Author: Kubota

  • Where are the blocks hidden, Kubota?

    Seven FW Regulars assembled in the FW parking lot wondering what YHC had in store.

    “Where are the blocks hidden?”

    “Why do we need headlamps if your ankle hurts, Kubota?”

    “Does your ankle really hurt?”

    “Why do you look like a fat Prince Harry?”

    0500, let mosey!

    To the smallish, triangularish park for COP:

    DMH, DQ’s, Heli’s, Ukr. Soldier’s, Imp. Walkers, Merkins, Scorp. Kicks, Inv. Scorp. Kicks

    Mosey to the bottom of one of EF Hutton’s hills and Plankarama

    “Where are the blocks hidden, Kubota?”

    Partner up for several trips up and down the hill. Partners switch running the hill and doing AMRAP exercises which included: WW2’s, Reverse Crunches, APD’s, LBC’s, Hello Dollies, Rosalitas, Cross Leg Lifts (L) and (R), Scrunchy Crunchy Frogs, Flutter Kick’s, American Hammers and V-ups.

    “Where are the blocks hidden?”

    Mosey to the top of the hill and keeping same partners work your way back down the hill. Partner 1 bear crawls while partner 2 does 5 HR Merkins. Catch up to partner and switch.

    Back up the hill, same format with Lunges and 10 SSH’s. Switching as you go.

    Back down the hill, same format with Crab Walk and 3 Burpees. Switching as you go.

    “Where are the blocks?”

    Mosey back to the VSF completing a travelling Lindsey of LBC’s and Squats.

    “There are no blocks”

    Time!

    Numbers, Names, Announcements and YHC took us out.

    Solid group of WestHoegeans this morning (with one SOJ/WestHoe dual citizen). Tales of Spring break excitement, kitchen counters, home projects that include the M, hardwood floors, extra visitors, pool cleanliness and other random stories that can only be understood at FW, were told this morning. Handshake woke up 40 minutes before Broga started and was still late. Not sure what was occupying his time…

    Thanks for putting up with me and the sore ankle this morning. I think we worked our abs some.

    Have a great day!

    Kubota

  • National Inconvenience Yourself Day – 2024

    A Lucky 7 hit the streets, fields and driveways of First Watch in order to honor NIYD. As the clock struck 0500, the celebration began. Mosey almost one loop of the parking lot to warm up before circling up for:

    COP: DMH, Reach for the Sky, HC’s, DQ’s, CH Sqt’s

    Headlamps on and mosey down River Rd to the UR football practice fields.

    Line up at the goal line for:

    100 Single Ct. Flutter Kicks, run to other end

    90 Single Ct. American Hammers, run to other end

    80 LBC’s, run to other end

    70 Monkey Humper’s, run to other end

    60 SSH’s, run to other end

    50 Squats, run to other end

    40 Carolina Dry Docks, run to other end

    30 Reverse Crunches, run to other end

    20 Merkins, run to other end

    10 Lt. Dans, run to other end

    Circle up for 20 APD’s, to keep the blood flowing

    Build-A-Burpee 4 Corners (using all of the double field):

    Corner 1 – 40 Merkins

    Corner 2 – 30 Kick Outs

    Corner 3 – 20 Jump Squats

    Corner 4 – 10 Claps Burpees

    Partner up for 2 sets of 20 PLT’s each partner

    Gather the group and mosey back up River to Mr. Crabtree’s driveway for:

    More APD’s, Planks, Pigeons, and Pickle Pounders

    Mosey back to the flag and finish up with 30 seconds of arm circles

    Numbers, Names, Announcements and YHC took us out!

    NMS:

    We always pray about putting others first and doing good deeds for others, but did you know that there is a special holiday every 4th Wednesday of February called National Inconvenience Yourself Day?? This means to get out of your comfort zone and to do something for someone else that will help that other person. It could also mean other things, like running down River Rd at 0500. Anyway, tie this in with the Golden Rule and your life and others’ lives will be better off.

    Happy last real day of February to the PAX and enjoy the extra day of the year tomorrow. Find something memorable to do on Leap Day 2024!

    Too bad whoever made the image above doesn’t know how to spell.

