Author: Heist

  • A few good men: Dangers of the gloom

    Great to be back in the gloom with the Pax after taking nearly a week off laid up with Covid. Only one way to catch Swoop (and many others now) in the big data…get out and post. Anyway, according to the unidentified creature that puked on the street in Rountrey, here is how it went down:

    1. Long freaking mosey from Alamo to the Rountrey construction area (about a mile). Stretching. Demonstrated our new merkin style (Topeka two step). Mosey on for…..
    2. Construction site triple check: LBCs, lunges, with timer running to run pile. This is where we lost Hermey (twisted knee). Recover.
    3. Mailbox burpees back towards Alamo (this way). This is where we lost our dear friend Purple Rain (hopefully does not need a backetomy)
    4. Next part of the workout requires some explanation…hang with me. I try to come up with new routines for the guys, think of ways to avoid injury (that was the point of the long, but slow mosey), etc.  Hence,  I spend a bit of time here and there on YouTube looking up calisthenic routines.  Turns out that some dudes get JACKED doing hard time on.  Mosey to Alamo bunker (looks like a prison cell) for OYO 3 round burst sets of  three rounds of donkey kids(10)/squats(20)/Topeka two-step merkins (10)….most felt the burn by the end of the second round. 

    BTTF for a brief ring of fire with another incarceration inspired merkin variant: If you have been posting a little bit, you may notice many variations of merkins…Today we tried this variation

    If the title didn’t clue you in, we had a few injuries today (Hermey – knee and Purple Rain – back). Nothing serious (hopefully), but just a reminder to take care of yourself. Fortunately, DR Wildcat provided a quick assessment and Cookie was able to grab a car for Hermey (injury happened a little ways from the flag).

    Prayers for injured PAX. WC took us out.

    Rumor has it that sone much loved and long absent New Market guys are coming back out in the Gloom soon (stay tuned). 

    Enjoy the day. Be the positive light in someone’s life. 

  • Found those Topeka dudes.

    After no shows Wednesday. I tried again with success. BTW bringing a nasty Merkin variant to a post near you. Very new Pax. Good dudes.

    Here is copy and paste of the backblast:

    BACKBLAST!:
    Date: 2024-02-16
    AO: #ao-Top City
    Q: @Jack
    PAX: @Bob Ross, @Mudflap, @Ultra Crunch, @ Heist
    Count: 5
    Warm-Up: Side straddle hops and stretching
    The Thang:
    25 count of:
    Prisoner Squats
    Shoulder Taps w/alternating Knee
    LBC’s
    Single leg RDL Left & Right
    OH Press
    Bicep Curl
    1 min Skull Crusher, R & L
    Mercan 2 Step
    Run
    Repeat
    COT:, @Bob Ross, thankful for freelance work, full time employment, @Mudflap-Finances, @Ultra Crunch-Maintain positive thought patterns, @Heist- safe travel home.

  • Blame it on the Superbowl (DR in Topeka)

    Showed up to “Lion Heart” in Topeka this morning. Waiting….yup…no one is showing up

    I really can’t push myself to bootcamp solo. Plus, I feel like you look like Tyler Durden fighting himself as portrayed in the movie Fight Club. Hats off to Big Rig who did that regularly at 430 am.

    Knowing it was Wednesday, I did my own MOT. .https://onthegomap.com/s/r022457m

    Let’s see how “Top City Owls” on Friday goes.

  • Ole man winter not keeping SOJ down!

    10 SOT bootcampers today! Way to go! According to old man winter, here is how it went down:

    Warmup: Tracers on the bus loop. F3 Mission statement and disclaimers, followed by some stretches, a few merkins (of course). 

    We started with a little triple check with squats and shoulder tap merkins (Bullseye special power move). Runner goes about 75 yards to bus loop sign and back. 10 second countdown by who?! Wedding Singer. 

    Mosey towards the courts, but had to do a quick pain session of 2x people chair for 60 seconds, followed by 10x donkey kick OYO. 

    Tennis courts. What do you think we did dear reader? Exactly – four corners “lady of the night style.” Exercise choices brought to you by Cookie (Merkins), DK (squats), Yeehaw (Heels to Heaven), and Bullseye (SSH). Usual 10/20/30/40 rep set. 

    Mosey to small hill by track. Partner up. Three rounds of bear crawls up the hill and return while partner does merkins/diamond merkins/werkins. 

    2 victory laps with the Don Draper birthday crew and the BTTF. 

    Announcements: Frozen Triangle this Saturday and G R O W R U C K in May!!

    Prayed us out. Cofeteria at Bux. 

    Honor to lead today. Thanks guys!

  • Just plain stupid run part 3

    This run sucks.
    5.4 miles just under 8 minute pace. Tobit and Doozy pushing the pace.

    Hill by the train tracks smoked me again. Let’s agree to make this quarterly!

