Author: Earthworm

  • The Parade

    The theme of today’s Ludi Romani was motion under weight around the Chariot Course; and the conditions were dry and warm for the 8 Faithful and 1 FNG who posted at at the Circus Maximus.

    Welcome and continuing disclaimer

    Thang:

    Farmer’s Walk one time around the CM – medley style (Waiter’s Carry Right Hand, Goblet Carry, Waiter’s Carry Left Hand, Goblet, Suitcase Carry Right Hand, Goblet, and Suitcase Carry Left Hand)

    8-Count Body-Builders (Pan Pax Cadence)

    Round 1 (Waiter’s Carry Right Hand) –

    – 20 KB Swings
    – 20 KB Halos (10 clockwise; 10 counter-clockwise)
    – 20 Alternating KB Single Arm Swings (catch and release at top)
    – 20 KB Waist Rotations (10 clockwise; 10 counter-clockwise)

    Round 2 (Waiter’s Carry Left Hand) –

    – 20 KB Swings
    – 20 KB Halos (10 clockwise; 10 counter-clockwise)
    – 20 Alternating KB Single Arm Swings (catch and release at top)
    – 20 KB Waist Rotations (10 clockwise; 10 counter-clockwise)

    Round 3 (Goblet Carry) –

    – 20 KB Swings (overhead)
    – 20 KB Squats
    – 20 KB Pullover (lying on back)
    – 10 KB Lunges left and 10 KB Lunges right

    Round 4 (Suitcase Carry Right Hand) –

    – 20 KB Swings
    – 20 KB Halos (10 clockwise; 10 counter-clockwise)
    – 20 Alternating KB Single Arm Swings (catch and release at top)
    – 20 KB Waist Rotations (10 clockwise; 10 counter-clockwise)

    Round 5 (Suitcase Carry Left Hand)

    – 20 KB Swings
    – 20 KB Halos (10 clockwise; 10 counter-clockwise)
    – 20 Alternating KB Single Arm Swings (catch and release at top)
    – 20 KB Waist Rotations (10 clockwise; 10 counter-clockwise)

    Round 6 (Goblet Carry) –

    – 20 KB Swings (overhead)
    – 20 KB Squats
    – 20 KB Pullover (lying on back)
    – 10 KB Lunges left and 10 KB Lunges right

    KB Presses (Pan Pax)

    COT:

    Counterama and Namearama

    Announcements – Bleeder and TYA have a “Q run” coming up — they (TYA especially) respectfully request ridicule in its most clever and biting form. Bleeder even has a GridIron Q in his sights – don’t miss it – June 11 at 0700 (N.B. pre-game at 0645 — The Deep Water, based on Luke 5:1-11).

    Clark reports that there is a local young man on the cusp of Olympic qualification in gymnastics – RVA proud!

    Takeout prayer by Attila – strong.

    Moleskin:

    Welcome to Clark who qualifies for Respect by default (age) and DC Comics given birth name, and more importantly by his strong performance. Also glad to welcome veterans Chum Bucket and Bleeder to the CM for their first time postings at CM, both of whom showed great affinity for the KBs. The other 6 PAX were CM regulars.

    Today’s recipe was designed for grip strength emphasis – total of 7 times around the Chariot Course under weight. Best estimate of YHC was that we were under weight for approximately 40 of the 45 minutes (the 5 minutes of weightlessness consisted of the 8-count Body Builders, 3 recovery down counts, and, for some nameless PAX, inadvertent use of the ground in the transition from the KB Pullovers to the Goblet Carry – yes, there appeared to be some resistance to the weighted Turkish Getup as a voluntary transitional move).

    Toga continues to tote the heavy KB and does so effortlessly (time to add weight?); DK added weight to his KB repertoire (started too light?); Bleeder seems to like the AO – at least the 0500 access to facilities en route (N.B. keys to J’Ville’s law office executive suite washroom are available upon request); not surprisingly, Chum Bucket appeared to be the first to discover the opportunity for more work by adding the Turkish Getup to the mix; White Deer scoffed at the planned KB Pullovers count and was pleased by the audible increasing same; no discernible yawns by Attila (could this mean he was suitably worked today?); J’Ville impressed with some plyometric supplements and his experiment with a higher weight (to which DK sagely offered the cautionary words “Don’t tell Lindsey” (as in “remember the Spy Rock incident”)); and Clark seems primed for a major weight upgrade at his sophomore posting.

