Beyond #1…What’s at your CORE?

Beyond can be defined as “Outside the understanding, limits, or reach of.” That is what this thing is all about; recognizing that a push beyond, in all many aspects of life, can be a really good thing. If you’re a killer runner, come do a Merkin and a Pull Up with us. If you’re strength nut, come do a few sprints and bear crawls with us. The reasoning for this is well documented now, dating back a few months to when Jekyll let me share about this at a Colosseum Q I had.

And yes, I am 8 days late in getting this BB written which is rather ironic. I will work to get these posted both by the Q’s and YHC in a more timely manner.

We started last Tuesday with the 1st round of Beyond and the theme was CORE. Besides the obvious, physical reference to the word, Core can be defined as, “A central and often foundational part usually distinct from the enveloping part by a difference in nature.” In other words, when the world strips away your exterior, what are you left with to truly guide you. To take this a step further, I let the PAX know that Beyond will challenge them to push past the limits they’ve previously established for themselves. This is aided by listening to a Podcast, “Team Never Quit” in which you listen to stories of people who’ve endured unbelievable challenges and have pushed through to find the redemptive outcome on the other side. It seems impossible when you’re in the thick of “it”, whatever “it” might be in your life, but God has a plan. Bad and difficult things happen, yes, but we try to find a glimmer of hope and positivity on the other side.

Enough rambling…I need to figure out a better way to capture the names for Beyond but for now, we’ll have to rely on my fuzzy memory. I know we had 15  which I think included the following, Bob the Builder, Geronimo, Band Camp, Straight Up, Fire Marshall Bill, Frat Boy, Longshanks, Jedi, Cha Ching, Ginsu, Trucker, Lutefisk, Bonsai, MacGuyver, YHC. My sincere apologies if I got a few of these wrong.

Once we separated from the Block Party PAX, we jogged through the park and made our way to the playground, which still sounds strange every time I write that. We did a few warm up exercises like SSH, Arm Circles, Sumo Squats and more SSH which was then followed by a little stretching and lot more of my talking (rambling). What I was trying to get to was that you can’t quit and if you need a little motivation to keep from quitting, look to the man to your left and right and realize they won’t let you quit and you don’t want to let them down. If it were just you out there, we’d quit a lot sooner. Remember, YOU’RE NEVER ALONE OUT THERE…SO DON’T QUIT.

100 American Hammers (we all thought about quitting on that one unless you’re Jedi/Geronimo

25 LBC

100 Flutters

30 Peter Parkers

50 Mountain Climbers

Partner 1: 50 Carolina Dry Docks   Partner 2: Pull Ups until your partner is done and flapjack

Partner 1: 15 Burpees   Partner 2: Pull Ups until your partner is done

Mosey to the Big Hill where found some cones forming a 15yd x 20yd rectangle on the hill.

Backward run up the hill, 5 Burpees at the top then run down. Repeat this 5 times.

Next we bear-crawled around the rectangle for 3mins which was awesome…

Mosey to the wall at the Springs building

Nothing fancy, just a mere 3mins of muscle ups…yup, it was turrible.

We talked about not quitting and trying to answer the question of whether or not you can change what is at your CORE. What is left when the world takes what you see, away? So that was it. I learned a lot in these 45mins and I hope we continue to see a good contingent of guys willing to push themselves.

As you were…

Maximus

 

TClap |
0

Fartlek – Training to train

6 PAX started Thursday with the 5am start to Laces Out.  Warnings were given via Twitter that running in circles was in order.  The Fartlek was researched and memorized. Here we go:

Warm up with 2 laps and some dynamic stuff (SSH, WindMills, etc)

1 minute @ 5k pace, 1 minute Recovery

2 minutes @ 10k pace, 2 minutes Recovery

3 minutes @ 1/2 marathon pace, 3 minutes Recovery

2 minutes @ 10k pace, 2 minutes Recovery

1 minute @ 5k pace, 1 minute Recovery

2 minutes @ 10k pace, 2 minutes Recovery

3 minutes @ 1/2 marathon pace, 3 minutes Recovery

2 minutes @ 10k pace, 2 minutes Recovery

1 minute @ 5k pace, 1 minute Recovery

Cool Down on field and stretches

COT with Laces In

Some of us got almost 4 miles, the over achievers close to 5.  This workout was to put your body through different stresses and different recoveries.  Just like life.  We go through different lengths of struggles and sometimes we have to recover quickly before the next one pops up.  We had to help each other to continue pushing through each leg, same goes for real life with F3.  To have such a great group of guys that have my 6, I am a blessed man.

