Do a few things, but do them well.

Jekyll asked me to Q at Colosseum like a month and a half ago. I had reservations, as the Colosseum is outside my radius of comfort for a weekday post and it’s not like the Q can leave early. Throwing caution to the wind I said sure, I’ll just make it an extra short shower before work…

Let’s roll!

Warm-ups
-Quick mosey to the first light- SSH
-Quick mosey to the next wide spot for slow count merkins and Imperial walkers.
-Quick mosey to the parking lot for some more COP.
Count off by 3 and line up behind one of 3 KB, 30# 40# and 50#
-All pax take turns for 20 KB swings, while the Q leads everyone else in squats, merkins and calf raises.
Main Course
4 cones that delineate 4 lines in the parking lot. Everyone lines up at one end line.
Lunge walk to the next line, bear crawl to the next line, then run the the end line.
25 merkins, then lunge walk walk, bear crawl, and run back to the original line.
Plank for the six.
Exercise- IC
This will be the pattern for the next 30 minutes or so.
Exercise 1: Flutter kicks 25 x
Exercise 2: Squats 25 x
Exercise 3: WW1 Sit-ups 15 x
Exercise 4: 6 in LBC’s 15 x then Monkey Humpers 20 x

Cool-out  with a pyramid of Suicide sprints.

COT

Hopefully that wasn’t too hard or too easy for most of the PAX. I had planned on about 6 PAX posting, what with Tater at Ballroom, Mile High at Golden Corral and Shanks at Block Party there were so many other options that it seemed inconceivable that more than 10 people would post to Colosseum. When I looked around and there were 22 other guys looking for a good push this AM, I really had a hard time believing it. Not saying everyone came just ’cause it was me, but I really did appreciate that everyone came to hang out with me in the Gloom. As always, it was my pleasure leading the PAX, pushing everyone a little bit, practicing my cadence, and maybe practicing my DI voice a little bit too.
Your Welcome!

Geronimo!

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Making it Count at the Colosseum

I forgot how dark this AO is to start so was surprised when I felt like I didn’t recognize any of the pax that came to work this morning.  We had 9 in all, including Ryan the FNG (EH goes to Bubble Boy).  Gave the standard disclaimer and reminded him not to worry, that the hardest part about today was done before this workout started.  He made it here.

We moseyed around the big loop at the school, made our way to the parking lot out back and did an ultra fast warm-up:

  • 20 seal jacks
  • 10 wind mills
  • 20 mountain climbers
  • 11 merkins / 10 diamonds / 9 merkins / 8 diamonds….down to 1 merkin (66 in total)

From there we headed over to the corner of the first playground, underneath the light pole.  Informed the pax I’d give them an exercise and rep count, we’d do that at the starting line, and then run to each light post and do the same thing for 10 light posts, then run all the way back to the starting line.  I seem to forget every time that the distance of 10 light posts is pretty dam far.

First leg – 5 burpees per light pole (50 in total)
Second leg – 10 big boys per light pole (100 in total)
Third leg (the worst) – 15 jump squats per light pole (150 in total)

2.6 miles later we were running out of time so we did the final leg with merkins x10 per light pole.  We did 8 light poles to get us to 80 reps in total, then hustled back to COT.

Ryan the FNG got the hook-up based on a lack of creativity this morning – “REAPER”.

Prayers were said for marriages, kids, travel safety and those dealing w/ sickness.  Thanks for the letting me come and take the lead Jekyll.  Had a great time sweating it out this morning in what felt like 90 degrees at 5am.  See y’all in the gloom.

Cha Ching

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Pat McGroin Strain at The Colosseum

Yeah, I strained my groin at The Fort on Saturday.  Yeah, it was still sore this morning.  But it ain’t just every week that Jekyll asks you to Q at THE Colosseum.  Could not cancel, no siree Bob.  And when Atticus and Pusher told me they were coming?  Well something special had to be drafted up.

Beautiful crisp morning it was after a nice rain last night.  An all-star PAX rolled in and after a quick disclaimer was issued, we were off.  As best as I can remember it, this is what we did.

The Warm Up

Brisk run through the car pick-up line and COP in the back B-Ball court lot.  We basically did about every exercise that popped into my head IC in no particular order:

  • Plank set
  • Dips
  • Merkins
  • Parker Peters
  • Peter Parkers
  • Plank Jacks
  • Mountain Climber
  • Low Slow Squats
  • Overhead Claps
  • Moroccan Nightclub
  • Windmill
  • Imperial Walkers
  • Side Straddle Hops

Now we were warmed up and ready to move to light pole ally for the fun stuff.  As we walked that-a way, I had Fusion and McGyver give us an Apache 10-count.  Who brought you out, how long ago, where’d your name come from?  Always enjoy this and always learn something new.  More to come on this.