    “When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4

  • Youth Movement and Remembrances

    A beautiful morning greeted the GridIron PAX – seven of the Faithful and three FNGs gathered this Memorial Day weekend to enthusiastically embrace the workout and enjoy the fellowship. We also set aside a few moments to reflect on those who have sacrificed so much – the armed services members who lost their lives in the service of this Nation, and the loved ones left behind to grieve profound losses.

    Welcome and disclaimer

    Thang:

    x20 SSHs IC
    x20 Seal Jacks IC
    x20 Don Quioxtes IC
    x20 Imperial Walkers IC
    x20 Hillbillies IC (courtesy of J’Ville)
    x20 Plank Jacks IC
    x20 Carolina Drydocks IC
    x20 Alabama Prom Dates IC

    Mosey to WildCat gridiron and post to bleachers:

    Dips and Carolina Dry Docks/Merkins (Split Squad PAX) – AMRAP Tibatta

    Eight-Count Body Builders (Pan PAX)

    Mosey to gridiron school front:

    The Beast (modified) –

    – Karaoke with x10 SSHs per station (x6)
    – Skips with x10 Seal Jacks per station (x6) with Bear Crawls up and down hill (120 yards) and plank medley at return end zone (240 yards)
    – Long Strides (not quite lunges) with x10 Arm Circles (forward up and reverse back) per station (x6) with Bear Crawls up and down hill (120 yards)
    – Run with x10 Arm Circles (forward up and reverse back) per station (x6) with Bear Crawls up and down hill (120 yards) and plank medley at return end zone (240 yards)
    – Run with x10 ??? per station (x6) with Bear Crawls up and down hill (120 yards) and plank medley at return end zone (240 yards)
    – Long Strides (not quite lunges) with x10 Alabama Prom Dates per station (x6) with Bear Crawls up and down hill (120 yards) and planks at return end zone (240 yards)

    Mosey to the Flag Pole for further reflection on Memorial Day

    Circle up around Flag Pole for Superman, rinse and repeat (TClaps to Jolly Rancher and Chum Bucket for choral leads)

    Mosey to school front for abbreviated Triple Check

    Mosey back to parking lot

    Two Minutes of Mary – leg raises and penmanship (All Caps)

    COT:

    Counterama and Numberama

    Fun as usual with naming FNG’s, some did better than others but no suggestions so offensive to deter sophomore postings

    Announcements – River Run on Monday with later start at 0700; need a Q for The Punisher on Monday and starting time determination (if not normal 0545 start) – check for BackBlasts and comments.

    Strong closing prayer by Attila

    Moleskin:

    DK sailed into Pouncey Tract harbour accompanied by Joseph who, immediately upon his disembarkation from his motorized Pequod, proudly stated: “Call me DK Jr.” – the PAX gently reminded this precocious 7 yo that, while we admired his pre-emptive attempt to self name, he was simply FNG (emphasis on Friendly) until the PAX named him during COT. His was a strong post, and he cooperated with the PAX seeking an occasional Restrictor Plate. After numerous suggestions and after due consideration, the PAX annointed this young man (after an explanation that quadruple Hate was a really good thing) as The Chicken Whisperer in honor of his superb backyard egg collection skills. It was decided that C-Dubs was an appropriate truncation of his F3 handle and we understand he will answer to both his formal and nick-F3 names.

    The PAX also welcomed FNG Jim (of the Respect generation) and his 11 yo son, FNG Eli, neighbors of YHC. YHC offered an American Dental Association approved name for FNG Jim; but the PAX seized on Ragweed for reasons that probably related more to C-Dubs’ frequent sneezing (remarkably, the sneezes actually outnumbered Atilla’s yawns) than it concerned the state of his backyard turf. Yale seemed like a natural name for FNG Eli based on his given name being the traditional nickname of the denizens of the mobster trade school in New Haven. YHC thought that Ivory and Yale were a clever pairing for a father-son team but alas the will of the PAX abides and so we welcome Ragweed and Yale to F3Nation.

    Strong participation by all the PAX today – the Youth Movement (Yale, Jolly Rancher, and The Chicken Whisperer) went hard at the workout and called some counts in the Pan PAX 8Count BBers – quick learners. All three also called some down-counts during transitions – well done young leaders! And a healthy competition was observed as Yale and JR dueled throughout the Beast and turned the finishing mosey to a barn burner sprint – they reported that Chum Bucket’s first-place finish was aided by a flying squirrel that allegedly impeded the pre-teen Bolts’ finish. Protest noted and denied for lack of credible evidence – victor spoils to Chum.

