7 Day Function check

PAX, a group of HIM did this two years ago and it’s a great way to reset your body, mind and spirit.

FUNCTIONS CHECK: 7 DAY CHALLENGE

In the military, a functions check is what you perform on your weapon to ensure it’s going to work when you need it. Doing this simple process increases safety, ensures operability, and gives you the knowledge that your weapon is functioning properly — and this knowledge also builds your confidence to focus on the larger mission. In this case, your life as a whole.

7-Day Function Check: If you’re looking for a reboot, to prove that you’re still functioning just fine, you GET TO try this

Pick any 7 days between now and the end of April to complete this challenge:
DETAILS – 7 DAY TOTALS
PHYSICAL – Ruck/run 25 miles total. NO junk food . NO alcohol
MENTAL – No TV, No Video Games, No Social Media. Read a book of your choosing instead. Slack is OK
SOCIAL – 4 Workouts (minimum 30 minutes each) with a partner, in the real world. Rucking/running with a partner counts as miles and as a workout.

There are three pillars to your HEALTH: Mental, Physical, and Social — your head, your heart, and your soul. Strong in all three means you’re living in accordance with your best self. They are very much interwoven into your life, so neglecting one aspect too much leads to imbalance. This Functions Check is structured to help reset all three pillars of health, together.

Why just 7 days? This will give you just enough time to suck and to break the routine, but not so long that it’s all encompassing. If you enjoy the challenge, you can do it for as long as you’d like.

Tinsel Out…

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F3 AMRAP 4 AUTISM – ROUND THREE!

F3 AMRAP 4 AUTISM – 3rd EDITION

B.L.U.F.

Saturday April 20th there will be a #BEATDOWN of epic proportions (AMRAP style) at Alcatraz.  This #SNOTWOGGLER is being delivered to support families with autism (like mine) get the resources they need.  The average cost for ABA therapy is $60,000 per year and can be much higher depending on the severity and need.  Autism Strong Foundation is a local non-profit that is “Founded on faith and led by inclusion, our mission is to provide the strongest support, community, and hope for those touched by autism. All funds raised by Autism Strong are mindfully donated to our community in the way that will make the greatest impact; connecting families and children to the resources they desperately need.” Give HERE if you feel so lead.  Also shirts are live on Mudgear HERE (First order ends March 27 for delivery by event day – second order will launch soon after this one closes)

THE WHY:

This fundraiser supports the Autism Strong Foundation, aiding families grappling with the financial strain of raising autistic children.  You may have heard me advocate for this fundraiser in years past, as this is the 3rd year my M and I have done this fundraiser.  However, this year feels different.  It feels different for two reasons.  First, the diagnosis rate has increased to 1 in 36 children diagnosed in the U.S. with ASD.  This is up from 1 in 54 just 10 years ago!  Secondly, this year feels more personal.  You see, last year we lost our insurance coverage for Noah’s ABA therapy.  After fighting with insurance for months to no avail we were left feeling discouraged and unsure of how we would continue to provide Noah with the therapy that he needed and that has been SO SIGNIFICANT.  Then, the Autism Strong Foundation stepped in, and I am very happy to say that Noah is a recipient of the Landon’s Hope Scholarship for 2023 which will cover the FULL YEAR of ABA therapy cost in 2024 for our family!  So, yea…this year feels a bit different.

Did you know that ABA therapy, a crucial intervention for autism, costs families on average $60,000 per year per the CDC?  The long-term commitment and limited availability exacerbate this burden. Families face additional expenses for education, medical care, and support services, leaving some faced with the unthinkable decision of paying the light bill or paying for their child’s therapy.  No parent should have to make this decision.

Through AMRAP 4 Autism, we aim to alleviate some of these challenges. Your support, whether through donations or spreading awareness, can make a real difference in the lives of these families.

I know that you have ample opportunity to “give to charity” throughout the year.  I’m asking you to seriously consider this opportunity this year.  My personal goal is to raise $25,000 during the month of April (Autism Awareness Month).

 THE WHAT

  • F3 AMRAP 4 AUTISM is taking over Alcatraz on Saturday April 20.
  • 0630 launch with brief warmup and explanation of the day’s event
  • 0640 Event Start. AMRAP below workout for 45 minutes with coupon.  Partners recommended!
    • 54 Burpee Coupon Jump Overs
    • 54 Yard Murder Bunnies (down and back)
    • 54 Curls For The Girls
    • 54 Squat Thrusters
    • Run 1 lap around field – each partner
  • 0725 Clock Stops
  • 0730 COT & Winners Announced
  • 0745 Coffeteria

 Other Details

  • Workout is open to ALL MEN – regardless of if you donate. #CorePrinciple and all…
  • We will be gathering as many coupons as we can. If you have a sandbag, kettlebell or cinderblock please bring it. Recommend no more than 50 lbs.
  • AMRAP 4 AUTISM is an annual event started by Autism Strong Foundation in 2013. This year’s event will be in August and held in Charlotte.  YHC will share registration details as they come available.

