Author: Dr Tryhard

  • 1Q + 1Q + 1Q = Pain to the Third!

    9 SOJ HIM’s took Rockwood Park to another level, with DTH co-opting two more Q’s into the mix tape of beatdown glory, as follows:

    The THANG:

    WARMERAMA:

    • Mosey over to the Court and circle up
    • Welcome & Disclaimer
    • Variable IC Reps to get the muscles warm top to bottom

    COP #1:

    • Mosey to the dog park and toss the Q to HOUSE PARTY!
    • HP moseyed the PAX to the end of the Dog Park and circled up for x10 Ukranian Soldiers IC
    • HP led the PAX slowly progressing the length of the Dog Park with escalating WWII ‘s for each fence post (every 8 feet) and bear crawl between
    • After 18 stops (about half way) HP called an Audible to complete the length of fence with x5 WWII at each stop
    • Total WWII was 281 !!!! BOOM 

    COP #2:

    • DTH resumed Q and the PAX moseyed up to the large center lot
    • CATERPILLAR the length of the lot – PAX line up in plank, last man box jumps PAX to end and drops to plank, etc
    • Mosey to the next lot
    • Traverse lot via SHE HATE ME – 20 lunges, stop for x10 Groiners and x10 Merkins, repeato to the end

    COP #3:

    • Bernie down to the end of the lot then mosey to the workout station in the woods
    • Toss the Q to MCRIB, who called a DORA
    • Partner up for:
    • x50 pull-ups
    • x100 merkins
    • x200 LBC’s
    • Moving partner runs out to Garden and back
    • McRib led the PAX back to the main lot where the pax completed a 75% sprint and x5 Burpees

    COP #4:

    • DTH eesumed Q and the PAX moseyed to the playground:
    • TRIPLE CHECK:
    • P1 – Swing Pumps
    • P2 – Dying Boxing Cockroaches
    • P3 – Catching the Cockroach fists

    Mosey BTTF for COT:

    • Counterama # 9
    • Namerama
    • Announcerama (see Below)
    • YHC took the PAX out in Prayer
    • COFFEERAMA (thank you FLORENCE)

    NMS:  The character of a man develops in the disciplines and consistency he maintains, particularly where it serves others. YHC has been increasingly impressed with the Rock&Roll PAX, and it is always a pleasure to lead these warriors – they NEVER complain about how hard the workouts are! If anything they embrace the suck and lean in for more. YHC was also honored to have guest Q’s House Party and McRib step up to each lead a segment of the beatdown today, and man they BROUGH IT! Not sure YHC has ever (or plans to ever again) do that many WWII’s within a single COP! Thanks for permitting me the honor to lead gentlemen. SYITG, DTH

    Announcements:

    • See Slack SOJ Channel for pinned calendar of activities, but next weekend is the Frozen Triangle, and Rosie is requesting a HC for those planning to attend
    • McRib is playing music tonight 5-8pm at the Red Rooster Brewery
    • Please update your Slack profile with emergency contact information

  • No Love for Duck Butter…

    13 lucky gloom warriors flash mobbed NoToll for a DTH beatdown, including TWO fantastic FNG’s, neither of whom were nicknamed Duck Butter – sorry Hardywood. Here’s how the PAX claimed victory over the day:

    The THANG:

    WARMERAMA:

    • Mosey to the Basketball Court and circle up
    • Welcome & Disclaimer
    • Variable IC Reps to get the muscles warm top to bottom

    COP #1:

    • Mosey to the Tennis Courts
    • Partner up for a BOOYAH LADDER
    • Complete x10 Booyah Merkins, then P1 runs around perimeter while P2 remains for Chainsmokers. Then complete x9 Booyah Merkins, after which P2 runs while P1 remains, etc. All the way down to 1 Booyah Merkin. BOOYAH! 

