#F3MentalBattle at The Coop

It was a powerful day across F3 Nation as men from all over gathered at their AOs to workout and to raise awareness for Mental Health, specifically Depression and Suicide. It’s a thing that we as men tend to shy away from discussing, and our brothers Aerobie and Miyagi out of F3Louisville put out the call to post and to start eroding the stigma of mental health challenges among men (including our Pax).

So, we warmed up, I shared a bunch of statistics, and we went to work.

A modified Dirty MacDeuce was on the menu that morning.
3 exercises, 22 reps each (for the 22 Vets that commit suicide every day), then run a lap around the track. We did arms, legs, core each round; and we attempted to get in as many rounds as we could in the time we had.

I don’t remember all the exercises that we did, there were Merkins, and Squats, and Flutters, and Dry Docks, and lunges, and Makthar N’Diayes, and a bunch of other stuff. The point, though, wasn’t the workout. I’ll tell a couple of things I did remember…

  • Suicide is the 7th leading cause of death among men in the US
  • Every man in the circle raised his hand when asked if they or someone they know had experienced some sort of mental health issue
  • One of the main contributing factors to mental health issues is a feeling of isolation

You are not alone. You are NEVER alone. Reach out. Don’t suffer in silence.

Helmet, out.

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No foolin’ at The Honey Badger today

17 PAX attended (probably most of them by accident) Ass kickin’ April Year 2.  AKAY2 started at the Badger today with YHC on Q (to make sure I post for day 1).  AKAY2 is a different AO every day (excluding Sunday) for the month of April.  Get to know the region by posting somewhere else.  Here is the schedule (shameless plug):

Today we honored a fallen soldier and YHC modified his workout.  See below for the Thang (the run portion was .33 miles):

Rinse and Repeat – I think the leaders got to a second round of the Squats.  The doubling up on the Burpees was a crowd pleaser….

There was a Shovel Flag hand-off this morning from the scarcely-posting Cheddah to the ever-posting Dirty Harry! Proof (that Cheddah even posted) below:

Prayers for new job opportunities, surgeries, injured PAX and unspoken.

FunHouse

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Bell In The Ring

On Friday, I had the opportunity to Q The Hive, a Kettle Bell workout that has developed the history of being a great, body-challenging, way to end your work week. Under no circumstances was I going to let that change on my watch. After all, Frat Boy was promising an FNG (welcome Mich Ultra) that he’s been working on for 2yrs. What does this tell you about Frat Boy? Leave it to say, Dog On A Bone.

Once we all circled up in the beginning and dropped our metal bells, the PAX were disclaimed. They were then reminded of the critical mission of F3 and if you’re a little hazy: Plant, Grow and Service small workout groups for men for the invigoration of male community leadership. None of those words are there by accident.

And then, we’re off for a mosey to the other large parking lot then back (sans bells) for a little warming up all in counts of 16:

SSH

Mountain Climbers

Peter Parkers

Parker Peters

SSH

Moroccan Night Clubs

American Hamers

Merkins

Grab your bells (notice the “e”) and report back to our circle. Only now, much larger; roughly 40yds in diameter. I would call out an exercise, we’d do a count of 16 of said exercise, set the bell down, run to the center of the circle, perform 5 burpees, then return to your bell. The running back and forth eventually turned to a jog. Here’s the menu:

Kettle Bell Swings

Left Arm Bicep Curls

Right Arm Bicep Curls

Overhead Lunges (Lunges with KB held overhead – 8ea leg)

Upright Rows

Bent Over Rows – Right Side

Bent Over Rows – Left Side

Tricep Extensions

Overhead Squats (Squats with KB held overhead)

Flutters w/  Press

Big Boy Sit-Ups

Stretch it out with some KB-free SSH’s

Thrusters (with the KB)

Now it was time for a little more cardio training. Lining up on the side of the large parking lot, we did a set of 5-Tier suicides followed by a set of 2-Tier suicides.

Line up for Seal-Team Sit-ups

LBC’s

Hello Dolley’s

Rosalitas

A reminder of the F3 Credo: Never leave a man behind but leave no man where you found him.

A reminder of F3’s 5 core principles: Free of Charge, Open to ALL MEN, Held outdoors-rain or shine, Peer-Led (no professional training), Ends with a C.O.T.

Several announcements which included upcoming events, headlined by the OST 8K for our man, Olive in LKN which by the time you read this, will have already happened. Get involved, Stay involved, and LEAD.

