Barney Fife’s Ballroom VQ

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The Message:

Since this was my VQ I was not overly confident and could feel the butterflies doing side straddle hops in my stomach. I had made a homemade deck of workout cards that I was looking forward to trying out. However, the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry and my plan quickly fell apart. I am ashamed to admit that I underestimated my fellow PAX. My plan was based on a group of what I assumed would be 5 – 10 that would eventually draw 5 cards each by the end of the workout at which time we would compare hands for a modified game of poker.

As I stood in the gloom waiting to give my first disclaimer I was pleasantly surprised to watch the steady stream of vehicles arrive, one after the other. By the time 5:15 rolled around there was a total of 26 of us and I was less nervous and could feel the support in the air. I quickly realized that I would have to modify my plan but I was happy to do it because no matter what happened I knew I was among good friends that would be quick to help if necessary.

After stumbling over a barely adequate disclaimer we started with a CoP warmup:

  • Windmills
  • Side straddle hops
  • Hillbilly walkers
  • Carolina dry docks

After the warm up it was time for a short mosey to the football field.

The THANG:

The PAX lined up on the goal line and planked while one person at a time sprinted to the 40 yard line, drew a card and brought it back and called their exercise out in cadence. After each PAX brought one card back for a random beat down that worked the legs, arms and abs we split up into 5 groups on the field. Each group used the 5 workout cards that they had drawn from the pile and moved to the next group of cards when they were done. After each group worked through all 5 sets of cards we lined up on the 40 yard line for more sprints:

  • 10 yard sprint, imperial walkers back
  • 20 yard sprint, power skip back
  • 30 yard sprint, hillbilly walkers back

We moseyed back to the parking lot for CoT where I explained to the group what an enormous impact my F3 brothers have had on my life since I began coming in April and we all welcomed FNG Flyby to the family.

Thanks to Short Sale for giving me the opportunity to Q, I thoroughly enjoyed it and promise to make it SUCK more next time. Thanks to all the PAX who came out and showed their support.

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4 Corners of Love

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As this was my VQ, I wanted to keep things moving.  It was humid as always so it wasn’t hard to make the PAX sweat.

Mozie
Side straddle hops
Imperial walkers
Windmills
Morrocan night club

Stretch narrow,wide(l&r),calf,groin,quad,torso,arms

Lunge and hold 10
LBC 20
Merkin 10
Bomb jacks 20 oyo

Curtsy tap 5 2x (Apollo Ohnos)
Box cutter 10
Wide Merkin 15
Walking burpees 10 oyo

Glute bridge 5 reps 2 rounds/leg
Flutter kicks 20
Carolina dry docks 10
Peter Parker’s 10

Low slow squats 10
Heals to heaven 15 oyo
Diamond pushups
Superman

Monkey humpers
American hammer
Dips
Side stradle hops

Mozie to start and repeat stretch

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Opening Presence at the Coop

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It was a special morning the Coop this morning because the rain moved out and left a nice humid sometimes breezy morning in the gloom.  15 men joined us this morning and Shinguard started out with the mosey, warm up and Jacobs Ladder

The Message:

Moving from Impact to Presence really isn’t that different because the two ideas are only a couple degrees of separation from one another. This morning we talked about being present with God, with yourself and with your family.  Understanding that we can only experience God in the present, we have to be aware of where our mind is and be present with ourselves and finally be present with our families and understand their needs and serve them where they are not where we want them to be.

The THANG!

Shinguard moseyed us out of the disclaimer toward the band parking lot with some butt kickers, high knees and karaoke along the way.

Circle up in the parking lot for some COP with the following:

  • SSH x 30, Merkins x20, Squats x20, Moroccan Night Clubs x30, Peter Parkers x10, Parker Peters x 12

Mosey to the lower parking lot for Jacobs Ladder between the two light posts.

  • 7 Burpees at the bottom and 1 squat at the top (working down to one and up to 7 with each lap)

Then Chicken Hawk took the reins and took us back to the band parking lot for some sprints.