    COP #2:

    • Mosey to the bleachers for DORA THE EXPLORER:
    • Partner up to complete the following:
    • x100 Derkins
    • x200 Box Jumps (or Step-ups)
    • x300 Flutters (2-ct)
    • While one partner hammers Dora reps, the other Explores the area to lay hands on x1 tree, x1 stone, and x1 man-made object before returning to relieve their partner (each time the runner mist find a DIFFERENT tree/stone/object)

    COP #3:

    • Mosey to the Pavilion for a DIRTY MCDEUCE:
    • x4 Sets each followed by a bearcrawl, each set with x3 exercises (chest, legs, core), and x12 reps for each exercise
    • Bear crawl to cross 30 yards
    • Exercises: Diamond Merkins, Ball Dippers (2-ct) & Crunchy Frogs

    Mosey BTTF for COT:

    • Counterama # 13
    • Namerama
    • Announcerama (see Below)
    • YHC took the PAX out in Prayer

    NMS:  On Sunday after church YHC met Gabriel Dongieux who turns out is also a VMI Alum, class of 2012, and who’s older brother was in my class of 2005 – small world! He just returned this last year to RVA from starting his career in Atlanta as a mechanical engineer (hence the nickname Flywheel), and lives in Mechanicsville. He’ll likely roll with the Daville guys, but it was such an honor to give him a hearty F3 welcome at NoToll. Welcome Flywheel!!! Our other FNG is a neighbor of Doner Kebab, an avid outdoorsman and master meat cooker – yes, many nickname possibilities there – but welcome Dry Rub!!!  It was great to have solid numbers, even if it it wont last long with some other great SOJ Tue AM options opening up. Thank you for giving me the pleasure of leading brothers! Yours in Faith, DTH

    Announcements:

    • New SOJ AO “Bermuda Triangle” at Goyne Park every Tue AM 0530
    • New SOJ OTB KB workout at Old Hundred Elementary every Tue AM 0530
    • SOJ Leadership Development – contact Rosie if you want to join in the discussion
    • Frozen Triangle on 1/21 (see Preblast) – get your HC to Rosie or Gumbo ASAP

    Prayer Requests:

    • SOJ Leadership development – unity, vision, and impact! 
    • For our brothers on IR – if you know them, send a word of encouragement today!

  • SWAMP DONKEY: the latest love child of Moist Knolls & Stink Hill

    A whopping 15 studs of the gloom rang in the Forge new year with the enthusiasm of kids racing out of class for recess (or maybe racing out of holiday fat pants into new years resolutions). As our local weatherman Snuff predicted, the Forgecast did indeed include merkins…

    The THANG:

    WARMERAMA:

    • 0530:  Brief Welcome & Disclaimer
    • Short Mosey to KNOLLERCOASTER
    • Bear Crawl to top of each Knoll
    • Run down hill to bottom of Knoll & back to top
    • Crab Walk down back side of each Knoll
    • Curb Plank for the SIX

    COP #1:

    • Moseyrama back around to Stink Hill
    • x3 Merkins ea light pole all the way down to the Culdesac
    • Circle up for a few stretching IC Reps

    COP #2:

    • Moseyrama the straightaway back to the tennis courts
    • HARD-CORE FOUR CORNERS:
    • Bear crawl between corners, adding reps each corner in escalator fashion
    • Corner 1 – x10 WWII
    • Corner 2 – x10 + x20 Chainsmokers
    • Corner 3 – x10 + x20 + x30 Oblique LBC’s (split x15 ea side)
    • Corner 4 – x10 + x20 + x30 + x40 Flutters (2-ct)

    COP #3:

    • Mosey around to handicap rails
    • Line up for OVER-UNDERS half way up
    • INDIGENOUS JERKINS – last man completes x3 Jerkins, then runs to front while rest of PAX hang out in jerkin position

    COP #4:

    • Mosey back to base of Stink Hill and partner up
    • P1 begins POLAR BEARS up the hill (bear crawl, stopping to merkin every 5 paces)
    • P2 runs to SF at top of Stink Hill, then back down to switch 
    • Progress as team until flag reached

    Mosey BTTF:

    • Brief IC Squats & Lunges
    • Elbow Plank to run down the clock

    COT:

    • Counterama # 15
    • Namerama
    • Announcerama (see Below)
    • YHC took the PAX out in Prayer

