Author: Last Call

  • Broga Building Steam

    A limber foursome hit the courts of No Toll prior to a long awaiting helping of Gumbo. Quads were worked hard this morning followed by the ever popular Shavasana. Good to have Doublemint join the Brogii regulars Chap and Doozy. Seems broga is becoming a trend.

  • Some Late Core Broga

    A pair of limber stallions returned to the courts of No Toll for the 2nd week for some Broga. With numbers doubling from the previous week, some early morning stretching was called for prior to the epic beatdown DTH was throwing down. Core work was the key with the abs being tested for the full session. Good to have Chaplain back in the fold as we continue to reignite the Broga fire.

  • Murph Graded on a Curve

    A quartet of SOJ studs descended on Twin Team for a Last Call beatdown with the lunar calendar showing the last Friday of the month. Taking a page from Honeymoon, a Murph was called by the light of the moon. Here is how it went down:

    Quick 1,600 meter mosey around James River High school to include 1 lap around the track and back up to Betty Weaver fields. Collect Bullseye along the way. Warmarama around the equipment that included arm circles and dead man hang followed by the Murph rountine. 10 pull ups, 20 merkins, 30 squats followed by a run across the field and back. Complete 10 rounds holding for the 6 after each round. Pull ups became more of an arm hang for YHC during the 1st round until completion, you vs. you.

    Murph completed with time to spare, lets continue to work the shoulders with a curb crawl around the bus loop, indigenous people style. Caboose lunges to the front and repeato until time.

    Names, Numbers, Announcements, YHC took us out

    Announcements: Sip & See Retreat this weekend where Gumbo is primed to retain Corn Hole Crown. His M has found a special place in the home for the trophy to be displayed. T Claps to Bone Thugs with his incredible story and health improvement. See slack for his details.

    NMS: Some mumble chatter this morning to include seeing long time acquaintances that have held up over the years. Doozy called the Murph early on noticing the unusual running distance for a Last Call Q. Moonlight really helped navigate the damp field. Good to see some regulars at Twin Team. Hope to continue sports discussion as it is a great start to the weekend. Safe travels to those going to the retreat.

  • Slippery When Wet

    A variety of workouts were happening at a bustling Twin Team. Conditions were perfect as fall seems to be upon us. Once everything was sorted 3 runners ran, 5 IPC combatants murder bunnied and a duo of SOJ regulars boot camped. This is what was rumored to have occurred according to the Chesterfield County janitorial staff.

    Doozy started with the Q to discover darkness surrounding the High School. Short mosey down to the light near the track for warmarama that included DQ’s, Heli’s, Cherry Pickers, Russian Soldiers, LBC’s. Passing the Q over the YHC for…

    THE THANG:

    Staying on the track for lady of the night 4 corners of the track. 10 HR Merkins, 20 WWII’s, 30 Squats, 40 American Hammers (2 count). Short Mosey over to the home bleachers.

    Mini Dora with 100 derkins, 150 dips, 200 elevated merkins. Timer ran up the bleachers, 1/2 way across and slowly worked their way back down.

    Mosey to the back of Betty Weaver to check on the IPC fellas. Still grinding. Peoples Chair against the building while the timer bear crawled across the black top and Bernied back. Next round Peoples Chair, lunge and Bernie. Alternate until time was called.

    BTTF: Numbers, Names. Picked up 3 of the IPC crew for Announcements and Prayers. YHC took us out. Runners showed up as we vacated the AO pulling 7 miles towards the marathon training.

    NMS: Good showing from various options this morning. IPC certainly seemed difficult but reported no merlot spills. Always good to get some track work in with Doozy, and YHC is appreciative of the conversation since Doozy could easily lap the competition. Wanted to get some vertical work in but bleachers were a bit dark and wet this morning, causing some possible rethinking of future workouts. Always good to start to the weekend. SYITG.

  • Diamond, Square, or whatever Nancy says

    5 SOJ regulars were graced by the presence of an FNG and 3 New Marketeers that found their way to the lush fields of No Toll this morning to see what YHC had planned to work off the festivities of the long holiday weekend. Iron Pax was threatened but this is what occurred to the best of my knowledge.

    F3 Disclaimer and Warmarama in typical No Toll location that included SSH, Dead Man Hang, Imperial Walkers, Russian Soldiers and Copperhead Squats.

    Mosey to far field for 7 of Diamonds. 4 sets of exercises with 1/2 field mosey between sets. Exercises included 7 Hand Release Merkins, 14 World War II’s, 21 Imperial Squat Walkers, 28 Carolina Dry Docks, 21 Jump Squats, 14 Scrunchy Frogs, 7 Burpees.

    Remain under the Pavilion for Triple Check: Timer runs across the field, Elevated Merkins & Dips on the bench.

    Mosey back to the restrooms for another Triple Check: Timer runs to end of the parking lot, Pole Smokers, Peoples Chair. Time for only 1 round and back to the flag.

    Numbers, Names – Welcome Loogie.
    Announcements –

    – 9/11 Dog Pile & Puppy Pile this Saturday 6 & 7 am.

    -BRR starts this week. Good luck boys.

    -Doozy planning 9/11 road trip to D.C. on Saturday to climb the Lincoln Memorial. Reach out if you want ride with.