  • 10, 20, 30 yard suicides
  • 30, 20, 10 yard suicides
  • 100 yard 50%; 100 yard 100%
  • Bear Crawl 5 – 1 CCD, 5 more 2CCD, etc up to 50 yards and 10 CCD

Mosey to Bermuda Triangle in front of the school

  • Round 1: 20 Merkin, 20 Squat, 20 LBC with Bear Crawls in between
  • Round 2: 20 Wide Arm Merkins, 20 Jump Squats, 20 High Low Flutter
  • Round 3: 20 diamond merkins, 20 Jumping Lunges, 20 Ski Jumps

Short Mosey to the wall

  • Wall Sit while 2×2 plate push down parking lot and back
  • Balls to the wall
  • Finish with Ab Lab.

It was a special morning and I can’t express enough gratitude with being able to post with by 2.0 and lead side by side with him.  Thank you of the Pax that are accepting and encouraging to Shinguard.  This summer is having an impact in my and his life.  Aye!

CH

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8/1/2018 – Tour of the Pantheon

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Warmup – lap around 1/3 mile track with butt-kickers, high knees, l/r side shuffle.

Warmup – regular, wide, diamond merkins followed by Moroccan nightclubs.

1 Reps Circle of Power Time
Field Ptnr WelBrw Suicide Long Way BoxCutter 1min
Theatre Bear Crawl/Burpee Top/Bottom – 6 2x Squat Jump 1min
Hill Sprint 1 Plyo Merkin 1min
Ball Field MTJ/Car Dry Dk 30 3 Uppercut/Sprwl 1min
1 Reps Circle of Power Time
Swings Pull Up/Plank Crunch 10/failure Seal Jacks 1min
BB Court Inchworm/Sumo Jack Failure Pistol Squat 1min

Announcements – convergence on 8/3, Ragnar & p200 teams looking for runners.

Prayers/Praises – Olafs daughter, Cable Guys’ Family and Brother.

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The Time is Now

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5 pax posted to Block Party to put a final stamp on July 2018 with a dose of swampy pain.  Thanks to Site Q, Shady, YHC had the distinct pleasure of helping them meet their goals.

The Thang

Mosey up Stairway to Heaven and turn toward the soccer field.

SURPRISE!  For those pax not in the know, be aware that Fort Mill Parks & Rec has turned the soccer field above WEP into the perfect site for a future CSAUP Cage Match with the installation of a stout, black 10-foot chain link fence with locked gates.  This will take Jiu Jitsu to a whole new level!

OMAHA! OMAHA!

Circle up by gazebo for warm-up

COP — IWs x10, Hillbilly walker x10, Mtn climber x10, Merkin x10, Parker Peter x10, Windmill x10, Seal jacks x10

Mosey to the drill bit at the top of the hill near Red Dragon

Run to bottom of hill + 10 Burpees OYO + run back to top of hill
(repeat for 5 cycles)

Plank sequence

Mosey on path away from home to next drill bit

COP — SSH x10, Bombjacks x10, Plank jacks x10

Mosey to playground

Pull ups x10 + LBCs x20

Pull ups x10 + Freddy Mercurys x20

Pull ups x10 + Flutters x20

Mosey to next drillbit

COP — Mahktar N’Dyae x10, Shoulder taps x10, John Travolta x10

Mosey to next drill bit

COP — Jumping lunges x10, Sumo squat x100

Mosey to next drill bit

Sprint to playground & back to path + run to light poll at top of hill (headed toward soccer field) & back to path
(AMRAP until finish)

Mosey home

COT

Naked man moleskin

Thanks to the pax for a zealous effort on a very muggy morning!  Chicken Hawk put a real exclamation point on the morning with his choice of bear crawls up the long hill in the last segment — STRONG, brother! Even inspired Kielbasa and Band Camp to join in for that extra agony.

Thanks to Jekyll for his Board of Pain inspiration.  Mumble chatter among the pax started pre-launch, touching on BOP, so I couldn’t resist but throw a large batch of burpees and hill running into the mix in the early going.  Needless to say, that got the hearts beating and the brows dripping.

The theme for the workout was TIME.  It’s a four-letter word with so many meanings and uses I can’t even keep track.  Time is the most valuable non-renewable resource.  It moves fast and slow.  It can be short or long.  The briefest moment can have an eternal impact.  The smallest instant repeated over and over can make a very large impact.  How is time playing it’s role in your life?  Where do you need to speed up?  Where do you need to slow down?  “Slow” has been a recurring theme for me for many weeks…I need to slow down waaayyyy more often than I need to speed up…how about you?  Regardless of all the thoughts, concerns, worries, regrets, plans we have around time, the only time that truly matters is NOW.  Think about Time.  And make Now matter.