    NMS:  First Forge of 2023 saw big numbers with guys coming off the IR bench (Lumberg and Nails), a couple old Forgers ready to start the year fresh (Greenbow, Fiona), an FNG brought by Rosie – hilariously nicknamed Swamp Donkey, and a couple brothers from North of the river (Otis from Daville who attends YHC’s church, and Hitchhiker who was sore for a good 2nd F Coffeerama). And YHC can’t exclude a shout out to the most faithful Forge brothers a man could ask for – Snuff, Last Call, Chaplain, Dealer, House Party and Machismo. You guys MAKE the Forge great every week, and YHC has been immeasurably thankful to regularly kick the gloom in the teeth with you studs. YHC announced at COT that after almost 4 years as the Forge Site Q, YHC is excited and proud to hand the reins to SNUFF for 2023. Hip Hip Hazahhh!!!! Can’t wait to see this AO grow and embrace the community impact YHC knows we have the potential for. AYE! ~DTH

    Announcements:

    • SOJ Leadership Mtg – this Friday 1/6 starting at 6pm at Diamond Billiards – all SOJ PAX are welcome to attend while we organize a Shared Leadership Team, ensure all our AO’s have Site Q’s, and everyone participates in sharing vision for 2023. Aaaaand we’ll play some pool too.
    • Frozen Triangle 1/21/23

    Prayer Requests:

    • Last Call shared about a JRHS kid who just took his life, and another local college kid who did the same. With the dark winter months here, and in a culture that fosters isolation and embraces evil, its no surprise young people feel lost. Let us pray for these families, our communities, and seek opportunities to lift others up – we can’t always know who’s struggling so best to assume everyone we encounter could use a good word! 
    • Hitch also shared again about Swipe Right, and said Flatline is working on creating a 2nd F opportunity with CPR training included. You never know when you may need to save a life! 

  • Chapped Knees & Frozen Beards

    The frozen tundra of SOJ’s Rockwood Park challenged 6 HIM’s to survive 60 minutes of seven degrees and gloomy, with a windchill, in shorts. With the festive cheer of their Q’s jungle bells and nonstop movement, here’s how these ice-hardened men of valor conquered the morning:

    The THANG:

    WARMERAMA: 

    • Slaughter start with a stretch of Bearpees down the parking lot to the Basketball Court

    COP #1:

    • Circle up on the BBall Court 
    • Welcome & Disclaimer
    • Usual Warm-up exercises IC, with a low side shuffle around circle between sets
    • MUDSLIDE joined us double-dipping from a Dogpile that ended early

    COP #2: 

    • Mosey half the outer loop of the fields, periodically stopping to complete one of the following:
    • Opus Broad Jumps on a straightaway
    • Mosey
    • Partner up for x3 rounds of PLT’s x25 each (x75 total each) 
    • Mosey
    • Circle up for Body Builders x10 IC

    COP #3: 

    • For the length of the baseball fields to the twin stairs (about 100yd), partner up for Catch Me If You Can:
    • P1 begins bear crawls while P2 completes x3 WWII’s, after which P2 mosey’s to switch with P1, until they reach the stairs

    COP #4:

    • At the steps, line up for a LINDSEY:
    • Heels to Heaven at the Bottom – 10/15/20/25/30
    • Merkins at the Top – 30/25/20/15/10
    • Box Jump steps going up & down between sets
    • SSH’s to get blood back to fingers

    COP #5:

    • Complete rest of circuit loop
    • Stop for Buddy Big Boys x25
    • Mosey
    • Stop at the side Parking Lot
    • Partner up for a classic Dora
    • x100 Merkins
    • x200 Squats
    • x300 LBC’s
    • Runner completes ~100yard loop down the lot and back
    • Mosey around to the basketball court

    COP #6:

    • Line up on the bball court for GROINER SUICIDES:
    • x5 Rounds of Groiners at each suicide stopping point, touching baseline between, descending from x5 at each, then x4, x3, x2, x1. 