    In addition to his strong finish, Chum Bucket, as is his norm, glided thru the Beast and then aided JR’s rendition of the Superman theme song. Attila took the point to kick off the Beast and plans to bring at least one of his boys on the next youth rally at the GridIron. White Deer was underwhelmed by the Beast until the addition of the midway Bear Crawls – his chief complaint was focused on the purposeful small number of Merkins during today’s workout. DK demonstrated some fine form on the long strides reminding the PAX of Bad Bad Leroy Brown. J’Ville was disappointed that this morning’s recipe did not include the American Hammer, though his ego was boosted by his Clown Car chauffeur who offered glowing accounts of J’Ville’s extraordinary form at the most recent Circus Maximus.

    Coffeeteria at Chick-fil-a – great fellowship that included a wide range of subject matter (including discussions at one end of the table concerning Steinback and Sci-Fi literature and movies as well as what appeared to be Rubik’s Cube successes at the other table end).

    May we “highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” – Abraham Lincoln

  • Tribute to Eunomia

    Four Starters at the GridIron this morning with a strong Double Dipper posting at 0727. The conditions were sublime and invited a workout of math-based Good Order as follows:

    Thang:

    The Starter:
    Mosey to track for a quick x25 mix of SSHs and Seal Jacks (IC).

    The Ascent:
    1 440 yard Track Run
    1 50 yard Bear Crawl
    2 50 yard Karaokes
    3 50 yard Sprints
    5 Lateral Lunges and Curtseys (right side) and 5 Lateral Lunges and Curtseys (left side)
    8 8-Count BodyBuilders (Pan Pax cadence)
    13 Swing Lunges (alternating legs forward and backward lunges, starting right side)
    21 Squat Jumps
    34 Mountain Climbers

    The Summit:
    55 Merkins and 55 Squats
    55 Merkins and 55 Squats
    55 Merkins and 55 Squats

    The Descent:
    34 Mountain Climbers
    21 Squat Jumps
    13 Swing Lunges (alternating legs forward and backward lunges starting left side)
    8 8-Count BodyBuilders (Pan Pax cadence)
    5 Lateral Lunges and Curtseys (right side) and 5 Lateral Lunges and Curtseys (left side)
    3 50 yard Sprints
    2 50 yard Karaokes
    1 50 yard Bear Crawl
    1 440 yard Track Run

    The Finisher:
    25 Discus Enclosure Fence Smokers with Heels to Heaven
    10 Shoulders-Elevated Single Leg (r) Hip Thrust
    10 Shoulders-Elevated Single Leg (l) Hip Thrust
    10 Feet-Elevated Single Leg (r) Hip Thrust
    10 Feet-Elevated Single Leg (l) Hip Thrust
    4 minutes of Dips Tibatta Style

    COT:

    Counterama and Numberama.

    DK provided some further details about F3 RVA’s support at The Doorways on May 23 – DK is doing a recon next week to identify the precise needs and to determine optimal way to deploy our resources. Look for more detail to come from DK. DK also reported on the excellent F3 contributions to the youth run club under TYA’s leadership.

    Positive energy and gratitude expressed for the numerous workout offerings of F3 RVA – newest addition starting Monday at 0530 – RiverRun — running, and maybe some boot camp – AO is Bettie Weaver Elementary School.

    Additional enthusiastic discussion about Circus Maximus and the solid work getting done there 0530 Thursday at Godwin High School (park far left (Ridgefield Pkwy) of school at bus loop).

    Prayer of thanksgiving and supplication by YHC.

    Moleskin:

    Welcome to Flipper who enjoyed his first posting at GridIron – we specialize in, and welcome, those who oversleep DogPile. Nice showing.

    Actually, GridIron and Circus Maximus has the reigning narcoleptic – if you’re not one when you join us be advised that Attila may convert you (yawn).

    Chum Bucket glided up and down the Ascent and Descent and basked at the Summit by executing flawlessly his 165 Merkins and 165 Squats – he put on a clinic.

    White Deer took to his Bear Crawl on the Decent as if he were one of the bruins charging the feast at the Lambert Meadow Shelter just north of McAfee Knob on the AT. Perhaps we should rename him Baloo?

    You just can’t pull anything past the perceptive DK. He swallowed the Red Pill and joined the GridIron Pax 2/3rds of the way thru the Summit. And before the Pax reached the end of the Descent DK astutely observed that we were amidst a reverse Fibonacci Sequence. Not sure there was anything elegant about the workout, but Good Order was within our grasps.