    Way to work this morning, all! Have a great rest of the day and SYITG!

    Kubota

  • FW SZN of GVN – Kubota doesn’t give to charities edition.

    Actually, YHC does donate to charities, but the words didn’t come out the way YHC wanted.

    Nine warm and toasty PAX gathered in the moonlit freezer that is the large First Watch Area of Operations ready to try to stay warm, snug and cozy. Lets begin with:

    COP in front of the church:

    Helicopters, DQ’s, Russian – no, Ukrainian – no, Israeli Soldiers (many a laugh after a Hornydo comment to begin these), Imperial Walkers

    Enough, let’s mosey to River Road Hills.

    Lindsay down Gaymont (Carolina Drydocks and LBC’s)

    Extend the Lindsay over on Kingston to Ralston

    Gather up at Yield sign and form three teams of three.

    Grab a BIG BLOCK for each team. Two teammates carry the block up the hill to the colorful lighted tree on the left, which would be in the Broockers yard. Other teammate performs Squats. Flip flop several times. The worst part of this was when you had to double back up the hill. Squats were where the Mumblechatter happened (ie. stories about Honeydo’s date last night).

    After this, mosey with blocks up to YHC’s driveway and toss them in the ditch. Admire the leafless front yard and the all-white Christmas lights. Several comments mumbled about YHC needing more color in his life (eyeroll)

    Perform 30 Monkey Humpers and 20 Pickle Pounders (a Hornydo favorite)

    Mosey up Ralston to River and down River performing a travelling 7’s – Merkins and WW2’s

    Partner up at Gaymont and River for 2×20 PLT’s each partner

    Back at VSF, circle up for Merkin Ring-of Fire, including an appearance of Mike Tyson Merkins (EF Hutton) and Chuck Norris Merkins (Swirly) and Angry Porpoise Merkins (Handshake)

    3 MOM: Swirly-led crossed-leg lifts (15 each)

    To finish, we did 2 minutes of Shavasana in order to meditate and think about our brother Honeymoon, who lost his Dad a year ago today.

    Numbers, Names, Announcements and YHC took us out with some of the best thought out and genuine comments that probably can never be topped.

    Grow Ruck coming Spring 2024

    HDHH next Wednesday at 6pm at the aromatic Final Gravity where Fighting Gravity may or may not be playing.

    EF Hutton FW Q next Wednesday!

    NMS:

    Short and Sweet, YHC is very thankful for this PAX and hopes that everyone who posted today enjoys their gift and enjoys the holidays with their families, friends and maybe their co-workers.

    Don’t let the stress of this season overtake you. Enjoy your time with your kids. They grow up too fast!

    Have a great day PAX!

    Kubota

  • Annual Birthday Breaking Bread

    For the last few years, YHC has decided to give back during his birthday week (46th birthday was on the 22nd, btw!) This year, 8 fine people were served Minced Pork BBQ sandwiches, cole slaw, hot mac-n-cheese, pototoe salad, cupcakes and tea. All were most appreciative. One resident asked for seconds but was shutdown by the lady in charge because of his blood sugar levels! He wasn’t too happy.

    This is one one my family’s favorite things to do and one of F3RVA’s most important.

    BE THE LIGHT!!

    Tomorrow, EF Hutton has the honors. F3RVA is filling them up this weekend.

    Sign up! There are plenty of spots left in 2023.

    SYITG!

    Kubota

  • Cool, Comfortable Taint

    Cool, Comfortable Taint

    Pictured Above: Bodo’s socks! GO DUKES!

    Seven boot campers and two ruckers hit the streets leading down to and back up from the EF Hutton-inspired Taint. Upon completion of Last Call’s early morning Broga session and some friendly chatter around the VSF, this what the PAX completed:

    Mosey to the tiny Henrico park for COP:

    Dead Man Hang, SSH’s, Helicopters, DQ’s, Ukrainian Soldiers, Merkins, Inverted Scorpion Kicks

    Travelling Lindsey toward the Taint. LBC’s and Heels to Heaven.

    Almost at the Taint, 2×20 PLT’s each partner.

