13 at Footloose

Good group at Footloose this morning. Got some burpees in and a few good stretches. Ran over to Church of God and found the stairs where we spent a good amount of time looking them over and examining the exterior of their fellowship center a few times. Got a good mile or so in this morning, for a Moderate group.

Spoke for a minute about finding Joy in the Christmas season. I heard Gekko’s sermon and it hit me hard that if we don’t have Joy at Christmas, when we observe the birth of our Savior, then we need to “get right.” I am HAPPY to talk to anyone who is struggling with this. The vulnerablity of the PAX at COT and BOM is an important part of F3, and why we are here.

 

Assassin

 

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Footloose for a Post 1/2 Marathon “no-running” Bootcamp

15 PAX made it out for a not so moderate beat-down after I had a brief taper week from the Kiawah 1/2 marathon.  Went through the disclaimer and the don’t sue me stuff an off we went for a very brief mosey that lasted all but 100 yards at most.

Warmup: consisted of windmills, Imperial Walkers, SSH, Cherry Pickers and yes some Broga.  The broga turned out to be quite comical as we all tried various balance poses.  Not good.

I had everyone line up for a very long Indian run down to the COG parking lot.  PAX stayed together pretty good no stragglers or rogue running going on.

On to the thang.  I broke out a winkie from a year ago that I never used for my 49th birthday.  You can guess where this is going.  We set up 4 corners with 3 exercises at each corner.  PAX stayed together for fellowship until the pain started.  First round was 49 merkins, 98 LBC’s and 147 squats. See the pattern there?  Not good.  Slow mosey to the next corner. 49 CDD’s, 98 calf raises and 147 flutters.  Mumble chatter started getting quiet.  Corner 3 49 SSH, 98 shoulder taps, 147 LBC’s. Last corner 49 Mtn. Climbers, 98 Rosalitas, and 147 Freddie Mercuries.  Not fun.  Started with an Indian Run back to COT, but ended up being a jail break due to cars.  With 10 minutes left we did a couple of rounds of 10 count exercise and running the stairs at FBC.  More pain not fun.  Finished up with COT.

Great time had by all!  Thanks for the opportunity Beacon!

 

Bass-o-Matic Out!

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The Ballroom: Picking up the 6…..all 6 of us!

1 is the loneliest number…. but then there were 2 and eventually 6 of us came to the Ballroom for our daily red pill.

Was a cool morning but not crazy cold. The Ballroom is usually loaded with PAX but i guess the school delay and ice took their man cards……YES I said it. Haha!

The Thang: Everywhere we went, we carried our friend “The 6”

Line up at end of parking lot:
· Sprint 20 yd
· Shuffle 20 yd
· Karoke 20yd
· Sprint 20yd
3X

COP:
SSH x 15
CDD x15
Mtn Climber x15
IW x15

Jog to Corner of building:
Indian Run to each Corner of building
1st Corner – Seal Team Sit Ups x20
2nd Corner – Partner Derkins x 10 each

7’s on the driveway between schools

  • Bombjacks
  • Squats

3rd Corner – Partner Leg Raises x 10 each

4th Corner – Spiderman Pushup x 10

Jog to front of school:
Circle Up for Mary:
Member of PAX runs to far island and back
Rest of PAX performs Ab routine—-we did 2 rounds of abs

COT:

I spoke to the PAX about my childhood Christmas and how on Christmas eve we would hang stockings and put cookies out and go to bed. The Tree was not decorated and nothing else in the room looked like Christmas. When we woke up on Christmas morning the Tree in all its glory was decorated, Christmas town village with train set was running with lights in each house. Gifts spread across the room and stockings full.  I use to watch that train under the tree for hours and even today when I see toy trains or electric trains it takes me back to the magic of Christmas. Funny thing with trains is that wherever that engine goes, the cars follow. straight, turn right, turn left…. the cars are right behind it. I challenged the PAX on what is their “engine”? Is it the worldly success and a facade or something more substantial? Ask yourselves what are you following and what is your motivation in life……what is your purpose??? Are you following it closely and step by step?? Is it rewarding or fleeting?? My personal engine is my Lord and Savior  Jesus and my motivation to be better today and tomorrow than I was yesterday. This is the case at home, work and community. It gives me fullness of life today but I also know it will for eternity. My purpose is HIS purpose. What is your ENGINE???

