This had to be one of my highlights of F3, leading a group (31 HIMs, 3 2.0 and 6 Respects in the group) at the Gobble Wobble today!!!  The feeling was like herding cats for a few minutes but I understand it was the Pre-race hype and me being jacked up on C4.

F3 The Rock had a strong presence in the race and had the attention of many waiting for the start of the race.

Warmup

SSH

Moroccan Night Clubs

Right over Left

Imperial Walkers

Hillbilly Walkers

Windmills

Toy Solders

High Knees

Butt Kickers

Merkins

As the race was getting ready to start we finished with Prayers and Concerns.  Italian Job again reminds us that the Christmas Party is coming up soon and needs all that are planning to attend sign up and pay the troll.  After the race today a Floor Installation Party will take place at Vuvuzela’s is an All Day Drop In.

The words today was to make memories and share with others what we are all about here in Rock Hill and look for ways to serve others.  Make an positive impact on our city.

Finished with a Ball of Man prayer.

The actual race was a blast running and watching the Pax pickup each other and spreading the F3 love in the crowd and displaying High Impact Men actions.  Apache passed out F3 stickers for us all to give out to the runners in hopes to Headlock as many as possible in Rock Hill.

Samurai out

Today, I was graciously welcomed with open arms and ears by my fellow brothers across state lines.  I was bestowed with the honor to Q WEP today and admittedly, I was a touch nervous.  Not for the workout itself, but what my message would be and how could I deliver it in front of this group of men.  When texting with Longshanks the night before, he said speak from the heart and God will fill me with the words.  Well I took his advice, prayed and was ready to lead.

I arrived quite early, threw on my ruck and began laying down the cones to create the NoCo “Middle Earth” for the rendition of The Sharknado.  I planted the Sweet Tooth shovel flag in the middle and headed back to the lot as the cars started rolling in.  Never intended for it but got a good 1.2 miles of rucking in before the beat down.  As 0700 hours approached, I called out the minute warnings and at time…we mosey to the center of the field.  Amazingly I got my first BS call for not giving the #Disclaimer…We do things a little differently in the North County…I will pay you back later!

Warm O Rama

#Disclaimer- Are you happy now boys?

Pledge of Allegiance

SSHx15 IC

Cotton Picker x10IC

Toy Soldier x10IC

Monkey Humper x10 IC

American x10 IC

Mountain Climber x10 IC

Drive by from Maximus

Interlude:

Many of the Pax do no me…some did not and I wanted to let them know why I was here and not just at WEP, but here on this Earth.  I explained that my little girl was taken from me and my family and have every reason not to be HERE.  I prefer, so does my M and 2.1, to be with HER.  But we can’t.  And the reality is I am weaker, I have lost passion for activity such as Spartan races, other CSAUP events, routine things as weekend trips, birthday parties and others because the memories and reminders are too painful.  I have gained 30 pounds.  I am in constant depression.  I have had one day of sobriety in the 6 months and 6 days since Sweet Tooth passed away.  But yet, I am STILL HERE.  One reason I neglected to mention at this point but hope I delivered during the CoT prayer was my faith.  Another reason, the support of my F3 brothers.  I explained how Jimmy Olsen and Mooch came to NY to support me.  Helped create the ST shovel flag to remind me, and all those in NY that F3 has my 6.  I explained how Mooch gave me this card with a prayer called “Carry” and it means so much to me and I shared it.

“WE ARE HERE TO CARRY YOU, THERE TO PICK UP THE PIECES WHEN THE PIECES ARE BIGGER THAN LIFE.  WE WILL CARRY YOU THROUGH THE TOUGH, STRENOUS, MIND-BENDING TIMES.  CARRY YOU THROUGH THE BURDEN SPREAD AND SHARE THE BURDEN WITH YOU.  WE WILL CARRY YOU UNTIL YOU ARE ABLE TO CARRY SOMEONE ELSE.  WITH TIME, YOU WILL CARRY ONE ANOTHER.  THAT IS HOW WE CARRY EACH OTHER.