    By the way, DK reports that he was under-worked at his first posting this morning because of the mutinous disruption to the DogPile beatdown (per DK, ONE 30 second break (to find lost keys) much to Swirly’s displeasure!). Time to tighten that ship, Swirly.

    Coffeeteria at Chic-fil-a

    1 Corinthians 16:13

  • AntiVenom

    Four Pax embraced the Glorious morning in the Gloom at the GridIron, two of whom were desperate for an Rx for sustained posterior discomfort courtesy of Honey Do’s Q at Circus Maximus last Thursday. Here it is (apologies in advance for the brevity as YHC is leaving in moments for a forced march north to Exit 7 of the Jersey Tpk):

    Thang:

    Two x10 8 Count BBs (modified Slaughter Starter in Pan Pax Cadence) with the normal and customary inclusion of SSHs, Seal Jacks, IWs, DQs, and APDs IC.

    Mosey to WildCat stands for x25 legs lifts with HTH OYO and APDs IC.

    Mosey to SPMS grand entrance for Peoples Chair and x10 8 Count BB PPC.

    Mosey to back of SPMS to the Pillars for the AntiVenom: 10/20s and 20/10s — 16 alternating sets of air squats and merkins intermixed with 5 sets of x25 Pole Smokers/HTH OYO, 2 sets of APDs IC, and 2 sets of x10 8 Count BBs PPC.

    Completing above while moving to the end of the Pillars, the Pax then went to their sixes for 2 more sets of x25 Pole Smokers/HTH OYO and APDs IC. After x10 8 Count BBs PPC, the Pax then moseyed back to the PT parking lot.

    COT:

    Johnsonville picked up trash, Count-a-rama, and Name-a-rama. Prayer of thanksgiving by YHC.

    Moleskin:

    Lively group this morning – lots MumbleChatter in the form of faux compliance. No yawns – Attila MIA.

    The workout was in White Deer’s wheelhouse; Johnsonville sweat (alot), and invoked MAD doctrine by threatening a RunFest; Cheetah’s ready for a Q – excellent participation in PPC for 8 Count BBs (would this be youngest Q ever?).

    AntiVenom Totals: 200 Pole Smokers/Leg Lifts HTH, 240 air squats, 240 merkins, 100 APDs, and 60 elegant burpees in form of 8 Count BBs — recipe for recovery from Honey Do’s medieval torture of 100 yard KB lunge, 100 yard KB lunge and rotation, KBAPDs, and WWII situps and press ladder.

    Coffeeteria at Chic-fil-a.

  • nihil panem et circenses

    No bread and circuses this morning in the gloom at Circus Maximus as each of nine PAX rejected the offering of a palliative and instead opted to consume the RedPill. J’Ville and DK teamed up to plant the ShovelFlag.

    The Thang:

    Warmup stretching: swinging arm (drowning man) circles forward and backward, torso circles clock wise and counter clockwise, hand to opposite foot kicks, torso rotations with high knees (modified IWs), standing oblique crunches (Hillbillies), up and outs, SSHs IC, Seal Jacks IC, Cobra stretch, and high knees.

    X9 8 Count BBs IC-Pan Pax

    KB Workout:
    – 20 reps KB swings IC
    – 20 reps full (overhead) KB swings IC
    – 20 reps alternating single arm swings (switch at top of swing) IC
    – 15 reps KB clean to rack IC right side; 15 reps KB clean to rack IC left side
    – 10 reps KB rack and press IC right side; 10 reps KB rack and press IC left side
    – 15 reps rack, squat, and press IC right side; 15 reps each side rack, squat, and press IC left side
    – 10 reps KB halos IC clockwise; 10 reps KB halos IC counter-clockwise;
    – <15 reps alternating side lunge and single arm swing OYO (<15 right and <15 left)
    – <20 reps alternating lunge and rotations OYO

    – Run around school or Farmer’s carry around bus loop (the CM)

    – 15 reps KB pullovers IC
    – 15 reps side hammer curls OYO right side; 15 reps side hammer curls OYO left side
    – 15 reps tricep extensions IC
    – 20 reps toe touch crunches OYO

    Turkish getups (KB free, this time) — form practice

    X9 8 Count BBs IC-Pan Pax

    COT:

    Warm down stretching during Counterama and Name-o-rama.

    Strong prayer by Attila expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and appealing for comfort during time of mourning and healing for the Pax and loved ones.

