Tag: Ruby Slippers

Varsity 12.04.20

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Seven men attended the Varsity workout on Friday.  We began with a few warm-up exercises (SSHs, IWs, WMs, MNCs) before the main event.

Next, we made our way over to the pull-up bars.  Earlier in the morning, I wrote the exercise routines on the pavement using chalk.  The problem, it was dark and my writing was a little sloppy.  I spent a couple minutes going over the routine.  One exercise at the pull up bars, run to the stop sign for the next two exercises, up the hill for the next two exercises, and back down to the pull up bars for the next round.

Round 1:  Bar – Jump Grabs ; Stop sign – Lunges, Monkey Humpers; Top – Squats, Calf Raises

Round 2:  Bar – Toe Touches ; Stop sign – LBCs, Flutters; Top – American Hammers, Hello Dollies

Round 3:  Bar – Pull-ups ; Stop sign – Merkins, Shoulder Taps; Top – Dips, Carolina Dry Docks

Rinse and Repeat

Rounds 1 – 3, rep count:  Bar – 5; Stop sign – 10; Top – 10

Rounds 4 – 6, rep count :  Bar – 10; Stop sign – 20; Top – 20

Rounds 7 – 9, rep count:  Bar – 15; Stop sign – 30; Top – 30

Great conversation and encouragement by all.

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Expect the Unexpected

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As the first Q to kickoff the Block Party December to Remember, I knew I had a huge shoe to fill seeing the lineup Bobber scheduled. So I figured I had to take a page out of my Yinzer’s Q book and do something that I am not a fan of – burpees. If you have ever posted to one of my Q’s, you know there will be plenty of merkins and pull-ups, but not burpees nor running. Well, expect the unexpected.

I pulled in to the parking lot with some ideas, but no Weinke. When I mentioned this as we were standing around waiting for 05:15 start, you could imagine the mumble chatter!

So the Thang:

Was about to mossy when I called a Switzer and circled up for some stretching, then we mossy to Hobo parking lot for a little bit of COP. Low slooowww squats, merkins, and OH claps. Lines up at dumpster and for 5 rounds: 5 burpees, 10 squats, 15 merkins, run to Main Street Gazebo and back and rinse and repeat. Tesh was on round 5 when most PAX were on round 3…but his shirt was still on so maybe that slowed him down.

Mossy to “The Hill”. I figured most of the PAX won’t travel west of the Peach Stand on a Saturday to experience #BAOPS, so why not bring it to them! NUR up the hill and perform 1 burpee. Run down the hill, 10 LBCs. NUR up to 2 burpees, run down to 20 LBCs. NUR up to 3 burpees, run down to 30 LBCs. NUR up to 4 burpees, run down to 40 LBCs. NUR up to 5 burpees, run down to 50 LBCs.

Run to the park across from Main Street/160 intersection. 10 merkins, run up the stairs to the Xmas tree for 20 Freddie Mercury’s. Run back. Rinse and repeat by adding 5 additional reps at each end, with running the stairs in between. I realized I still had 8 minutes, so went back down the ladder to 15 merkins then 10 merkins with runnign the stairs in between each set with Freddies at the tree.

There is a snippet of what you  would experience at #BAOPS @ Alcatraz. Fill up your gas tank, get your M’s approval, and get your passport stamp some Saturday at #BAOPS – YOU WON’T REGRET IT

Thanks for the opportunity to lead!

Prayers go to Splinter’, Bobber, Trucker, and more recently Orange Crush son!

Trucker

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Know before you show…

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Tuesday’s are a treat here in The Fort so why should Tuesday, November 24 be any different? In an effort to ensure the PAX got their money’s worth, I decided to post the Weinke on Slack ahead of time. This gave them the choice of whether or not they wanted to make a run at it. That said, 14 PAX joined me at the Colosseum to give it a run.