Obviously, I am not in the shape or mindset to carry any of you, the Pax to or for anything.  But what occurred to me, and what I shared is that through the efforts of keeping my daughter’s spirit alive through Operation Sweet Tooth, a Not for Profit, I will be carrying someone…a stranger.  A child that is sick, homeless, without friends or family, hopes or dreams.  OST will be able to “carry” that spirit so a child knows a stranger cares.  You, the Pax of F3, are sharing this burden with me.  And together, with your help, your support just might give my M and I the strength, to begin healing…and be able to “Carry Each Other”.  As I closed, I looked around the circle, bowed and gave my heartfelt thanks and gratitude.

“Now, who wants to get their ass kicked!?”

We split into two groups as Peabody grabbed the Pax that converged who wanted a more moderate workout and I grabbed the remaining and led them to cone number one and gave the details of SHARKNADO!

The Thang:

Exercises are always to be done at this cone.

15 burpees, run a lap around the strategically placed cones.

20 Diamond Mericans, Lap

20 WWII Sit-ups, Lap

20 Mericans, Lap

20 Scorpian Dry Docs alternating the Leg, Lap.

Rinse and Repeato.

Usually the goal is to complete 4 tornados but I wanted to make sure there was some time for fun and MARY.  With about 15 minutes left I called time.
Each Lap equated to .20 miles so each tornado was exactly 1 mile.  The Pax completed anywhere from 2.5 to 4 miles.

There was an amazing amount of mumblechatter.  The Pax attempted to audible the workout to 30 seconds of standing, or airborne mindbenders or something else less strenuous.  Thankfully the You vs You mentality prevailed and there was none of those shenanigans.  One Pax, Squirrel, did miss out on some of the fun as he was “carrying” a little excess baggage…Thankfully he used the port a jon and did not contribute to the doggy piles in our route.

Once time had been called, I gathered the Pax in a straight line to make sure we got out of the tornado through the tunnel, the Tunnel of Love.  This was my “fun” element.  It was a pretty long line with 34 remaining Pax and by the time YHC finished up the tunnel, it was a little crooked.  I guess we needed some maintenance.  Fun times had by all!  Well maybe not but that is my story and I am sticking to it.

MARY

Gathered the Pax to circle up again around the flag and drop to their 6.

Dying Cockroach x15 IC

LBCx15 IC

Low Flutter x15 IC

Low Dolly x15 IC

Homer to Marge x3 with 5 down slow count

Freddy Mercury x15 IC

Superman/Banana x 5

Recover Recover!

Heartfelt Moleskin

It was great to see some familiar faces, meet new Pax and put a face with a twitter handle.

Shout out to my hometown boys from Hicksville, Long Island who came out to support.  Big Papi, Squirrel and Gatsby.

I appreciated the EH to come down and Q from Maximus and CSpan even though Maximus was only able to give a quick hug during his drive by.  Still appreciated.

Enjoyed the mumblechatter and yes…this exercise is definitely a rump kicker. You are welcome.

There are definitely some beasts down in this neck of the woods as some of the Pax seemed eager for extra credit laps.  God bless you!

And of course, a humble thank you for my brother and fellow Spartan Longshanks.  I truly value our friendship that we have developed and I am always grateful for your support and encouragement.  I am sorry I left out the burpee train…And I am glad I get to see your other side…but I won’t tell!

T Claps to Peabody for converging and letting me work his group in the beginning and end!

Announcements:

Great work being done by The Fort brothers on collaborating on ways to bring minorities into F3.  F3 is for everyone.  Our country may be divided, but there is no reason F3 should be.  Keep up the great work and keep an eye out for Chicken Hawk’s Back Blast…must read.

Purchase your tickets to the Christmas party.  Your brother Italian Job fronted the cash…don’t leave him with an awful credit card bill.  I would hate to see the interest he will charge you in return.