Thanks Short Sale for the lead. Appreciate all the PAX!!

Cake Boss

 

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Just for Kicks – Foot Loos

About 18 men awoke to a nice dark morning before the roosters crowed. It was for more than just for kicks, it was because they are courageous to take on the challenge that was before them.  Here’s what went down

Warmup:      Moroccan Night Club, Wind Mills, some funky Imperial Walkers, Low slow squat.    Let’s mosey

What’s Up: A Dora Set – 100 Merkins, 100 Squats, 100 Flutters, 100 CDD, and helped finish off the teams that needed some bold encouragement. Small Mosey around the parking lot to hear words of encouragement from Joshua 1:9. Wall Sits, with individual counts down the line, and yes, we did wall sits again. Don’t be alarmed because two times a charm.  Time to Mosey again.  Left and then Right curb merkins followed by a friendly squat walk up the steps.

Wrap Up: More merkins, Mtn Climbers, Parker Peter, Peter Parker, Moraccan night club.

Fun was had by all and we even had some runners join in at the end. GREAT way to start a morning.

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Make TIME : Colosseum

Nov 6th

14 HIM came to get better this warm, gloomy Tuesday morning, with T Claps to Sugar Daddy for bringing out FNG (Tin Cup).  YHC – Fogerty completed the Principles of F3 with the group, disclaimer completed, time to Mosey.

Warmup : Slow Mosey, Butt-Kickers, High Knees :
Circle Up:  IC : 20 SSH, 15 Imperial Walkers, 15 Mtn. Climbers, 15 Hillbilly Walkers, 15 Merkins, 20 Moroccan Nightclubs, 2 Burpees, 10 Windmills, Mosey across lot for 4 Corners.

Today’s workout  is all about Fellowship, Proper Form and Accountability (IC).  Goal is to complete all exercises in a group format: In Cadence : Pax take turns leading each group.

The Thang, Part 1 : Four Corners ( used the 4 Basketball courts to guide the Pax ) : Split into 2 Groups ( Complete Each Exercise as a Group:  In Cadence ): rotate until all Corners completed:

Corner 1: SSH x15, Plank Jack 15X, Bomb Jack 15X

Corner 2: LSS 15X, Sumo Squat 15X, Lunges 15X

Corner 3 : Flutter 15X, LBC 15X, Shoulder Taps 15X

Corner 4: Merkins 15X, Mtn Climbers 15X, Wide Arm Merkins 15X

Momentarily contemplated a Rinse and Repeat, but decided to head over for Part 2  in the gloom and discuss the Theme of the Month “Vulnerability” : God has a Plan for all of us, no matter the set backs you encounter (or blessings), share these times and life events with your Brothers and get better.  Be Vulnerable to be set free.  In our moments of Vulnerability, we share and create incredible moments. Today we were challenged to take TIME : Specifically, Make TIME, Take TIME for your Kids, the only thing our 2.0’s want is “your” TIME : ( Time to play, time to read, Just your TIME) : Time to Mosey for Part 2:

The Thang, Part 2 :  “Climb the Ladder”  ( 5  / 10  / 15 Reps ) :   Each rung on the ladder

5 reps first rung, mosey to 2nd rung,  5 reps, back to first rung : 10 reps first rung, 10 reps 2nd rung: back to first rung, 15 reps 1st rung, 15 reps 2nd rung :  Rinse and Repeat adding Rung(s).

