Centurion Preblast: Fun and Fellowship for Van Pelt Final A51 Post

Centurion Preblast: Fun and Fellowship for Van Pelt Final A51 Post

CENTURION LAUNCHES 0530 AT NORMAL LOCATION-CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Margo had to go DR for work and YHC is substi-Q

Friday’s Centurion workout will be Van Pelt’s “last” Area 51 post.  He is moving back home to Winston-Salem full time.  No doubt his M is elated.  Now she has someone to fight with over the remote.

Van Pelt Q’d Anvil this week, where he brutally led the PAX in a merkin-fest that has already made its way into the F3 history book in the chapter on “That Sucked Really Damn Bad.”

One last hurrah with a Centurion post tomorrow.  While you are probably tearing up a bit, just know that Winston-Salem is basically a stone’s throw north.  You will run into, or with, VP again soon, I believe.  Anyways, YHC does not usually take requests, but in the case of our brother Van Pelt, the question was asked.  Any requests?  His response: Fun and Fellowship.

When it comes to workouts, there are varying personal beliefs, definitions, and thoughts of what may constitute fun.  We all know that fellowship is friendly association with others, especially others with like interests.  YHC will put together some fun stuff that will, of course, allow for fellowship.  You see, fellowship is best experienced during arduous group activity, if you ask YHC.  Shared hardship leads to locked shields.

Post and wish Van Pelt well on the last day of the farewell tour.

Benny’s First 12 Days of Christmas

8 PAX posted at Peak 51 their dose of daily DownPAINment.

The Thang:

Mosey over to the track for 2 warm up laps then to the bus parking lot for COP.

COP

  • SSH x 20 IC
  • Merkins x 10 IC
  • IW x 20 IC
  • 8 Count Body Builders x 10 IC

12 Days of Christmas

Mosey to the lower parking lot behind the church.

Perform exercises with the number of days equal the number of reps per exercise. As you get to the next exercise then perform each preceding exercise and rep count.

  • Day 1- Sprint across the parking lot (with rock)
  • Day 2- Carolina Dry Docks
  • Day 3- Jump Squats
  • Day 4- Diamond Merkins
  • Day 5- Burpees
  • Day 6- Lunges (6 each leg)
  • Day 7- Heels to Heaven
  • Day 8- Seal Jacks
  • Day 9- Flutter Kicks (4 count)
  • Day 10- Dollys ( 4 count)
  • Day 11- LBCs
  • Day 12- Merkins

Circuit Work

Move over to the benches for 2 rounds of Merkins x 10, Dips x 15, Step ups x 20

Mary

Return the parking lot for some Mary.

  • Flutter Kicks x 15 (4 count)
  • Rosalita x 15 (4 count)

Moleskin

  • Strong work by the PAX today, for an oldie but a goodie with the 12 Days of Christmas. There are many variations out there and there’s lots of room for interpetation which helps make it fun. Only 1.5 miles today but we still kept things moving.
  • This was Benny’s first 12 Days of Christmas, one of many to come, you’re welcome.
  • Kotters to Woody coming back from injury.
  • Slim Fast is fighting a cold, you were missed, feel better soon.
  • Tweetsie was out front, #LarryBird.
  • YHC left the AO Shovel Flag at home, #Kotters.
  • 8 count body builders stink,  now way about it but it could always be worse.
  • YHC enjoyed the collective groan when the 5 Golden Burpees were called. Mumble chatter was low, may have had something to do with the Burpees.
  • TCLAPS to Tweetsie, Benny, and Retread for the pre-run.
  • Please keep Bout Time and his son Jennings in your prayers.
  • Thank you Tweetsie for taking us out.
  • Thamks to Sensei and Lois for the opportunity to lead and sound off with any mumble chatter.

Announcements

  • Joe Davis 5K / 10K January 6th register and support Rock Thrill’s family’s fight against addiction. https://joedavisrun.racesonline.com
  • Benny has joined the site Q roster at Base Camp. The original A51 moderate boot camp Mondays  at South Charlotte Middle School.