Warm-up run around the drop off lanes for both schools, taking us back to the basketball hoops.
50ea I/C: SSH, Merkins (harder to actually do this than write this), Flutters

Line it up for sprints down/back: 50%, 75%, AYG

Mosey to the 1/2 wall: 25 Muscle Ups, 25 Mike Tysons, 15 get over the wall

Mosey to the back bus road. Nur up the road to the top. Run down but stop at each light pole for 10 Hand-Release Merkins, 20 Jump Squats, 30 Freddy Mercury’s (count how you wish since I tend to change my mind)

More was on the Weinke so it’ll have to wait for another day.

Loads of prayer requests and praises to be grateful for. Safe travels and for those not traveling, see you at the Convergence, Thursday at the Ranch.

Maximus

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Douangdara

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11 men posted at Honey Bader on a cool damp morning.
Disclaimer given and we were off with a mosey run (side shuffles, high knees, toy soldiers included)
Circle up for the WARMUP
SSH (12x I/C)
Windmills (12x I/C)
Imperial Walkers (12x I/C)
Morrocan N/C (12x I/C)
Low Slow Squats (12x I/C)
Arm Circles (12x I/C)
Peter Parkers (12x I/C)
Plank Stretches (12x I/C)

Run to school entrance
Plank
Read the account of the 31 US soldiers killed in the Extortion 17 Chinook helicopter shot down in Afghanistan (copied below).

Bench work
Derkins (17)
Step ups (20)
Dips (17)
Butt touch squats (17)
Incline Merkins (20)
Calf raises (17)
Leg lifts, grab post (17)

Run to pull up bars
Pull up routine:
Regular pull up (8)
Switch grip (6 and 6)
Toes to bar (11)

All pax grab a cinder block go to street
All pax Plank
Read hero story of 1st class Petty Officer John Douangdara, 26, and his Military Working Dog Bart (copied below)
Relay/block routine #1
Run to distance #1, run back to start
Blocks: do 13 curls, 13 squats (13+13=26)
Run to distance #2, run back to start
Blocks: do 13 curls, 13 squats
Run to distance #3, run back to start
Blocks: do 13 curls, 13 squats

Flutter for six, with block

Relay/block routine #2
Crawl Bear to distance #1, run back to start
Blocks: do 13 OH Press, 13 KB swings
Crawl Bear to distance #2, run back to start
Blocks: do 13 OH Press, 13 KB swings
Crawl Bear to distance #3, run back to start
Blocks: do 13 OH Press, 13 KB swings
Flutter w/ block for six,
Return blocks

Pull up routine again:
Regular pull up (8)
Switch grip (6 and 6)
Toes to bar (11)

To the street, a little mary to collect everyone:
Gas pumpers,
American Hammers

Run suicides to three cones.

Run to shovel flag.
Mary: Freddie Mercuries, Mountain Climbers, LBCs

Fini, COT
TWO FNG’s!  first is “Poppins” (a chimney sweep) EH’d by Refugee, and “Yeti” (2.0 of Sasquatch).

Take Aways: Need lights for the cones to see better in the dark.

Extortion 17
On August 6, 2011, a U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook helicopter approached a landing zone in Afghanistan 40 miles southwest of Kabul. The helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was on a mission to support the 75th Ranger regiment that had secured an insurgent compound and were tracking down fleeing enemy militants.

As the chinook approached the landing zone, two enemy fighters ran out of a building and launched rocket propelled grenades. The first round missed the helicopter, but the second struck its rear roto blade. The resulting explosion caused a disastrous imbalance and tore the chinook apart. The helicopter spun out of control and crashed. There were no survivors.
The loss of 31 us military service members was devastating singular loss. Those killed were some of the U.S.’s most highly trained and battle-honed commandos.