    Mosey BTTF:

    • Run down the clock with Boat/Canoe’s, and some stretching

    COT:

    • Counterama # 6
    • Namerama
    • Announcerama (see Comments)
    • YHC took the PAX out with a word of encouragement to share the reason for the season with someone feeling left out or lonely

    NMS:  It’s gonna be daaaaays before YHC warms back up. Fingers still not working properly trying to type this BB. Awesome to have a solid PAX for the frozen madness this AM and extra props to young Touchdown and double-dipping Mudslide. Proud of SOJ and especially the Rock&Roll PAX for amazing growth in numbers and camaraderie this year. Hope ya’ll have a wonderful Christmas with your families. SYITG, DTH 

    Announcements:

    • Next Sat 12/31 Convergence at Dogpile for Doozy’s 100th Q
    • 1/6 SOJ Planning/Leadership Mtg (location TBD)
    • Frozen Triangle 1/21
    BAAAHHH HUMBUG !!!

  • Jingle All the Way

    The frosty gloom of SOT was embraced by 9 bootcamp-lovin mad men and 4 acolytes of the Frozen Triangle. Keeping in step with Mr Jingle Bells himself, here’s how the bootcampers stayed warm:

    The THANG:

    SLAUGHTER START:

    • Body Builders x12 IC
    • Donkey Kick-Off’s – up to 20
    • Hoedowns x10 IC

    COP #1:

    • Mosey to the lit area above the stadium
    • Welcome & Disclaimer
    • Don Q’s x10 IC
    • Nancy Kerrigans x10 IC ea side
    • Hairy Rockettes x10 IC
    • Clock Dans – x2 rounds
    • Crowd Pleasers x10 IC
    • Starfish Crunches x10 IC
    • Oblique LBC’s x10 IC ea side

    COP #2:

    • Mosey over to the practice field
    • LINDSEY: (Bro Code)
    • WWII – 30 down to 10
    • Merkins I’m- 10 up to 30
    • Variable Movements between sides (Karaoke, Bear crawl, Broad Jump, Bernie, Duck Walk, Sprints, etc)

    COP #3:

    • Mosey over to Mount Midlo
    • Partner Up
    • Complete x3 rounds of:
    • x10 Booyah Merkins at the top
    • Run down
    • x20 PLT’s each at the bottom
    • Run back up

    Mosey BTTF:

    • Run down the clock with Boat/Canoe’s

    RUNNERS completed 5.25 …or maybe a little more if you didn’t cut corners…

    COT:

    • Counterama # 13
    • Namerama
    • Announcerama (see Below)
    • YHC took the PAX out in Prayer

    NMS:  Florence was expecting Buffalo Bill to saunter into the gloom circle, but alas it was just YHC once again bejeweled with holiday cheer, AKA jingle bells on the shoe laces. But the PAX hardly had a moment to revel as the slaughter start stole away the mumble chatter and got our blood pumping. Can’t have the PAX getting cold! YHC was amused to introduce some of the newer PAX to a few old favorites, and it was awesome to have Big Rig join us at a “normal” hour! Keeping posting fellas!!! SYITG, DTH

    Announcements:

    • 12/31 Dogpile Convergence for Doozy’s 100th Q
    • 1/6 SOJ Planning Meeting
    • 1/21 Frozen Triangle

    Prayer Requests:

    • Prayers for Big Rig’s M (Courtney) going to the doctor today
    • Prayers for our gloom brothers who are silently struggling – that we’d find ways to connect/encourage and that they’d find strength in our fellowship to right their boat

  • Longest Africa Ever

    An intrepid 6 pack of gloom explorers assailed the Forge to test their metal against the elements. To ensure none of his mighty flock caught a cold, the Pediatrician kept the PAX (mostly) dry under the school’s awning. 90’s rock blasting, these HIM’s conquered the following:

    The THANG:

    WARMERAMA:

    • Mosey over to the high school’s main entrance awning (mostly dry) and circled up
    • Upon arrival, the rock station simultaneously began playing Thunderstruck by ACDC, so the Q called a warm-up where the PAX complete SSH, then do a ball-dipper for every time the lyric “Thunder” or Thunderstruck” os heard …LIFO Snuff arrived to enjoy the last 20 seconds of this 4:53 warm-up
    • Variable IC Reps, including setting the all time record on Crab Cakes IC… “do it for your momma!”

