Author: 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

  • Pre-Deliverance Recon

    Pre-Deliverance Recon

    Three then four river rats grabbed their boats and paddles and hit the shallows of the James River at Huguenot Flatwater on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. After Oyster caught up to us and we made it the the Willey Bridge, a nice goose-poop covered crop of rocks, hosted us for a few moments of beverage drinking and swimming. Try Hard and family were also on the waters enjoying a relaxing afternoon lounging in the secret creek.

    Deliverance 4 is scheduled for this Wednesday, unless the rain for Wednesday comes early. Stay-tuned!

    Kubota

  • Bodo’s does not break any blocks; Handshake hocks loogie on self.

    Another typical Wednesday morning at First Watch brought 8 chilly regulars into the 5am gloom. YHC called for headlamps, Last Call exclaimed “What!?” Time to warm up, let’s go!

    Mosey around the parking lot to the tiny triangle park for:

    COP:

    SSH’s, Imperial Walkers, Ukranian Soldiers, Merkins, Hand-Release Merkins, Crab Cakes, LBC’s, Helicopters, DQ’s

    Mosey down S. Ridge, evade the paperman in the pick-up truck, breath in his exhaust and commence all the way to the bottom.

    Oh look, there are 7 blocks lying beside the road.

    Partner up!

    Timer runs down Westham Station and turns around at the three full trash bags beside the road and runs back to partner who is doing exercises.

    Round 1: Curls

    Round 2: Bench Press

    Round 3: Overhead Press

    All 7 blocks must go back up to the AO parking lot (~.5 mile uphill, of course)

    Keeping same partners, Partner 1 carries two cinder blocks while Partner 2 completes 40 LBC’s and then runs to catch up with “two cinder block carrying partner.” Switcheroo until back at YHC’s truck.

    Deposit blocks and circle up for:

    Honeymoon Suite:

    APD’s, Suzanne Somers L&R, Pickle Pounders, Diamond Merkins (for Honeydo, missed you!)

    Four minutes of “Broga by Last Call” to finish us out.

    Numbers, Names, Announcements and Fudd took us out!

    NMS:

    YHC is pleased to report that all blocks made it back up to the truck in one piece, even with Bodo’s posting! Handshake couldn’t shake a loogie loose while doing APD’s and had it boomerang right back on his face. Carrying two cinder blocks back up the hill had it’s challenges. Double shoulder carries turned into Farmer’s carries for some of the PAX. “Proper Diamond Merkins” which consist of putting your nose in the middle of the Diamond, are tough but rewarding. A rare FW morning twilight was witnessed this morning. Bodo’s asked how many times one must post to FW in order to Q. Answer: When you put your name on the Q Sheet!

    Well done fellas and way to work. Coming back up that hill sucked!

    SYITG!

    Kubota

  • First Class Workout

    The cold rain could not stop 8 wide awake gentlemen of the 5am gloom from getting their money’s worth! After Splinter falls in line and Handshake revs his engine in the middle of River Rd, the following may have happened:

    COP in front of church:

    Dead Man Hang, Reach for the Sky, DQ’s, that’s enough, let’s go!

    Since Splinter ran his Feb 1 continuous mile right before the workout started, the PAX will:

    Run a continuous mile through the River Road Hills neighborhood ending at the entrance of $$$Windsor on the James$$$

    While in WOTJ, at each mailbox (there were plenty) conduct different exercises depending on what the house number is on the mailbox. To be brief, there were many HR Merkins (front sides get wet), several Burpees, a lot of WW2’s (backs get wet), some Heels to Heaven (backs get wetter), just enough Lt. Dan’s, and some Suzanne Somers just so the PAX could get their sides wet.

    After making the turn past Governor Gilmore’s house and back up to the entrance, the PAX headed back to the parking lot.

    Partner up for:

    Partner 1 elbow planks

    Partner 2 lunges 15 paces and turns around and lunges back to partner.

    Partner 2 then completes 10 Plerkins on Partner 1’s back.

    2+ rounds

    Back to VSF for:

    Numbers, Names, Announcements (none, its raining) and YHC took us out!

    NMS:

    The backblast title is taken from a Spider Run route that Marv created named “First Class Run.” Only those who have ventured into Windsor on the James will know. YHC admits, this morning sucked!!! YHC will bet anyone that the streets in WOTJ were wetter than any other street in Richmond. Take my word for it! The PAX can blame Splinter for coaxing YHC into dishing out Suzanne Somers in order to get everyone’s sides soaked.

    80 WW2’s + 20 Heels to Heaven = 100 Abs Exercises and 1 continuous mile for all the February Challenge entrants!

    2+ miles total. Still a tougher workout than WTH! 🙂

    Way to work this morning, Men!

    SYITG!

    Kubota

  • LIFO Morning

    It was back to the old stomping grounds for YHC, who was joined, eventually, by 9 other frozen companions. After Handshake completed his double parking spot parking job with the mini-van, this is what went down:

    Mosey around half of the horseshoe into order to collect an oblivious Garbage Plate (LIFO) who ran to the AO from his house. Circle up in front of the school for:

    COP:

    SSH’s, Jazzercises, Helicopters, DQ’s, Fudd (LIFO) arrives, Imperial Walkers, Hand Release Merkins, WW2 Sit-ups, Copperhead Squats

    Mosey to the Horseshoe and get in teams of three for:

    Triple Check:

    Timer runs the horseshoe

    Wilson’s Dying Boxing Cockroaches (Boxer)

    Wilson’s Dying Boxing Cockroaches (Receiver)

    3 Rounds, of course

    Mosey through main parking lot to Lindsay and Lindsay to begin a:

    Lindsey:

    LBC’s and Carolina Dry Docks travelling down Lindsay, Westham Pkwy and Sunset Dr.

