For those that know me, you know I always have a Weinke and I always keep those Weinkes. Looking at my most recent, I realized it’d been almost 2mos since my last Q. That is the longest stretch between Q’s for me and it is a testament to what is happening here in the Fort and surrounding areas. By posting, you’re setting an example and providing encouragement for those around you. Remember, you may think this is about you but take a listen next time a Q talks about how long he’s been doing “this F3 thing” and take note of what he says about the impact of the men to his left and right.

On to the task at hand: Once the last set of headlights and bouncing headlamp strolled into the Ranch, we had 19 strong. Blame it on the warmer weather or the pre-run, we even had a fella show up in short sleeves; I forgot to advise against that. I did however, provide a disclaimer and with an attorney present, we moseyed.

Circle up in the back lot for a little warm up consisting of:
Butt Kickers in place (thank you Richard Simmons)
Squat Jacks
SSH
Line up and bear crawl out then flip to reverse bear crawl when the Q decides it’s time, then forward, then reverse for an undisclosed length of time. You get the idea.

This is when I heard something I never thought I’d hear, “I came out for the cards, where are the cards?” I’m sorry, what?

Grab a partner and head to the playground:
Partner 1: 30 Pull Ups
Partner 2: Chair Sits with overhead claps until partner 1 finishes the 30 pull ups
Flap Jack

And, so here we go. It’s time for the deck of cards. This is not an easy routine but one of the great things about the cards is that they consistently challenge everyone. Whether you’re a crossfit star or a couch-rider, you will get to a point where you hate the cards. This is similar to the challenge we all face between the ears. We all encounter those moments where you think you can’t continue on. So what do you do? You open your eyes, turn your head to your left and right and realize that, like today, there are men out there going through the same thing and they’re pushing through because you’re there, so you need to do the same. They need you and you need them.

The exercises this time were:
Hearts = Mountain Climbers (104 Total)
Spades = Diamond Merkins
Clubs = Mak Tar Jah’s (104 Total) (My elbows say this is smarter to do this in the grass, sorry Dark Helmet.
Diamonds = Jumping Lunges (104 Total)
Wild Cards = 5 Burpees (20 Total)

We went through the deck 1 time and finished with a little ab lab:
Slow Flutters
LBC’s
Toe Touches
Toe Touches again but only because Anchorman requested it. Love the energy.

I spoke of my upcoming trip to Vegas and what I need to stay focused on during this trip. The temptations present aren’t an issue any more so by the grace of God, they’ll continue to be in the rearview mirror. So I’ll bring a deck of cards and a few hotel exercises from the PAX along with the memory of posting in the gloom. I appreciate the honor of Q’ing a great group of men and walking along side them.

Annoucements: P200 training runs Saturday from Pantheon. Looking to get a Q for the Mud Run; who’s up? AO change for the uptown 2nd F lunch, now at Jason’s Deli in uptown. Dark Helmet and Italian Job are Q’s. Launching Lake Waylie in the Spring, give them a follow on the machine. York High School scouting launch this Saturday…Popeye.

Prayers: A friend of Chaser’s wife just passed from cancer. Keep her family in the prayers. Prayer for the PAX and their families. Need some prayers to stay strong on the Fuel Challenge, too.

As You Were.