TClap |
1

The Hive 2017.49

So… my personal computer fried a month or so ago, and I haven’t wanted to type all this on a phone keyboard.  So, I now have a real keyboard again, hence the backblast.  So below what went down.

3x3x3 – 3 sets of 3 rounds of 3 exercises… my favorite. aka a “one-niner”… cause it’s nine exercises total.

After the token SSH warmup…

Al Gore, Hillbilly walker, jump squat.
Russian Twist, Freddy Mercs, 6 in hold into a flutter.
Shatch, clean/squat/press, tricep ext.

Al gore, Al gore calf raises, 1L deadlift. till time (2 rounds)

And that’s the game.  I also rambled about my near death experience that got me out here.

TClap |
0

Pre-Blast: 218 in ’18

In 2018, the 1st F for F3theFort will be focusing on Growth & Consistency. We want to focus on GROWING the number of PAX not simply to increase our numbers. Rather, so that other men can reap the same rewards that F3 affords us every day: opportunities to lead, be held accountable, experience brotherhood, and push ourselves physically. If we continue to do this one PAX at a time, we slowly change our community.

We want to focus on CONSISTENCY so that we can maintain the standards and values that we have all come to expect and appreciate every time we post in the gloom.

In an effort to challenge ourselves to focus on Growth this year, your Fort Leadership Team is proud to announce the 218 in ’18 initiative. Our goal for this coming year will be to add 218 more consistently attending PAX. This may seem like a big number, but when put in the proper context, it is completely reasonable & achievable. That is 1 FNG for every 2 active members for the entire year, or roughly 1 FNG every 1.5 months for each AO.

However, as I mentioned before, we do not want to grow just for growth’s sake. We want to make sure that the new guys that join us this year stick with us so that they can reap the reward. So, I encourage you to headlock your neighbors, coworkers, friends, pizza delivery guys, insurance agents, and pretty much anyone who will talk to you. HOWEVER, EH’ing does not end after their first post…it continues until that new PAX no longer needs the constant encouragement to get our of the fartsack and in the gloom.

With that said, I encourage all of you to start early this year. Let’s get a jump on our goal by inviting FNGs to join us at our 2018 Kickoff Convergence on Friday, January 12th. There’s a high likelihood these sad clowns will have made resolutions to 1) get in shape and 2) save money in the new year….2 birds/1 stone. Gears and Old Bay will keep us honest through the year with a weekly SadClown-ometer included in the newsletter.

Let’s do this!

– Ginsu

TClap |
4

THE PAX OF FORT PLEDGES TO HELP ANOTHER BROTHER AND HIS FAMILY OUT

Its Christmas time and the word of the month is giving so I am asking if you would take moments pray about giving to help a fellow pax. Last year Stang got the Fort and the Rock pax to donate gift cards, cash and presents for me and my family.  This was huge for me and my family, with that  being said I feel the need to help a fellow pax and give back. I have been in touch with our pax of the Fort looking for someone to help out. This morning in COT it was mentioned by Destiny that a fellow pax’s son has just been diagnosed with leukemia and his wife is pregnant with twins. Then again Ginsu and Rock thrill had a tweet about it and come to find out it is an Area51  pax named Bout time his sons name is Jennings. This hits close to home and just knew this is who we need to help this year. a few

If I have never had the pleasure of posting with you in the Gloom I would like to take a second and share my story, Dec 2015 on Christmas eve my 2.5 year old daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia ALL Type B, on Christmas day she had surgery to have a port installed and her first 3 rounds of chemo. We spent Christmas in the hospital and I broke down never cried so hard in my life. I reached out to God prayed that everything will be okay and about 10 min later after the took my daughter back for surgery he answered my pray because a peace just came over me and heard the words its going to be okay.  The last 2 years have been a hard 2 years with ups and downs but also have enlightened me, allowed me to get closer to God.  It also allowed me to become apart of F3 with out the men of this group not sure where I would be mentally and physically today. I like to thank you for the push the words of encouragement.

 

I am asking pax to give what your heart tells you. Prayers gift cards, cash etc. I have seen what awesome pax you can be when challenged to give you all always go above and beyond.

See your site Q’s for collections and or Dark helmet , Stang, Witch hunt, Royale and Cornerstone, we want to wrap it up by 12/22/17

 

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Proverbs 18:16

A gift opens the way
and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

 

Thanks Again HIMS

Cornerstone

TClap |
18

Crossroads Discussion: Half In, Half Out

Good discussion this morning on being Half In, Half Out.  Working out with The Fort Nan’tan Monday allowed me an opportunity to benefit from words that while I was feeling them, was not articulating internally.  Plain speak- didn’t know how to put words to what I’ve been feeling lately until Cake Boss did it for me.  He spoke of victory but what resonated was being half in, half out.  Picture having one foot on the boat, one on the dock.

