Author: Saab

  • 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)

  • Merkins and C-Strings

    An intrepid trio descended upon the pump house for what turned into an 11 mile run:  Buttermilk trail to Forrest Hill (counter clockwise).  Continue on Buttermilk to new-bridge, then return on north trail.

    YHC could not think of a better way to spend this particular Sunday than on a long trail run followed by some good, wholesome, g-rated conversation with friends at ETs.  The day did not disappoint.  With each passing year it is important to continually expand one’s knowledge.  On this particular day YHC was educated on the various types of accoutrements used to strategically cover (or augment) one’s pubic-region…thus the name of today’s BB title.

    Saab abides

     

  • What would Honey Do Do…

    A stalwart 16 descended upon Tuckahoe for light calisthenics.  This is what transpired…

    COP:  Helicopters, DQs, Imperial Walkers, Merkins, LBCs

    Lindsay: Start at top of hill, perform 30 Heels to Heaven, run down hill and perform 10 Merkins.  Repeato.  Decrement/Increment each by 5 until you reach 10 and 30.

    Run to back of school.  Perform x Donkey Kicks, Bear Crawl 10 or so yards, perform x Merkins, run to opposite side of field and perform x Squats. Repeato.    x=10, 15, 20, 25, 30

    Build a Burpee:  Perform 1 merkin , 1 Jump Squat, 1 Burpee.  Then perform 2 of each, etc.  Repeato until finish at 7 Burpees.  Do this while running from one end of the court to the other (and back)…stopping in middle for whatever exercise is next.

    Minutes of Mary:  Hello Dollys, Flutter Kicks, Reverse Crunches (per Upchuck), and LBCs

    Moleskin:

    Most times YHC approaches a workout he asks himself “what can he hack from one of HoneyDo’s prior beatdowns, or at least inflict so as the PAX is similarly smoked.”  While the answer usually doesn’t quite make the bar, it is fun trying.  The following are some brief observations…

    • Upchuck was the first to finish the first set of H-to-H during the Lindsays, which seemed humanly impossible given the count was 30.  He promptly returned to the PAX and continued on…acknowledging he maintains his own special counting scheme
    • Fudd had his share of questions this morning.  Had YHC bothered to listen, he assumes they were all good ones.
    • As usual, YHC was terrible during the instruction period.  Build a Burpee is often met with many questions (Fudd notwithstanding) and today was no different.  He will work on this for future endeavors (or maybe not).
    • KeyMaster introduced our FNG Kubota (he is in sales for John Deere).  Welcome.

    No announcements made

    Saab abides

     

  • Between Two Ferns

    A whopping 2 PAX presented themselves at Pole Green Elementary to knock out 110 burpees and a little bit o mary…this is what transpired…

    COP:  DQ’s, Arm Circles (both directions), WWII’s, Imperial Walkers…each preceded by 5 burpees

    Two-Fer (was going to be a Triple-Check):  Perform x Donkey Kicks, bear crawl 10 yards, perform x Merkins, then run 100 yards, perform 5 burpees…return and repeato.  x = 10, 15, 20, 25, 30.

    Jacob’s Ladder (Double-shot):  Run across two b-ball courts.  Perform burpee half way, then at end of other court, return and continue cycle.  Burpees start at 1 and end at 7 (1+1, 2+2, 3+3, etc). 56 burpees total.

    “Circle” up:  Perform 4 more burpees to make it an even 110

    “Ring” of Fire:  10 Merkins each x 4

    Mary:  Flutter kicks, Hello Dolly, Rosalitas, Box Cutters (out and in).

    Moleskin:

    As the “Green Acres” song danced in his head… “Dahling I love you but give me Park Avenue…”, YHC was actually anticipating no participants at this morning’s AO, and thereby dreading having to do 100 burpees on his own.  How great it was to see Phonics arrive.  What was interesting is that Phonics brought a flashlight on the assumption that the Q (Saab) would incorporate a lot of running.  Sadly, that was not an option for the Q but he hopes he otherwise did not disappoint

    Phonics was great during the burpee ladder and he easily smoked YHC…in fact that could be applied to everything else he did.

    For the second day in a row, YHC got to see a terrific sky full of stars…nice to get out of the big city once in a while.

    Announcements:   I’m sure there are some in another backblast somewhere…you should read it.

    Saab abides (when able)

     

  • VQ, Toll Violation, and Pop-a-Lock

    11 were present for Saab’s VQ at SOT as part of Tuckahoe Takeover.  This is what transpired – more or less…

    COP:  DQ’s, 5 Burpees, Imperial Walkers, 5 Burpees, Arm Circles, 5 Burpees, LBC’s , 5 Burpees)

    Doras:  Merkins, Squats, LBC’s (119, 219, 319).  Partner runs around bus loop

    AMREPS:  Go to Courts:  5 Burpees (started with 10), run to other side perform 20 of exercise then return…repeat.  Alternating exercises were Merkins, J-Squats, WWII’s, and Monkey Humpers (by demand).

    Ring of Fire, then 5 minutes of Mary (Rosalitas, Box cutters, Heels to Heaven, Flutter Kicks).

    Moleskin:

    Well it has been 19 years since Saab packed his bags and migrated north to the big city.  Although the roads have a changed a bit, all was well on south side and PAX were welcoming as ever.  However, YHC learned the hard way there are no toll operators available at 5:00am.

    This was a typical Virgin-Q: YHC had studied the topography from pictures and had a “fair” idea where everything should be located, but it was dark so he needed the occasional guidance so as to not land in the wrong place….took me back to 8th grade.

    PAX were great and quite helpful.  Speaking of helpful, so was Scott from “Pop-a-Lock” who had to come and retrieved Saab’s keys.  (Serves him right for taking his son’s car and not studying the auto-lock system.)

    Announcements:  Convergence is Saturday (7:00am) at Grid Iron.  Bonus workout is at 6:00am – same location as Convergence.

    Please respond to Hardywood’s post if you would like to partake in breakfast and coffee.

    Saab abides (when able)