    COP #1:

    • With Snuff making it a perfect 6-pack, the Q then called a DORA
    • x100 Box Jumps
    • x200 Merkins
    • x300 American Hammers (2-ct)
    • Moving partners moseys around the short end of the bus loop

    COP #2:

    • Tight circle for x2 Burpee Ring of Fire, PAX holding deeep squat while waiting
    • Big-O’s x10 IC, CW then CCW
    • Derkins, slow and painful, x10 IC
    • Dips x10 IC
    • Maybe some other IC exercise?

    COP #3:

    • TRIPLE CHECK
    • P1 – Hoedowns 
    • P2 – Groiners
    • P3 – Crab or Bear down to end, mosey back

    Mosey BTTF for COT:

    • Counterama # 6
    • Namerama
    • Announcerama (see Below)
    • DEALER took the PAX out in Prayer

    NMS:  Always heartwarming to have company for the ugly gloom, and the mostly dry space to workout accompanied by the 90’s rock brought some cheer. Toto’s 12:36 live performance of “Africa” was an interesting distraction during the Dora, and there’s a consensus that Big-O’s done on a surface without something to hold onto at least doubles the difficulty. Many thanks to these guys for helping YHC kick off an otherwise cold gloomy rainy day with a victorious Spirit! SYITG, DTH

    Announcements:

    • See Slack

    Prayer Requests:

    • Dealer’s Mom Kathy and her partner Micky going through a rough patch

  • Warm-up for Rosie’s TDOC

    Nine SOJ HIM’s embraced the chilly gloom of NoToll to see what the good Doctor might pull from the annals of beatdown glory. For your reading pleasure, the PAX conquered the following:

    The THANG:

    WARMERAMA:

    • Mosey down to the parking lot and circle up
    • Welcome & Disclaimer
    • Variable Rapid Fire Sets to get the muscles warm top to bottom

    COP #1:

    • Mosey over to Field #1
    • 4 CORNERS (Escalator+DeEscalator)
    • Corner 1 – x10 Merkins
    • Corner 2 – Add x20 Am.Ham’s (2-ct)
    • Corner 3 – Add x30 Squats
    • Corner 4 – Add x40 Groiners
    • Reverso going back around removing an exercise each corner
    • PLANKORAMA with review of the F3 Core Principles and Credo

    COP #2:

    • Mosey across to Field #2
    • Partner up for Catch Me If You Can
    • P1 begins bear crawling down length of Field while P2 completes x20 2-ct Hallelujah Flutters, after which P2 mosey’s to switch with P1
    • Complete x3 rounds of flutters each then mosey to the Pavilion

    COP #3:

    • TRICEP TRIPLE CHECK:
    • P1 – Dips
    • P2 – Merkins
    • P3 – Crab walk out 20 yards & back

    COP #4:

    • Mosey back to Field #1
    • Partner up for PLT’s
    • x20 each, x3 Rounds

    COP #5:

    • Line up on end of Field #1
    • 50% Run length of field
    • 100% Sprint
    • 25% Mosey and settle breathing
    • 75% Run

    Mosey BTTF:

    • Bernie Sanders En route
    • x90 seconds of burnout LBC’s

    COT:

    • Counterama # 9
    • Namerama
    • Announcerama (see Below)
    • YHC took the PAX out in Prayer

    NMS:  Really enjoyed the rapid fire COP’s today to get around the AO a bit, and the PAX absolutely crushed it! Highlight of the morning was Last Call’s unnerving enjoyment of taking on two men at once for PLT’s. What can we say, he’s got a big heart! YHC believes the PAX and AO are now properly prepared for Rosie’s Twelve Days of Christmas next week! SYITG, DTH

    Announcements:

    • 12/20 NoToll 12 Days of Christmas
    • 12/21 Final Gravity HDHH
    • 12/31 Doozy’s 100th Q for 2022 at R&R
    • TBD – SOJ Leadership/Planning Mtg
    • 1/21 Frozen Triangle

  • Birthday Boating in a Gloomy Monsoon

    17 SOJ faithful HIM’s were feeling froggy to embrace the suck at this morning’s SOT Birthday beatdown.  Here’s how we may or may not be welcome back to their soccer field…

    The THANG:

    WARMERAMA:

    • Mosey to the top of the stadium and circle up in the flood lights
    • Welcome & Disclaimer
    • Variable IC Reps to get the muscles warm