    Respect to Doozy and Rosie for putting in 3 more miles at the end!

    Thanks to all the guys pushing me today and making me stronger.

     

  • Abdominal snowman tripod.

    We kicked off with a jog down the scenic Rountrey modern home stretch, invigorating our spirits in the crisp morning air.

    Circle up for some SSH, Helicopters, Don Quixote.

    DORA: We plunged into the heart of endurance with 100 LBCs, powered through 200 squats, and soared with 300 double-count flutters. The runner charged down Alvecote Terrace, embodying the spirit of perseverance.

    Strength and Balance: We dominated 20 fiery fire hydrants and embraced the tranquility of a 1-minute plank, forging both strength and stability.

    Tribal Trek: In an Indian run, we journeyed together to the Waverton/Endstone Culdesac, each step strengthening our brotherhood.

    Triple Check Trials: One brave soul sprinted to the formidable angry snowman, while the rest of us alternated between SSH’s energy and the explosive power of jump squats.

    Plank Pow-Wow: A 2-minute plank challenge sparked spirited mumble chatter, with some legendary 3rd and 4th leg assists – a moment you just had to witness.

    Endstone Escapade: We charged up Endstone Trail, halting at the hill’s base for two adrenaline-fueled sprint rounds:

    Round 1: Sprint up hill. 10 squats at each ⛄️ (5x). Mosey walk down hill.
    Round 2: Same thing, added 10 ball dippers.

    Final Stretch: With 4 minutes on the clock, we headed back to the flag for some rejuvenating stretches, unwinding our warrior muscles.

    Announcements:

    1. Swoop Q at Old Hundred tomorrow.
    2. GrowRuck
    3. Frozen Triangle
    4. Have you seen Oyster?

    Prayers and Cheers:

    1. Cookie’s friend’s dad has recovered from pneumonia and is our of the hospital.
    2. Pray for Blacktop’s father who is sick.

  • No rain. KB training. Get some.

    PAX: Hermey, Heist, Purple Rain, Cookie

    Warm-Up:

    • 2 rounds of farmer carry around the parking lot.

    Round 1:

    • 20x Kettlebell Swings
    • 15x Kettlebell Rows
    • 20x Kettlebell Squats
    • Walk around the lot to the other side. Repeat. Return to the start.

    Round 2:

    • 10x Kettlebell Single Leg Deadlifts
    • 20x Kettlebell Sumo Squats
    • 15x Kettlebell Curls
    • Walk around the lot to the other side. Repeat. Return to the start.

    Round 3: Led by Cookie

    • Close Knee Squat (Testicle Crushers) – 20x
    • Skull Crushers – 15x
    • Clean and Press – 10x each arm
    • Walk around the lot to the other side. Repeat. Return to the start.

    Cooldown:

    • Deadman Hang/Andy Dufresne Stretch

    Announcements:

    • Purple Rain’s 1-year Q anniversary this Saturday at Rock and Roll.

    Prayers:

    • Led by Hermey. Prayers for Cookie’s friend’s father, who is in the hospital with pneumonia.
    • A reminder to cherish our time with family, remove distractions, and focus on what truly matters in life.

  • Breaking Bread: Heist and Wildcat

    Wildcat and Heist, fitness warriors with hearts as strong as their bodies, decided to bring a unique twist to their usual workout routine. Instead of doing burpees, they lifted the spirits of those less fortunate. Armed with pizzas, cookies, and salads, they marched to a respite center, ready to spread joy.

    As they arrived, the aroma of warm pizza caught the attention of the homeless individuals. Wildcat and Heist, clad in their fitness gear, began distributing the food with genuine smiles. The contrast of indulgent cookies and healthy salads offered something for everyone.

    Antoniette, initially skeptical, soon found herself drawn to the warmth radiating from Wildcat and Heist. Their kindness and genuine concern touched her heart. She joined the communal gathering, savoring a slice of pizza and engaging in uplifting conversations.

    Laughter echoed through the respite center as the fitness warriors shared stories of triumph and resilience. The act of kindness not only nourished bodies but also nurtured a sense of community. Wildcat and Heist, with their burpee-free approach, became catalysts for a collective uplift.

    As the night unfolded, everyone felt a renewed sense of hope. Antoniette, once wary, was now part of the shared joy. The fitness warriors had not only brought physical sustenance but had also created a space where everyone felt seen and valued.

    In the end, amidst the shared moments and simple pleasures, Wildcat and Heist proved that true strength lies not just in challenging workouts like burpees but in the ability to uplift others and build a community where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can find happiness.

  • Start improvement with yourself.

    Two of F3 RVAs finest leaders and a small band of Pax from the Alamo and Satan’s Hill joined up for a Heist Q at Timberwolf.