 How you can help

  • You can donate with your credit card by visiting the website linked below:
  • WEBSITE(https://secure.givelively.org/donate/autism-strong-foundation/f3-x-amrap-4-autism-2024)
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Convergence Before the Invergence

It was rainy, cloudy, dark, in other words perfect weather for a convergence. We had roughly 55-60 PAX out for the variety of workouts that were about to be executed.  Disclaimer disclaimed, FNG identified (Randy from heaven on earth (aka Pittsburgh) , and we launched.

Bootcamp Q : Slapshot

Bootcampers followed me up the hill and towards the springs parking lot. After a quick plank for the 6 we moved onto to the parking lot across 160 behind the former bank and now drug store for the warm-up.

Warm-up:

50 SSH (IC)

20 Merkings (IC)

10 Michael Phelps (IC)

5 Windmills (IC)

20 Mtn Climbers (IC)

Stretch

20 Plank JAcks (IC)

Mosey to the other side of the parking lot.

DORA: Partner up with someone you haven’t worked out with. Run was around the drugstore and through the parking lots.

200 Plank JAcks

200 Toe Touches

200 SSH

150 Diamond Merkins

100 4-Ct Flutters

Recover Run Back towards COT.

Tabata Series

30 Seconds on 10 seconds off

4 Rounds 4 sets

  1. SSH
  2. Seal JAcks
  3. HR Merkins
  4. Am. Hammers

Last 7 minutes: 10 Burpess EMOM (which was reduced to a an 11 of sorts after minute 5 where we started going 10 burpees plus 1 BBS, then 9 burpees plus 2 BBS….etc… until we had about 20 seconds left.

I had everyone recover on their feet and then add 1 last Burpee.

NNM: I spoke today about one of the many examples of what F3 has meant to me. Specifically, the other day I was out for a pre-run where I started out at a “comfortable pace” already deciding in my head what I was “good” with that morning.  Then about 2 miles in I came across a fellow Pax who got to the AO early and decided to go find me. We started to run together and my “comfortable pace” got very uncomfortable very quickly. All told, when we got back to COT I had increased the pace I was running at by over 35 seconds. He literally found me where I was, didn’t leave me behind, and pushed me to accelerate. It is what I needed then, and it’s what I needed 5 years ago when I started F3. I never knew how fast I could run, until I started running with faster guys. That Friday morning was a great reminder that I can always push more, that I have plenty of gas left in the tank, and that somewhere out in the gloom a brother is willing to go find you and get you better. (Thanks Olaf)

Whether you are accelerating 1F or the 2nd and 3rd, run with faster guys and don’t just be comfortable. You never really know what you are capable of until you push just a little bit more.

AYE!

Running Q Bandcamp

Speaking of Running with faster guys…Bandcamp executed a 10K route where he was able to hit a PR. The route went all over the downtown Fort Mill area. Again, men surround yourself with HIMS you never know what you’re going to be able to do.

Ruck Q : JWOW

Ruck to Church of NAzarene

10 rounds –

5 merkins at the bottom then 10 squats at the top of the stairs.

Rucked to Print Shop

20 step ups and 20 dips

Rucked up Main STreet and back to Wep for the chair swing loop at each chair swing 5 squats and 5 CDD’s One more half loop to COT.

Kettlebell Q: 38 Special

Leg stretches for a couple minutes while us 40somethigns PAX complained about our joints

The Thang:

10 each of Arm Curl and Press, tricep ex. and overhead press. Grabbed bells and went for a stroll around the park. Bells always farmered carried. We used the park equipment to tell us what to do. Each Swing 20 swings, Statues 30 Standing Tesh with squat each arm Bathrooms = 20 squats same set as the start upon our return.

Paired up for a dora

100 Goblet Squats

200 Calf Raises

300 Flutter with chest press

6 minutes to go carry back to bathroom and back 1 minute of squats and 1 minute of swings.

IR Q: Kermit

Took a nice mosey around downtown Fort Mill and even down to the Peach stand and back. Big thank you for leading this piece and not leaving any men behind!

 

Post Workout  JWOW led us in prayer and we named a  FNG The name Cannonball.

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Springtime Invergence

It’s that time again for an Invergence where we all can take the opportunity to accelerate all 3Fs.  All 4 workout options will be available so if you want to run, ruck, gear or bootcamp we will have a 1F option for you. Following the bootcamp you are all welcome to stick around and enjoy some 2nd and 3rd F as we discuss relevant topics that affect us in the gloom. More details to come in the next few weeks. Hope to see you all there!

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Respect, Responsibility and Honesty

Five gents came together to share status and guidance on our most important earthly relationship. Great conversation and pointers shared.

Please pass the word to PAX throughout The Fort as this will be a weekly occurrence. Intent is to support each other and reinforce those marital guardrails.

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Marriage Mondays – it’s not Festivus

Come join other PAX of The Fort to discuss marriage. This isn’t a time for the airing of grievances nor a counseling session, but instead just a chance to share, learn and grow.

Time is 06:15 after workouts at The Fort’s favorite weekday spot, the fire pit at Kingsley, or Panera’s patio if it’s too cold.