In past Honey Badger workouts, I have chosen other Extortion 17 members to honor: Snr CPO Kraig Vickers; CPO Stephen M Mills; Specialist Spencer Duncan; Senior Chief Petty Officer Heath Robinson

Today we honor:
Petty Officer 1st Class John Douangdara, and military working dog Bart
John (nick named “Jet Li”) Douangdara was born on December 29, 1984, in Sioux City, Iowa. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 15, 2002, and served at posts in the US, Europe and Iraq. In 2008 John became an Assault dog handler and deployed multiple times to Afghanistan to support SEAL team operations; and was the lead dog handler for SEAL team six. John and One of his dogs, toby, saved the lives of six Canadian service members, where unfortunately his dog died of injuries received in the actions. Later, both john and his dog received honors from the Canadian military for their actions.
On Aug 6 2011 1st class PO Douangdara (aged 26)  and his military working dog Bart were killed in the extortion 17 chinook crash from being shot down by enemy fire.
John is survived by his parents and four brothers and sisters.
Today There is a dog park named after John in Sioux City Iowa. John is laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, and the Purple Heart.

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October Hustle

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9 Stallions greeted October at the Ranch for a Bootcamp and were joined by 2 Ruckers at COT.

The Thang:

Mosey to Square Field for Warm Up

  • SSH
  • Imperial Walkers
  • Hill Billy Walkers
  • Burpees

Mosey to Middle School Back Parking Lot

Bearpees – Jack Webb Burpee 1×4 Bear Crawl

Escalator. One exercise with prescribed count (IC), run the full lot and back

  • 10 Burpees
  • 20 Merkins
  • 30 CDD
  • 40 Low Slow Squats
  • 50 Lunges

Paula Abdul – 5 Burpees, Run Forward 3 Spots, Back 1 the length of the Parking Lot

Mosey around to back of School for Inchworm Merkins for length of the first building.

Mosey to Middle School Pickup Line for Merkin Gassers.  Set of 10 of each followed by Gassers to each speed bump and back.

  • Diamond Merkins
  • Werkins
  • Rangers
  • Merkins

Indian Run back to start for 6MOM and COT

Announcements: Read your Newsletter.

 

Honor to Serve.

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Stay Hard

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I’ve been reading a handful of books these days, and one phrase that has stuck within my mind (as well as my SL) is #StayHard. It has pushed me through the mindset of “I can’t do this” or “I shouldn’t do this.” How many times have we told ourselves that? My question for the PAX today was this: will you stay hard?

And with that, we moseyed.

 

Iteration 1 – Bus Loop Hill Elevens

Nur up grass hill

Run down grass hill 

Bobby Hurleys at the top, CDD’s at the bottom.

Mosey around back of school to playground, switchbacking through the parking lot as we travel.

 

Iteration 2 – Playground Circuit

10 – 8 – 6 – 4 – 2 

Pull Ups

20 – 15 – 10 – 5

Burpees – Merkins – Squats – Lunge Walk – Dips 

Do one round of pull-ups, then one round of the BMSLD’s. Drop the count, repeat. Work your way down to the end.

Low plank in wait for the six between each round.

Mosey to front soccer field in a roundabout fashion.

 

Iteration 3 – Soccer Field Bear Crawl CMIYC

P1 Bear Crawls while partner Bomb Jacks, mosey to partner and flap jack. 

5 Bomb jacks each round, 5 rounds total. It was just enough for a full out and back between goals.

 

Mary

20 x WWI Sit Up

10 x Gas Pumpers w/arms raised

10 x Crunchy Frog

 

‘Twas a wonderful beatdown that encouraged heavy breathing and sore body parts. 2.4 miles traveled in total. The men put in the work, and it was good. Remember when you’re feeling weak or sore, you can still push through your mental barriers. Stay hard.

 

Announcements

FIA Marathon – Support them any way you can!

Chikin N Wizdom Zoom tomorrow morning, 0630 – 0715 w/Straight Up!

 

Prayer Requests

Ruby Slippers’ co-coaches son, Levi, having seizures more often than usual – pray for this bout of his epilepsy to subside.