    Under the cloudy yet moonlit sky, the PAX moseyed to the track, setting the stage for the 2024 Resolution Revolution. We started things off with 20 side straddle hops (don’t we always?), followed by:
    • Arm Circles
    • Michael Phelps
    • LBCs (Little Baby Crunches)
    • Alabama Prom Dates
    • World’s Best Stretch1

    1. In some circles this refers to someone’s Mom ↩︎

    Resolution Circuit: 4 laps around the track. Each lap I asked the guys to think about how you can improve yourself as an individual, a husband*, as a father and as friend to the Pax and your community over 2024.

    * Originally, I said, “think how you can make your wife better.” Quickly realized this might be a disaster if we inform an M how we can make them better. Much mumble chatter ensued.

    The PAX embraced the challenge. Each quarter mile we knocked out various exercises, including bleacher dips, incline merkins, incline diamond merkins, and incline werkins. We knocked out a minute plank and topped things off with five burpees.

    Pyramid sets: Moseyed behind the school under a street lamp for a pyramid circuit: 10 squats/15 double count mountain climbers/20 LBCs/15 mountain climbers and 10 squats. Repeated 4 more times, dropping each circuit by 1/5 of the first number. Ask a friend if you are confused.

    Teamwork: The camaraderie among the PAX reached new heights during the team challenge. Partnering up, we tackled a combined total of 50 air squats, 150 LBCs and 300 SSH. Each partner had to run 75 yards up hill and back between exercises. Nancy and Rosie finished first.

    Mosey back to the flag for about five minutes of stretching. Time.

    Announcements:

    1. Sign up for GrowRuck this May. FYI – you can get a loaner ruck to train with. See Rosie.
    2. New Year’s day convergence at No Toll. 7 a.m.
    3. The Murph is back in 2024 at Twin Team. I have committed myself to bringing back Twin Team this year.

    Closing thoughts: As I took us out in prayer and thought about how I can improve myself as an individual, husband, father, etc., I couldn’t help but think about the two guys (Rosie and Nancy) standing amongst us in the ball of man. To me, these are two real deal HIMs who have been in the gloom well over a decade combined.

    Both have made me better. Nancy encouraged me to step up last year and do my first Q and to lead by example. Rosie has pushed me to run more and helped to open my eyes to the real point of a CSAUP, which has very little to do with yourself, but your bond with the Pax.

    Guys like this make us better as individuals, which makes us better husbands, fathers and leaders. I know others probably have similar stories and there are certainly many great F3 leaders. All appreciated. Keep it coming.

  • Pre-DoC Alamo long mosey.

    Did a 4 mile run with Wildcat around the neighborhood yesterday and felt a little sore from the extra push. When I got backup Q duty last night I did a little grinch smile. When you Q, you call the shots!

    Thang: 5:30 a.m. Longest warmup jog ever from the clubhouse to the new section of Rountrey….nothing but a barren wasteland of gravel and empty lots. I gave the F3 spiel and double checked with Boberry and Statefarm…btw, working on my F3 flag, so far Harbor Freight seems to be the winner with my $9.99 shovel and $3.99 flag!

    I digress…did some various stretches and carried on down Bellstone. Stopped by Blacktop’s house…Pax owed 10 penalty burpees because he said he was going to come out today.

    Mosey on around the trails behind Swoop’s house. Dodged various muddy puddles. Found a dry spot and did 20x copperhead squats and a 2 minute plank. Popped out on Endstone Trail and headed up the hill.

    • Made up exercise #1 at Endstone Culdesac: S.A.N.T.A.
      • S: SSH (30x)
      • A: APD (30x)
      • N: No cheat merkin (20x)
      • T: “Torso Twist” aka american hammers (20x)
      • A: A Burpee
    • Kicked off the next one to RVa’s one and only Statefarm in Rankin CT for G.R.I.N.C.H.
      • G: Getups(10x) these sucked.
      • R and I: Rows and Incline Merkins. Partner exercise where ankles held for rows and buddy does Merkins. I think the neighbors may have callef the police as it looked illegal.
      • N: No cheat squats (20x)
      • C: Crunchy Frogs (20x)
      • H: Hury up to Alamo….sprint

    Back to Alamo for some stretches. Maybe even some partner stretches, but what happens at the Alamo stays at the Alamo.

    Announcements:

    1. Rosie 12 DOC tmw
    2. Vagabond’s last stand at Satan’s Hill on 1/5/24
    3. Bring shoes tmw for donation to DTH.

    Prayers:

    Keep praying for little Liv and her continued healing. Pray for Wildcat. He has shoulder surgery Wednesday a.m. to clean up old football injuries. Pray for recovery for Swoop’s buddy who is in a medically induced coma in Brazil after a hang gliding accident.

    One last thing men. Put your damn cell phone down and spend good quality time with your family this Christmas. Time with our loved ones is precious. Enjoy it!

    Heist out.