Remembering Pearl Harbor

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As a son/grandson of military servicemen and a cousin in active duty as a graduate of the USNA, it is a privilege and honor to show respect to our  men who are and have served our country for the right to be living here. My grandfather served in WWII as an air force bomber mechanic and hearing stories of his time serving during the war made a early impression on my. If it wasn’t for my birth defect, I too would have been serving this country with my dream of attending the USNA. That didn’t happen, of course. So I always jump on an opportunity to Q on a historical day in military history. Seeing that it is the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, I dusted off my off my college history books and incorporate some statistics into the WO.

COP consisted of good mornings, windmills, mumble chatter as Twister drove off to lead a RGH/Cary PAX to the WO site – welcome Pet Sounds – squats, jumping jacks, and merkins.

Mossy to bottom of hill. Run the hill 3 times. top of hill do 20 merkins each round and 20 LBCs at bottom for first two rounds, then only 10 LBCs at bottom on third round. Reason is that this totals 110 – Japan attacked Pearl Harbor or 110 minutes on Dec 7.

45 V sit-ups, Japan attacked in 2 waves, 45 minutes apart from each other. Mossy to entrance of FMHS football stadium.

PAX did 2 burpees, 3 merkins, 3 burpees, 5 squats. This is 2,335, which represents the number of US soldiers killed on Pearl Harbor (I knew we couldn’t do 2,335 burpees, so modified).

Mossy into FMHS football stadium and line up on the sideline. Army crawl to first hash and tighten up for some Navy Seal sit ups!! Army crawl back to sideline. Mossy to bleachers and run the stairs (since the midshipmen had to run up stairs -ladder per twister – in the battleships to man the guns) three rounds with 10 squats at the top each round. Mossy to fence. Lay on the 6, hands outstretched grabbing the fence. Feet 6 inches off ground and raise feet to fence for 20 OYO.

Mossy to parking lot, partner up. Partner 1 runs to end of parking lot, Partner 2 does exercise.

Round one was 353 LBCs – Japan used 353 airplanes to attack Pearl Harbor.

Round two was 230 squats – Japanese Navy was 230 miles west of Hawaii staging the attack

Round three, which we didn’t finish was  188 arm claps. 188 US airplanes were destroyed that day

Finished with 8 burpees – 8 battleships were destroyed, 2 sunk after the fact, Arizona being the most notably.

COT

One more thing about Pearl Harbor day, Japan attacked on a Sunday morning assuming that we wouldn’t be on alert, we would be relaxed and at church. We shouldn’t have to honor or remember our fallin’ and active brothers on historic days, we should always honor and thank them everyday. If you ever get a chance to visit Honolulu, you MUST visit the Pearl Harbor memorial. Of all the places i have traveled, it will not only take your breath away, it will take your breath away for eternity.

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Prayers to marriages, injured, travels for holidays and those hurting during the holidays

Trucker

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5

Dealer’s Choice, Daniel & the Lion’s Den and talk of Bad Weather/Bad Gear

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The Thang

YHC decided to post a poll on the Twitter to decide whether we’d revisit the “12 Days of Christmas” delivered by Anchorman earlier this week at Ballroom OR have a “Dealer’s Choice” workout, where each PAX Q’s an exercise of his choice.  The “Dealer’s Choice” won in a landslide.

Mosey to front parking lot for warm-up

SSH x 10

Cherry Pickers x 10

Low Slow Squat x 10

Moroccan Nightclub x 10

Peter Parker x 10

Imperial Walkers x 10

Shoulder Taps x 10

Explain  the process to PAX:  Count off and each PAX leads an exercise of his choosing.  Can be single count, cadence count, stay in the circle or a Mosey (Gilmore and Deep Dish!).

We had 14 there and went through each PAX once, getting through the 10th guy on the second time around.