Hit up Longshanks for Operation Sweet Tooth.  His PB has links to the Children’s Attention Home and Levine for items needed.  Again, much appreciation for all your support on keeping my daughter’s, and our spirit alive.

If I missed something, I apologize.  Give me a shout out and I will make sure I add it.

US Military Veterans:

We thank you for your sacrifice, your service, and you willingness to lay it all on the line for millions of strangers who count on you to do so.  My grandfather fought in WW2 and received a Purple Heart.  My uncles served in WW2 and Vietnam and earned the same.  I come from a military family and I never walk past a brother, or sister, without them letting them know my appreciation.  We saw this at Chick O’teria (Coffeeteria at Chick Fil A) when two veterans where there enjoying each other’s company.  They even asked us what the deal was with our group.  As great as F3 is when it comes to fraternity and brotherhood, we don’t hold a matchstick to those who fought for our country.  The highlight of my day was thanking them and blessing them for our service.  And Tclaps to all those who have served and lead by example within F3…of course, that goes without saying, to the F3 Nantaan himself, Dredd.  Thank you for traveling North of your comfort zone to help with the Veteran’s Pier.  I wish I was there but I HC’d months ago…and I honor my word…and I had a message that was important to deliver.

Prayer: 

I took us out today.  Amazing how over 6 months ago and even time before that, that I was afraid to take my brothers out in prayer.  Things change.  But one thing that doesn’t is God.  He is loving.  He is caring.  He is with us.  And what he gave us in addition to our bodies, are our minds.  And with that, the power of CHOICE!

Each and every day you make choices.  Even the smallest, seemingly trivial choices today can have a dramatic impact down the road, even if you don’t know it.  Today, and every day I choose to live.  That may seem like a no brainer, but for my wife and I, this is a choice.  How I choose to live, is according to Him.  I have all the reasons and all the excuses to choose to live otherwise.  That is not the path I choose.  That is not leadership.  That is not invigorating the male community.  That would not help anyone, including myself or family to succumb to that choice.  No.  I choose to make the wise choice.  Whether it was 6 months ago, yesterday, today or tomorrow…I choose Him, and I choose to be one day closer to my baby and ensure that I walk a life that allows me to do it.  And I encourage every one of you, to help inspire others, to choose the path of worthiness and righteousness so that can be one day those you touch can be one day closer to their light…whatever it may be.

“Live Life, Own Every Second and Never, Never Take Anything For Granted!”

Humbly yours,

-Olive

9 brave men searched for their gifts, strengths, and successes throughout Downtown Fort Mill this morning.  From the sounds of it – if you accept a dinner invite from Ginsu you also accept your fate of posting to The Fort the following morning.  One FNG found out dinner with Ginsu is not all beer bread spinach dip and a nice Cab.  We ran through the disclaimer and also asked the question – What do you see in the mirror?  If you’re like YHC you see your weaknesses, past sins, and past failures.  However, the #SkyQ sees your strengths, your gifts, and your past successes.  He knows everything about you yet He looks beyond the negative and finds the positive.  Imagine if you looked in the mirror and saw you as He sees you.  Imagine how that would change your day and the day of your loved ones.  The Pax were asked to think about their strengths as we embarked on this cool crisp morning.

The Thang:

Little baby jog to the 160 Lot for dynamic warmup:

High Knees

Butt Kickers

Side Shuffle Left

Side Shuffle Right

Karaokes Left

Karaokes Right

World Wide Leaders (Power Skips – #trademark)

Long Strides

75% Sprint

There – you’re warmed up.  Let’s Mosey.

Little baby jog to the Springs Building entrance for some Step Downs (yes they are different than Step Ups) 20 on your right – 15 Derkins – 20 on your left.  Let’s Mosey.

