Author: Saab

  • Worst Close-Out Ever…

    • 11 congregated around the U of R lake, showing varying degrees of interest regarding which route they would take;
    • As YHC spouted instructions with a map in tow, many expressed uncertainty on which direction to go;
    • Lab Rat took off on his own direction, with Fudd as a companion upon later inspection;
    • Sippy, Splinter, and Hardywood in front as one could plainly see, yet Hardywood dropped off near the end – supposedly having to pee;
    • In hitting the steepest hills Pucker showed just what to do, while Two Can was not far behind sporting his new Scorpion tattoo;
    • Bootleg was strong as ever as he ran toward others to join, while Circle K peddled off somewhere pondering his next pork-loin;
    • And lastly TYA wearing nothing but his Nike-Pro tights, left little to the imagination for awakening residents just turning-on their lights;

    Saab Abides

  • Lindsay does Lindsay

    A lucky 13 descended upon Tuckahoe Elementary to jumpstart their week.  This is what transpired more or less…

    COP:  Helicopters, DQ’s, DRM’s

    Lindsays on Lindsay:  Mosey (halfway) down Lindsay.  Perform Lindsays starting with 30 Merkins, run to top, 10 J-Squats…repeat Lindsay-style.

    11’s:  Near parking lot, find a nice patch of grass for your ass and start with WWII’s.  Run up embankment, touch fence, then perform Merkin…repeat 11’s Style.

    Field:

    • 10 Donkey Kicks, Bear Crawl to center of field, perform 10 Heels to Heaven, Crab Walk Back
    • Repeat above starting with 20 DK’s then 20 4 count Flutter Kicks.
    • Repeat again with 30 DK’s then 30 two count LBCs.  Polar Bear back

    Catch Me if you Can:  Partner runs backward while other performs 5 Merkins.  Tag up and switch.  Continue for 5 minutes back and forth across field.

    Few Minutes of Mary (Hello Dollys and Scissors), then COT.

    Moleskin:

    Shakedown provided YHC a heads-up yesterday that he would be bringing an FNG (Tony) to the workout.  Although he missed the stellar COP, he arrived in plenty of time for Lindsays to commence.

    Creative juices were not flowing today so the PAX/Q initially landed on the name Pothole – given Tony’s work with VDOT.  Both Tony and the Q were less than enthused.  Afterward YHC did some research on the Corp of Engineers – which Tony had also been with for many years.  After consultation with others, he has been dubbed “Ponch” – a somewhat verbal abbreviation of “Lake Pontchartrain.”  This is the lake which breached the levees built by the Army Corp of Engineers during hurricane Katrina.

    Welcome Ponch.  YHC was impressed you were already thinking of exercises to offer in the event it was a hot potato Q.  We look forward to your return and leading this group someday.

    Saab abides.

     

  • Please give this guy a haircut

    17 men were almost rudderless with Lockjaw not manning the Q.  A few jumped on their bikes with the remaining (15?) taking off toward the Carillon or thereabouts…

    • Welcome to Hitchhiker on his virgin RAMM.  According to Goose, he really enjoyed it…but apparently not enough to stick around for the COT
    • Shakedown wants to join the ranks of the hairless for a very worth cause.  Let’s show him both our love, and our desire for him to stop having to ask:    https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/984556/2018
    • See BT on how to properly apply a merkin (not the exercise, but the device used to cover one’s dong)

    Saab abides

  • Ode to Lockjaw

    A lucky 13 descended upon Tuckahoe Elementary expecting Lockjaw, but finding a rusty Saab in his place.  This is what transpired, more or less…

    COP:  Windmills, DQ’s (varying speeds), HRM’s, and LBC’s

    Tuckahoe field:  DK’s, bear crawl, merkins, run across field, WWIIs, then return running backwards.  Start with 10 count, 20, then 30 for each.

    Dora Countdowns:  300 Flutter Kicks, 200 LBCs, 100 Burpees.  Partner runs across parking lot and up embankment.