Thanks to Shady for the invite.  Always a treat to lead, especially at Ground Zero aka WEP!

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Sea Legs 7/31/18

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The route was simple: Langston -> Oleander -> Grand Palisades Pkwy around the traffic circle -> Rt on 49 back to COT.

It was muggy, it was hilly and we got it done.

Praises for life and the realization of how quickly it can be taken away
Praise for faith
Prayers for those seeking employment
Prayer for a friend meeting with Dr’s about a cardiovascular issue.

Until next time,

Wild Thing Out!

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North Palmetto F3F Information

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North Palmetto F3 Foundation’s Mission: 

 To leverage the men of F3 Nation to develop and strengthen male leadership in our communities

North Palmetto F3 Foundation’s  Vision: 

Activate male leadership to serve the underprivileged community for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom by partnering with faith based and community service organizations.

 Guiding Principles:

  • Collaboratively support the passion and leadership of the men of F3 to engage in community service activities through funding support and volunteer alignment
  • Proactively invests our time, talent and treasure to bring light, life and hope to the underprivileged community in York and Lancaster counties by building awareness, educating and activating service by the community.

 We work collaboratively with local faith based and community service organizations to unify the body of Christ around the unique needs of the community – this involves:

  • Abiding – Each area of service alignment will be prayerfully advanced based on abiding in God’s plan and not our own innate pride.
  • Humility – We understand that in most cases North Palmetto F3F does not know how to serve the diverse underprivileged communities.  Further, we understand that initiatives designed solely by North  Palmetto F3F without the input of the community can have a pronounced negative impact on the people they were intended to help.   
  • Relationship – We engage those who live in the community and those who are already serving the community to identify needs of the community.

 We lead collaborative and sustainable initiatives for the underprivileged community that define success at the onset and create a partnership with those being served

  • Leadership – Activate leadership of the men of F3 and influence leadership competencies in those being served
  • Define Success – Define expected outcomes at the beginning of the service project
  • Partnership – Focus on Empowering those being served based on shared responsibility, partnership and mutual support

Funding Priorities:

F3F was established to empower F3 members and support the philanthropic causes that are important to them. Through its grant-making program, F3F directs funding to local programs that develop and strengthen male leadership. Funding decisions are made through an objective and meticulous application process, with selection ultimately determined by the F3F Board of Directors and/or the F3F Chapter Advisory Board.

F3F relies on a bottom-up approach to community involvement and impact. The purpose of the grant program is to support and further the generosity, passion, and personal initiative of F3 members. F3F requires all individuals seeking a grant for their cause/project to complete a comprehensive application, which is available on F3F’s website or can be requested by contacting F3F directly.

Qualification Guidelines

In order for an organization or service project to qualify for an F3F grant or support, it must meet all of the following guidelines:

  • Projects/programs must demonstrate commitment to F3F’s mission and funding priorities
  • Grants are made to new or existing projects and programs with:
    • A narrow focus
    • A local presence and impact
  • At least two F3 members must be actively involved in the organization or program receiving the grant
  • Recipients must provide a final written report and an accounting of how the funds were utilized

How to apply for funding:

  1. Review the criteria listed above. If you or your program do not meet these standards, F3F will not be able to consider you for funding.
  2. If your program fits within our guidelines, F3F invites you to complete a formal application, which is available on the F3F website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
  3. Within one year, all funding recipients must submit a grant evaluation report that clearly recaps and demonstrates how funding was used.

Donations: To make donations, please send checks with ” Palmetto North F3F” in the memo line to the following address.

F3 Foundation, LLC

1645 Queens Road West

Charlotte, NC, 28207

 

 

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Anniversary Q & Lake Wylie Pub Tour

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One year ago I posted for the first time at F3. Unlike most men in F3 I was not EH’d by a friend, coworker, or relative. I was EH’d by a podcast. I listened to the episode (link below) while I was at work, and by the end I knew I had to see what this F3 thing was all about. I posted the next day. Not because I was excited to wake up early, or to walk up and hang out in a group where I knew no one (fellow introverts, you know what I’m talking about). I posted the next day because I knew if I didn’t post right away I never would. At the time, I was not even sure I could do 10 pushups. But I was a textbook example of a Sad Clown, and I thought “Well, if this is a dumpster fire I just won’t come back.” I got smoked at that first workout, and it was great. I went to 2nd F drinks that night, posted again the next morning, and posted to CNW2 right after. All 3 Fs in the first 26 hours of showing up – I was hooked.