This thing might just catch on

It’s mid-December and the temps are dropping.  That’s usually a recipe for smaller numbers at most AO’s, but cagey F3 veterans know how to handle the unusual temperature fluctuations and layer up.  This morning was no different as 4 of the usual suspects and 1 new site FNG posted at #F3Sparta for an invigorating run with a few common boot camp exercises mixed in.

The Thang

Mosey from Socrates Academy to Big Pine Dr, hang a L on Equestrian, and follow all the way to the end at McKee Rd.

Cross street and circle up in the Sun Trust parking lot for:

SSH x 25 IC – got distracted by a motor vehicle

IW X 20 IC

LSS X 20 IC

Merkins X 10 IC

The Main Event

Mosey from shopping center parking lot to the dirt track formerly known as the Siskey Track.  One warm up lap around the track and YHC points out the aluminum bleachers and stairs leading up the hill. Complete the lap.

Set 1 – 20 dips at the bench, up the stairs (touch each step) and return.  Repeato 5 times.  Run a lap after the 5th set.

Plank until the six completes the lap.  Mosey to 2nd bench/stair combo.

Set 2 – 20 derkins at bench, up the stairs & return.  Repeato 5 times.  Run a lap after the 5th set.

LBC in cadence until the six to completes the lap.  Mosey to 3rd set of stairs.  Oh no, no bench – Omaha! Omaha!

Set 3 – Bear Crawl up the hill & run down the stairs.  Repeato 5 times.  Run 90% of a lap after the 5th set.  Stop at bench #2.

Set 4 – Step ups X 20 & up the stairs until time.  Fortunately, we only had time for 1 rep.  Take the long way (around the track) back to the start.  Gather the six & return to the cars for various forms of organized stretching (ham strings, pigeon, downward dog, etc.).

Announcements

Pray for Bout Time and his family as they deal with the Leukemia diagnosis for his 2.0 (Jennings) who is 2 yrs old.  Convergence was held Uptown this AM to show the support of his F3 brothers.

Moleskin

The enthusiasm around a new running / boot camp continues to spread.  We held our 4th workout in 5 weeks this AM and I think it’s safe to say we have a core group of dedicated PAX and we have seen new faces each week (this thing just might catch on).  We focus on a meat & potatoes style workout – log 4-5 miles & do some merkins.  Nothing fancy.  It works.  We logged 4.4 miles this AM, did 100 dips, 100 derkins, 50 merkins & 20 step ups.  We choose weinkes that will keep the PAX together which improves camaraderie and helps build the confidence of the guys just starting out as runners.  We learn something new about and make a deeper connection with each other every week – isn’t that what this is really all about?  Don’t let the hustle & bustle of the Holiday season tempt you to fartsack.  Every morning brings a new opportunity to experience the 1st & 2nd F.  YHC hopes to see you  next Thursday.  THIS. IS. SPARTA!

It was an honor to lead.

Thanks to Smokey for the great closing prayer.

Why You Wanna Give Me A Run Around

8 PAX gathered for one of the coldest mornings in recent memory at Stallings Elementary for a Slim Fast virgin Q at Conviction.  Having disclaimed, the goal was simple… apply the immortal words of the venerable Blues Traveler frontman John Popper to answer the question… “Why you wanna give me a run-around?”  Which of course, the answer was… to keep warm!

The Thang

Mosey to bus parking lot behind school… circle up for COP

SS x 20; Run to bus walkway and back

IW x 20; Run to bus walkway and back

Low Slow Squat x 20; Run to bus walkway and back

Merkins x 15; Run to bus walkway and back

Mountain Climbers x 15; Run to bus walkway and back

Line up on line for 3-line suicide, then run to end; rinse and repeat

3-line suicide, then backwards run to the end; rinse and repeat

3-line suicide, then karaoke run to the end; rinse and repeat

Mosey to front of school to picnic tables for the following:
15 dips; run 50 yds out/back
20 step-ups; run 50 yds out/back
15 incline merkins; run 50yds out/back
Rinse and repeat, replacing decline merkins for incline merkins
15 dips… YHC needs them!!