    Mary:  Rosalitas, Dollys, Heels to Heaven

    11’s (between light poles):  Jump Squats and HRMs

    Moleskin:

    YHC was a substitute Q for Lockjaw after he suffered a hand injury over the weekend involving stitches.  Some surmised it may have been a result of Lockjaw punching his insolent neighbor who reportedly built a fence over the property line.  YHC views Lockjaw as a gentle soul who would never resort to physical violence, but everyone has their breaking point I guess…and Lockjaw’s is apparently 8 inches.

    It had been sometime since YHC had Q’d, which was evident to the PAX.  Cadence was variable speed, and instructions sometime differed from the intended exercise.  Despite that, there was nothing but kind words of support from the PAX given throughout the workout (not really).

    Always a pleasure to be part of this group

    Saab abides

  • I’m really pushing now…

    28 descended upon Dogpile in reasonable temperatures for light calisthenics.  This is what transpired, more or less…

    As Lockjaw is still under the weather (get better soon buddy), he asked Circle K if he would take the Q this morning.  Since CK has his birthday-Q next week and was running on a tight schedule, he rightly opted for a hot potato.

    Circle K (first Q):

    COP:  Invisible Jump Ropes (i.e. jump up and down aimlessly), DQ’s (Sloooooowly), Squats.

    Ascending dips up Carillon steps (1 to 18).  Descending Inclined Merkins (18 to 1).  Plank up.  After a few reach-arounds and turns at Wilson’s Wife, turn Q over to Gomer Pyle

    Gomer Pyle:

    Hallelujah up steps of Carillon (i.e. holding arms in air) then single dip down each step.  Advance to circle past Carillon…

    Curb Crawls:  Bear Crawl then Crawl Bear back and forth 5 times.  1 merkin/derkin off the curb each time.

    Abs:  WWII’s, Flutter Kicks, Hello Dolly’s, (YHC is sure there were others…).  Turn Q over to Slurpee…

    Slurpee:  Partner up.  200 leg tosses among the pair.  Turns Q to Kubota (pre-VQ)

    Kubota:  Long mosey to Love Hill.  Partner carries ALL THE WAY up Love Hill…rotate carries as needed.

    Saab:  Jacob’s ladder up/down hill behind Carillon.  Ascending Burpees at the top of each hill up to 7.  Run to flag for quick Merkin Ring of Fire

    Just a few notes and observations from today’s workout.  YHC is certain there will be many more:

    • Apparently it is not Saab who HAS THE RUNS today.  Get well Swirly and I hope it passes (ha) soon.
    • Either YHC has inspired a few, or the PAX is just getting older and stiffer.  It was nice to see some others (Wilson) fall behind on the Don Quixote cadence today.
    • Speaking of older and stiffer, Marcel Marceau briefly mistook YHC for Hardywood.  YHC almost blushed.
    • Kudos to Kubota for his pre VQ (scheduled for Hoedown in a few weeks).  Once called upon by Slurpee he took off running towards Love Hill so fast, the PAX almost lost sight of him.
    • Marmaduke apparently lit off a few bombs this morning.  At one point during the inclined merkins – with a few concerned PAX facing his posterior –  he declared “he was really pushing…”
    • Thanks to Loveseat for helping to pound through the leg tosses.  50 per shot was a smoker.
    • YHC appreciates the growing number of positions applied to Wilson’s Wife.  He is certain the feeling is mutual.
    • Thanks to Shakedown for partner carries up Love Hill.  He would have carried the entire distance were it not for him taking intermittent breaks from Saab’s mumble-chatter in his left ear.
    • Welcome to Flatline’s 2.0 now named (Wet) Willy

    Announcements:

    Breaking Bread on Sunday.  Please contact Rosie or Hardywood if you are interested in joining them.

    CSAUP signup now (worksheet has been posted)

    Saab abides

     

     

  • Shakedown Shuffle

    3 Men, One Female, one Canine, and one Buck* met up for a chilly yet sunny and calm morning for a lap around one of RVA’s many outdoor gems. Here’s what transpired…

    Routes:

    • 10 mile:  South Side (Buttermilk), Forest Hill, New Bridge, return on North Bank
    • 7 mile:  South Side (Buttermilk), New Bridge, return on North Bank*
    • ? mile:  North Side to Tx Beach entrance and return.

