This morning 18 men converged on a little piece of land we call “Quagmire.” Conditions were fantastic – a cool 47 degrees and no precipitation. Disclaimer was disclaimed, FNGs were welcomed/warned, then we were off to start the week the way it is meant to be started. Here’s what we did…

The Thang

Mosey to the Fountain

• 25 SSH (IC)
• 25 MNC (IC)
• 20 IW (IC)
• 25 Dips
• 25 Derkins
• 25 Irkins
• 25 Calf Raises
• L over R stretch
• R over L stretch

Mosey to Target

• Jack Merkins – 20 Derkins with feet on the ball (4 PAX per ball) and 15 Jump Squats
• Shampoo with 15 Derkins and 10 Jump Jacks

Mosey to behind Target

• People’s Chair with PAX rotating through Lunge Walks
• 20 People’s Chair (IC)
• People’s Chair with PAX rotating through Merkins (5 each)
• Shampoo back down the line

Mosey to Home Depot

• Burpees – 25
• Lunges – 25
• Imperial Walkers – 25
• Merkins – 25
• Pullups – 25
• Squats – 25

Ab Lab – Dealer’s Choice

• 10 American Hammers (IC) – Davinci
• 25 LBCs (IC) – Sir Topham Hat
• Superman and Parachute x2

Mosey back to COT

NMM

Thank you Davinci for the invitation to lead. I was honored to be asked and thrilled to visit a new AO and PAX I don’t see nearly enough. Welcome FNGs – Crawdaddy and Spoonman. You guys fit right in. Good to see Vinny back out and Sir Topham take a break from his long distance runs. I feel honored that he negotiated with his M to be able to post today. The FIA struggle is real, brother. Awesome mumblechatter as always Dark Helmet. Helmet made sure to remind me that he did not enjoy the Q, which tells me it was perfect. Cha Ching, Wild Thing, and Witch Hunt didn’t even break a sweat today #Fit. Royale, thanks for leading by example by staying with the 6 #GoodMan. CSPAN, glad you’re growing that beard back out #WisdomInTheWhiskers. Flea, you should be proud of the work you put in today. You never quit and kept pushing all the way to the end. These are the things we must strive to do when life gets tough – bear down and keep going. Great job! The Prodigy, trabajo impresionante hoy, hermano. Excelente empuje – esfuerzo fuerte. Me alegro de tenerlo en los Estados Unidos. Gringos, look it up. Bones and Router, it was good to meet you guys. Always nice to meet brothers from another region. Apache, the Yin to my Yang, thanks for crossing the river with me. It’s always fun to see how other people react to the volume we bring from #TheRockRegion. Cake Boss, we all want to know – what do you feed those claves? I mean, I thought they were going to attack me on the extended People’s Chair.

In all seriousness, I’m proud to be a part of a group much larger than me. You men epitomize #HIM status by your willingness to be intentional about your fitness, fellowship, and faith. Others will see your efforts and know that you are different. You will be known by the fruit you bear. We are a special group of men because we step in when the world steps out. The challenge is to be the change you want to see in the world. A true #HIM lives 3^rd and puts God, his family, and his friends first. We are naturally selfish and it takes work to break the chains the world shackles to us. The great thing about this group is we are there to break the chains together. When we’re sinking deep into the abyss of sin, shame, and despair – our brothers are there to lift us up. Keep pushing the rock. Keep making a difference. One day the fruits of your labor will manifest into something magnificent and when it does, we will be right alongside you to celebrate together.

Excellent work today, men. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share the Gloom with you.

Aye!

Italian Job