Podcast #324: How Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith Are the Cure for Sad Clown Syndrome

Today marked the anniversary of my first post. So I did a reprise of that first workout, which was originally Q’d by Kenyan.

The Thang
Disclaimer disclaimed. We found out that Witch Hunt had stepped on a piece of glass during a pre-run and that a policeman had given him hand sanitizer (foot sanitizer?) for the wound. He still did the full workout with a bleeding foot #ManPoints

Run to Copper Pub – Big boy sit-ups until 6
* The PAX saw what appeared to be Respectable Olaf getting a ticket by the Foot Sanitizing Policeman. Sources later confirmed that the offender was not Olaf but a similarly dressed doppelganger who also drives a red pickup. What are the odds?

COP
• SSH
• Merkins
• Mountain climbers
• Plank jacks

* 10 monkey humpers between each exercise. Apparently 4 count monkey humpers was a bit zealous for some, but YHC went for it with gusto which resulted in a fair deal of mumble chatter.

Run to Sweetwater – Plank until 6

Lazy Doras
• 100 Merkins +  plank
• 200 LBCs + 6” leg hold
• 300 squats + Al Gore
Switch with partner every 25 reps

Run back to COT. Total we ran about 2.5 miles.

Thank you to all the PAX who have been a part of my first year at F3. Whether we’ve sweated together, shared a beer together, prayed together, or done a CSAUP together I have been blessed to share a bit of the good life with you. This is definitely more than a workout.

Thank you Peg for the opportunity to lead.

Stay Classy,
Homebrew

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Light Pole Work

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For what looked to be a rainy morning the night before, I was pleased to see we would have a dry morning, except for the sweat from the less than moderate work I had planned.  Ballroom is a great AO and is also moderate.  The workout allowed everyone the opportunity to push themselves.  As cars rolled in a great group of 25 PAX assembled and the mumble-chatter started immediately.  After a short disclaimer we moseyed around the parking lot and stopped at the far side for warm-up

  • SSH
  • Windmill
  • Imperial Walker
  • Low Slow Squat
  • Merkin
  • Mountain Climber
  • MNC – correct arm movement

Mosey to the entrance road for the light pole work to begin.  Begin at 1st light pole with exercise, run to the 2nd and complete exercise.  Come back to 1st and complete exercise and go to 2nd then 3rd and then back to 1st.  Continue this until complete all 5 light poles. (Mumble-chatter had dropped to a low level), catching your breath was more important.  Light poles were spaced out along front entrance and every other pole had designated exercise.  Exercises:

  1. 10 Merkins
  2. 15 CDD
  3. 20 Dips
  4. 25 Monkey Humpers
  5. 30 Squats

Once completed and six was in we moseyed to the grass/mud hill on the side of the school.  Set out for a series of 12’s.  Bottom of hill dips and the top of the hill squats. 1 at bottom & 11 at top of hill – 2/10, 3/9…..

Moseyed back to front parking lot for a little Mary.  Opportunity for some of the Pax that had not Q’d before to lead an exercise of Mary.  Good job Arrowhead, Dungaree and Wide Right.

Moleskin:

We have almost completed 60 days of focus on impact.  I shared with the group that as I have thought about impact in my life, I have thought about the people in my life that have impacted me.  Most of the time they probably didn’t know the impact they made but more importantly their impact was made by how they lived their life.  As I shared that in our family, work, social and community, it may not be the words we speak but the daily actions we live that can impact someone.  I also shared Dabo’s response he had at the ACC media day, when asked about his faith.  “If there is hope in the future, there is power in the present”.  Take 3 minutes and watch the video of his response.  We are all blessed and have different opportunities in the present.  Let your actions speak loudly!!

Thanks Short Sale for the opportunity to Q.