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Shanking With Stang

Fellas I have been slack lately and am late getting this out. We are having our annual Dam To Dam Shanking With Stang golf tournament in a month and a half. Here’s the details I have for now. Cornerstone has been working very hard at getting a flyer together to give to businesses for sponsorships and to others you know who would like to play.
• Tega Cay Golf Course

• Friday December 8th 2023

• Range Opens At 7:30. Range balls included. 9:00 AM Shotgun Start Captains Choice format

• $100 per player/$400 team

if anyone has any questions or interest in helping out please reach out to me.  My number is +18032426670.
This is open to anybody not just your fellow Pax. More details coming out soon.

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Haunted Ruck for a good cause

🎃 Haunted Ruck II 🎃 date has been setup for Wednesday October 25th at 6:30pm;  this year I teamed up with Skeletons for St Jude to help alleviate high costs of treatments for families that are carrying the burden of pediatric cancer and the expenses.
We’ll meet at Model A at 6:30pm and promptly launch, ruck to my house and back, roughly 4 miles total. Expect 1:15 minutes or so… M’s 💃, 2.0’s 🧛‍♂️ and 4.0’s 🐕‍🦺 are welcome. We’ll mingle back at Model A for refreshments… YES, there’s a patch 👻 (Bonus points for wearing a costume 🦹‍♂️)

Come ruck/walk for a great cause.

Hope to see you there

TINSEL 🎄

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Adopt-A-Highway Last Call

October 21st: The last Litter pickup has been scheduled.

745am – Meet at Harris Street Park ( adjacent to Jackson St )

8:00 am Departure with a 9:30 am goal for Completion.

All Supplies provided.  We could use a min of 10-12 Pax (and/or Ms, 2.0s or FNGs)

We will split into 2 groups with one group heading north on US21 to Peachstand & back.  The other group will head South on US 21 to Sutton Rd ( Circle K) and back.  One mile out and one mile back.  The Southern trek is approximately two-tenths longer than the northern trek (full disclosure).

Fogerty will supply bags, reflective vests, gloves, pick-up sticks, and safety glasses.  Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are appropriate for the event ( no open-toe shoes).

F3 will also be continuing this community service event for the next 2 years!  Plenty of time to partake if this event does not align with your schedule.

Community Service Opportunity for Pax, Friends, and Family.

Please text or DM, Fogerty with questions, concerns, or suggestions.  We are planning to put out a 2024 service calendar for  Adopt-a-Highway with all the 2024 dates scheduled for this community service opportunity.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

 

 

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2024 The Fort Dam to Dam Fundraising Initiative

Every year, several of us enthusiastically participate in the Dam to Dam Relay. Wondering what that is? The Dam to Dam Relay is an exhilarating 100K team relay that stretches from Lake Murray Dam in Lexington, SC, all the way to Lake Greenwood Dam in Greenwood. This adventure involves teams of 6, 4, or 3 runners sharing a van over a span of 8-10 hours.

 

But, why do we embark on this journey? It’s for the fellowship, to push our limits, and to encouraging others to do the same. Over the past five years, our partnership with local charities has culminated in raising over $100,000, which has immensely benefitted our community. Notably, the efforts of dedicated HIM’s produced the F3 Fort Mill Community Scholarship, benefiting all three Fort Mill High Schools.

 

Now, it’s that pivotal moment when we push our limits and accelerate. We do this selflessly and with the hope we inspire others to do the same along the way. This year, our collaboration is with Bethel Shelters, and we’ll continue supporting the F3 Fort Mill Community Scholarship. Our ambitious goal is to raise $50,000 or more, with proceeds evenly split between the two esteemed organizations.

 

I urge you, each one of you, to join our noble cause. Whether you’re joining us on the run or simply want to partake in our exciting events, see below for more details:

 

  • **10/14**: Join our poker tournament at the Springfield Clubhouse from 6 pm-12 am, spearheaded by our brethren, Fogerty and Kaiser. New to this year!

 

  • **11/10**: The renowned BBQ and Bourbon event, masterminded by Cyclops, is up next. Whether you’re there for the bourbon or just for Wegmans’ mouthwatering BBQ, this event stands as a testament to our fundraising spirit.

 

  • **12/8**: Experience ‘Shanking with Stang’ by our unique, sock-misplacing, trail runner who may or may not disappear in the woods for a short period of time, Stang. A little trivia: he’s a southpaw, but only in golf go figure!

 

  • **1/27**: The highly anticipated Dam to Dam Bar 10k is up, brought to life by our inspirational HIMs: Hardwood, L-Train, Long Duck, Console, Floppy Disc, Harry Carry, and many others. This is truly an event of the year!

 

  • **2/2**: A novel addition this year is the wine dinner, curated by the retired Nathan Pusher. An excellent opportunity to treat your M’s as a thank-you for all the support they’ve rendered by letting you have the hall passes to attend these events.

 

  • Date TBD – Finally, we have skeet shooting, under the adept guidance of our brother, Change Order. Don’t fret about equipment; it’s all provided.

 

As we wrap up, remember to not only participate but also get your companies, neighbors, and family members involved. Introduce them to this thing we call F3 through our 2nd F events. If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering (as we consistently need assistance for our events), please don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

Thank you Men lets crush it this year!

YHC, Conerstone

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