Read YOUR Newsletter.

Until Next Time…It has been my honor to serve

Maximus.

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Alcatraz, Keeping it Simple, and Burdens

I think Shady and I were both planning to do the virtual run to for Operation Sweet Tooth, but ended up on the Q schedule.  No biggie – someone’s got to do it.

Shady – 1st half

Quick warm-up mosey down the street and back, including some high knees, butt kickers, side shuffles and karaoke

Circle up for IC low slow squats, 1 burpee, IC SSH, 2 burpees, IC plank jacks, 3 burpees, IC Merkins, 4 burpees, IC cherry pickers, 5 burpees.

Mosey to playground for Dora 1-2-3, consisting of 100 chin-ups, 200 Carolina dry docks, and 300 flutter kicks with partner 1 completing exercises while partner 2 runs to opposite end of parking lot and back.

Shady spent some time before handing off to YHC speaking about “bringing it back to the basics” especially when interacting with your 2.0s.  He challenged us to remember the endless patience we had when they were first born and how important it is to take a breath and be the adult when interacting with them now.

High-five handoff to YHC.  We mosey’d to the trunk of my car where I pulled out a 35lb brick and shared what we’d be doing with it.  As PAX, it is important that we support on another, doing this workout and I’m ultimately life together.  We would be moseying, stopping to perform 5 burpees at various locations, some of the hills of Tega Cay.  The Brock, representing, the heavy burdens that each of us carries, would be carried he entire time (not to touch the ground, only handed off to a brother to help when it becomes to much to carry on your own).

A total of 10 stops we’re made prior to ending up at the bottom of one of the nastiest hills I know of in TC..where we performed a Jacobs ladder of burpees.  90+/- burpees were completed for the day.

Mosey back to COT where we met up with the runners.  TAP for Olive and his family was on all of our hearts.

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Variety Hour!

RPG:

Thank you, Bassomatic, for allowing me to lead. It was a fun Variety Hour!

20 minutes of BROGA!!

4 parts:

  • Basic yoga – downward dog, upward dog, warrior 1, 2, 3, . . .
  • Posture yoga
  • Leg and hip stretches
  • Balance poses

40 minutes of running:

We headed down Regent Park Pkwy to the end of the sidewalk, ran back a bit and crossed street at nearest road on other side (Savion homes(?)).

In back of Savion homes, ran 2 long sprints (0.4 miles). 3 out of 4 of us weren’t “feelin’ it” so we ran back to COT.

Total run distance: 2.8 miles

COT: Cool praises, thanksgivings; prayers; reminder of 8k at Alcatraz manana

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“D-Day”

3-26-19 Q at the Colosseum: “D-Day”

Normal disclosure and then a Straight Up! style warm-up (you’re gonna get movin’ . . .)

We then divided into 4 groups of personally-assessed fitness levels (no judgments):

a. Just getting restarted

b. I’m making progress, but man do I have a ways to go to meet my goals.

c. I’m not a FNG/newcomer anymore, but I have stagnated and am not at the echelon level yet. It may not be my goal, but I would  like to make a bit more progress.

d. I feel I am close to or already at an Elite fitness level for who God made me at this age. I want to keep pushing myself (some laughs on this one).

From here, I broke the groups generally up into groups of 3.

Theme: Growth

12 “D-Day” Stations. Today’s workout was in honor of my awesome now 12 year old: Yoshi:

Same general scenario throughout the workout:

  1. You are paired up with 2 other PAX. There are 12 stations.
  2. Each PAX takes a turn “leading” to the next station after the previous station has been completed with quality and quantity holding each other accountable. That includes the running pace to the next station and completing the exercises throughout the station.
  3. The “leader” of the next station reads the quote or question on the card and facilitates discussion as each person completes their 3 exercises if the exercise routines permit a discussion.
  4. If you finish an exercise before you transition to the next one at each station or you are waiting on another group to wrap up their station, you are to do “Flying Squirrels” as you wait. If you fail to do this your “leader” (at that station) will have to do 3X what you should have by himself. “Leaders” lead. Groups were asked to keep moving.
  5. If you are waiting on one of your partners to finish their exercise before you can use it (like dumbbells), do flying squirrels while you wait.
  6. You do not have to move to each station in order. Go to the available one as quickly as you can.
  7. If you finish all 12 stations, repeat.
  8. Returned at 5:52 to first bench area to complete 8 mins of Abs.