Those who are isolated due to COVID, in and out of medical facilities.

Cake Boss’ injury and being on IR.

Geronimo’s job search.

 

Thanks Ruby Slippers for scheduling me literally three months ago! Felt like forever, but YHC still didn’t have the weinke built until last night… hope y’all enjoyed it.

 

Punch List out.

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Just. Keep. Posting.

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On a crisp 48 degree morning, a similar # of pax posted for a convergence at The Fort/Milkshake to commemorate 8 yrs of pain and impact in the Gloom of Fort Mill, SC and elsewhere in York County.   The occasion drew pax from Rock Hill, Metro and Raleigh.

The Thang

Double D led a warm up with yog to the Church of God parking lot plus some Carioca

COP — Mtn Climbers, Peter Parker, Parker Peter, Monkey Humpers, SSH, Seal Jacks, Merkins

Hand off to Jekyll

Yog up the hill to the rug factory lot and a re-introduction to, yes, you guessed it  — The Board Pain!!!

See photo for the Weinke from here….or check your soreness today (Sunday) for those who were present.  A Jekyll Classic!  Heard at F3 from Redwood @Santini “I’ve been avoiding this Board for years…100 Burpees!!”

Yog back home

COT

Naked Man Moleskin

8 years…Is that a long time?  Well, the average time of degree completion for US college students is 6 years.  Only 50% of startups make it to the 5th year mark.  So, I suppose 8 years qualifies as something of a landmark.  At the same time, I don’t personally remember much about being 8 years old.  What about the 8 years from 2-10 years old?  Or maybe 10-18 years old?  Yes, I remember more…and if I had my way I’d like to forget some of those moments!

Well, I can remember quite a bit of the past 8 years.  I quite clearly remember 9.29.12…a date etched in my memory like my wedding day, my daughters’ birth dates and my birthday.

As I reflect back on 8 years of #Impact delivered by the men of F3TheFort, what really matters is 10.06.12 and 10.13.12.  You see, those were the Saturdays when pax returned to WEP for week 2 and week 3.  And FNGs posted for their own personal version of #TheLaunch.  And then Saturdays became Tuesdays, too.  And then a short time later they also became Thursdays.   In the end, what matters the most is not what happened in the past, but what happens today.  Or what will happen tomorrow when pax post to one of 30+ workouts across Fort Mill/Tega Cay or 70+ workouts across York County.

Just. Keep. Posting.  The one true constant across life is #Change.  Since 2012, I’ve moved to a different house,  nurtured two chicks out of the nest, collected a paycheck from two additional employers and traversed through a lot of ups and downs.  One of my rocks during this period has been the community of #HIMs known as F3TheFort.  You’ve been steady in your acceptance of me each time I post.  And along the way, you’ve revealed to me more and more parts of myself as you’ve revealed parts of yourself.  I know I’m all the better for it, and so is my family.  I’m pretty certain you’re better too.  And in the process our town, county and country are also better.

So, yes, we should take heart in what’s transpired over the past 8 years.  It is remarkable.  It is a blessing.  Some might call it a miracle….or miracles.  And the only way to honor this fruit and express our gratitude to God and the men who’ve contributed (past and present) is to Just. Keep. Posting.  Because if a day ever comes when no one posts…well…let’s Just. Keep. Posting.

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2 Mile Moderate Ruck and… Jello Shots?

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Due to construction at Walter Elisha Park, Millllkshake met at Fort Mill First Baptist Church with The Fort. After the disclaimer, 6 split-off for a 2 mile moderate ruck that included some church stairs, and a couple good hills. We set off on the pre-determined route, stopping four times for some low, slow squats, pushups, and a few other exercises.

Along the way, we had a great conversation about what it means to be a man. This included being responsible for protecting, providing for, and training up our wives and children. (among others) We thought about who in our lives had been good examples to us, guiding us on this journey to become men, and what  we are doing to be good examples to those we are responsible for.

