The PAX from The Fort, Alcatraz, Indianland and Rock Hill arrived at The Yard for a Post Christmas Convergence.

It’s Boxing Day and YHC had some Rocky memories flowing from my days in Philly and I thought about having the PAX chase chickens or punch sides of beef in a freezer, however too expensive and way too involved. So we opted for some good old beatdown F3 style.

Apache got things started with the 1st annual Cake Boss Calves 5k. I have to admit, its pretty cool having a 5k named after my body parts, but I hoped it would have been my eyes….oh well! 26 posted for the run and Old Bay texted me this number as I was setting up The Yard and so it confirmed for me to expect a quality turn out from the PAX.

The PAX arrived car after car and the mumble chatter started. It was great to see many of the men we don’t get to see week in and week out. I called (whistled) the PAX in tight for some announcements and introduction of Stang. He got us started for the warm up and away we went.

Mosey around YHC’s truck to side of school and some high knees, butt kickers, and other stuff as we head back towards the school yard for COP. Stang took us through half dozen traditional moves to get the bodies in motion.

Hand off to YHC (Cake Boss), with some instructions on the “meat” of the workout. Count off in 9s to form 9 groups. Each group to go to 9 different stations perform the 2 exercises on each station for 3 mins. Once time is up, rotate to next station. It is a You vs You routine where the fit can challenge themselves and the new or building can pace themselves.

I shared a message around preparation in all areas of our lives. As a Boxer prepares for the match, we need to prepare if we intend to get better. Our hearts, minds, spirits need to be prepared for all the challenges and adventures life puts before us. Are you going to sit on the sidelines or read the playbook and prepare for the match ahead.

The 9 groups made their way each round to the sound of YHC and my whistle….haha. Hated using a whistle but was best way to get everyone moving together. It was a solid workout. We ended with COP and some men paying a debt of burpees for the Army/Navy game.

COT had 77 present and 4 FNG’s, Shelby, Omaha, Might Mite, & Snapper…..Welcome! Prayers for the many health concerns, sudden passing’s, and injured PAX. Prayers also for those PAX struggling in marriage, finances and parenting. Do what you need to in these areas to prepare and work through the tribulations.

Thanks to Old Bay and CSPAN for the honor to lead a Convergence at The Yard. Humbled and Honored.

We had 40 at the 2nd F at the Ft Mill Family Restaurant. They did a great job dealing with us and our stench. Was it ok for me to EH the owner while he was taking our food orders???

Merry Christmas PAX and I look forward to 2016 with all of you.

Cake Boss