At Stations: from above do your appropriate group level a/b/c/d depending on which group you are a part of

Station 1:

Discuss your thoughts on this while you workout if your fitness level enables you to. is it right or wrong?

“In this world you’re either growing or you’re dying so get in motion and grow.” – Lou Holtz

“Every moment of one’s existence one is growing into more or retreating into less.” – Norman Mailer

Dip Bar: 8/12/18/36

Squats: 16/22/32/45

Broad jump (both legs at same time): 10/14/20/30

Station 2:

Discuss your thoughts on this while you workout if your fitness level enables you to:

“Progress always involves risk; you can’t progress to second base and also keep your foot on first.” – Christie Mason

The Donut: squeeze each with each hand one of these times: 30/55/70/90

Merkins: 20/34/48/65

Very high knees in place (each knee up is one): 40/60/90/150

Station 3:

Thoughts on C.S. Lewis quote: “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for extraordinary destiny.”

Wall bag squat thruster throws: 12/24/36/48

Step-ups (each leg): 8/12/16/22

Slow motion knees under hips flat back bear crawls: 6/12/16/24

Station 4 (Legs):

When you try to grow, do you write or journal your thoughts, challenges, experiences, . . .?

Box jumps: 10/15/25/40

Bear Crawls (1 full BC is both back legs move forward): 8/12/20/30

Bulgarian squats: 6/10/15/20

Station 5:

In your immediate surroundings during your week, how often do you crave feedback to improve or get better? Is is constantly, some, or not at all?

2/5/8/15 burpees then small sand bag carry 50 yards

Run to “the wall” and go over the wall (carefully) the number of times and run back go the station cone: 2/4/7/10

Plank with right arm high for 30 secs, Plank with left arm high for 30 secs

Station 6:

With regard to your craft, are you constantly pushing yourself to get better at your craft?

Wall squats: 30 secs/50 secs/60 secs/60 secs with one leg straight out for 30 secs each

Derkins: 8/14/22/34

Mountain climbers: 40/60/86/116

Station 7:

Run a lap at a ___% sprint: 30/50/75/90%

Station 8:

Are you one to set lofty goals, obtainable goals, or rarely set goals?

Run to behind the school to run hills: 2/5/7/12

Station 9:

Is this speaking to you today? “Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” – Brian Tracy

Large sand bag carry: Walk/run 30 yards/50 yards/75 yards/125 yards

Kettlebell swings: 15/20/26/42

10 forward lunges then plank hold until KB reps are done

Station 10:

Thoughts on this quote? “If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.” – John Maxwell

Alligator walks: 10/20/30/40

Bomb jacks: 8/14/20/30

Bucket carry: Walk/run 30 yards/50 yards/75 yards/125 yards

Station 11:

Thoughts on this quote? “All the concepts about stepping out of your comfort zone mean nothing until you decide that your essential purpose, vision and goals are more important than your self-imposed limitations.” – Robert White

Curls (don’t change the weight): 8/12/16/22

Reverse Lunges (1 leg is one rep): 14/20/28/50

The worst merkin ever: 1 Wide-armed merkin, 1 standard, 1 diamond, burpee up and then down, burpee kick-out (each direction once), 1 ply-clap merkin: 1/3/5/9

Station 12:

Sprints from cone to your car and touch the back wheel and go back to cone: 2/4/5/8

8 mins Abs:

60 secs each:

Figure 8’s

Tuck Planks

Rest 30 secs

60 secs each:

Cross Hop Planks

Scissor “V” ups

30 secs:

21 Crunch

Rest 30 secs.

60 secs each:

Upper Circle Crunches -left

Upper Circle Crunches -right

 

COT: Announcement, PRAISES-GOOD ONES!, Prayers, Send off

Thank you Jekyll for allowing me to lead.  Lots of fun, men. Thank you for joining me.

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Ruck Rotations

Ruck a little ways to lot behind burger place.
3 rounds of the following:

  • 6 Curls
  • 6 Thrusters
  • 6 Tricep Extensions
  • 6 OH Presses
  • 6 Ruck Swings
  • 60 second OH Hold

Ruck a little ways to in front of Old Navy.
3 rounds of the following:

  • 6 Burpees
  • 6 Merkins
  • 6 Squats
  • 6 Lunges (each leg)
  • 6 Thrusters
  • 60 second Legs 6″ off ground hold

Ruck a little ways to Target lot.
3 rounds of the following:

  • 6 Big Boy Sit-Ups
  • 6 Flutters (4-count) w/ruck OH
  • 6 Toes to ruck (to be renamed ruck to shins)
  • 6 LBCs w/ruck OH
  • 6 6″ Tucks
  • 60 Plank hold

Double time it back to COT. Nothing fancy this morning but I think we hit everything.