Not an all-inclusive list, but the workout contained (mostly x 10):

LBCs

Merkins

Grave Diggers

Low Slow Squats

Catalina Wine Mixers

Some kind of crazy Burpee

Monkey Humpers

SSH

X’ & O’s

Hello Dolly

Rosalita

Diamond Merkins

Slow Merkins

Indian Run

Run to the Stairs

Dips

Wall Sit

Bomb Jacks

Naked Moleskin:

This was a little  different for most of us and, quite frankly, turned out better than I’d anticipated.  Each PAX was able to call the exercise and lead the count; kind of like a very light version of Q school.

Throughout the workout, and especially in COT, several PAX shared testimony and/or words of encouragement and food for thought. Popper shared a great testimony about his thoughts on Daniel & the Lions Den.  We are all surrounded by the “Lions” of life.  Although difficult, we should always try to keep our focus on Christ. Rather than get bogged down in trying to fight or figure out what to do about the Lion’s, give it to Him, have faith.

Several years ago, Santini said something like “There’s no bad weather, only bad gear”.  I don’t know if that’s a life mantra of his or if he was just saying it off the cuff. Either way, it has clearly been imprinted upon me. For years, I felt like he meant it literally. Recently, I have realized that it’s really about life. Our “gear” is what gives us cover in the “bad weather” of life. All too often, we find ourselves claiming “bad weather” when we really just don’t have the right “gear”.  We must prepare our hearts and have faith, which will sustain us in the bad weather. This is an active pursuit. One that must be acknowledged and actively practiced.

Sacrifice.  We were reminded by HeeHaw of the sacrifice that was made by 1,177 heroes on the USS Arizona on December 7, 1941. And another 1,226 that consisted of Navy personnel, Marines, Army and civilian. May we never forget or take for granted the sacrifices of so many, then, now and in the future.

YHC asked the PAX to consider:

  1. What are you sacrificing (that you should not be) ?  Is there an area of your life being neglected?
  2. What are you currently making sacrifices for (could be something good. could be something not so good)?  Are your “priorities” showing up in how you spend your time & resources?
  3. What should you be sacrificing for? Which areas need your attention?

Prayers for many PAX, as they face day to day grind of life, relationships with family, family members in poor health, marriages, kids, leaders of our great country, MASH as he recovers from knee surgery and Newman’s son. Praises for the PAX.  Iron Sharpens Iron isn’t just something that looks cool on a t-shirt!  Remember, for Iron to Sharpen Iron, it must be strong & tough. For you to sharpen another, you must be strong. Strong in your faith, strong in your actions.

As always, I am humbled to lead a group of such incredibly High Impact Men. I am already looking forward to the next opportunity! Aye!

Beacon

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11

Visitors at the Prison

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Alcatraz was full of the normal Saturday chatter with the expected return of F3 Aquaman.  In addition, F3 Prosciutto was visiting from Chattanooga, TN with an FNG in tow.  His name, Heater, given based on his pre-workout  ritual.  On the Rocks led with the disclaimer and a lap around the field.  Next, we ran several rounds on sprints and circled up for the following warm-up exercises:

SSH

Imperial Walker

Windmills

Squats

LBCs

Next, we ran over to the baseball field and split into two groups.  The first group bear crawled to second base while the second group performed wall sits.  We switched up after the completion of the exercises.  Next, the first group ran to the outfield fence while the other group performed balls to the wall (switched when complete).

We then circled up for a merkin wave up to ten, followed by a crowd favorite, the grave digger.  On the Rocks finished with the merkin caterpillar.

Next, we headed to the hill to reduce some of the chatter from the regulars.  We ran to the bottom of the hill and waited for all to reach the bottom.  The group was instructed to sprint to the top of the hill.  After a quick ten count, we split into teams of two.  The first person ran to the bottom of the hill and back to the top while the other person performed an exercise (merkins, squats, LBCs).  Once complete, they switched.

After a couple ten counts, we moseyed to the landscape timbers for derkins, step-ups, and more LBCs.  We finished up in the parking lot with some paver exercises (overhead presses, curls, burpees, and LBCs).