    Arrive at the Taint and pair up or triple up. Three extra, extra large Bodo’s proof blocks await the PAX. Each team grabs a block. One partner walks with block while other partner(s) complete 10 merkins and catch up to switch with partner. Repeato until team is all the way back to the VSF!

    Drop blocks off and grab some guard rail for:

    11’s (10 Dips on guard rail and run across to other side for 1 WW2’s) Repeato until 1 Dip and 10 WW2’s.

    Mosey back to VSF and circle up for Merkin Ring of Fire and 1 minute of Alabama Prom Dates.

    Time!

    Numbers, Names, Announcements and Upchuck took us out!

    Announcements:

    2nd F/3rd F event at Upchuck’s home tomorrow at 7:30pm. Bring canned goods and canned beer. Look for the big house on Westham Parkway.

    Ultimate Frisbee at Gridiron on Saturday

    NMS:

    Twas a nice, crisp, cool morning for another Kubota travelling bootcamp and Upchuck/Lockjaw ruck/walk-a-bout. Several past First Watches have teased the EF Hutton-inspired Taint, but this morning we dove right into it. Lots of grumbling about the large blocks and lots of grumbling from one unnamed PAX about YHC’s similar Q’s this week. Most went to coffeeteria afterward with talk of a certain USPS Mail Deliverer, a certain HVAC Repairman, Colonoscopies, Economist Magazine, Bodo’s socks and how the Starbucks Employees can’t figure out how to turn the lights on and their fans off.

    Way to work this morning and SYITG!

    Kubota

  • Autumn in August

    Six strong posted for a different kind of HBR workout in the comfortable 65 degree gloom this morning. Here is what went down:

    Mosey to the front of the Middle School for:

    Dead Man Hang, Reach for the Stars, SSH’s, DQ’s, Imperial Walkers, Jazzercizes, Flutter Kicks, Suzanne Somers Right, Scorpion Kicks, Suzanne Somers Left, LBC’s, Merkins

    Mosey to the entrance of the Elementary School and begin a Travelling Lindsey into the Farmington neighborhood. Carolina Dry Docks and Two-Count Flutter Kicks.

    At the divided highway with the canal in the middle, perform Travelling 11’s. WW2’s and Lt. Dan’s/Squats.

    Work our way back to the AO and head over to Heartbreak Hill. Perform 7’s running up and down in between sets. Merkins and Burpees.

    Partner up for 2×20 sets each of PLT’s

    Partner up for 10 Boo-Yah Merkins

    Mosey back to the Shovel Flag for some Pigeon Pose and Shavasana.

    Time!

    Numbers, Names, Announcements and YHC took us out!

    NMS:

    Nice morning for a walk/mosey/run-a-bout! YHC decided to head off campus and change things up a bit instead of the usual Jerkin Gym, Pull-Ups and Donkey Kicks that are popular at HBR. Bro-Code travelling exercises are some of YHC’s favorite things to lead. Everyone put in hard work this morning and everyone will be better for it.

    Thanks for putting up with YHC this morning, men, and SYITG!

    Kubota

  • NBA Senior League

    Eight PAX who probably shouldn’t be playing basketball (except maybe Splinter) hit the court this morning in a rather comfortable temperature. According to the early morning Kanawha swimmers who were wondering why 8 grown men were playing basketball at 0550, this is what went down.

    After admiring the freshly paved asphalt hill and lower playground area of TES, mosey to the front of the school for:

    Dead Man Hang, Reach for the Sky, DQ’s, Helicopters, Jazzercizes, There was some chatter about backs needing to be loosened up, so, down on the ground for Scorpion Kicks.

    With backs now loosened up, mosey toward Kanawha Rec. Assoc. with a travelling Lindsey (Carolina Dry Docks and Two-Count Flutter Kicks)

    After reaching the KRA parking lot, line up on one side for Curb Crawls 1-5 Merkins on the ends with Bear Crawls in between. Switch up with 4-1 Jump Squats on the ends with Lunges in between.

    Mosey to the bottom of the parking lot and collect a strategically placed basketball and head into the Kanawha field to the hoops court. Next exercise is removing the soccer goals, trash cans and saw horses from the court. This was strenuous.