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The Captain and the 1st Mate

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11 Pax met at Runde Park to get their Saturday started right.    Leading the group today was one of the Fort’s youngest Q’s (Offspring) and one of the oldest (YHC).  Here is what we did:

The Thang:

Offspring on Q:

Take a lap around the park and circle up in the field by the front ot for COP:

All in Cadence:

SSHx30, IWx10, Morrocan nightclub x 20, merkin x 10/hold/shoulder tap x 10, Freddie Merc x 10, flutter x 10.

Take a short mosey to the front lot and rinse and repeat COP with more reps and LBC’s thrown in:  SSH x 50, Morrocan nightclub x 30, merkin x 20, shoulder tap x 20, Freddie Merc x 20, flutter x 20.  Complete 20 LBC’s in between each of the above exercises.

Mosey back to the field for Jack Webb.  The Pax completed 7:28 today.  The new Q was mindful of time and handed the Q off precisely at 7am.

Hand off to Senator Tressel

Pull up  the shovel flag, head up Windward Lane,  and replant it on the lake shore at Pitcairn Park.

Mosey to the lower lot at the base of the staircase and pair up.

Wheelbarrow up the first staircase, across the upper parking lot, and up the second staircase to the pavilion.  Flapjack,  rinse and repeat.

At the Pavillion, split into two groups.  Group 1 does 20 step ups while group 2 does people’s chair.  Flapjack.

Mosey back to the lower lot and down to the lake shore.  Remove your shoes and (if you like) your shirt.  Line up in the shallow water.  Start running in place and drop to the lake when the Q says down.  Rinse and repeat 4 or 5 times.

Swim out to the floating dock, find a spot on the edge and hang onto it:  20 pull-ups in cadence.

Keep holding onto the edge of the dock and then, on the Q’s command, pull yourself up and on the top of the dock.  Jump back into the lake.  Rinse and repeat 3 times and swim back to shore.

Take a minute to snap a few pictures, then pick up the flag and head back to Runde for COT.

Naked Man Moleskin:

Offspring and I were last-minute Q subs this Saturday.   Offspring is just 19.   I remember when  Funhouse brought him to his first F3 workout a few years ago,  and we gave him that classic name.  How cool it was to have him as my co-Q today,  and nice to see Funhouse and brother Brick there to support him.  Great job today, Offspring!

The decision to go to the lake was made late last night,  and my half of the workout was thrown together at about 5:45 this morning.   It’s not how I like to do it, but it’s been about a year since we’ve been to the lake,  and I couldn’t resist making the trek to Pitcairn.   Workouts at the lake are not always the best, but they sure are fun. Plus, being able to pull yourself out of water and onto a boat or dock is a life skill you’ll be happy to have when the need arises.  Technique is just as important as strength.

Some Alcatraz regulars from long ago joined us today. Aquaman was in town this week and it was fitting that he was in attendance on lake day.  Minuteman, absent for several months, also posted today.    Awesome to see you guys and we miss you!   I was also very happy to see Stallion again and hope he continues to post regularly.

As F3 The Fort closes in on our 6th year anniversary, the friendships and the fellowship among our local Fort Pax remain as strong as ever.  This past Thursday, a large group met at a local brewpub to support Cable Guy who recently lost his brother.  I was the last guy to get there and when I arrived, the Pax gave me a rousing welcome.  I felt like Norm at Cheers.   Cable Guy and YHC were the last ones there and we had a good talk.   This morning after the workout, Decibel (who was not at Alcatraz) called and asked where the coffeteria was at.   He, along with Minuteman, Aquaman,  and myself, drove out of our way to meet the WEP boys (Twister and Geronimo) at Panera for a solid 2nd F.    There are a lot of other examples of how our Pax have supported each other lately, and it’s  awesome to have that network of guys who care for one another.   More than a workout indeed!

Announcements/Prayers and Praises

1st F and 3rd F convergence this Friday, August 3 at Harris Teeter near Baxter.  3rd F discussion on IMPACT.

Children’s Attention Home meets every other Friday at 7pm in Rock Hill.  G-Fit meets at 7pm every Friday in the Fort Mill Paradise neighborhood.  If you have not attended these F3 outreach AO’s, come on out and check them out.

Prayers/praises for the Change Order’s co-worker’s son recovering from Leukemia and returning home. Prayers for F3 brother Elmer who is battling Leukemia.  Prayers for Cable Guy and his family after the death of his brother.  Praise for Minute Man whose mom is relocating to Fort Mill.

 

 

 

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