Great job by all.  I mentioned during the workout that this time of year is very difficult for some people due to events in their lives, issues with depression, struggles with substance abuse.  I challenged each person reach out to these family members or friends and tell them you love and care about them.  These simple words go a long way.

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Rocks and Hoops at TheYard

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10 of Fort Mill’s finest gathered at TheYard in hopes of some sweat and fellowship without rain.  Temps were in the lower 50’s with an overcast sky.  Still doesn’t feel like winter, and not even late fall, really.  Guess it’s the fact that Christmas Season is supposed to be “full on” that makes us feel it should be colder and snowyer.

YHC ended up flying in hot because I had arrived early, but then returned home to get a forgotten piece of the workout gear that was required, as per the loosely outlined weinke.  Spoiler alert: it was a basketball.

Warm-up:

  • Take a few steps back and do SSH until Wapner scrambled over from his car. (about 20 SSH’s)
  • Mosey to a parking lot around back
  • Imperial Walkers x10
  • Low Slow Squats x10
  • Wind Mills x10
  • Seal Jacks x10
  • Mountain Climber x10
  • Right arm high, then flip over to dip position for Dips (x10)
  • Left arm high, then flip over to plank for merkins (x10)

We then moseyed to the bottom of the hill entrance to the school and each pax was instructed to find a quarry rock.

The Thang:

  • 10 squats with coupon, set rock down, then
    • run to the top of the hill and plank for the 6
    • hold 6 inches for 5 seconds
    • run back to rock and wait for the 6
  • 10 squats, 10 curls, set rock down, then
    • run to the top of the hill and plank for the 6
    • hold 6 inches for 5 seconds
    • run back to rock and wait for the 6
  • 10 squats, 10 curls, 10 overhead presses, set rock down, then
    • run to the top of the hill and plank for the 6
    • 10 merkins
    • run back to rock (must select a different rock – because Beacon had become too comfortable with the size of his rock) and wait for the 6
  • 10 squats, 10 curls, 10 overhead presses, 10 tricep extensions , set rock down, then
    • run to the top of the hill and plank for the 6
    • 10 peter parkers
    • run back to rock (must select a different rock) and wait for the 6
  • 10 curls, 10 overhead presses, 10 tricep extensions , set rock down, then
    • run to the top of the hill and plank for the 6
    • 10 parker peters
    • run back to rock (must select a different rock) and wait for the 6
  • 10 overhead presses, 10 tricep extensions , set rock down, then
    • run to the top of the hill and plank for the 6
    • 10 of some other plank exercise I can’t remember
    • run back to rock (must select a different rock) and wait for the 6
  • 10 tricep extensions , set rock down, then
    • run to the top of the hill and plank for the 6
    • 10 of some other plank exercise I can’t remember
    • run back to rock (must select a different rock) and wait for the 6

Rocks returned to the rock pile, and pax moseyed back to the main parking lot for BLIMPS accumulator.

Station 1: 2 Bombjacks
Station 2: 2 Lunges
Station 3: 2 Imperial Walkers
Station 4: 2 Merkins
Station 5: 2 Plank Jacks
Station 6: 2 Scorpion Dry Docks

At end of first round, plank up for the 6, then repeat all stations doing 4 reps at each (then 6, then 8 reps).

Mosey over to the basketball goal and count off by 2’s.  1’s form a line on left side of paint, 2’s on the right side of the paint.  Each person took a turn (alternating back and forth between the teams) blindly selecting an exercise card from the buck-o-pain, then attempting a foul shot.  If they made the shot, the other team had to do the exercise.  If they missed, the shooters team had to do the exercise.

We made it almost twice through everyone before we ran out of time.

It was great getting back to TheYard.  Very much appreciate the opportunity to Q for the loyal group of guys that post there.