    COP #1:

    • Mosey to the football field and collect the coupons (canoe, kayak, kettle bells) and assemble in the middle of the field 
    • QUADRUPLE TRIPLE CHECK:
    • Station #1 – Two PAX pulling one PAX in canoe to side of field and back
    • Station #2 – P1 Sumo squats 50lb KB, P2 Mower Pulls 35lb KB, P3 carries 15lb KB overhead to side of field and back
    • Station #3 – Two PAX pulling/pushing one PAX in Kayak to side of field and back
    • Station #4 – Run the track
    • Each team of 3-4 PAX completed each Station as a Triple Check before switching to the next Station

    COP #2:

    • CANOE LINDSEY (always adds up to 40!)
    • Line up on the side of the football field
    • Merkins:  30-25-20-15-10
    • Drag Canoe laden with PAX between sides (alternate PAX riding VS dragging)
    • Scrunchy Frogs:  10-15-20-25-30

    Mosey BTTF for COT:

    • Counterama # 17
    • Namerama
    • Announcerama (see Below)
    • YHC took the PAX out in Prayer

    NMS:  Brothers, what fun to muck around in the gloom carrying each other a bit! I’m very thankful for you guys carrying me in different ways over the last 4 years, and I’m really excited to see SOJ grow in the season to come. SYITG, DTH

    Announcements:

    • Open invitation by DTH to any SOJ PAX interested in joining an SOJ Shared Leadership Team – just send a PM to Tryhard via Slack! 
    • 12/2 – Rosie’s M will be selling nudes of Rosie at the Gallery of the Black Irish Social Club from 5-8pm (321 W Broad St)
    • 12/3 – Dogpile Magnum PI Day (mustache, Hawaiian shirt, donations for the Bridge)
    • 12/10 – 3-6pm HDHH Hardywood West Creek with the Capitol PAX
    • 12/20 – NoToll “12 Days of Christmas”

    Prayer Requests:

    • Prayers for Honeymoon and his family with his Dad’s passing yesterday 

  • Stacking the Deck for a Hate Party

    A dozen SOJ warriors braved the cold gloom, warmed by the idea of a Tryhard sweat fest. While a couple gloom-brothers sauntered off for an intimate walkabout, here’s how the other x10 PAX celebrated YHC’s last day of hate:

    The THANG:

    DECK CHALLENGE: 

    • Mosey to Field #1 and circle up
    • Welcome & Disclaimer
    • Explain the challenge is to complete x39 cards from the F3 deck, to honor the Q’s last day of hate
    • Classic rock playlist ON, let’s go!
    1. SPRINT across field and back
    2. x100 2-ct Flutters OYO
    3. x20 Copperhead Squats IC
    4. x10 4-ct Merkins IC
    5. High-knee across field and back
    6. x10 WWII IC
    7. Butt-kickers across field and back
    8. x20 Smurf Jacks IC
    9. x10 Chuck Norris Merkins OYO
    10. x10 Rosalita Dips IC
    11. Bernie across field and back
    12. x100 Calf-raises OYO
    13. x10 Werkins IC
    14. x20 Freddie M’s IC
    15. Sprint across field and back
    16. x20 Monkey Humpers IC
    17. x20 Diamond Merkins OYO
    18. x10 High/Slow Flutters IC
    19. Bear crawl across field, mosey back
    20. x10 4-ct Jump Squats IC
    21. x10 HRM’s IC
    22. x20 Heels to Heaven IC
    23. x20 Burpees OYO
    24. Lunge backwards down field, mosey back
    25. x20 Merkins OYO
    26. x20 LBC’s IC
    27. x100 SSH OYO
    28. x10 Gorilla Humpers IC
    29. x100 Arms Circles OYO
    30. x20 Am.Hammers IC
    31. Sprint across field and back
    32. Lunge walk down field, mosey back
    33. x10 Carolina Drydocks IC
    34. x15 Oblique LBC IC (ea side)
    35. x20 Mtn.Climbers IC
    36. x10 Lunges IC
    37. x20 Shoulder Taps IC
    38. x20 Plank Jacks IC
    39. Karaoke across field and back

    EXRA CREDIT!