Little baby jog to Veterans Park for the Pledge.  Veterans Day is coming up this week – time to remember and reflect on what was sacrificed for you and your loved ones.

Froggers x 10

Peter Parks x 10

Mountain Climbers x 10

Parker Petes  x 10

Little baby jog to the Downtown Fort Mill parking lot.  Partner up – size does not matter.  Partner 1 run around lot through Downtown Fort Mill and then back.  Partner 2 does LBCs with your feet on the ground.  Flapjack.  Rinse Repeat with perfect merkins.  Flapjack.  Rinse Repeat with reverse crunches.  Flapjack.  Give me a 10-count or two.  Let’s Mosey.

Little baby jog to the field next to Veteran’s Park.  Or as it will be known today – The Field of Burpees.  Let’s do burpee broad jumps until you touch asphalt (going THIS direction, you knuckleheads).  Crowd Pleaser!!!!  More 10-counts.  Let’s Mosey.

Little baby jog to the back bank lot.  Let’s do 11’s with CDD’s at the top and squats at the bottom.  More 10-counts.  Let’s Mosey.

Little baby jog to the 160 lot where we started for some Mary.  Flutters, LBC’s with feet on the ground, Superman, More Flutters.  Jailbreak to COT.

NMMS:

That was some strong work men!  Great job by all and great job by FNG – Callsign Charlie!  Not an easy first post.  You gotta watch out for those Ginsu dinner invites.  We spent the post COT time debating how many pounds of muscle Peabody has put on since last year.  He blushed and guessed 25 at least.  Others were skeptical.  Thanks to Ginsu for leading siteQ at The Fort.  Always remember – ain’t no workout like a WEP workout.  Honored to lead.

Final takeaway – try to see yourself in a better light next time you look in the mirror.  Your family and friends see your best qualities.  He sees your strengths and successes.  Start to see you as He sees you and use that to make a difference in your home and community.  Aye!

Matthew records the words of Jesus, “Where two or three are gathered… I am with them” (MT 18:20). It was a good thing ’cause we were three HIMs needing help to keep our shoulders from splitting open this morning.

Warm up:

20 SSH, 20 LSS, 20 Moroccan Nightclubs, 20 overhead claps, 20 Carolina dry docks, 15 merkins, 40 calf raises, and a couple of  laps around the parking lot.

The Thang:

Ignoring the urge to dress up for Halloween, YHC slightly adjusted the weinke, as we needed four for the plan. As any Soldier knows, “no good plan ever survives the first shot,” thus, we pressed on.

With kettlebells at the ready and a flashlight on the board, the three of us performed the followings sets:

Each exercise was rewarded with fartlek-like sprints before continuing to the next.

80 Kettlebell right arm tricep extensions, 80 KB left arm tricep extensions, 80 LBCs w/KBs, 80 Russian KB swings, 80 KB Squats, 80 R and 80 L KB floor presses, 80 R and 80 L KB lunge presses, 50 R and 50 L KB military presses, and 80 KB calf raises on the curb.

We paused for what I’ve dubbed “the Apache Ten-Count” (between the Kettlebell swings and the lunge presses) to learn a bit more about one another. Interestingly, we each have a connection to New York State, are hoping the Cubs can pull out a miracle, and think frying seafood is a waste of good seafood. The workout ended with the COT.

Thoughts:

Yesterday, I responded to a tragedy: a Soldier in my battalion awoke to discover his 5-month-old daughter had died in the night. Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Men, the theme of the month is all about the time we make. I am reminded to take time for my children. We do not know how long we will be here, nor how long we will have the health we (hopefully) enjoy this day, but this I do know, I’m grateful for God (Sky Q), for my family, for the men of F3, and for what this newly adopted lifestyle of F3 participation means to me.

Aye!

Extra credit starting at 0600 with 1-Niner, joined by Flat Tire, Bubba Gump, & Pusher. Tatanka, Trucker, & I Rucked in for some #GrowRuck training.