    Highlights:

    • Welcome again to Whistleblower who wanted to experience the trails.  As expected, the PAX were gentlemen and no whistles were blown.
    • Shakedown and Lola met up with Offshore and Sally on their return across North Bank and came back as a group.
    • Shakedown performed his classic shuffle a couple times thanks to the hidden roots and rocks but no one was injured in the performance.
    • *Thanks to Shakedown and Lola for adding an extra mile to their run by finishing and then doubling-back to scoop up YHC who was coming along North Bank
    • **Word has it, Shakedown and/or Lola were nearly impaled by what was described as a majestic buck.  We are fortunate to have access to such a terrific park system and wildlife.

    Saab abides

  • Visions of Splashing Bordeaux

    A frigid 23 left the comfort of their automobiles to see if a Dogpile beatdown would compensate for their sudden loss of heat.  This is what transpired…more or less:

    COP:  Don Quixote’s (10)

    Red Barchetta:  Run out to 25, 50, 75, and 100 and perform same # of stated exercise:  Burpees, Merkins, Mountain Climbers, Flutter Kicks…respectively

    It’s a Frickin’ Triangle:  Polar Bear, 10 Merkins.  Run…20 J-Squats….run backwards (uphill).  30 WWII’s (Proper, Hardywood-style).  Heels to Heaven for early finishes.

    Amphitheater:  Alternating Derkins and Dips on down (5 each).  Alternating Incline-Merkins and Heals to Heaven back up (5 each).

    Lindsays (Saab’s Version):  Hill and Valley behind Amphitheater… 35 Donkey Kicks on top of one hill, 5 Squats on top of other hill.  Perform 5 Merkins on bottom each time one passes.  Decrement/Increment count by 5 until 5/35 is completed.

    Ring of Fire (10 Merkins).  Mary:  Hello Dollys, Rosalitas, Box Cutters (40 for Honeydo’s upcoming ascendency out of “hate”)

    Moleskin

    Since YHC could not discern much chatter over the din of Lab Rat’s discourse, the following is a summary of observations throughout the workout:

    • Hitchhiker’s proximity to the AO was learned after first questioning his ability to see through his windshield which was completely covered in frost.
    • On the subject of Hitcher, congrats on his pending arrival…(his M is “Up the Duff”)
    • To the BB title, HoneyDo informed YHC early on he was a little hungover after finishing a vintage ($250) bottle of 83 Bordeaux.  Not only does that solidify YHC’s opinion of HoneyDo as a real high-roller, he knew HD would never regurgitate such a fine vintage into the grounds of the AO.
    • Supposedly, Saab’s workouts generate a desire to regularly check one’s watch.  YHC is not certain if this is due to boredom or something else.
    • According to Lab Rat, YHC did not have a proper “COP”.  YHC sorely disputes this claim…
    • Given YHC’s poor track-record for studying the Lexicon, it should have come as no surprise that Saab had a different definition of Lindsays – as was pointed out when he chose the ratio of 35/5.
    • There was a brief moment of concern at the base of the amphitheater when YHC noticed one PAX member laying motionless on the bottom step….particularly since our resident doctor is currently relaxing in Hawaii (bitches).
    • Speaking of Bleeder, he clocked today’s workout as covering 3.8M…Apologies went to Swirly afterward who is working through some serious knee pain.
    • On the subject of Swirly, it has become evident (why’d it take me this long) that you can’t argue with, or give good advice to Corporate nor a Stubborn Swirly.  Does he take time off after running a 100k/64M race?…nah…recovery is for sucks, right Swirl?

    Announcements:  HDHH this Wednesday at the Answer – a celebration of all that is HoneyDo (40)

    Saab abides

     

  • Ode to Mount Julian (aka Henrico)

    A lucky 7 arrived for a run among familiar places.

    Absent were those who recently ran rather grueling and difficult races.