    Announcements –

    WhiteDeer VQ at GridIron 0700 at Pouncey Tract Park (in case parking lot is still compromised (undergoing improvements), divert and park at Short Pump Middle School – take first right just before school and make left on bus lane in front of school for alternate parking). Bring your Mumble Chatter – WhiteDeer expects it and will relish same.

    HoneyDo has got the Q next week at CM – he promises to expand our working knowledge of Roman Antiquities with Caesarean-like precision (and authority).

    DK asked the Pax to consider some service project in lieu of or in addition to May’s HDHH – though not in the form of a motion, there was lots of positive discussion, a virtual seconding, and unanimity in supporting the project, namely an evening of work at The Doorways (www.thedoorways.org) in which one of the Pax – London – serves as Community Outreach Manager. DK is gathering information so please stay tuned for his follow up reporting.

    Next HDHH is April 20 at Ellwood Thompsons – contact FlashDance who as Q is taking a headcount.

    Moleskin:

    Seven Pax posted at the inaugural Circus Maximus last week; nine posted this morning with three posting for their first – great to add Toga, Brain Tumor, and JunkYard to the CM roster. In fact, it was nice to see guys who we haven’t seen in awhile as they have been putting in the work at other AO’s in RVA’s rapidly expanding menu. Repeats by Rosie, Atilla, DK, J’Ville, Gumbo, and YHC.

    J’Ville and JunkYard probed outside KB GroundZero during their elective run around the school while the other Legionaries racked and pressed their KBs and stomped around the bus loop. The loop around the school (hereafter known as the Appian Way but subject to further expansion on the spacious terra firma of the AO) is a bit further than anticipated and kudos to J’ville and Gumbo for immediately undertaking at their run end a thoracic expansion in the form of the KB pullovers.

    YHC’s objective was to build on last week’s inaugural KB workout at the CM and increase the CM repertoire by introducing (at least to the Pax who are KB virgins or near virgins, including YHC) some foundational movements. There were 18 forms of KB movements planned but only 13 implemented this morning (excluding the dry run on the Turkish Getups) – the casualties were single leg deadlifts and two Mary based exercises, to-wit: side crunches and Russian Twists. My apologies for short-changing the Pax with these omissions.

    Some experimentation with the cadence on certain of the movements this morning – YHC appreciates the liberties and the patience (and the saved breaths) with the one counts: one … thousand, two … thousand, …). Also, thanks to Toga for the sage counsel of form practice on the Turkish Getups sans the KBs – wisdom.

    Corrections/additions/etc. welcomed in any comments.

    "I honor the Roman republic more than the empire. The one believed in austere virtue, and the other had bread and circuses." Wallace Stegner, All the Little Live Things.

    1 Corinthians 16:13 — "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."

  • Field Trip

    A refreshingly cool and pleasant morning at the GridIron welcomed 4 of the PAX who gathered at the alternate Short Pump MS parking lot. There was a palpable sense of expectation of a ground and pound, so YHC called a game plan audible at kickoff as follows:

    Thang:

    Mosey across the WildCat football field, the freshly paved but unpainted Pouncey Tract parking lot, and the bridge to the Grassy Knoll for the 8-Count BodyBuilder — circle up and go around 3x (pan-Pax IC).

    Field trip announced – recon Striker Park.

    Mosey through the woods break to the front Strikers Park parking lot, down the road to the back parking lot, and across the back three soccer field side lines to the Shady Grove Road entrance.

    Karaokes, high skips, backward runs, sprints, and medleys from endline to endline of the soccer fields – alternating 25x Merkins OYO and 25x Alabama Prom Dates OYO after each “run” sequence.

    Mosey back to the Grassy Knoll for a repeato of the 8-County BodyBuilder — circle up and go around 3x (pan-Pax IC).

    Mosey across bridge and drop before PT parking lot for 3 more rounds of 25x Merkins OYO and 25x APDs OYO.

    Mosey to PT pavilion dip bottom ISOs and 4 rapid-fire 30x dips OYO.

    Mosey across WildCat football field to bleachers for 25x Heels to Heaven OYO, Planks, 25x Carolina Dry Docks, 25x APDs OYO, and assorted Dead Bugs and 6 inches.

    Mosey back to alternate SPMS parking lot.

    COT:

    Prayer first, followed by Counterama and Name-o-rama (Attila by proxy).

    Moleskin:

    Nice expansion of the GridIron AO today – PT Park, SPMS, and now Strikers Park (to back entrance on Shady Grove Road). Note to Double-Dippers — if you can’t find us remember Strikers Park.