1st Rung  : Squats ( bear crawl to 2nd Rung : Crab walk Back to 1st Rung)

2nd Rung :  Merkins ( Planned modify : Mosey between each Rung )

3rd Rung : Plank Jacks

4th Rung : LBCs

5th Rung : Burpees ( Last Rung – modified Rinse and Repeat to 5 /10 reps – watching clock)

Mosey Back for 5 mins of Mary :

COT : FNG ( Tin-Cup was anointed  – Welcome ) : Announcements, Prayers and Praises led us to a perfect closure for a Tuesday workout in the Gloom.

Very Blessed to be part of F3 and specifically THE FORT: Blessed to get better each day with all the Pax of The FORT:   Thank you to Jekyll for the opportunity to Q :

Fogerty

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Footloose and Free thanks to All The Saints!!

Today is November 1 and in some denominations they recognize All Saints day today. See below for more on that, but 3 runners took off early and 13 other PAX came to the dance floor for a litle two step with YHC – Cake Boss! We had a great crowd and was super proud of the hard work put in and the encouragement by all the PAX to keep pushing through. Such an honor to be part of this thing we have, F3, and to be part of this community! Aye!!

The Thang:

Footloose 11/1/18

Mosey to FMCoG parking lot
Toy soldiers
5 Burpees
Side lunges
4 Burpees
Butt kickers
3 Burpees
High knees
2 Burpees
Imperial Walkers
1 Burpees

Mosey across street and partner up for Dora 1-2-3

Partner 1-Run up hill to corner Partner 2-exercise move Flapjack
100 Merkins
200 step ups
300 dips
Alternate running up hill backwards

Mosey to front of FMFBC
Partner 1-bear crawls up church steps Partner 2-exercise move -Flapjack
Flutters
Freddys
Leg raises
Boats/canoes

COT

11/22 Thanksgiving Convergence at The Ranch 0600

12/01 Christmas Party – Sign up and enjoy a night out

Prayers for all the tragic deaths across the country and all dealing with health issues.  Prayers for unity in our country.

 

All Saints Day–This gets chalked up as a Catholic thing, but I want to share some information with everyone. Anyone that has come to JC, led someone else to JC and has lived their life for JC is considered a Saint. Its not meeting some criteria except that of what JC outlined in saying, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

So my question and challenge to all of us is are we denying ourselves and bringing others to SKY Q? Our ministry starts at home with the M and 2.0s and then shield lock and whetstone partners. We don’t have to have some sort of degree or education to know what Sky Q has done in our lives and to share that with others so they too can be transformed. Being a Saint does not mean being perfect either. Moses, David, Peter and Paul were far from perfect, but they denied themselves for HIS plan not their own. Live it and watch how you influence others for HIM.

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1+1=Terrible Downpainment

19 Pax descended on Block Party including 3 for Pathfinder for an old school beatdown by YHC and Mash. Little did YHC know when I suggested to Mash that he co-Q with me that it would be his 50th Birthday at Block Party #Respect.

Mash and I have been friends for many years and I already had tons of respect for him. He is a good Christian, Husband and Father coupled with being a military veteran. Our children are the same age so we have lots in common. More importantly, he has demonstrated being a true #HIM since joining the Fort several years ago.

The Thang

Full Disclaimer

Mash on Q – Mosey out

COP – lots of chatter here…I may have been contributing

SSH

Moroccan Night Clubs

Windmills

Merkins x 15 (YEAH!)

Mosey to gravel lot and partner up

Dora 1,2,3

100 Merkins

200 Flutters

300 SSHs

Pusher on Q – Mosey to hill

Bear crawl up hill – #turrible

Dirty McDeuce powered by Halloween Candy

Side Note: Avg American eats 3.4 pounds of candy on Halloween; Candy has calories (duh!); 1 minute of Burpees equals approximately 10 calories;

All exercises IC x 12; Calories are based on “Fun Size” portions

Starburst (40 cals) – Squats

Skittles (63 cals) – LBCs

M&Ms (73 cals) – Wide Arm

Take a lap

Kit Kat (70 cals) – Jumping Lunge

Snickers (80 cals) – Flutters

Twix (80 cals) – Carolina Dry Docks

Take a lap

Reeses Cup (90 cals) – Bomb Jacks

Baby Ruth ( 85 cals) – Freddy Mercury

Butterfinger ( 85 cals) – Diamond Merkins

Take a lap

York Patty ( 50 cals) – Burpees

Crunch ( 60 cals) – Rosalita

Hershey ( 63 cals) – Burpees

Mosey Home

 