The Main Event

At first light pole, 5 burpees

Second light pole, 5 burpees + 10 big boy situps.  We added an exercise and 5 reps at each pole.

3rd + 15 merkins

4th + 20 squats

5th + 25 LBC

6th + 30 overhead claps

7th + 35 mountain climbers

8th + 40 side straddle hops

I was pleased to hear Stang lament how terrible this was.  Mission accomplished!  We did another Apache 10-count, this time with FEMA.  Did you know he’s from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and that’s how we got his name?  Did you know he went to school at Louisiana Tech University?  Did you know that’s where I went to school?!?  Very cool.

Next another quick mosey back to the school to the half brick wall.  People’s chair in tight formation while the first in line burpee broad jumped to the other end.  I always like doing this to critique everyone’s burpee form and jumping distance.  It’s the little things, people.

Time running out but still time for some quick Mary.  Back to the blacktop curbs for 3 rounds – flutters, Freddy Mercury, and American Hammers.

Closing thoughts

Not much in the way of announcements / prayers.  Get engaged in Q-Source (great material BTW) and push yourself to attend a 3rd F event or two this summer.  You might just like it and you probably need it.  I know I do.  Prayers for patience with summer break kids and safety on vacations.  Thanks Jekyll for the opportunity to Q!  Hate you had to miss due to work travel but we’ll catch you next time.

Flat Tire

 

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Remember your #

Another saucy morning for the PAX at footloose.  Slight mumble chatter as YHC assessed the group.  I had a plan but could I pull it off was the question.  Gave a brief intro and disclaimer and we were off for our 5 second mosey which caught everyone off guard.  Mental preparedness is key.  We started out with…yep you guessed it Broga.  Thanks to Sasquatches excellent training I learned a few things over the last couple of years on Broga.  Threw in a few other warmup items like windmills, SSH, blah blah blah.

On to the meat and potatoes.  First order of business was to assign a number to each PAX and an exercise which went fairly well considering a bunch of dudes early in the gloom.  Kicker was if they forgot their number or exercise we’d do burpees.  I don’t think we did any surprisingly enough.

Off to our first location down by Ft. Mill COG.  Plan was to start at #1 and go through 13.  PAX with number would run up and down the stairs while rest of PAX did exercise.  Simple enough.

Imperial Walkers, Cherry Pickers, Merkins, LBC’s, Calf Raises, Carolina Dry Docks, Flutters, Squats,
Shoulder Taps, Mountain Climbers, American Hammers, Seal Jacks, Freddy Mercury.

Off to another set of stairs where we rinsed and repeated again.  Ran back to Shovel Flag for 1 more round to finish up with COT.

Thanks Beacon for the opportunity.

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The Colosseum 2017.31

This was an impromptu Q that I had forgotten I committed to while Seacrest was in charge, but I love to Q, so being reminded the night before made me a little happy (in my pants).  When training I like to focus on “tactical” strength or “functional” strength.  This means that you may be able to use the strength and endurance you cultivate during one of my workouts.  Today I covered picking up a lifeless body.

Mosey to basketball lot for warmup (simply for space reasons):  SSH, hillbilly walkers, windmills

Mosey to the bottom of the entrance hill and partner up for the main event:
10x Superman Squats (aka, squat picking up your partner from sitting to standing)
20x Jump squats
30ish Lunge walk holds then sprint to top of hill
Rinse and Repeat

Mosey to wall by the flag for 4 minutes of holds
6 in & B2W (you and partner alternate when one fails)

Mosey to half wall around back for quick dora, 100 Merkins, 200 LBCs, 300 squats
Start at edge of lot then run to wall do one muscle up and run back.

Last,  4 minutes of hold
Protractor 10deg & Support position on wall (alternate on failure)

And that’s all she wrote.  This was  a lot of fun.  Prayers and announcements.  Prayers for the guys at VC Summer that were told to go home (which suddenly got a lot more personal).  Prayers for the #Give2Give campaign and the hope that we may reach more guys and improve the quality of life for the Sadclowns that know no better.

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Laces In and Laces Out: Back together Again!!

Long time ago…..in a different AO……Laces Out and Laces In were together. Today we could say that again. Its like meatballs and spaghetti or hot dogs and hamburgers…..its just natural!!