    YHC gladly cedes War Daddy status to White Deer – mere months matter.

    Attila’s yawns amidst exercise, including 8-Counts, continue to amuse. Less amusing was his suggestion that the over-sized Striker Park retention pond was an attractive site for an aqua-style BeatDown.

    Lots of youth activities today in RVA for the PAX – youth baseball (mini-Attilas) and soccer (mini-J’villes). Still brief opp for 2nd F at Chic-fil-a Coffeteria.

    White Deer has the Q next week at GridIron – come on out and support White Deer’s virgin Q: serious expectations for Top Gun upper-body BeatDown by a guy who scoffs at Merkins.

    Lots of great workouts before the next GridIron – consider Circus Maximus this Thursday at 0530 and bring your kettlebell. J’ville gave us a great Q at the CM launch last Thursday and we look to build on that again this week. Remember: north side of Godwin High School at the bus loop.

    1 Timothy 4:8

  • Short Shorts Sighting on the Grassy Knoll

    Four of the PAX met in the rising sun and crisp breeze – fantastic workout visibility and weather. And ideal weather for the boys’ rugby tournament on several of the gridirons to complement the Jefferson Cup girls’ soccer tournament next door at Strikers’ Park. A fair bit of rugby prep activity did not distract the PAX – here’s how it went after a short walk to the Grassy Knoll:

    Thang:

    Slaughter Starter on the Grassy Knoll – two minutes of Burpees AMRAP

    x25 Seal Jacks IC and Wall Chair against the Olde Schoolhouse

    Mosey to front gridiron with x25 DQs IC and x25 IWs IC on the way

    x8 endzone to endzone runs – four sets of X25 PLTs and four sets of x25 Air Squats/x25 Merkins OYO

    Mosey towards Pillars with x25 Seal Jacks IC and x25 IWs IC on the way

    Partner up with a Pillar and four sets of x25 Air Squats, x25 Merkins, x25 Pole Smokers HTH OYO

    x25 SSHs IC

    Mosey to parking lot picnic table pavilion – Dips Tabata style

    COT:

    Further discussion about planning a West End Thursday morning workout, likely at Godwin HS.

    J’ville closed us out in prayer with heartfelt gratitude for our families.

    Moleskin:

    The PAX have re-committed to kicking off the GridIron at the Grassy Knoll with Burpees. It seems the Slaughter Starter (2 minute AMRAP variety) may be preferred to the 10 for 10 approach though it was disconcerting to some that the customary warm-up prelude was dispatched — check the lexicon, gentlemen.

    Very little Mumble Chatter with the exception of some early mud slinging by Atilla and White Deer concerning the length of J’ville’s running shorts. J’ville deflected the criticism, and may be contemplating a loincloth now that we’re on the eve of the Spring Equinox.

    Coffeeteria at Chic-fil-a — this venue appears to be a suitable replacement to the Daily Grind for some solid 2d F, and service rendered with pleasure to boot.

    Titus 1:7-9

  • No Picnic at the Pavilions

    Beautiful morning at the GridIron with a five PAX posting that expanded to six with a double-dipper.

    The Thang (as best recollected from “stream of consciousness” workout):

    x25 SSHs IC
    x25 IWs IC
    x25 DQs IC
    x20 Merkins IC
    x25 APDs IC

    Mosey to Pavilion #1:

    x25 PLTs (x25 Pole Smokers/HTH for odd man)
    5 sets of: x20 Bulgarian Split Squats, x20 Elevated Single Leg APDs, x20 Split Jump-ups, x20 Decline Merkins
    x25 PLTs (x25 Pole Smokers/HTH for odd man)
    x25 Air Squats IC

    Mosey to Pavilion #2:

    Rapid fire dips — 5 sets x25 dips OYO
    x25 PLTs (x25 Pole Smokers/HTH for odd man)
    3 sets of x25 Air Squats OYO
    2 sets of PLTs

    Mosey to Playground:

    5 sets of x20 Australian Pull-ups OYO interspersed with 2 sets of x25 Air Squats OYO.

    Mosey to Parking Lot:

    Plank Jacks OYO – x25 Hand Plank Jacks, x25 Forearm Plank Jacks, x25 Left Forearm/Right Hand Plank Jacks, and x25 Right Forearm/Left Hand Plank Jacks interspersed with Superman holds

    Hand Plank hold with hand walk-back to Pike.

