn’t want so many rules that it was hard to remember or that it took 10 minutes to explain.  Thanks to the pax for modifying on the fly.

Nails is a stone cold defender.  Two interceptions by my count.

Bounce, myself, and Posse had quite the rally going downfield.  Quick moving passes had us in striking distance quick.

Shop Dawg can throw a pretty mean hip check.  I caught a couple.

The Big Tuna/Chipolte tag team was tough to defend back at our goal.

Akbar was also sneaky good near the goal moving stealthfully between defenders.

Posse almost decapitated Rebuild, followed by several “I’m Sorry’s, are you ok?!”

Apparently Smokey had some good battles near the goal as well.

Transporter is a stickler for rules and a hard nosed competitor.

Blades and Loafer were active on both ends.  I tried several times to split the D for a can hit but blades kept blocking the goal.  Loafer doing his own defending as goalie several times blocking shots with the cinderblocks in hand.

Teams started strategizing at the end and pulling defenders to go all offense when the other team’s frisbee was intercepted.  Teams also realized that a dropped frisbee by the other team left an opening to quickly advance the frisbee downfield.

Teams kept trying to figure out the magic number of offense to defense ratio.  It started out as 4 offense and 2 defense (plus goalie).  Then as one team got up, they dropped a defender back to protect the lead.  I would imagine another game would bring more strategy to the mix now that we have a game under our belts.

I was surprised by the final mileage.  We didn’t move very far – basically staying around the target parking lot, yet I logged 2.2 miles.  Max heart rate of 174 with an average of 129 means we kept moving.  When time was up I was breathing hard;  which was the goal.  Competition brings out more in us.  I ran more than expected and had one of the higher heart rates I’ve had in awhile.

Final Score?  No clue.  It wasn’t so much about the score.  I can tell you my team had 5 points (I think).  No idea what the other team finished with, but last I heard we were up.  We all had fun (I think), and I’d say based on that it was a success.  Who can take this version and build off of it to make it better?

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Site Q school this Saturday: 6:30 at Cuthbertson Middle.  Sign up in advance (Posse to post a link).  Sign up now before Posse nicely taps you on the shoulder – or worse clotheslines you like Rebuild today.

Q School next Saturday (Feb 8th).  Same deal.  Sign up ahead of time.

Q Source Monday’s at Asylum.  Glad to see some new faces over there this year.  Blades and Nails adding some additional perspectives has been great.  Rebuild joined for the first time this morning as well.

3rd F opportunity with Christ Closet.  Twice a month folding party on Thursdays (I forget which Thursdays – maybe second and forth?).  See Shop or Dana for more info.

Who shuffled this deck!?

19 morons thought that YHC was still sick and that surely they would be presented this morning with a quality workout, a traditional regimen, and trustworthy leadership. Instead, they got a has-been Spin class instructor with a neon fanny pack and a Napoleon complex. They followed anyway… they always do.

 

  1. Mosey north for COP in the amphitheater to the timeless sounds of GnR:
    1. IWs
    2. SSHs
    3. LSSs
    4. LSMerkins
    5. LSPeter Parkers
    6. LSFreddy Murchisons
    7. Backwards arch… hold!!! (I’ve never felt so alone)
  2. Mosey to the rockpile and grab one of several pre-selected rocks (no paperweights today, boys)
  3. Mosey to the north lot, pop the hatch on the Microvan and see what kind of junk is in the trunk… (IKEA kids chalkboard and a deck of cards… WTF?)
  4. Welcome to Sprockets’ (Full) “House of Pain”!!!
    1. Spades = 8-count Burpee Jacks
    2. Diamonds = Heels 2 Heaven
    3. Clubs = Iron Squats (“huh?”)
    4. Hearts = F3s (curl/press/extend)
    5. Jokers = Dealer’s Choice
      1. Partner race… wheelbarrows n partner carries
      2. Catch me if you can… around the bldg., 10merkins at each handoff
    6. Aces high (14reps) in a full deck = 104reps of each exercise + a couple long laps and 2 (not so funny) Joker routines
  5. Finish the deck, deposit the rocks at 7:56 and run like heck to south lot.
  6. Time check… 7:59
  7. 20 Boone Crunches each side…. DONE!

 

Moleskine

  1. A whole lotta laughin’ early on. Not a whole lotta laughin for the last 25minutes
  2. Excellent tracking skills by Deep Dish and his late-arriving accomplice… He can track a falcon on a cloudy day… He can find COT.
  3. One guy who shall remain nameless (rhymes with “Dummy”) kept barking early on to “take a lap” and break up the card-flipping. It was this request that inspired YHC to call for “a lap” around the bldg with the rock during the 2nd You now know who to thank for that.
  4. I think we got nothing but face card spades and clubs for the 1st 8 cards. (Hey, Mama always told me life is more like a game of poker than a game of chess.) Fun fact… Johnny Cash recorded a lesser-known version of “The Gambler” before Kenny Rogers took it to #1 in 1978. Now you know.
  5. At one point (in response to leading the Iron Squats with your “inferior leg”) Gummy offered to show everyone his own inferior leg… requests can be placed offline.
  6. If given the opportunity, YHC highly recommends matching with Hoover during the partner-carries… 1) While carrying the HGH-infused Gorilla on your back, his feet hang so low that you get a powered assist, similar to Fred Flintstone powering his car by skipping his feet across the ground 2) The view of the Atlantic from atop his back is breathtaking.
  7. Biggest lesson learned… size matters when it comes to Bluetooth speakers. The dime-sized woofer I got in my Christmas stocking left something to be desired. I’ll try to get on the “nice” list in 2020.