 

 

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Clave Boss 5k/10k & Christmas Convergence

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3rd Annual Clave Boss 5k/10k and Christmas Convergence and tradition like no other. The Rose Bowl parade and Times Square Ball dropping can’t touch this as said by the great theologian MC Hammer.

Invite your family visiting from out of town and get ready to start the Christmas week off with Fitness, Fellowship and Faith!

Details:

  • Date: Saturday 12/23/17
  • Location: Tega Cay Elementary School
  • Time:
    • Clave Boss 5k/10k will launch at 0600am
      • Will have option to run one or the other
      • top 2 runners in each will receive Bundt Cake!
    • Boot Camp options will launch at 0700am
      • Black Diamond = Longshanks
      • Boot Camp = Cha Ching
      • Moderate = Barry Manilow
  • COT: Namearama, FNG naming, BoM
  • Coffeerteria: TBD Will have Coffee and food in some fashion

Bring Uncle Chuck and the brother in-law that thinks your nuts and have a Jolly Ol Time at The Fort!

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35

Quagmire –

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20 At the Quagmire for a fill in Q

  • Welcomed everyone and introduced Will our FNG
  • We did a disclaimer
  • We mentioned Victory and what it looks like in all areas of our lives
  • Mosey to COP
  • Mosey to alley between Home Depot and Target
  • Beatdown doing 8 exercises and sliding crates on the ground (burners)
  • Mosey to fountain for derkins, dips and step ups
  • Mosey to COT
  • Had some announcements
  • Few prayers and couple of praises
  • Ball of Man

Thank you for the lead DaVinci!

CB

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20 pax made it out to the golden corral for some bootcamp, ruck, and run.  Rad had a good showing for what looked like a heavy ruck.

A proper disclaimer was made (thanks to dark helmet’s Q school) and we mosied around HT for cop.
COP
SSH x 25
Morracan Night Clubs x 20
Imperial Walkers x 20
Low slow squats x 15
Merkins x 15
Peter Parkers x 25
Windmills x 15
The thang
Mosied over to the front of HT and bear crawled/crab walked to the first cone for four cotners, breaking it up with 10 merkins and 20 LBCs.
Four Corners (three rounds)
1st cone with Cindy – OHP x 25/ Bent over rows x 25/ Curls and tricep extrnsions x 25. Nomad got angry and smashed a block.
2nd cone – Burpees x 10/ Burpees x 10/ Kracken Burpees x 10
3rd cone – Squat jumps x 20/ Lunges x 20/ sumo squats x 20
4th cone – Seal jacks x 30/ Plank jacks x 30 / Bomb jacks x 30
Finished with wall sits with everyone doing one more kracken burpee down the line, and a failed attempt at BTTW by YHC who ate pavement, and finally 10 minutes of Mary led by all nine PAX.
COT
Announcements
As usual, read your newsletter.   Upcoming Icebreaker in York, the Rooster in Rock Hill, and light and heavy rucks.  2nd F at fort mill BBQ at noon.
Prayers and praises.
Thanks Decibel for the opportunity
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Backblast for The Armory – 12-4-17

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9 PAX joined YHC this AM at The Armory for some KB fun.

WARMUP:

  • Mosey around the parking lot
  • 20 Side Straddle Hops
  • 5 burpees OYO
  • 15 merkins
  • 15 mountain climbers
  • 15 low slow squats

Mosey to the bells

THE MAIN THANG

We’ll do a series of exercises, and then mosey to the other side of the parking lot, do 5 burpees and mosey back.