Mosey back to bus lot…

Lunge walk 5 lines, jog 5 lines, Lunge walk 1 line
Backwards lunge walk 5 lines, backwards jog 5 lines; backwards lunge walk 1 line

Go to Basketball goal for some team sport:

Everyone planks… first guy shoots basket… then planks… next guy shoots… so, on   We keep going until everyone hits their first shot… comical to say the least, and it took about 2 full rounds for us to all make it…  looked good on paper!!

Grab some wall for people’s chair
50-air presses followed by 25 LBC’s
Back to the wall
25-air presses followed by 15 Dolly’s

Mosey back to parking lot… DONE!

Moleskin

Thanks Bullwinkle for letting me come out to Q.  It was great seeing where you boys call home on Wednesday mornings!

I enjoyed working out with Gypsy and Christmas for the first time.  You guys have a great site here!

Glass Joe and I go wayyyyy back… Sunday morning runs through Raintree, scenic runs through the Smoky Mountains, etc… always great to reconnect!  GJ was shedding layers as I was looking for more to add!!

It’s been a while, but I enjoyed seeing Arsenal again… Great job today!!  I was reminded that his F3 name is for actual guns, not for the wankers from North London that managed to draw today with one of the worst teams in the league…  I digress… #WengerOut!!

Shake N’ Bake brings it strong always!  Today was no different!  Those treadmarks in the parking lot should fade away with time!!

Thanks to Nomad for joining me for a warm-up pre-run and quick site recon.  It makes it much easier to get out in 25 F  when someone will be waiting for you… Nomad made the mistake of offering to be that someone!!

Congrats to Bullwinkle and Gypsy for a great site!  I hope to be back soon!

Announcements:
1.  Sign-up for Joe Davis Run
2.  Contact Bullwinkle or Gypsy to sign-up for Q in 2018

Good prayer from Nomad to take us out.

Bring back the 90s!

Posted (late) by Voodoo on behalf of Arena

After a fascinating conversation about our dogs throwing up we finally got started. Theme music for the day, 90’s one hit wonders!

The Thang:
Warm Up:

  • SSH x 20 IC
  • Imperial walkers x 15 IC
  • Merkins x 10 IC
  • Low-slow-squats x 10 IC
  • 2H swings x 20 OYO

The workout: A circuit of four exercises at descending reps as you work through the circuit. 12-10-8-6

Circuit A:

  1. Alternating Swings
  2. Cleans
  3. Greg Louganis
  4. Goblet Squats

Circuit B:

  1. Snatch
  2. Curls
  3. Russian Twists
  4. Suitcase Lunge

Circuit C:

  1. High Pulls
  2. Shoulder Press
  3. LBCs
  4. Good Mornings

Circuit D:

  1. Two-handed Swings
  2. Push Ups
  3. Freddy Mercury
  4. Squat and Press

COT

Announcements:

  1. Sign up for Joe Davis Run if you haven’t already. It’s a great opportunity to get a 5k or 10k race time at the start of the year while supporting a great cause and getting some 2nd F with your F3 family. Ms and 2.0s welcome! Pre-blast is here.
  2. Meathead will be closed 12/14 for the convergence at Independence Park for our Area 51 brother, Bout Time, and his family. Please read the pre-blast here and attend if possible.

Moleskine:

  1. Voodoo here. #cobains for the late post, but I’m sure the Meathead pax aren’t surprised considering my typical arrival at 5:29.59 and on 2 wheels. 2018 resoultion for YHC: 5 minutes early to Meathead. #accountability
  2. A great lead by Arena. YHC saw that he also led at Skunkworks this week, so a great gear double Q from Arena. Thanks for stepping up and let me know your availability for 2018!
  3. Missing a few pax’s names. Please sound off in the comments and I’ll get you added.
  4. The 2018 Q schedule for Meathead is wide open at this point. DM YHC or Witch Doctor if you have a particular date you’d like to Q. Although the conscription process works, we’d prefer to have some input, so sound off!