    Mosey to Pavilion #3:

    Rapid fire dips — 6 sets x25 dips OYO
    Supine rows/crunches OYO

    Five steps to Parking Lot

    COT:

    Unspoken prayer concerns acknowledged and closing prayer by Attila.

    Moleskin:

    Johnsonville under weather all week – he was missed (and his pre-workout text sending regrets was appreciated). Also missed were Flip Phone and White Deer, for whom concern is expressed as they grieve and heal, respectively.

    Strong sophomore posting by Lucky Charm – great work and a fine description of Hurling (fastest game on grass). We look forward to the results of his head-locking efforts this week. LC will let us know when he’s ready to Q and where to purchase hurleys for a Gaelic-themed beatdown.

    Chum Bucket made the Merkins look ridiculously easy, DK executed graceful Bulgarian Split Squats, and Attila’s yawns somehow prevented a full-blown narcoleptic episode. Offshore double-dipped and set the unofficial record for earliest DD posting time (0727) – he claimed that he didn’t get enough Pole Smokers at DogPile but we think he made a GridIron posting promise to LC which he was duty-bound to honor. Where’s Wilson?

    DK told the PAX to listen up – that EF Hutton was executing his first Q at No Toll this coming week. Regrettably, YHC will be in Texas and will have to miss (this is where Honey Do says “yeah right – EW doesn’t do weekdays”). Others – come out and support this first Q!

    The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. – Proverbs 15:24

    Excelsior!

  • Mario Addison #97 Tribute

    Five of the Faithful and an FNG gathered on a beautiful sunny morning at the GridIron. We got right to work as follows:

    Mosey from Parking Lot to the start of the Pillars.

    x25 SSHs IC
    X25 Seal Jacks IC

    Slalom to the end of the Pillars.

    x25 APDs IC
    Superman stretches and holds
    Side plank dips left and right
    Plank hold and hand walk back to feet

    Legal Limits OYO (but stay together advancing a Pillar or two after each set):
    x21 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x20 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x19 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x18 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x17 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x16 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x15 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x14 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x13 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x12 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x11 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x10 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x25 Pole Smokers/Heels to Heaven
    x9 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x8 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x7 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x6 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x5 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x25 Pole Smokers/Heels to Heaven
    x4 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x3 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x25 Pole Smokers/Heels to Heaven
    x2 Merkins and x10 Air Squats
    x1 Merkin and x10 Air Squats
    x25 Pole Smokers/Heels to Heaven

    x21 Air Squats

    Mosey to Courtyard

    x25 Dips OYO
    x20 Marching Men OYO
    x25 Dips OYO
    Bird dog stretches and holds
    x25 Carolina Drydocks IC
    Merkin ISO Hold

    Mosey back to Pillars midway

    x25 Pole Smokers/Heels to Heaven 0Y0

    Cross Beam holds to failure

    Lunge Walk to start of Pillars

    Mosey to WildCat GirdIron Bleachers:

    x25 Dips (rinse and repeat)

    Mosey to Baseball Field and divert (after being locked out) back to WildCat GridIron

    Karaoke left 20 yards
    Bunny Hop forward 20 yards
    High knees forward 20 yards
    Karaoke right 20 yards
    Bunny Hop forward 20 yards
    High knees forward 20 yards

    Mosey to GridIron End Zone Flag and split group in half – the Jordan Norwood PAX and the Mario Addison PAX with the former staying at flag and the latter on same end zone line but about 15 yards to left. Three sprints – Jordan Norwood races up the side line until Mario Addison – demonstrating speed and hustle (and performing mental calculus on the run to achieve optimal pursuit angle) catches Jordan Norwood for the take down.

    Mosey to Picnic Table Pavilion

    Dips Tabata

    10 step mosey to the Parking Lot

    COT: Welcome to Lucky Charm – a Dubliner by birth, Offshore’s first FNG, and a fine addition to the PAX. The naming process was enhanced, as usual, by DK who after being uninspired by the PAX offerings of Joyce, Guinness, Ulysses, etc., recalled his youthful breakfast of choice and singularized same. There was immediate approval without dissent and, despite the FNG’s obvious fondness of the handle, Lucky Charm was christened into F3.

    Flip Phone remains in Memphis and the PAX expressed concern as he grieves the loss of his mother. Attila too was missed and the PAX look forward to his return next week.

    Johnsonville informed the group of the planning of the Launch of F3 in Virginia Beach/Norfolk area – see Johnsonville for more information and to enlist for Launch assistance. This is an exciting opportunity to deepen F3 roots in Virginia.