    Time for a quick game of 4 on 4! Captains are the youngest (Faceplant) and oldest (Pigskin, duh!) PAX members who were there.

    Faceplant, Wedding Singer, Kubota and Senor Frog versus Pigskin, Splinter, Pucker and Tater

    Splinter dominated early, YHC hit an early three, Singer made a basket or two, Splinter comes down from 10 feet up to land wrong on his left ankle, Time was called, play resumed, Tater made a shot or two, Faceplant ran a good point and passed a lot, Pucker is a defensive stud, Senor Frog intercepts passes, Splinter comes back into the game, YHC tries to break Splinter’s ankles with his dribbling skills, YHC loses ball out of bounds, Splinter yells “How do you like that defense!, Pigskin is playing basketball at age 70, enough said!

    Mosey back towards the shovel flag with another travelling Lindsey (LBC’s and Squats)

    Two minute elbow plank at the flag to wrap things up!

    Numbers, Names, Announcements and YHC took us out!

    NMS:

    This was a workout that YHC ran back from last August for his birthday, but working out on KRA’s field was replaced with some hoops. Everything else was somewhat similar, except Splinter hurting his ankle. Heal up! The lap swimmers at KRA had some entertainment to keep them distracted from actually swimming laps (who would want to swim laps at 0530 in the morning, besides Fudd??)

    It’s always fun to try to be a kid again and play the types of games we incorporate into our workouts, like basketball, pickleball, ultimate, etc., but we also need to realize that we are not still kids and to listen to our bodies. While this morning was fun, we probably shouldn’t have done it. Let me back up, YHC probably shouldn’t have Q’d it.

    Anyway, we got a workout in and we missed some of the Hoedown regulars who were fartsacking 🙂

    YHC with the Q at HBR tomorrow. Come join the fun! No Basketball 🙂

    Way to work this morning, men, and SYITG!

    Kubota

  • Frogger

    Five traffic dodgers endured the 76 degree morning and sweated out the previous day’s celebrations. After the time keeper (EF Hutton) gave the word, the following likely happened:

    Mosey to the tiny park for:

    COP:

    Helicopters, DQ’s, Jazzercizes. That’s enough, lets roll.

    Traveling Lindsey to the UofR lake: LBC’s and Carolina Dry Docks

    Bear crawl across the bridge to the island.

    Elevens in the gazebo: Reverse Crunches and Dips

    3 x 10 Pole Smokers

    3 x 10 Box Jumps

    15 Incline Merkins

    15 Derkins

    Heels to Heaven, Box Cutters

    5 Burpees OYO

    Lunge walk across the bridge

    Traveling Lindsey back to Saab’s house: LBC’s and Carolina Dry Docks

    Alabama Prom Dates and Monkey Humpers in Saab’s driveway

    30 squats on the way back to VSF

    Time called by the timer

    Numbers, Names, Announcements, and Lighthouse took us out!

    NMS:

    It was nice to have Lighthouse join us for his first First Watch only to pretty much do the same thing he does when he posts at WTH, a Traveling Bootcamp. A couple miles were covered and the morning twilight/sunrise was enjoyable. The heat, humidity and the traffic were not enjoyable. There was a lot of car dodging and a possible roll of the ankle, but the crew made it back to the VSF safely. Not much mumblechatter this morning as a few of the noisiest First Watchers were out of town.

    Way to work this morning, men!

    SYITG!

    Kubota

  • Deliverance 4 – Sand and Rain Edition

    Deliverance 4 – Sand and Rain Edition

    10 Completely Stupid and Utterly Pointless Thrill Seekers decided to get wet this morning with not just sweat, but rain water and river water. After all boats had captains at 0500, the task force steamed over to the North Bank of the mighty James River.

    Paddle up the little creek to our new beach area and waddle up the sand dunes for:

    COP:

    Dead Man Hang, Reach for the Sky, Helicopters, DQ’s, Sand Merkins, LBC’s, Flutter Kicks, Sandy Scorpion Kicks 🙂

    5 Burpees OYO

    TRIPLE CHECK:

    Using the three coupons that were collected on the voyage over, we did:

    Partner 1: Carolina Dry Docks

    Partner 2: Squats

    Partner 3 (Timer): Carry coupon Hallelujah-style across the knee, then waist, then shoulder deep creek and back!