I lost both of my Grandfathers this year, and spent some time reflecting on what I’ve learned from them. I’m grateful for good examples that I can think back on, and I strive to practice what I’ve learned as I raise my own children, and as I lead other men in a professional setting as well.

At some point during the walk, Bowser shared a story about when he stood-up for his sister, and the conversation shifted to some less-good examples of good decision making. It seemed that many of those experiences were closely related to the vicinity of jello-shots. (Not Bowser) 😉

Thank you for the good conversation, and thanks Drop Thrill for the opportunity!

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RPG/Varsity Convergence

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It was a beautiful rainy morning. 17 dudes converged under the awning at NaFo. A dozen or so arrived by 05:00 for some Sasquatch Broga. Around 05:20 we started the Varsity Bootcamp. This is usually when the RPG guys would take off running but since it was raining cats and dogs, everybody decided to stay for my beatdown. I appreciated the crowd.

The Warm Up: Broga w/ Sasquatch and then 25 SSH
The Thang: HIIT as follows:
Burpees: 60s
Rest: 45s
Merkins: 45s
Rest: 20s
Squats: 45s
Rest: 20s
LBCs: 60s
Rest: 20s
Mountain Climbers: 45s
Rest: 20s
Bear Crawls: 1 lap around the circle
Rest: 45s
Imperial Walkers: 45s
Rest: 20s
Plank Jacks: 45s
Rest: 20s
Monkey Humpers: 45s
Rest: 20s
SSH: 60s
Rest: 20s
Flutter Kicks: 45s
Rest: 20s
Rosalitas: 45s
Rest: 20s
Alternating Shoulder Taps: 45s
Rest: 20s
Bomb Jacks: 45s
Rest: 20s
60s Intro to the new Site Q Splinter
Rinse and Repeat from the top

I enjoyed this workout more than I thought I would. I love the Seconds app and HIIT style. I encourage the Pax to give it a try for a workout. It’s worth the price to upgrade to the full version.

COT
Shovel Flag Handoff off from Harry Carry to Splinter

I am extremely proud of my good friend Splinter. It took 2.5 years of EH’ing to get him out in the gloom. Now he’s running with the Big Boys 4-5 days each week and responsible for an AO. ‘At a boy Splinter!

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The site formally known as The COOP.

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Let me start off by saying cancer sucks. It took one of our PAX last week and I am still mad about it. Jay Griggs known in the gloom as Cash, 51 battled this aweful disease on and off for about two years. He left behind his wife Christine and two kids Katie (14) and Will (12). We came together today to do a workout for him and also to rename this AO in his honor. We wanted to give a name that if someone who didnt know Cash would ask we could explain that the name was in his honor and keep Jays legacy in The Fort going. More on the name at the end.
We statrted with a disclaimer and quick dynamic warmup.
51 SSHs in cadence.
Mosey down the hill for some instructions.
3 cones at bottom of hill. do the first cone run up hill to nafo crosswalk do 10 bombjacks, run back to pull up bars do 5 pull ups, run down to bottom of hill for the next cone, keep repeating until YHC stops the group.
Cone 1- Merkins and Squats
Cone 2- CDDs and American Hammers
Cone 3- Alternating lunges and Alternating Shoulder taps
At each of the cones we did a total between the two exercises 51 reps.
Mosey back to Cot.
We took this time to let the Pax know the AO formally known as The Coop was now to be known as Ring of Fire. One of Jonny Cashs greatest hits. So when someone says how did this palce get the name we can explain.
Announcements and naming of FNG.
FNG- Sappin Patel- Spam
reach out to funhouse to help with at risk middle school kids on their off days from school_ takes palce at forest hill church.
8th annual anniversary party of the Fort. held Oct 2nd 630-930 at 3399 Pleasant Rd. Convergence the following morning at 0630 first baptist fort mill.
Prayers-
for the family of Cash.
marriages and keeping real with raising shorties.
Backdraft Out.

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