    Takeout prayer of thanks and supplication.

    Moleskin:

    Offshore said he heard that GridIron isn’t very ambulatory so YHC decided not to disappoint. Truly, the plan was to include some Pole Smokers on the Diamond (a/k/a by the former pitchers among the PAX as Pole to Poles) but Spring Training was delayed by the locked gate. But with a bevy of football fields at the GridIron it was easy enough to re-position to the WildCat GridIron, stretch the legs, and pay homage to Mario Addison of the Panthers who executed the finest play of the Super Bowl in the opinion of YHC – still amazed at #97 and his big motor. Lots of video clips out there – but YHC just a few weeks ago learned how to add comments to BBs and there is no chance he can successfully do a Video Post to this BB – perhaps one of the Technocrats of the PAX can find one and add hereto or include a link in any comments to this BB? (see eg. http://thebiglead.com/2016/02/07/mario-addison-jordan-norwood-don-beebe-super-bowl/)

    DK and Lucky Charm departed the AO looking forward to some youth basketball; J’Ville, White Deer, Offshore, and YHC regrouped at the Daily Grind for some solid 2nd F that included some highly technical discussions about Operations Research, coding, mini-computing, and home brewing.

    “A man’s errors are his portals of discovery.” – James Joyce

    But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
    – 1 Samuel 16:7

  • Legal Limits

    Great morning at the GridIron where two of the Faithful gathered in the rising sun for a full plate of the three Fs.

    Here’s how it went:

    Mosey from Parking Lot to and around Short Pump Middle School (front to back) to the Pillars.

    X21 Seal Jacks IC

    Legal Limits #1 OYO:
    x20 Merkins and x1 Air Squats
    x19 Merkins and x2 Air Squats
    x18 Merkins and x3 Air Squats
    x17 Merkins and x4 Air Squats
    x16 Merkins and x5 Air Squats
    x15 Merkins and x6 Air Squats
    x14 Merkins and x7 Air Squats
    x13 Merkins and x8 Air Squats
    x12 Merkins and x9 Air Squats
    x11 Merkins and x10 Air Squats

    x25 Pole Smokers/Heels to Heaven 0Y0
    x25 Alabama Prom Dates OYO
    x21 Pole Smokers/Heels to Heaven 0Y0
    x21 Alabama Prom Dates OYO

    Legal Limits #2 OYO:
    x20 Lunges and x1 Merkins
    x19 Lunges and x2 Merkins
    x18 Lunges and x3 Merkins
    x17 Lunges and x4 Merkins
    x16 Lunges and x5 Merkins
    x15 Lunges and x6 Merkins
    x14 Lunges and x7 Merkins
    x13 Lunges and x8 Merkins
    x12 Lunges and x9 Merkins
    x11 Lunges and x10 Merkins

    x21 Pole Smokers/Heels to Heaven 0Y0
    x21 Alabama Prom Dates IC
    x21 Pole Smokers/Heels to Heaven 0Y0
    x21 Alabama Prom Dates IC

    x21 Merkins OYO
    x21 Air Squats OYO
    x21 Merkins OYO
    x21 Air Squats OYO

    x21 Pole Smokers/Heels to Heaven 0Y0
    x21 Alabama Prom Dates IC
    x21 Pole Smokers/Heels to Heaven 0Y0
    x21 Alabama Prom Dates IC

    x21 Merkins OYO
    x21 Air Squats OYO
    x21 Merkins OYO
    x21 Air Squats OYO

    x21 Pole Smokers/Heels to Heaven 0Y0
    x21 Alabama Prom Dates IC
    x21 Pole Smokers/Heels to Heaven 0Y0
    x21 Alabama Prom Dates IC

    x6 Merkins OYO
    x6 Air Squats OYO

    Mosey back to Parking Lot.

    COT: Prayer of thanks and request for continued watch care.

    Moleskin:

    The clock ran out – more pole smokers were anticipated; nonetheless a solid, no-frills workout with six exercises.

    Despite heavy legs, Attila took command at the end of the workout and converted the mosey to a sprint – YHC neither anticipated the hard charge nor did he have the legs to counter. Well done, Attila – a veritable blitzkrieg deserving of your new handle.

    Some speculation of the challenges Johnsonville may have faced last night – his leaving work early to “set his campsite before the rainfall” was likely not successful. His return to the GridIron (with the anticipated stories of January camping horror) is welcome.

    Matthew 11:28-30