    40/0, collect Last Call (very LIFO), 35/5 30/10 25/15 20/20 15/25 10/30 5/35 0/40

    Mosey around Crest Dr. to the parking lot in front of Dickie’s (Bubba’s) Barbershop for:

    11’s:

    Jump Squats then run across lot for Merkins. Back and forth.

    Mosey to the front of Zing Fit and pair up for:

    PLT’s:

    3 rounds of 20 each partner

    Mosey back to the VSF for:

    40 seconds of Burpees

    Time!

    Numbers, Names, Announcements and YHC took us out!

    NMS:

    A calm 17 degrees awaited the pax this morning. Constant movement was key to overcome the chill, with the lack of wind making things more bearable. Garbage Plate didn’t see the pax run almost right beside him on his way in. Fudd was lucky to see us in COP while driving by the front of the school, Last Call sent his M on her way north (possibly on the wrong train) and was very lucky to catch us before we disappeared towards Westham Pkwy (thanks for going to get him, Handshake!) Very quiet and still morning and the workout seemed to go by very quickly. Mr. Rogers posted at Hoedown for the first time and took the mandatory “first time there” entrance to the AO.

    Starbucks for 9 of the 10 afterwards with discussions of how to properly use the bathroom and take a shower in different areas of the world. Bodo’s enjoyed his female-filled Christmas. EF Hutton is up to 322!

    Great job this morning, men! Way to work!

    SYITG!

    Kubota

  • Seven Helpings of Mary

    The rain and cold did not stop seven properly dressed (expect maybe Anthrax) men from getting stronger. Here is what went down around the big city block:

    Mosey to the NW corner for COP:

    SSH’s, DQ’s, Ukrainian Soldiers (in honor of Zelenskyy escaping the war in order to have tea with our top officials), Imperial Walkers, Jazzercizes, Arm Circles, Copper Head Squats

    Large 4 Corners (bro code style)

    Starting at the corner of Westmoreland and Grove complete 30 Monkey Humpers repeating at each street light heading to next corner.

    At the corner of Cary and Westmoreland, complete 20 Squats repeating at each tree along Cary.

    At the corner of Commonwealth and Cary, complete 10 Merkins repeating at each street light.

    At the corner of Grove and Commonwealth, complete 5 Burpees repeating at each street light.

    Turn around and complete 5 Lt. Dan’s repeating at each street light until Grove and Commonwealth.

    At Grove and Commonwealth, complete 10 SSH’s repeating at each street light until Commonwealth and Cary.

    Turn around and complete 15 Ukrainian Soldiers at each street light heading back to the VSF.

    Stop off at a dry spot on the side of the school for: Carolina Dry Docks, WW2’s, Heels to Heaven, APD’s and Flutter Kicks all in cadence.

    Mosey back to VSF for:

    Numbers, Names, Announcments and YHC took us out!

    NMS:
    Everyone’s (except Anthrax) back was kept relatively dry this morning. Everyone’s (except Saab) front side was kept dry this morning. Hands got wet. Saab was happy he had the week off of Q’ing Mary. Jokes were told (some good, some bad, one very bad). Partner Monkey Humpers are possible at Saab’s next Q. Hutton is up to 317. Handshake didn’t give YHC a hard time. Bleeder was just happy to be there wearing his Kubota John Deere hat. Oyster posted at a Kubota Q even after Kubota didn’t post to his last Q. Anthrax looked cold.

    Enjoyed leading you men this morning!

    Merry Christmas to all!

    SYITG!

    Kubota

  • Santa has arrived at First Watch!

    Santa Claus, with a freshly trimmed mustache (less beard), and five of his nine tiny reindeer, took the sleigh for a ride around River Road Hills. 5am and the rain hit at the same time which meant “Let’s Mosey!”

    Mosey to the front of the church for:

    COP:

    Dead-Man Hang (take it easy, Splinter!), Reach for the rain clouds, DQ’s, Helicopters, (Eye)ranian Soldiers, Inverted Scorpion Kicks, Suzanne Somers Left, Heels to Heaven, Suzanne Somers Right.

    Let’s Mosey!
    Stop off at Gaymont and River for:

    Traveling Lindsays:

    Carolina Dry Docks and LBC’s

    Stop at Gaymont and University and begin:

    Traveling 11’s:

    Merkins and Box Cutters

    Stop in front of YHC’s decorated and lit house for a:

    Triple Check:

    Bench Press with the Big Bertha Blocks, Curls with the smaller blocks, timer runs up to Rose Hill and Ralston and back. Three rounds, of course.

    Staying in front of YHC’s house, partner up with each partner completing 2 rounds of 15 PROPER PLT’S! (Throw legs to the left, center, right and repeat)

    Staying with same partner, complete 10 Boo-Yah Merkins

    Travel back to the Shovel Flag via Ralston and River stopping several times for Squats, Jump Squats and Lt. Dans.

    Back at Shovel Flag, circle up and complete a Burpee Shuffle

    Time!

    Numbers, Names, Announcements and YHC took us out!

    Announcements (See Slack, obviously)

    NMS:

    SZN of GVN has begun at First Watch! Those who know, know! YHC foresees Miatas and Kidneys as future gifts to the pax. Light numbers this morning only meant more goodies for the ones who posted.

    Ronnie never got his back wet, somehow, and Handshake wonders if YHC ever really works 🙂

    In a couple weeks, be on the lookout for Santa in a Miata.

    YHC enjoys kicking off the SZN of GVN for the second or third(?) year in a row! Spreading Christmas cheer has always been a favorite of YHC’s, ever since a little boy. This is definitely the best time of the year, but let’s be mindful of those who have a lot of stress or bad memories/lost loved ones during this season.

    Way to work this morning, fellas!

    SYITG!

    Kubota