Mumblechatter Jaw Workout

13 mostly outside salesman met for a cold workout, but neither the cold or the workout could shut them up.

 

Thang:

Run down into raintree about .5 miles to a huge hill.

Run up the hill 50 merkins

back down 40

up 30

down 20

up 10

Plank

Now run up hill 50 old school situps

down 40

up 30

down 20

up 10

Run .5 miles back to parking lot for partner sprint (ish) runs and exercises

P1 run to last basketball goal and back and flapjack until done with:

200 dry docks

150 squats

200 monkey humpers

circle up for 6 MOM

Recover

 

This was a fun group, lots of the old school A51 gang.  Lots of mumblechatter, name calling, insults, and general tom foolery.  We covered just under 3 miles according to Geraldo’s tech package.  We did a ton of merkins, and stomachs.  Bulldog was rocking a sweet Christmas Vacation screen printed t-shirt about the only place he could wear it.  Busch was so excited about posting he forgot his hat and gloves but the fro kept him warm.   Great to see all the boys, even at 25 degrees.

 

Announcements:   Busch, Bulldog, and Stone Cold are starting a new 3rd F after Friday workouts at Panera starting in January.  Shore tried to name it manhole but Busch and Stone Cold didn’t think this group was mature enough to give proper respect to that title.  It will be called Man Cave.

Also, big convergence at F3 Metro tomorrow for a brother  (Bout time) with a sick child.  Make it if you can.

http://f3metro.com/2017/12/11/convergence-to-support-bout-time-and-family-while-at-hemby/

Frozen Tears

11 men rolled up to The Maul this morning even though weather.com exists.

Thang

Rapid Fire COP:

  • 10 SSH IC
  • 10 IW IC
  • 10 Merkins IC
  • 10 Makhtar N’Diayes IC
  • 10 Wide-armed Merkins IC
  • 10 MC IC

Mosey to delivery lane behind Michael’s/HT/Target and partner up on the way.

At 1st speed bump partner 1 runs up hill and performs 5 jump squats while partner 2 performs 15 plank jacks and then holds plank.  Flapjack when partner returns.  Repeato at each of 6 total speed bumps.  Mary while waiting for six.

Climb hill to Elm Ln.  Mosey South to St. Matthew Elementary School parking lot.  Mary while waiting for six.

93 Problems

  • Standing at the top of the parking lot and looking South, there are 93 consecutive parking spots that border Elm Ln all the way down to Williams Pond Ln. This stretches for 0.17 miles aka 280 meters aka 305 yards aka 3 football fields #spreadsheet.  Find your partner.  Partner 1 heads South, stopping to perform 1 burpee at each parking spot.  Partner 2 runs South to end of parking lot and returns back to partner.  Flapjack.  Continue until both partners reach end of parking lot.  Circle back for the six.

Mosey awkwardly around Eastern perimeter of the elementary school until finding church parking lot.  Partner carry around left side of church, stopping at each speed bump for 10 partner slap merkins (50 total).

Partner 1 dead hangs from brick wall near St. Matt main entrance. Partner 2 runs down into drainage area, scales retaining wall at returns to Partner 1. Flapjack. 2 total rounds.

Indian run back home through Stonecrest parking lot, stopping twice for Mary.

2 minutes of “Captain Thor” back at launch: An ab exercise done in a 1:4 ratio. 1 big boy sit up to 4 American Hammers (Russian Twist).  We got up to 5 sit ups and 24 American Hammers (yes, that math doesn’t work #mathishard).

