Inaugural swimming (or running) with the fishes

8 dipped their toes in the unknown waters mostly unsure and anxious of where this ride was going to take them so hats off for the trust and willingness to try something “new”.  As the PAX did some stretching while we waited for 0515 (good work on the stretching!), some mumblechatter started to arise, but was quickly snuffed out.

Headlamps and reflective gear were encouraged and these HIMs were prepared…as you’d expect when you read the royalty who’s who that was in attendance. While there was a brief disclaimer, we wasted no time and took off into uncharted waters aside from the weinke YHC had scribbled together previously and had it locked away in my head (no time to carry around paper and read in the dark).

From the veterans parking lot / COT, we mosey’d up to the park where there are stairs and stopped at the first set of benches for a “warm up” which consisted of 20 dips and 20 derkins; rinse and repeat (FYI, stretching and any real warm up can be done prior to 0515….#JustSayin).  Once complete with the 2 rounds, we took off for the “Sweet Baby Jesus” church for some partner work.

Upon arrival at the church, we partnered up where partner 1 ran around the church, then up and down the 3 sections of the stairs while partner 2 did flutters.  Once partner 1 completed their set, there were plank hand slaps for a count of 10 (and in some cases double counts, again, #JustSayin and probably unclear instructions from YHC #MyBad).  Once hand slaps were done, partner 1 and 2 swapped and ran and fluttered.  We did this for 3 complete rounds.  And there may have been an Omaha in there for a quick Elvis trip….no names will be disclosed but luckily the nearest bathrooms were on the path of our next stop.

Off to Harris Street park we went, which was very well lit on the way down and a good amount of side street.  We met at the basketball court for 2 quick rounds of 25 merkins and 50 LBCs.  After the 2 rounds, we headed towards the path to get to WEP.  This path was not well lit, actually about as pitch black as it gets, so the head lamps were a must have.  This path went on and on…and on until we finally took the hard left towards the WEP parking lot.  As we got to the first drill bit, we planked and fluttered while we waited for the six.  Six arrived and we started clockwise around track to the first drillbit for 5 burpees.  Second drillbit, 5 burpees….third drillbit, 5 burpees.

Left the park and headed towards the Founders bank where we did the clockwise loop down Clebourne Street towards Main Street and down the Main Street hill where we stopped just over the railroad tracks.  With 5 minutes remaining, we had time to run up the hill and do 20 LBCs and 20 merkins.  Then back down the hill to COT.

Numbered off, name-o-rama, announcements and prayers and praises were had.  Dark Helmet on Q for next week, and please remember to bring headlamps and/or reflective gear for future reference.

Shady

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Should I see stars in the daylight

As new pain was looming in the air, there was a quiet murmur across the 15 PAX.  Shady jumped in to provide the quick disclaimer, was on point of the 1st half of fun, and began the mosey over to the path where a drill bit warm-up ensued.  Drill bit warm-up included: SSH, merkins, squats (ghost bit got some love), windmills (with some cherry pickers), then finally toy soldiers with stretching and skipped the last drill bit (I just realized this!!)

Ran over to the small wall parking lot where we lined up to attempt sets of 10, then 9, then 8…you get it.  At the bottom we did side squat into a 180 jump side squat = 1 rep (so we did this 10x), then ran and jumped over the small brick wall where we did 10 each leg jumping lunges.  Then back down over the wall for 9, back up for 9….  We made it to about 3 before time expired for round 2.  Shady ran the PAX back to the WEP parking lot, down the back path as if you were going to Harris Street park, then stopped in front of the dreaded monster grassy hill.

A short message from Shady consisted of: do the difficult thing, push the extra 1 degree or percent for the next 30 min.  Yes it will be hard, but…get….over….it.  Then turned it over to Gandalf!

Gandalf loved the hill so much we stayed there where at the top and bottom we did the following:

  • 5 burpees
  • 10 Russian Twists + the 5 burpees
  • 15 merkins + 10 + 5…
  • 20 flutters + 15 + 10 + 5
  • 25 (I think we made it this far but here’s where I’m drawing a blank from exhaustion)

Once Gandalf had enough fun here, he took us to the playground where we partnered up and 1 partner plank walked around the playground while the other partner did 5 pull ups.  Then swap until we made it around the playground.  THEN we lined up across the field for a quick 100-200 yard jailbreak where we were lucky enough to do 30 wide arm merkins.  Since the bell had sounded, we made our way back to COT.