    • 8-ct Opus, x8 IC
    • 8-ct DR.W’s, x8 IC
    • 8-ct Body Builders, x8 IC

    Mosey BTTF for COT:

    • Counterama # 12
    • Namerama
    • Announcerama (see Below)
    • YHC took the PAX out in Prayer

    NMS:  As always it was an amazing honor to bring the heat for some beloved SOJ brothers. Between the labored breathing and rock music YHC made out some decent mumblechatter, and some kind of joke was enjoyed by the far-side PAX during our Gorilla Humpers, and of course there was some welcome hate-talk with the 8-count extra credit. Whadya expect?!? Haha, Look forward to seeing ya’ll for the 40th birthday Q tomorrow. Who KNOWS what crazy is comin! Yours, DTH

    Announcements:

    • 11/30 – DTH 40th bday Q at SOT
    • 12/2 – Rosie’s M will be selling nudes of Rosie at the Gallery of the Black Irish Social Club from 5-8pm (321 W Broad St)
    • 12/3 – Dogpile Magnum PI Day (mustache, Hawaiian shirt, donations for the Bridge)
    • 12/10 – 3-6pm HDHH Hardywood West Creek with the Capitol PAX
    • 12/20 – NoToll “12 Days of Christmas”

    Prayer Requests:

    • PAX on IR – Doublemint, Doozy, Prince, and many others – connect with them and pray for them!

  • The PAX Voted for a Blood Moon

    An 8-PAX of SOJ HIM’s prepared their hearts and minds for midterm elections in the best way possible, doing things the hard way, together. Here’s what went on the Gloom Ballot:

    The THANG:

    WARMERAMA:

    • Collect bricks at YHC’s truck
    • Mosey onto the BBall court and circle up
    • Welcome & Disclaimer
    • THUNDERSTRUCK – Musical warm-up entailing the PAX perform repeated squats with bricks held overhead, then pumps bricks out to sides with each “Thunder” or “Thunderstruck” lyric 
    • Other Variable IC Reps to get the muscles warm top to bottom

    COP #1:

    • Mosey out to Field #1
    • QUARTER-POUNDER WITH CHEESE
    • Brinks in hand, the PAX gave a shout out to Bernie to reach each quarter of the field, stopping for reps, sprinting back to start between
    • x25 Brick Merkins
    • x50 Squats, bricks held overhead 
    • x75 Freddie Mercury’s, bricks overhead
    • x100 SSH (bricks optional)

    COP #2:

    • Brief Plankorama with Bricks in Hand
    • Low Plank held on bricks during MidTerms Trivia – PAX knowledge effectively demonstrated to the tune of prolonged low plank

    COP #3:

    • Mosey back to the BathHouse for a TRIPLE CHECK
    • Partner 1 – Brick Hoedowns
    • Partner 2 – Core Brick Exercise (Dealers Choice)
    • Partner 3 – Runs down to the playground and back carrying their bricks

    COP #4:

    • Drop off the bricks en route back to the Basketball Court
    • ELEVENS (to honor 11 Virginia Representatives being voted on today)
    • 10–>1 Ball Dippers (2-ct)
    • 1–>10 Merkins

    Circle up for COT:

    • Counterama # 8
    • Namerama
    • Announcerama (see Below)
    • YHC took the PAX out in Prayer

    NMS:  YHC didn’t feel particularly froggy this morning, but nothing like being the Q for an awesome band of brothers to kickstart the morning. The usual groaning was endured with bricks appearing, and more so with the musical beatdown to start the workout, but everyone did their best all the same! The appearance of the Blood Moon was spectacular, and the Elections Trivia was enthusiastically voted “Best Homeschool Curricula.”  Appreciate ya’ll humoring and pushing me this morning. Love, DTH

    Announcements:

    • Merkin Challenge ongoing
    • HDHH on 11/22 (2 weeks from today) at Hardywood West Creek
    • Forrest Hill Loops on 11/25 (see Slack)

    Prayer Requests:

    • Last Call knows a young guy our age going on Hospice for Prostate Cancer – prayers for Buddy and his family, and for all of us to keep our eyes & hearts open to find JOY each day regardless of the trials of life