Moalscin

  • Thank you Enron, Wild Turkey and Bunker for joining me on a 5k pre-run.  Enjoyed it.  Definitely helped get the blood flowing.  Enron, next time we’ll run UP the #murderhorn like big boys.  Also, thanks for the BB title.
  • YHC had driven past those 93 parking spots countless times but just realized a couple weeks ago that that is the longest stretch of parking spots in Ballantyne (aside from the Blakeney office park running parallel to Rea Rd aka #F3daVinci AO which has the best of everything).  Anyway, YHC knew instantly that something must be done there.  And that something had to be burpees.
  • Definitely lost count during Captain Thor.  Somewhere along the line YHC added an extra 4 American Hammers.  What YHC is trying to say is you’re welcome.
  • Everything we did today was partner based.  Just realized that.
  • Thanks to all for making it out on a 25 degree morning.  Great group today and equally great effort shown by all.
  • As always, thank you Commish and Tool Bag for the opportunity to lead.  Thanks for squeezing me in so YHC could take care of some unfinished business from two weeks ago.  Just realized that YHC probably stole your birthday Q, Tool Bag.  Sorry about that.  Which leads me to my next point.
  • Happy birthday Tool Bag!!!
  • Thanks Squid for taking us out

Announcements

Prayers for Bout Time and his family.  Convergence workout at Independence Park tomorrow at 0530.

Sign up for the SOB Holiday Party.

Sign up for the 2018 Joe Davis Run for Recovery.

Stay Warm Out There

14 PAX bundled up and made it happen at Dromedary this morning.  1 decided to go all in and provide the inspiration: congrats to Recalculating for completing the workout in shorts and short sleeves.  Seriously , respect.

The Thang:

The warmup took the form of a group run with stops for exercises.  We went around both schools before stopping at the middle school picnic tables.  Exercises were: 15 low slow squats, 15 IWs, 25 SSHs, 10 merkins + 10 8 count burpees, bear crawl across basketball court, 10 peter parkers, 20 LBCs.  All IC.

3 sets of 15 dips, 10 squats, and 20 no hands flutters, all IC.

Mosey around the middle school and across the fields to the large retaining hill.  (Rarely used at DD because of its hidden in the dark nature)  Line up across the bottom, perform the called exercise, then sprint the hill.  Set one = 1 time up, set 2 = 2 times up, set 3 = 3 times up.  Exercises for all three sets were 10 Haggis-style merkins (knuckles) and 15 real deal sit-ups.

Mosey back to parking lot and partner up.  Wheelbarrows for ~25 yards each.  Then P1 runs the 25 yards while partner 2 does CDDs until you hit 100 combined.  Mosey around high school and stop for peoples chair + 10 donkey kicks X2.  Then back to launch, few planks, doneski.

Key Info for Holiday Party:

  • This Saturday 12/16 at the Red Barn Waxhaw.  6012 Jeanne Dr., Waxhaw, NC 28173
  • 5 pm – 11 pm.
  • Dress is casual and dress warm!  Fire pits and a bonfire will help but it is an open air barn.
  • Beer and wine will be provided.  Liquor technically not allowed.  If you are worried that what you like to drink won’t be there, bring it.
  • Donations benefit the Union County Community Shelter.  You can donate when you sign up.

Other Announcements:

  • Posse stepping up to lead FNG info checklist.  More details to follow and he is taking ideas and feedback if you have some.
  • Old McDonald hosting an event for 2.0s at his farm on 12/21.  Cost is $30 per kid and times are 9am – 1pm.  2.0s can do crafts and other farm stuff (my term) while parents get their shopping done.  I like it!  For location, look for a pre-blast from OMcD.  Sign up required.
  • Union County convergence at Belk Tonawanda Park in Monroe.  This Saturday.  No Outland or Commitment.

Better wives

On a crisp December morning, 9 PAX filed past the shovel flag and got setup in the Scout Hut for this week’s edition of Gumby.  YHC had brought some juicy moves borrowed from an unnamed YouTube source, and was spinning some Government Mule to keep the atmosphere right.  Here’s what we did:

Devo while seated from Matthew 5:14-16

(Insert Weinke here)

Announcements:

Gumby Q on deck: Arena is the substiQ for Stone Cold next week

 

Moleskin:

In spite of a dry run through the workout yesterday, and appropriate adjustments to get it all into 45 minutes, YHC was unable to complete the weinke on time today. #timewarp

Still, we got some excellent stretching in.  A decent amount of grumbling told YHC that some of the moves were reaching especially needed places.