-Mainframe

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What Again?! Celebrating 5 Years In F3

3/29/2014 was the first time I posted at F3 back at Ascent in Area 51.  I wanted to celebrate my 5th year anniversary by Qing in NC and SC to honor all those who have led me throughout my journey.

Thursday we decided to cut loose, foot loose and this was what happened.

We did a little warmup thang and then headed over to the Methodist church drive way.

12 Days of  Christmas in March? Yep.

So this workout is simple and easy to Q, but not easy to participate in.  Just like the song, you repeat every number every time you go up the chain.  Here’s our 12 days:

1- Run (1 lap if you’re a clydesdale, 2 if you’re speedy)
2- Turkish getups
3- Jump squats
4- LBC’s
5- Diamond Merkins
6- Imperial Walkers
7- Rosalita’s
8- Slow flutters
9- Low slow squats
10- Lunges (each leg)
11- Merkins
12- Bupees

We made it to twelve and I could sense that mutiny might be brewing so I took it down a notch and we eased into COT.

We did a little stretching and a little Mary and we were out of there.

Thanks for the chance to lead.  The chilly temperatures must’ve scared away half the pax.

Please lift up Rick from Mint Hill in your prayers who has cancer.

Shout out anything I missed.

DT out.

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What….Gecko has a Ruck on?

20 PAX came to the Swamp this morning to push themselves physically, bond socially, and encourage each other into the weekend.  8 men chose the boot camp option and 12 chose an option to Ruck.  After the initial shock that Gecko was standing there with a Ruck sack on we divided up and began the workout.

Boot Camp

Warm up

Mosey to (future) Tuesday Morning Parking lot

  • Windmills
  • Sumo Squats
  • Moroccan Night Clubs
  • Weed Pickers
  • Seal Jacks
  • Plank
  • Downward Dog….Honeymooner

The Thang

Using the red balls of Target I had placed a piece of paper with two exercises on them. The top exercise was done at the ball and the second was the mode of transportation to the next ball.

Ball One

  • Merkins
  • Bear Crawl

Ball Two

  • Squats
  • Lunge

Ball Three

  • Peter Parker
  • Crab Walk

Ball Four

  • Reverse Lunge
  • Broad Jump

Ball Five

  • Carolina Dry Docks
  • Crawl Bear

Ball Six

  • Sumo Squat
  • Reverse Lunge

Ball Seven

  • Wide Arm Merkins
  • Side Shuffle

Ball Eight

  • Squat Jump
  • Side Shuffle (flap jack)

Ball Nine

  • Hello Dolly
  • Mosey (back to beginning)

3 Burpees

We repeated this cycle three times with increasing reps.

  • Round 1: 10 reps
  • Round 2: 20 reps
  • Round 3: 30 reps

Mosey back to COT for 4 minutes of Mary.

Joined by the ruckers and did Nameorama, Announcements, Prayers/Praises.

I appreciate the opportunity to lead!

Bones

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Crossing State Lines

3/29/2014 was the first time I posted at F3 back at Ascent in Area 51.  I wanted to celebrate my 5th year anniversary by Qing in NC and SC to honor all those who have led me throughout my journey.

Saturday the 23rd I made it to Outland in Union County and did my best to lead the brothers as best I could.

We did a little warmup thang and then headed over to the tennis courts.

12 Days of  Christmas in March? Yep.

So this workout is simple and easy to Q, but not easy to participate in.  Just like the song, you repeat every number every time you go up the chain.  Here’s our 12 days:

1- Run (1 lap if you’re a clydesdale, 2 if you’re speedy)
2- Turkish getups
3- Jump squats
4- LBC’s
5- Diamond Merkins
6- Imperial Walkers
7- Rosalita’s
8- Slow flutters
9- Low slow squats
10- Lunges (each leg)
11- Merkins
12- Bupees

After Round 1 we caught our breath and went for Round 2.  Sadly we only made to about 9 again.  I know you were all disappointed.

We did a little stretching and a little Mary and we were out of there.

Thanks for the chance to lead.  Good to see some familiar faces and some I didn’t know until then.

Good coffeteria was had afterwards meeting up with Monroe.

Please lift up Rick from Mint Hill in your prayers who has cancer.

DT out.

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