Disclaimer witnessed by Legal Counsel

Quick sermon on Tatanka and him being a “glue man” = Every group needs glue men and you never truly realize their value until they are gone. Glue is an adhesive, “a force that exists in the area of contact between unlike bodies and that acts to unite them.” Simply put: glue holds stuff together…. Who is the glue on your F3 team? Who holds your F3 team together? Who keeps the team focused when times are tough? Who does all of the little things to make your team successful? Tatanka held me and TChaser (and several other #HIM) accountable. Every team needs a “glue” player like this, one who will make necessary sacrifices that hold F3 together.

and we were off…running…planking…running…planking until we got to the Gun Lot.

We lined up on the curb for a long #arkloader series…lots of #mumblechatter today…lots of stretching and modifying…DD & Pusher seemed to on a date, TChaser and Niner played the roles of #malemodels #BlueSteel only to be outpaced by Anchorman and Barry Manilow #prettyboys

My favorites today included the 100 LBC, the soccer hips, 100 LBC, 100 flutters, and I think about 40 flying squirrels…started to get a little winded, and tossed the Q to Tatanka.

Tatanka on Q

Partner up- size does not matter

Review of BOMBS (crowd pleaser):
200 Bombjacks
200 Overhead Claps in a squat position
200 Merkins
200 Big boy Situps
300 Squats

Gump and Flat Tire still think (correctly) they are faster than me, and Airborne did poorly in the partner selection…

more running…stop at wall lot…

Long peoples chair series #epicmumblechatter and Santini might really sing just like Katy Perry #weird Bonsai and Trucker separated to a different taller wall away from us…? Frat Boy and Pusher seem to have entirely too much information on senior citizen STDs #reallyweird #dalewebbclub

more running…stop for SSH…whole lotta refusnik…

more running back to COT for a COP…some kind of wine mixers…just awfulness…

COT/Prayer or Praise/BOM

Naked Man Moleskine

trademarks included #mantan #grantan and now #flantan

Jiffy we all still feel bad we missed your Q last week…

Quack Attack rode in and appears to want to Q the #F3BikerClub

Crab Cakes was absent today…Grapevine loves your business tiny man…we know where you were yesterday…

Be a better man today than you were yesterday,
AYE!
CSPAN

A small group assembled for my debut Q at the Fort on a beautiful fall morning.

Started out with a lap around the park and worked in some butt kickers, high knees and shuffles.

Started with a stretch:

• 20 X Side Saddle Hops
• 10 X Windmills
• 20 X Moroccan Night Clubs
• 10 X Merkins
• 10 X Mountain Climbers

We headed over the playground. We had planned to do a Modified Dora 1, 2, 3 and needed to further modify with a group of 3.  We took turns running two laps while the third did the exercise:

• 50 X Pull-Ups
• 200 X LBC’s
• 300 Squats

Next, we headed over to the main part of the field. Four cones had been setup in a rough square approximately 100 yards apart.  At each cone was a workout per lap.  The workout would be completed and then run to the next cone.  We set out to see how many laps we could get in…

Lap 1

• 40 X Merkins (regular)
• 40 X Lunges (20 each leg)
• 25 X American Hammers
• 5 X Burpees

Lap 2

• 40 X Merkins (wide arm)
• 100 X Calf Raises
• 25 X Hello Dolly’s
• 10 X Burpees

Lap 3

• 20 X Merkins (diamond)
• 100 X Monkey Humpers
• 10 X Plank Punches
• 15 X Burpees

Lap 4

• 40 X Carolina Drydocks
• 100 X Squats
• 50 X LBCs
• 20 X Burpees

Lap 5

• 50 X Merkins (regular)
• 60 X Lunges (30 each leg)
• 40 X American Hammers
• 15 X Burpees

Three of us pushed our way through 5 laps with a decent amount of collective grumbling throughout. We headed over for COT, thankful for the beautiful day and opportunity to get out.