COT took over for the normal counting, name-o-rama, announcements, and prayers and praises.  Enjoyed getting better with everyone and special thanks to Slash for the invite and special pairing of Shady / Gandalf!

Shady

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Speed kills at slow burn

I think we had 16 PAX at slowburn at least that’s what Twister said in the video although I only counted 13.  We always round up.  With cooler temps and a lack of sleep it was a littler harder getting up and moving.  However I didn’t lack any energy based on some of the chatter from the PAX.

Had a brief disclaimer and intro and off we went on a full sprint mosey to the bottom parking lot.  Kicked things off with a little Broga to loosen up the joints.  It’s always a PAX pleaser to do some stretching before jumping into the mix.  We did a few cobra’s, upward/downward dogs and a my favorite pigeon stretch which is good for the buttox and hips.  We moved into a few warmups with SSH, windmills, overhead claps, Moroccan night clubs, Rinse repeat a few times.

On for another mosey to the back of Lowes where we started with dirkens, dips and squats with a nice bear crawl to follow.  Then I had the PAX pick 3 numbers between 1-20 for some self directed pain.  Merkins, shoulder taps, squats, and calf raises.  A few rounds of that with lunges and toy soldiers mixed in.

Off on another lightening speed mosey for a final wrap of four corners.  1.  Merkins, LBC’s, Squats 2.  CDD, calf raises, flutters 3. SSH Shoulder Taps LBC 4.  Mtn. Climbers, rosalitas and Freddie Mercurys.

Final jail break to wrap in COT.

Thanks for the opportunity Hootie!

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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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Mountain trip to Dupont State Forest on August 3rd with Trail Running, Rucking and Biking options – there will be a 2nd F afterwords

3rd F

Alright we are 2 years ago we did a mountain trip to Roan Mtn. it was one of the best trips I have made with my fellow F3 brothers. After 10-16 miles we went to Daniel Boone Inn to refuel.

With this in mind I wanted to continue to do this hopefully every year. So on August 3rd we are going to do another mountain trip. This time it will be Trail Running, Biking and Rucking options.

Our destination will be DuPont State Forest. We will leave from the Newport Walmart at 6 am it is a 2 1/2 hr trip. we will either go to the Hooker Falls Access or the Lake Imaging Access. For runners we will try and get 12-18 miles in for Mountain bikers Vuvuzela has about 20-30 mile rout lined up.

 

2nd F

Afterwords will will go to Daddy D’s and refuel.

 

Make sure you bring water and something for energy do not come unprepared you will regret it. I did exactly that last time. This will be an unforgettable trip that we will try and do every year. we need to clown car to get there since there are no rental vans available.

Reach out to me if you have any questions.  I have attached links below.

Dupont State Forest Trail Map-1

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49206-d2069003-Reviews-Daddy_D_s_Suber_Soulfood-Hendersonville_North_Carolina.html

www.Dupontforest.com

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Joint Operation Command – The JOC – time for revival and invigoration of leadership!

34 Men at the JOC

Was so cool to see two regions come together as originally planned for The JOC. Kenyan has been working hard to attract the PAX from both regions to this awesome AO and today it happened.

I want to thank Kenyan for the opportunity to Q and I am humbled for the call. I want to thank Pusher and DOuble D for accepting the invite to Co-Q with me and making the 3 headed monster complete. The compliants about it being a moderate site were outstanding…..Thank you! I want to thank all the PAX for posting this morning and you all have choices and I don’t take it lightly that you chose to post at The JOC. T-clapps to Lake Wylie PAX for posting and making the trek….much appreciated. Way to go FNG Steve – aka Bluto for posting. That was no easy task for 1st Timer and you did awesome!!

The Thang:

Cake Boss intro and disclaimer and them off to Soccer field lot

  • COP
    • Plank
    • Merkins
    • SIde Straddle HOps
    • LBCs
    • Plank
    • Wide Arm Merkins
    • Imperial Walkers
    • Freddy Murcurys
    • Plank
    • Peter Parkers
    • Moracan Night CLubs
    • Squats
    • Hello Dollys
    • Plank
    • Parker Peters
  • Mosey to end of lot
    • High Knees half way then mosey to end
    • BUtt kickers half way then mosey to end

Hand off to Pusher

  • 5 Burpees
  • Mosey 100 yards or so
  • 4 Burpees
  • Mosey 100 yards or so
  • 3 burpees
  • Mosey 100 yards or so
  • 2 burpees
  • Mosey 100 yards or so
  • 1 burpees
  • I think we did exercises after running but who knows…..people we dying and I pulled my hip flexor, but it was all getting us better!!!

