14 bright eyed PAX posted to the Clydesdales on a brisk morning to mozy a few, or more, miles.

The Thang

The Clydesdale “Thang” is always easy to describe. At this AO we run.

But, as a whole, this AO is a little different. Today, as with most Wednesdays, the PAX split into different groups based on running experience, desired miles, and cardio. One group ran 45 min through BAX at a run/walk pace, another ran 45 straight at a moderate pace through BAX, and the last made a quick biscuit trip down 160.

Today the overall mileage ranged between 2.5 and around 4.4. YHC was quick to notice how the weekends CSAUP P200 participants left their Smoke Boots at home and were moving a little slower than their norm.

COT & Story Time

After Name-O-Rama, YHC indulged the recovering PAX to listen to a quick story about ‘why the Clydesdales exist’. I shared my own Sad Clown experience, what it meant to swallow the F3 Red Pill, and why I believe running/jogging is an important part of the F3 experience.

You see, two years ago I couldn’t even finish my first F3 workout because a short run brought me to my knees. For a week I was known as the guy that didn’t stick around long enough to get an F3 Name! I had no cardio, and quit honestly needed to splash merlot.

A year later, and 40 pounds less, I built up enough cardio to handle the typical boot camp, but it still wasn’t enough. I wasn’t progressing. I seemed to be missing something. I needed something more.

I needed to embrace “that which should not be named.” – Running.

Why?

• Because improving the cardio improves the boot camp experience.
• Because I needed the physical goal of 3S2T of the King.
• Because much of the fun and Fellowship of the Second F is at CSAUPs. All CSAUPs involve running and strenuous cardio.
• Because I didn’t want to always be the Six!

If running was so important, and my natural next step, what was I to do? I didn’t think I could show up at “Flight Plan” or “Laces Out”. Too intimidating. Running on my own. I couldn’t just do it with no accountability from the PAX.

Thank goodness a few other guys led the way by starting the Clydesdales. They were prepping for a Leatherneck mud run, but were, for the most part, beginner or moderate runners. I joined them. The Clydesdales became a “safe” place for me to work on my cardio and improve my running skills.

So, join the Clydesdales on Wednesday 0515 at BAX Starbucks if you want a moderate run to build your cardio, stamina and legs. Less than one year ago many of the Clydesdales were in your same shoes. 12 months later they are participating in CSAUPs like the P200, the Yeti and half-marathons.

All running levels welcome. Just be willing to improve!