Continuing with that theme we dove into this at Crossroads this morning, a weekly coffee group where any topic that is on the Q’s mind can be batted around for fuller understanding.  If you haven’t been or are an infrequent attendee, consider making it more often.  Really good stuff happening here.

Half In/Half Out

  • What is it, to be all in?  What does it look like?
    • intentional
    • purpose
    • commitment
    • integrity

Focusing in here on the job, task, person here is vital.

  • What are some reasons for it/ why does it happen?
    • overwhelmed
    • Temporary weakness
    • paralyzed- so much to do, don’t know where to start so bail out on task or effort
    • lazy-

It could be men susceptible to this are hurting elsewhere and only committing “halfway” opens door to less accountability.  “If I fail or not as good, I only gave half effort anyway.”  Yet another way is “are these sad clown tendencies preventing me from fully engaging- enjoying life and all its ups and downs?”

  • Solutions
    • being self aware
    • acknowledge small victories and accomplishments
    • recommit- just do it
    • discuss- Spouse/partner, F3 men, Whetstone.
    • going through the process(Tesh)
    • Muscle Memory (Assassin, Twister)

Above are but a handful of opportunities that can lead to reengaging and dropping being half in/half out to be all in!

Couple of quick resources for thoughts associated

  • Lonely
    • Psalm 23
  • Weakness
    • Psalm 18:1-29
  • Direction
    • Psalm 73:21-26
TClap |
6

Lake Haigler 12 hr race Sat. 11/18/17…and plans for 2018 (ruck?)

I have made a last minute commitment to run the Lake Haigler 12 hour race at Anne Springs this Saturday, 8:00 pm to 8:00 am.

This PB is to provide info with YHC requesting possible run support along the way…and to discuss 2018…maybe make it a ruck event?

The race should be a lot of fun. It’s a small local race run by the Rock Hill Striders. Casual with no pressure. Accomplish what you can.

And that’s my thought process. No fast running. Figure out a plan that involves rest. Eat and drink properly. Have fun. Might get the family to camp out if they think they can handle the weather.  Socialize with a lot of locals.  LRB will have beer at the end…maybe during, too?

It would be great if you wanted to come out and run a few laps. It’s a 5k loop around Lake Haigler.  My minimum plan is to run 8-10:00 pm and 5-8:00 am. Possibly go home in between?  More likely there all 12 houyrs and incorporating rest following a planned schedule.

Ruckers consider coming out! I would have no problem walking with you (especially the last few hours Sunday a.m.). If I feel up to it, I’ll put on my ruck! But probably no coupons….

We should consider making this a rucking event next year!!! Let’s keep it in mind.

This will be a fun event. Would be great to have you out. Catch me on Twitter. Drop me a text if you want:  (eight zero three) 415-194six

Bolt

No need to sign up and outside runners/support are invited. Rush Pavillion. Entrance across from Coltharp Road. https://goo.gl/53VYYC

http://www.rockhillstriders.org/index.html

https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=44627

 

 

TClap |
2

2018 Joe Davis Run for Recovery

What-

The 6th Annual Joe Davis Run for Recovery

When- 01/06/2018 at 8:00 AM.

Where-Walter Elisha Park in Fort Mill, SC

Please join my family again this year as we celebrate my younger brother Joe’s life and continue our efforts to #breakthestigma associated with Addiction. All proceeds of this event go to benefit Keystone, York County’s authority on substance abuse and their unwavering efforts to help those fighting Addiction in York County. This event is family-friendly and will offer a 1 mile Fun Run, a 5k Walk/Run and a 10k Walk/Run. Ruckers welcome! It focuses on HOPE!

Why-

Because my brother Joe died on October 4th, 2009, of an accidental drug overdose, at the age of 28 with most of his life still ahead of him.  That is tragic. Joe struggled with Addiction from the age of 12, but had gotten sober in conjunction with turning his life over to Jesus Christ in October of 2007.  In the end, though, this battle was one that proved too strong for him to fight alone, unfortunately. Our family was unaware of Keystone as a resource for Joe to get help until after it was too late.  So, in the wake of his death, we felt a call to serve  and we decided to take action to get the word out. With my sister and I both being involved in running, we felt a race was a great way to not only get the word out about Keystone as a path to Health, Hope and Healing, but also to bring awareness to what our family already knew was becoming a serious problem in our society now.