Thanks for the takeout, Jello.  Although praying for us to be better wives was a little confusing to me.  I wasn’t sure if you meant that in some kind of spiritual metaphorical sense (i.e. Jesus is the groom and we’re the bride), or if you just got swept up in the broga fellowship.  Either way, it was good for a chuckle and served to shine some light (humor) into our morning.

Oh, and either Paper Jam had a very sheltered childhood, or just didn’t recognize the Government Mule version of Shine on You Crazy Diamond.  But I couldn’t have been more surprised when he didn’t recognize the song than if he’d sprouted antlers.  Here’s the link, brother.  Whether you prefer the original Pink Floyd album, or the Government Mule version, you owe it to yourself to give one of them a full listen.  (Same for anyone else reading this that hasn’t heard The Dark Side of the Moon.)

Have a great week, gents.  Remember your light is from God, and let it shine on.

 

We won’t miss that dude…

15 fought off the fartsack temptation, braved the cold, and showed up at the best AO in SCLT–Anvil.  It was so cold, Rachel had on long sleeves.  BRRRRR.   The virtual shovel flag flapped in the morning breeze.  The virtual Lobsta Roll showed up to Q.  Disclaimer was given. And, we’re off….not before 20 burpees to get the blood flowing.

Warm-O-Rama

ADIOS style warm up with:

A = Abe Vigodas (windmill old man style) x 10

D = Dancing Chilcutts (alt leg lifts in elbow plank) x 20

I = Imperial Walkers x 20

O = One-armed burps (no push up) x 5 each arm

S = Side Straddle Hop x 20

The Thang That Made Us Hurt

Partner up (size, speed, wealth, intelligence, looks, or political party does not matter).  Run between the curbs of the parking lot with descending hand-slap merkins at each side.  20 down to 10.  #CrowdPleaser.

Do some type of Mary to allow shoulders to cool some. Perhaps, it was dolly and heels to heaven.

Rack & Stack Suicides across the parking lot.  At each stop at the line (coming and going), perform called exercise.  Line 1 = Cliff Climbers x 10.  Line 2 = Merkins x 10.  Line 3 = Donkey Kicks x 10.  Line 4 = Burpees x 10.

Perhaps some more Mary?  Flutter.  Did we do something else?

Partner back up for modified Dora 1-2-3.  Do combined 75 merkins, 100 LBCs, and 150 squats while partner takes a lap around the light pole.  Finish with some Mary.

One more time across the parking lot:  10 merkins + crab walk to next line + 10 merkins + bear crawl to next line + 10 merkins + crab walk + 10 merkins + bear crawl + 10 merkins.

Leave the parking lot of pain and head toward launch.  Quick detour for a few trips up North Face.  10 jump squats at top and bottom.  Do as many laps (2-3) as time allows.

Finish.

Moleskine

YHC thought he completed the farewell Q a few weeks ago. But, alas, the Q shuffle at Anvil left a spot for today.  Mermaid asked, YHC begrudgingly accepted.  YHC wanted to stay close to launch but give everyone a little stocking stuffer.  Oh what fun it is…  Several mumble chatterers quickly and often proclaimed “I won’t miss VP.”  The PAX completed 265 merkins + how ever many you did for modified Dora.  Go ahead claim 300 total.  Hope you were able to raise your arms to wash your hair.  YHC doesn’t have that problem.  (Not because my arms didn’t hurt.  I just don’t have any hair.)

It has been a true pleasure to get to know the men of F3 SCLT.  YHC parachuted in from the Dash (Winston Dash Salem) in Feb 2015 and had an immediate network of friends.  From BRR to happy hour to pool party to afternoon smokes at Tinder Box, I really do thank all of you for your friendship.  I hope to be back in CLT from time to time.  If you make it to the Dash, look me up.  I will still be the old one with specs.  Until we meet again…

Announcements

One of the SCLT Christmas Parties is this weekend (SOB?)

Convergence at Independence Park on Dec 14 in honor of Bout Time, his M, and his son Jennings.  #GetWellSoon.

YHC took us out.