So the Laces out clan arrive at 0500 and take off running to Baxter like the fools they are. Hills and cars and danger Will Robinson!! But they all made it back safely and met us Laces IN  crowd at COT. No water melon ….losers!! haha

Laces In we did a little tour of the High School, with some 4 corners and some other pain stops along the way. There is a ton of potential and no Rosalita calling the 5.0 anymore. If we bother anyone out here, they better join the PAX as they have no other reason to be out there at 0 dark 30.

Great PAX and awesome times. Be sure to post to Laces In/Out and bring an FNG!

Cake Boss Out!

 

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Coliseum Shift Change

18 Gladiators showed up to the #sweathole known as The Colloseum.  It had been rumored there would be changing of the guard.  Most folks were in the dark on who the new Q would be until we started.  Seacrest had the Q and in fairness, I should have let him have it, but chomping at the bit, I was ready to hit it hard and so were 17 of the toughest.

The  Thang:

  • Pearls on a String: mosey following the Q to random parts unknown.  Exercises spread across 3 pearls were SSH, IW, Merkins, Squats, and a decending amount of OYO Burpees
  • Triple Nickel: At the bottom of the hill: 5 squats, Top of the Hill: 5 squats.  Run circuit 5 times.
  • Fishsticks espezial: An awful exercise within an equally awful exercise.  Here we counted to 10 cadence on Ex1 and then to 5 on Ex2.  Rinse/repeat until the distance is covered.  #AskFishsticks  Favorite Choice here, men
    • Bearcrawl/Merkin.  After every ten bearcrawl movements, 5 merkins
    • Lunge/Squat: See Above
    • Backward Bearcrawl/CDD: See Above
    • Crabwalk/LBC: 10 LBCs here.
  • 6MOM: Flutter, Freddie, Rosy, Dolly, H2H, Superman
  • 10 burpee OYO

Naked Man Moleskin-

YHC kept pace with some rabbits today.  First time in a while not being mid PAX.  I credit #Q-drenaline.  DH, Seacrest, Tesh, and Nomad I think won the Royalty Race #King.  I comment on Tesh’s 6 pack , Guns and V-Shape everytime I see him.  Its uncomfortable.   Cornerstone lights my fire at every workout I attend with him.  His #wasnow story is darn good and his humilty is grounding. #FightEmmaFight.

Taking over this Ark of Roman fortitude and strength has me invigorated.  I looking forward to this being my regular Tuesday post and keeping the tradition going of tough #smokefests.  Going to keep the Qlist fluid with an array of leaders.  Make sure you have attended Q school and are fluent in dishing out pain.  A reminder that PAX will follow the Q until they have reason not to.  Unsafe doesnt fortify toughness.  Q’s for Colloseum (and all AOs) need to be prepared to engage #kings and #rabbits as well as mid Pax and #6fortheday Pax.  Using 10 counts, plankoramas or having #kings and #rabbits do extra reps at end are good techniques then move forward to the next as a group.  #shieldlock No man left behind.

Read your newsletter.  CAH Friday, Some sort of Mastodon absurdity and F3 Dads all happening.  Prayers for Emma for her next Chemo treatment, Last Call’s Coworker that was killed in an apartment fire and her family, and Nomad’s leadership and relationships with the youth of the church retreat/camp.

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Jekyll’s Ladder

20 Men descended upon the Colosseum for some pain yesterday. YHC was proud to have such a large group considering all of the great AOs and great Qs we had in the Fort. The Colosseum has become one of the toughest workouts in our region and the  Weinke did not disappoint.

Last year, Jekyll introduced the Pax to the light posts located behind GHES. Interestingly enough there is a great hill attached to those light posts. With a little bit of work by YHC, Jekyll graciously shared his Weinke from last year and it was up to me to execute.

The Thang

Mosey to parking lot avoiding a HUGE spider web along the way

COP

SSH x 30 (that should be the minimum for a COP)

IW x 15

Windmills x 10

CDD x 15

Plank

Mtn Climbers x 20

Plank

Moroccan Night Clubs

Mosey to the light posts

10 light posts to the top. Stop at each one and do the following:

10 Merkins – Round 1

10 Squats – Round 2

10 Bombjacks – Round 3

10 LBCs – Round 4

Time cut us short so we moseyed back doing LBCs along the way and finished at 6:03

Covered 3.9 miles and 100 of each exercises….Whew we were tired!

 

Moleskin

  • Read the newsletter
  • Upcoming 3rd F Convergence on 8/4 with our local school leaders
  • Continued prayer for marriages and our kids as we hit the halfway point of summer
  • Read a great article on Active Listening that has application at work and home. Check it out here https://www.farnamstreetblog.com/2017/07/active-listening/
  • Always a pleasure to lead this group. No question I am better because of the quality of Pax that we have in the Fort.
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