This is an issue we need to face head-on. it affects and is affecting more people in our community than you realize. Think about these realities-

  • More than 21 Million Americans struggle with Addiction. That is more than the number of people battling all cancers combined.
  • According to the Surgeon General, Addiction will affect 1 in 7 Americans.
  • Drug overdoses are the leading cause of death among Americans under 50 years old.
  • Drug overdose deaths eclipsed 64,000 in America in 2016. Up 19% from 2015. Every 19 minutes an American dies from opioid or heroin overdose.

Action-

Last year, F3, FiA and their family members accounted for at least  275 of our almost 1000 participants! If you are unable to run or walk, we can always use volunteers and there is also a Sleep In option to support the cause from afar. To date, we have successfully raised more than $125,000 for Keystone to fight the awful disease called Addiction. These funds are primarily used to support the Men Under Construction program.

In appreciation for the continued support of F3 and our sisters of FiA, we have arranged for a $5 discount code, F3FIA, that will apply to whatever the current price is for the 5k or 10k races at time of registration, for as long as online registration is open.  It will not stack on top of any other discounts, however. Please help spread the word at COTs!

Register HERE.

Final Thoughts-

Joe spent a lot of his adult life as a lonely man. I firmly believe F3 could have helped change his course. While this event does benefit Keystone from a financial aspect, it is also allows for an incredible opportunity to let our communtity know what F3 and FiA are all about, so let’s take advantage of that. Wear your gear, let’s get the F3 flags and tents up, bring the business cards and let’s EH some folks while we fight Addiction. Aye?

I am especially excited for this year’s race as we will be hosting Speed for Need to kick off 2018. If you know of someone who would like to ride or you would like to push in the 5k, please reach out to myself or Dark Helmet. Check it out this amazing effort that goes hand-in hand with ours at Speed for Need!

With gratitude,

Rock Thrill

 

TClap |
11

WhatDid brought Sally to the Ranch

The Ranch, a staple go to AO here in the Fort had 10 HIM show up to get better.  That’s as simple as we kept it.

YHC gave a disclaimer as we had an FNG present. All moves are suggestions, you’re here on your own will, modify as needed and off we went.

My chicken scratch weinke is attached to this post. The highlight – 3 minutes of Sally Up, Sally down merkin fest. Great idea until about minute 2 for most of us. Those merkin beast out there today – great job men.

Welcome to FNG Octane. Who of which, is of Respectable status. He was in my driveway ready to go at 4:45.  It’s never to late for us to get out there and crush it- as proven by Octane. Pax -go out there and EH even our older brothers.  They’ll teach us a few things along the way.

Announcements:

  • Fast5 – Get on a team and ask Anchorman and Zika for details
  • Christmas party on 12/1.
  • Get involved with G-Fit. Which moved to Saturdays at Steele Street park at 3 PM.

Prayers/Praises

  • Praises for all the great Fort AO’s
  • Family, Wives/Children

Until Next time…WhatDid out

TClap |
0

Camino del Rio – We are better together!

11 Men came to Camino del Rio aka Riverwalk in Rock Hill for a gorgeous Saturday morning pain pill. The gloom with your brothers makes you better and this Saturday morning was no different.

The Thang:

  • Mosey out towards the BMX track with some dynamic warm up involved
    • High knees
    • Butt kickers
    • high knees
    • butt kickers
    • toy soldiers
  • COP
    • Low slow squat
    • merkins
    • moracan night club
    • sumo squats
  • Mosey to side walk
    • Bear Crawl in the grass
    • run the pavement
    • 4 times each
  • Mosey to BMX facility
    • 20 dips
    • 15 derkins
    • 10 step ups
    • run around building
    • 3 rounds each
  • Mosey to wall
    • People’s Chair with shoulder press in cadence
    • BTW for 10 count
    • 3 rounds each
  • Mosey to BMX parking lot
    • Accumulating bomb jacks
    • mosey to each little light house
    • Last one we did all together and found it was easier than when we do them alone….better together
    • Mosey to 9 light houses
    • accumulating LBCs
  • Mosey to lower parking lot
    • Bear Crawl in the grass with derkin at each
    • run the pavement
    • 4 times each
  • mosey back to Hill by parking lot
    • jacobs ladder
    • 1 merkin at top, 6 LBCs at bottom
  • COT
    • Great work by all!
    • Thank you Vuvuzela for the lead
    • Awesome AO
    • Message to men that when we work together we can accomplish great things. Solo, we will struggle. We discussed when something is missing we don’t feel the same or something is not right, but sometimes fill that void with the wrong things. Take Control ad the steps necessary to make the right choices an decisions and fill that void with Good choices.

Cake Boss

TClap |
3