Hand off to Double D

  • 6 Burpees
  • Bearcrawl/backward bearcrawl at each light change
  • 7 Burpees
  • lunge/backward lunge at each light change
  • 8 burpees
  • Mosey
  • 9 burpees
  • Sprint
  • 10 burpees
  • Again  we did exercises after running but who knows…i was seeing the Saints in the clouds

COT

Great time was had by all. Kenyan has solid Q list of guys to pull into the JOC Q rotation. Read your newsletters!!

Steve FNG – Bluto owns or runs the Amor Artis brewery on main street n Ft Mill. Go hit him up but more importantly……get him to post and get better each day!

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Blockparty- Just work

Blockparty- WEP- The original home F3thefort.
Always great to Q anywhere but especially fun to come home to where you were introduced to this crazy group of HIMS.
THe tweet that went out this week was simple I was not trying to take you from your normal post site but I did promise if you came here you would have to put in real work.
Lets start- Disclaimer by fast mosey to small parking lot outside of park area.
Circle up for warmups. 15-20 of each of the following
SSH, Mtn. Climbers, flutter kicks, Merkins, windmills
Mosey to building with knee walls- 15 box jumps, 15 dips, 15 derkins- 3 sets drop 5 each time.
Plank while Q discusses discernment and the need for accountablitiy.
Mosey to wall- chair sits while everyone broad jumps past the line.
Next plank with feet up on wall while pax bear crawl past.
Hold Al Gore while pax lunge walks past.
Mosey to flag pole- Pledge of Allegiance.
Hill time- 11s- 1 at bottom 10 at top. 2/9 etc. merkin at bottom Big boy situp at top.
Mosey to COT.
Announcements, Prayers, Praises.
Backdraft out.

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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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Gemini Birthday Bash

The Thang:

Mosey to the parking lot near the tennis courts

COP: Hillbilly Walkers(20x), Imperial Walkers (15x), 1 min of 7 burpees and 33 SSH, 3x

Mosey to the band’s practice parking lot

Jack Webb Style with Crackin Burpees for the 1 and Bobby Hurley for the 4 with 3-4 partners for encouragement

Bomb Jacks (100x), Overhead Claps (200x), Merkins (100x), Big Boy Sit Ups (100x), Squats (200x)

Moleskin:

On this glorious day, we followed our own advice of not “going it alone.” So we decided to lock shields to celebrate the 40th birthday of two Geminis that were born two days apart. We are humbled and honored by the love and support of our F3 brothers for our birthday bash. We can’t thank you enough.

As we turn 40 years old, we understand that we are progressing into the next season of life. Age 0 to 20 is the spring season where we identify who we are. Age 20 to 40 is the summer season where we learn and grow. Age 40 to 60 is the fall season where we influence others. Age 60+ is the winter season where we share wisdom with others.

What season of life are you in? Own it. Celebrate life and your season daily.

Peace,

Deacon & Shady

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Blown tire = Bullpen

Lets just put this out there.  I was HURTIN.  The Murph did me in like no one’s business.  Shoulders, arms, no extension.  The bed was calling.  Obligation as a PAX and as a site Q made my decision for me.  Have to do the hard thing.  Reborn has been on schedule for months and I got a call at 4:30 saying his tire had blown.  No problem.

Pulling into The Coloseeum there were already a large group of men gathering waiting.  With nothing prepared, I decided shared leadership was the key today.

Maximus: COP

Jekyll: 16s on the track.  Carolina Dry Docks and Jumping Lunges at each corner of track.  15/1, 14/2, 13/3….1/15.

Dungaree: Wall Muscle ups, BTTW

MacGuyver: Wall sits into merkins back into Wall sits (#crowdpleaser)

Gekko: Street lights.  AYG to next to pole 2, mosey to pole 3, AYG to pole 4. repeato until 10th pole

Walker: Cant remember but probably Merkins

Jekyll: Mary

all were completely smoked.  Always great to have the high energy and expectation from Walker.  He really drives me to be better and do better.  Unwavering principled man.

We finished up and met up with Ruckers and Pathfinders.

Aye!

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