Moleskin:

  • Happy #Respect Birthday to Mash
  • Christmas Party on 12/1/18
  • Pre Christmas Drop In on 11/2/18 with Shady at Armor Artis
  • Be a HIM in your community…lots of examples were shared
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Block Party – Smoothing the Stones

Today at the Block Party I was ready to have a namesake beatdown with Cinder Blocks and all the fun of them. So the wienke was made and the plan was to utilize the blocks at Honey Badger Central or Den or the Coop or whatever they are calling NAFO these days. At 0430 I left to go get the blocks and find there are no blocks to be found. It seems the FMSD has taken our blocks away……again!!

After quick conversation with the Darkest of Helmets I had to call….Omaha…..Omaha!!! Was not too bad to change some of the exercise moves and YHC was ready to roll.

15 PAX arrived and I was excited for the turnout at WEP. Its an original AO and one of our best and so love to see the PAX still coming. We had 13 bootcamp and 3 runners for Pathfinder and at 0515 away we all went.

Mosey up the Stairway to Heaven

  • Al Gore
  • Merkins (Stealth)

Mosey along path

  • Al Gore
  • Merkins (Stealth)
  • Low Slow Squat

Mosey along path

  • Al Gore
  • Merkins (Stealth)
  • Low Slow Squat
  • Windmills

Mosey along path

  • Al Gore
  • Merkins (Stealth)
  • Low Slow Squat
  • Imperial Walkers

The Main event

List of 10 exercises, 100 reps cumulative with Partner

Partner  1 runs around Playground, Partner 2 exercise move…..working the list

  • Squats
  • Merkins
  • Lunge (50 each leg)
  • Swing Crunches
  • Pullups
  • Step ups (100 each leg)
  • Dips
  • Toe Taps
  • Derkins
  • Leg Raises

Nice work by all the PAX. FNG, Liquidate, did great and fun was had by all!!

I talked to the men about David and Goliath and when David chose 5 smooth stones there was a reason. Smooth stones would fly straight and accurate versus those with edges and odd shape. The stones were smooth from being in the water and rubbing against each other over years and smoothing each other out. We as men need each other to help us shoot straight and face our Goliath. By surrounding ourselves with PAX that want to get better and live for something bigger than ourselves, we will all get smoothed out and be able to fly straight and stay on path. Get those trusted advisers in your life and GET BETTER!

Cake Boss

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No Fear = No EnCOURAGEment

22 boot campers (including 1 FNG) and 5 runners posted to THE Ballroom this week looking for some #Encouragement along the pothole-filled road of life.  YHC offered a full Disclaimer for the benefit of our FNG (T-claps to Barney Fife on the EH) tipped the cap to Sir Topham Hat, who passed the Q baton to YHC due to work travel.  The word of the month (Encouragement) served as the inspiration for today’s adventures in the gloom, so thanks also to Chicken Hawk for his continued wisdom with that program.

Encouragement:  root word = Courage

Courage (noun): strength in the face of fear

With this backdrop, the workout unfolded with the objective of getting pax in touch with their own sense of #Fear to illustrate the experience of #Courage and the need/ability/practice of exercising it and #Encouragement of their brothers.

The Thang

warm up run to the football field

COP — SSH, IWs, Hillbilly walkers, Bombjacks, merkins, burpees

Line up along sideline, 3/4 pace sprints — to near hash/back, then far hash/back, lastly far sideline/back

Circle up for the Main Event (Fear or Favorite)

Pax were asked to identify the exercise they most #Fear when they hear the Q say “The next exercise is ___________.”  They were also asked to imagine their #Favorite exercise they like to call when they are Q.  Then we launched into 30 mins of Pax-suggested/Q-chosen exercises.