    Three rounds, of course.

    Lunge Walk 50 yards back to the boats, stopping on the way for 5 more Burpees. Go ahead and do your burpees in the water, Machismo 🙂

    Hop back in boats and head out of the creek into the main river for:

    INTERVAL PADDLING:

    60 seconds on Hard Paddling upriver/30 seconds light paddle

    10 minutes of this. Time is now 0545. Gather together and spend a minute of silently reflecting, praying, meditating. Turn to the American Flag on the South Bank and recite the Pledge of Allegiance out loud.

    15 minute paddle/float at your own pace back to the landing! No pretty sunrise this year.

    Circle up on the landing for 5 more Burpees OYO. Time!

    COT:

    Numbers, Names, Announcements, Pictures and Upchuck to us out!

    NMS:

    What a fun time this morning, Men! We knew we were going to get wet, but that did not slow us down or make it suck. The new beach wasn’t too bad to workout on compared to the old beach the first couple of years. No one flipped over this year like last year, but there were a couple of near full immersions with cinder blocks that occurred. The rain didn’t get heavy until the float back, but who cares, we were already wet.

    Thanks for coming out this morning, gentlemen! This will be done again in June 2024 as close to the Summer Soltice, as possible.

    Happy Summer, everyone!

    SYITG!

    Kubota

  • Batteau Pickleball (eye roll)

    Four strong hit the darkest AO that was surprisingly bright this morning. With lights shining on the parking lot and dawn breaking, the following occurred:

    KUBOTA Q:

    Mosey to the front of the school for COP:

    Dead Man Hang, Reach for the Sky, Helicopters, DQ’s, Imperial Walkers, Jazzercizes, Shoulder Taps, Plank Jacks, Merkins, LBC’s, Flutter Kicks

    Mosey past the school sign and partner up for Touch-A -Tree

    Round 1: 3 trees and partner does merkins

    Round 2: 4 different trees and partner does WW2’s

    Round 3: 5 different trees and partner does SSH’s

    SENOR FROG Q:

    Mosey to the triple check wall and keep same partners

    Round 1: Run Horseshoe while partner Wall Sits

    Round 2: Run Horseshoe while partner does Ball to the Walls

    Round 3: Run Horseshoe while partner Donkey Kicks

    Round 4: Run Horseshoe while partner does Dirty Hook-ups

    Pigskin Q:

    Mosey over to railings and grab some rail for:

    10 Bulgarian Split Squats each leg/10 Derkins, then 9/9, 8/8, 7/7, 6/6, 5/5, 4/4, 3/3, 2/2, 1/1

    Head over to blacktop and keeping same partners, one partner goes to fence and other partner by the gym entrance. Bear crawl to each other and complete 10 Boo-Yah Merkins, run back. Three rounds!

    GARBAGE PLATE Q:

    Mosey over to the Gaga Ball Pit and grab some wall. 30 Dips/20 SSH’s in cadence. 30 Dips/10 SSH’s in cadence.

    Mosey to back field and keeping same partners complete two rounds each of 20 PLT’s and 10 Jerkins on dip bars.

    Mosey back to the VSF and square up for ring of fire consisting of Hand Release Merkins, Shoulder Taps, Side Dips and finish with 45 seconds of Alabama Prom Dates.

    Numbers, Names, Announcements and Pigskin took us out!

    NMS:

    With YHC’s return to Hoedown since school is now finally out for the M, YHC was expecting some regulars. It looked like it was just going to be Senor Frog and YHC at first, with the plan of helping Senor Frog get acclimated to Q’ing so that he can get his VQ on soon. YHC thinks he is ready! With the last minute additions of Pigskin and Garbage Plate, a four-way Hot Potato was called. Pickleball prevails now on Mondays with the early morning sunlight but Hoedown will be getting it’s numbers back later in the summer. Quality not quantity was the theme this morning 🙂

    Way to work this morning, men! Leading and partnering!

    Have a great day and SYITG!!

    Kubota