 

Announcements:

  1. RZ is desperately in need of Qs. They will take ANYONE (case in point… Alf and McGee are on the schedule)

 

Big thanks to Hoover and Geraldo for covering for me while I was out with the man-flu, and for trusting that I would actually show up this morning. Have a sensational week, my brothers!

Climbing Mount Olympus

4 pax eventually gathered at Elizabeth Lane Elementary at 0700 yesterday. Stone Cold and YHC met at 0630 for a 5k pre-run. High Tide texted around the start time to let me know he had driven to the wrong workout (sorry, RockZero pax!). Retread pulled in with his loaner Charger at about 10 after.

Today was the final day of week 3 of the SFG prep program. I had been out of town the previous 3 workouts and was eager to get to work.

Here’s the weinke:

1/25/2020 Single presses:  10 x (5 press ea side @ 24kg)
1H swings: 26 x (10 swings OTM @ 28kg)
Farmer’s walks: 4 x (90 sec @ “heavy”)

100 presses (50 per side) is a lot of presses. I think everyone was feeling it after that. I can tell you the last few reps of the last 2 sets were really tough. The swings were grueling as well. 26:00 of 10 swings on the minute adds up. We were happy when the time was up and decided to ignore High Tide’s suggestion that we keep going until 30:00. Stone Cold had to bail after the swings to get his son to Scouting for Food. The three remaining pax experienced full grip meltdown as they completed the 6:00 (in aggregate) of farmer’s walks.

Moleskine:

  • Thanks to the pax for coming out. With a lot of the regulars DR or conflicted with other responsibilities, it was great to have some company.
  • Stone Cold was looking strong and completed all of the presses with the 24kg bell. High Tide was a little late, but managed to complete all of his presses by the end of the workout.
  • Please join us at Swole on Monday morning at McAlpine Elementary at 0530 for the start of week 4 of the program, which looks like this:
Week 4
Session Date Exercise
1 1/27/2020 Single leg RDL: 3 x (5 lifts per leg – light)
Waiter carries: 5 x (1 carry ea side @ 32kg)
Double cleans: 5 x (5 cleans @ 24kg)
Double front squats: 5 x (5 squats @ 24kg)
2 1/29/2020 Single presses:  10 x (5 press ea side @ 24kg)
1H swings: 24 x (10 swings OTM @ 28kg)
Farmer’s walks: 4 x (90 sec @ “heavy”)
3 2/1/2020 Single leg RDL:  10 x (1 lift per leg – moderate)
Waiter carries: 5 x (1 carry ea side @ 32kg)
Double cleans: 5 x (5 cleans @ 24kg)
Double front squats: 5 x (5 squats @ 24kg)

Yeah, That’s Not Gonna Work

I think this mornings workout can really be summed up with one phrase. “Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time”. With one last Q before heading out of NC, I wanted to try and not just replicate a Q I’d done in the past, maybe try something I hadn’t done before, and deliver a solid work out in the process.  As I’m sitting here writing this, I can feel some tightness in my legs and shoulders, so I think I still delivered a good workout overall. But, the whole thing came off a bit more unorganized than planned.  Regardless, I appreciate everyone following me around my old stomping grounds of MillBridge for an hour this morning.  Here’s how it went down,,,

Warm-up:

  • Mosey down the path to the MillBridge community house lot
  • SSH x 30
  • Imperial Walkers x 20
  • Potato Pickers x 10
  • Stretch to the left and the right
  • Calf Stretch
  • Mountain Climbers x 15
  • Merkins x 10
  • Moroccan Nightclub x 20

The Thang:

  • Mosey to MillBridge Parkway
  • 29 guys proceeded to get down in a plank line, nose to toes, headed up hill on the sidewalk…this took a little while
  • Everyone does an exercise while the guy in the back of the line runs to the front.  Cylce through a few different exercises.  Everyone ran 5 times…i think
    • Planks
    • Mountain Climbers
    • Carolina Dry Docks
    • Squats
    • Plank Jacks
  • Called it and we moseyed the rest of the way up the hill to the traffic circle.
  • Mosey to the next traffic circle stopping at each street light.
    • Alternated 5 burpees / 10 side lunges
  • Started a Webb of Mary with some Heals 2 Heaven, LBCs and Freddy Mercurys…this was doomed from the beginning and I forgot how to count.  Called that early too
  • Broke into pairs for some partner work
  • Partner 1 ran down the road and back while partner 2 did an exercise.
    • Partners combine for 100 Diamond Merkins / 200 Lunges / 300 American Hammers
    • Not enough time so we called this early too
  • Mosey back to the first traffic circle stopping at each light
    • Alternated 10 Dry Docks and 10 speed skaters
  • Give it all you got back down the hill
  • Get in 2 lines (clydesdales and gazelles) and indian run back down path to the circle at the park
  • Mary for 4 minutes
  • Mosey back to COT
  • that’s time