Plank jacks (Fogerty), Gravedigger (Culture Club), Partner Carry (Bass-o-Matic), V-up Roll-up (Polaroid), Sprints (FNG!), Moroccan Night Clubs (Assassin), Jack Webb (Magnum), Squats (Strawberry), Burpees (Pinup), Merkin (Rebel), Knee Tar N’Dyae (Rebel), Tunnel of Love (Twister)

Mosey home

Final ab work — American Hammer, Flutter

COT

Moleskin

T-claps to the pax for the enthusiastic participation, mumblechatter and #Encouragement throughout.  Apologies to those pax whose exercise I missed and those who I mismatched in the list above.  I know we started with Fogerty catching much flak for a stuttering proclamation of “Plank Jacks” to get us rolling.  Bass-o-matic challenged himself and all the pax in the early going with the Partner Carry call-out.  Yes, YHC quickly claimed FNG/Half Dome as partner (purely for teamwork purposes, I can assure you…it had nothing to do with his svelte frame).  Pinup threw down the gauntlet, claiming Burpees as both his Fear and his Favorite (1500 in September seems to prove the point — well done!).  Strawberry (on only his 2nd post!) showed he knows the proper rhythm of a workout by calling for Squats immediately after Jack Webb (get this man into Q school ASAP!).  And Twister had his mic drop moment with Tunnel of Love to cap it all off.  Fun times throughout!

Welcome to FNG/Half Dome, who posted at the behest of Barney Fife (kudos to both)!

Finally, just a recap on the theme to reinforce the message.  YHC, in my prideful youth and throughout a very long stretch of adulthood, deluded myself that I was purely self-motivated, and no outside influence, inspiration or good words could make a difference to my spirit or performance.  While my M openly claimed her need for affirmation and #Encouragement, I laughed those things off, as though those who needed them were weak, meek and timid.  I also claimed to have few worries or fears throughout these periods.  A-ha!!!   There it is — the smoking gun.  Since #Courage can only exist in the midst of #Fear, I must’ve needed nor displayed any #Courage throughout these years.   And in the absence of feeling #Fear and gathering up #Courage, I had no recognition of the need or value of #Encouragement.  And, so it follows sadly, that in the absence of my personal experience of these, I fumbled and floundered in expressing #Encouragement to those around me who longed for it.  This shortcoming became a significant blind spot and weakness in leading others, including my family.  Yes, sad.  Yes, true.

While I still have plenty of room for growth in the area of #Encouragement of others, my ship turned around when I became more sensitized to my own fears, and I felt the power of #Encouragement from others, and I demonstrated the #Courage that was somewhat dormant inside me.  So, the lesson here — soften your heart, look yourself in the mirror, get in touch with your #Fear.  From that point, you may find immense personal growth opportunity and the ability to better relate and #Impact those around you through #Encouragement.

Thank you to Short Sale for the Q opportunity and to all the pax for making the experience real!

 

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Run, run, run. Do some things. And then run some more. Grass is wet.

The Thang:

 

Mosey up Munn Street to the other side of the school.

A few warm up exercises in the parking lot.

Partner up for accountability and run the LARGE half circle stopping three times to do 10 burpees, 20 merkins, 40 lbcs at each stop.

The complaining..errr…mumblechatter started.

Nice soft grass was found on the lacrosse field along with 2 tires.  Two groups lined up.  One line ran carrying the smaller tire while the other line rolled the tractor tire the length of the field.  The remaining Pax did a series of exercises until their turn.

Complaining.

A nice lil mosey o a wall for some sits and BTTW.

Another run and then 150 calf raises (50 regular/50 toes in/50 toes out)

Lots of complaining.

Ran back to COT for a quick round of Mary.

The End.

My message was short but hopefully is remembered when life happens – there is opportunity in change.  Look for the good side and embrace what that can mean for you.

As always an honor to lead the men of The Fort, esp on the day we honored Dark Visor who passed away yesterday in Alpharetta at a workout.

Until next time….

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