  • Goblet Squats
  • Mosey + Burpees (5)
  • Plank rows
  • KB merkins right, left
  • Mosey + Burpees (5)
  • Curls right, curls left
  • Deadlift
  • Mosey + Burpees (5)
  • Shoulder press right, Shoulder press left
  • Lunge right, lunge left
  • Mosey + Burpees (5)
  • LBCs
  • Flutter
  • Protractor
  • Mosey + Burpees (5)
  • Goblet squats
  • Good mornings
  • Mosey + Burpees (5)
  • Skull crushers
  • Right arm press, left are press
  • Mosey + Burpees (5)
  • Flutter
  • Protractor + Skull crushers
  • Mosey + Burpees (5)
  • LBCs

COT

Announcements

  • thanks for Christmas Party donations
  • upcoming Christmas Convergence

Prayer requests

  • family/travel
  • friends with custody concerns

Out

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8 @ Footloose For a Dangerfield Run

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Don’t they say “better late than never”?  I hope so.  Sorry so late!

Dangerfield got his feet with with a great VQ Warmup.  I really think he’s ready to lead a full workout, now we just have to convince him of that.  We started the morning off with 8 merkins to celebrate 8 PAX coming out for Dangerfield’s VQ.  Gave the disclaimer and Dangerfield started running saying Follow Me!

We ran for what seemed like a mile one way, did 20 SSH’s , and then ran for what seemed like a mile back towards where we started from.  There we did some Cherry Pickers and Merkins.  Then Dangerfield took off again in true Gingerbread fashion saying Catch Me If You Can.  We didn’t catch him but thankfully he stopped at a curb to get us to do 20 calf raises.  He said we should be warmed up by now and we all called him some names and I gratefully took control of the workout.  Great job Dangerfield!  Anytime you can get the guys cussing at you, it means you’re doing something right!

After a walking 10 count, we moseyed to the back of the church, found a wall, did people’s chair, and passed a 30lb dumbbell down the line a couple times.  The 3rd time around we curled it left and right before passing.  Bear Crawl to the bottom of the hill for 20 SSH’s.

A short mosey down some stairs to the front of a different church.  I told the guys we’d be running some stairs in honor of Smithers giving a HC and then fart sacking on us.  @ his VQ, he had us running a whole bunch of those stairs.  It wasn’t too bad this time around.  We missed you Smithers!

Across the street I had some coupons waiting.  Each card had an exercise listed on it and each PAX picked 3 cards.  We found a parking space for each of us, laid the cards down, and got to work in cadence.  Choose 1 of the cards, do 20 count IC. We were each doing a different exercise but it didn’t confuse anybody.  Swap parking spots with somebody, choose a card, 20 count IC.  We did this for a full 2 rounds.  I tried to get us back to COT early but Uncle Sam insisted we had time for 1 more so we did 2 more. Cards pulled were:
Burpees, Gorilla Squats, Crab Humpers, Crab Jacks, Donkey Kicks, Flutters,  SSH, Lap around the lot, Merkins, Werkins, Diamond Merkins, LBC’s, Double Arm Curls (20 lb bells), Plank Hold, Forearm Plank Hold, Big Boy Situps, Tree Hugger Hold, Makhtar N’Diayes, Carolina Dry Docks, Scorpian Dry Docks,  and a few more crazy ones.

Finally headed back to COT for announcements, prayers, and praises.  Dont’ forget to read your newsletter!

Shoutout to Beacon for allowing me to Q.  It’s an honor I take way more seriously than writing backblasts.  I promise!

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Basketball drills at Pantheon

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5 Pax showed up for the workout on a crisp, cool morning.  After the disclaimer, we took a warm-up lap around the car pool lane and the school to the basketball court.  We performed the following exercises:

SSH x 20

Imperial Walker x 20

Windmill x 15

Plank stretches

Next, we ran sprints back and forth between the baselines to increase the heart rate and get the blood flowing.  To catch our breath, we sat on the wall for sixty seconds.

Next, we performed the following exercises along the basketball court, in cadence:

Bear crawl / merkins:  10 and 5 count

Sprint the baseline

Crab walk / LBCs 10 and 10 count

Sprint the baseline

Backwards bear crawl / Carolina Dry Docks

Sprint the baseline

We finished up with a slow mosey back to COT.

 

Prayers:

Individuals and families impacted by addiction

Diesel’s first Spartan race

 

 

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