    With an out and back options of differing miles

    And a slightly non-pc joke leading to a few groans and smiles

    The PAX was content in having put one another through their paces

    <fin>

    Thoughts and prayers to Splinters wife’s, sister’s father who was in a severe car accident recently and is having a challenging and painful recovery.

    Saab out

  • 10k x 10 = 100k…Woof!

    2 stubborn stalwarts, one superfluous Saab, and an (oral?) thermometer-carrying Circle K descended upon the Devil Dog 100k in Prince William State Park.  The following is a comprehensive and irrefutable summary of observations from this completely impressive and utterly grueling event…more or less.

    • Ultra marathons are aptly named…they are a beast and test both the physical and mental aspects of one’s fortitude.  TYA and Swirly demonstrated their ability and resolve to overcome and conquer any challenge.  T-Claps to you both for completing the Devil Dog 100k…Sixty Five miles +… (yes it was longer than what your conversion chart will tell you).
    • Having just run one loop in the dark in freezing temperatures, YHC was reminded of the “Barclay” and what those runners had to go through after completing a loop – only to have to repeat it in the dark.  One finds that when a runner has covered a loop for the third time – under sleep-deprived and excessive-fatigue conditions – each loop is a new experience.
    • When attending such events it is important to remember that courtesy is paramount and one must remember that the staff are volunteers and not indentured servants.  Although no such behavior would come from our F3 brethren, it is amazing how poorly some (outside RVA) treat some support staff.
    • On a lighter note, the running community is a great one, both those who participate and those who volunteer.  Everyone is welcoming and always eager to help.  Support staff at the Devil Dog were terrific.
    • Many thanks to our VA state park system. Their restroom stalls are the warmest one would find …absent periodic interruptions from Circle K who was keeping YHC apprised if his arrival plans and thermometer selection.
    • This race brought back personal memories of Bel Monte and Bear Creek (well done guys!!).
    • Thanks to Circle K for making the trip up as soon as he was available….Always there when you need him.
    • TYA is quite the charmer…particularly if you are providing food and drink and happen to be a cute female.  (For the record, no selfies were taken and no hands were inappropriately placed.)
    • There is such as thing as a “virtual” colonoscopy…all one needs is a bicycle pump and a remote location to release one’s compressed air.
    • In times of emergency, one will apply Bag Balm as necessary…even if it is not on one’s own nips.

    Again, it was a privilege.  Well done gentleman.

    Saab abides.

  • Giving Lindsay Some Love….

    A Lucky 13 presented themselves at TES under slightly moist and chilly conditions. This is what transpired – more or less…

    COP: DQ’s, Imperial Walkers, Arm Circles (front and back), LBC’s (52). Preceded each exercise with 10 Merkins

    Lindsay Love: Proceed to near bottom of Lindsay court and partner up. Partner runs to top and back while other runs through 4 exercises: B-Jump Burpees, Bear Crawls, Polar Bears, Squat-then-jump.  Finish with 20 Merkins

    Mosey to side of school near (very muddy) field. 26 Donkey Kicks. Bear Crawl to middle of field, perform 26 Merkins, then run to other side and perform 26 WWII’s.  Three rounds.

    Four Corners: Merkins, J-Squats, LBCs, American Hammers. Start at 10, 20, then 30 each.

    Burpee Shuffle: Person calls out number of burpees (1-3). No successive repeats.

    COT:

    NMS:

    Little to report except for the state of the field which was extremely muddy. Given the damage YHC had done to the Mary Munford field on his first-ever Q, YHC called an audible to move to the asphalt.

    Thanks to Splinter and Honeydo, Merkin total was tabulated at “225.”

    The PAX was joined (briefly) by a nearby resident who was taking a day off from his usual workout group (rhymes with “Peal Seam”). His visit ended after (cordially) pointing out to YHC that our Donkey-Kicks were leaving mud on the TMS brick wall. His observation was acknowledged. (A confounded YHC also acknowledged a couple of other things that were left unsaid.)

    Announcements: See Marv for all things VCU – including tickets to tonight’s game (and future games for that matter).

    Saab abides (with exceptions)