Moleskin:

It’s hard to say what this group has meant to me, so I’m just going to leave it at this.  You all are great, and this organization is amazing.  If you’ve been around for a while, thank for everything you’ve worked so hard to create. I wouldn’t be who I am today without you guys.  For you guys that are still new, just keep showing up and pushing yourself. You’ll find part of you that you didn’t know were there. The time and effort will be well with it. Again, thank every one of you. See you soon for some brews fellas.

Announcements:

Christs Closet Folding Party 2nd and 4th Thursday 7:30pm

3rd F at five stones tomorrow at 7am

Site Q school on Feb 1

Q school on Feb 8

Welcome FNG Orange Justice (2.0)

 

The number is still 20

Crisp, cool morning and an even 16 pax came out, even though Thin Mint wasn’t going to be the Q.  Actually, we had one more come into the parking lot- Goonie, who arrived late and said he could not find us.  I think he had a nice run.  Clock struck 6, no FNG’s, disclaimer was short and off we went.

 

The Thang

With no prerun for YHC (some noticed) I was ready to run.  Maybe I am predictable, but I love starting the workout at the top of one of the many parking decks.  Something about the air, the ramps and the stairs, always deliverers.  That said, we ran to the deck at the lowest level, utilized the very scary, lonely, dark stairwell.  If it wasn’t for the other 15 behind me, I would not of continued.  We made it to the top and to start the day.

 

Warm up

Imperial Walker x 15

Side straddle hops x 15

6 count man maker burpees x 10

Squats x 15

 

Next was the climb back down the ramp.  We ran down one level, then back pedaled to the top and performed some exercises.  Then we ran 2 levels down, back-peddled one level and completed a series until we got to the bottom.  Exercises below

  1. Wide arm hand release merkin x10/ LBC x 15 / 20 squats
  2. Diamond x15 / Right elbow to left knee then swap x 30 / 20 squats
  3. Hand release merkin x10 / Boat- Canoe x15 / 20 squats
  4. Wide arm hand release merkin x10/ Heels to heaven x 15 / 20 squats
  5.  Diamond merkin / Scissors x 15 / 20 squats
  6. Hand release merkin x10 / LBC x15 / 20 squats
  7.  Mabye there was another round….maybe not

Time to mosey to the entrance of the deck.  Directions were provided about the final destination, Rock Pile….the one by the pond.  Are there others….

Mentioned this should be a brisk run, but to keep the pax togther, we paused a few spots.  At the roundabout we paused and the directions we give to sprint to the bottom.  We paused midway as I thought we lost somebody, more on that later.

 

At the rock pile, partner as you come in- P1 grabs the rock and head to the parking lot

 

P1- Bi’s, Tri’s, Over head press, Squat – each x 15 / P2 run to playground and perform 10 pullups

2 rounds then P2 returns rock

 

Time to run around the lake

Stop at the first building – Decline merkins x15 / Step ups x30 / Dips x15

Stop at the second building- Incline merkin x15 / jump ups x15 / Dips x15

Stop at the benches- Decline merkins x15 / Steps ups x30 / Dips x15

 

Head back to launch…..but once we crossed the median, JAIL BREAK home.  DONE

 

Announcements: Church on the Streets- sign up!  If you can’t make the first weekend, it happens every Sun!  Go, take a 2.0, it is really humbling and good for the soul.

 

Big props for Snow Flake for taking us out!!

 

Ye’ Olde Mole Skinny

– I don’t sign up to Q often- some may have noticed the rust. However, I am making a point to try and help an AO when there is a hole.  I can’t always do it, but happy to help TM out today.

– I always plan the workout, but the warm up could use some practice…mumble chatter deserved

– The 6 count burpee count was rough, I admit it. I know you began to question the winkie, but there was a plan and it is on the paper

– I believe there were 3 prerunners – Wild Turkey, Fire Hazard and Nard Dog…sorry if I missed someone

– Mentioned earlier that I thought a member of the pax went down.  Apparently it was only Fraleys crap towel, quite the commotion!

– Hand release merkins are the best…it is the only way to keep the pax honest and do them all

– Trying to keep the pax moving today so I stayed up front.  Always thanks to those pax holding the 6 and not letting anyone left behind

– What is up with the stairwell mentioned above.  I don’t think I have ever been in it…yuck

– I was totally nervous when I thought the parking deck was closed, you all almost had an uplanned workout

– Good job Gonnie for not just leaving, way to get the miles in

– Special shout out to Brexit as he is getting back at it after his car accident in an Uber.  Glad your back at it!