    -Blood Drive looks to be popping up on Slack led by Pigskin.

    – Field Day coming up 9/18. Let the trash talking commence.

    YHC took us out.

    NMS: Great to see the New Market folks arrive early this morning. It has been a while since YHC has seen them after the growth at Satans Hill. Open discussion between Nancy and the PAX during the 7 of Diamonds on the location of the set of exercises in a literal diamond or square. You vs. You. Good work today gentlemen. Hope to see Loogie out again soon and YHC is thankful Doozy was not around during his naming ceremony.

  • Starbucks or Suicides

    A trio of boot campers and quartet of runners ascended on Betty Weaver for the wet gloom. 5.30 strikes, runners are off onto the damp roads, boot campers off to find dry cover. This is what was discovered:

    Mosey to Betty Weaver covered entrance for disclaimer and warmarama that included SSH, Dead Man Hang, DQ’s, Helis, Heals to Heaven and Merkins.

    Mosey over to Twin Team with glow sticks in hand. With the help and experience of Doozy, YHC laid out 4 glow sticks as PAX climbed Twin Team hill hoping for the tree canopy to shelter us from any imposing showers. Stop at the top of the Twin Team. Suicides was the call of the day. Starting at the mailbox, run to the 1st glow stick – 10 squats then back to the mailbox. Mosey back to 2nd glow stick (stopping again at the 1st to perform 10 squats) for 20 Merkins, then back to the 1st glow stick (10 squats) and then mailbox. You get the idea. 3rd glow was 30 Monkey Humpers, 4th glow as 40 LBC’s. When completed, return back to the top of Twin Team. On the way down, collect the glow sticks and perform each exercise 1 more time. Mosey back to covered entrance at Betty Weaver. 10 minutes of Broga after a tiring week for these SOJ regulars.

    Numbers, Names, Announcements. In the conversation, YHC forgot to take us out but PAX got the idea.

    Announcements – a lot happening in September (Field Day, BRR, IronPax, etc.). See slack for details. Prayers for those affected by Covid and those in Afghanistan. If you are looking for a family hike this weekend, see the link below. A few water crossings and 1/2 way up the trail there is a nice swimming hole with rock jumps and waterfall. Good for dogs and young kids. Parking lot can get full and breweries are all around for afterwards.

    https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/charlottesville-reservoir-to-jarman-gap

    Doozy is heading up to Charlottesville Saturday for a Bootcamp. Reach out to him if you are interested in carpooling.

    NMS: YHC had planned a Murph this morning, but overnight showers changed plans so we ventured over to do some hillwork. YHC was hoping for some no shows this morning and even a coffeteria was mentioned to replace the workout but that would be unsatisfactory. It had been a while since YHC had visited Twin Team and it did not disappoint. Bullseye and YHC were in awe of the Doozy pace that was set. One only hopes to have that energy when we grow up. Great work this morning gents. I believe the runners put in 7 miles, strong work.

  • Starbucks and Swingers

    A quintet of early risers descended upon the River Road Baptist Church parking lot to see what YHC had in store. No rain, but the dewy thickness of August was certainly present. 5 am sharp and no lights needed, lets begin:

    Mosey to church patio for warmarama that included the following: Dead Man Hang, DQ’s, Helicopters, Plank Jacks, Heels to Heaven and the ever popular Scorpion Kicks (still not sure what this accomplishes). Everyone seemed warm, lets move.

    THE THANG:

    Mosey to church parking lot for 7 of Diamonds. 4 corners of the parking lot with the following exercises at each corner. FRB (Front/Fast Running Bastard) picks the resting exercise until the arrival of the six. Exercises included 7 Hand Release Merkins, 14 2 count Ball Dippers, 21 World War II’s, 28 Monkey Humpers (for those regulars on vacation), 21 American Hammers (2 count), 14 Carolina Dry Docks, 7 Burpees (by popular demand).

    Mosey across River Road to small parking lot to collect coupons. TABATA time. 45 seconds of exercise 15 seconds of rest. 4 rounds of each exercise then run a lap. Exercises included Chest Press w/coupon (run a lap), Block Pulls w/ coupon (run a lap), Alabama Softball Players (thank you Honeydo for the rename) – return coupons then run a lap. BTTF.

    Numbers, Names, Announcements. YHC took us out. Upchuck and Oyster headed off for coffee afterwards.

    Lot going on in September. See slack for details. Prayers for Upchuck as he travels to the Northwest for family vaca. Prayers to those in Afghanistan. Thank you gentlemen for the opportunity to lead. This is a great group of guys that always brings joy to my day.

    NMS: Good to Oyster as he continues on the summer tour. 2 stops left – crushing it. Not much mumble chatter outside of some complaints on the modify selections by some of the PAX. Burpees should not be considered a resting exercise. TABATA with coupons was more difficult than imagined. YHC will rethink of more social exercises in the future. Title comes from the text chatter as many of the regulars are on vaca this week. New Starbucks coming to River Road Shopping center. Seems Handshake and his M have found F3 and Fia neighbors at the beach.

  • Freezy on the Sidewalk

    Two SOJ veterans and a single summer tourist made up a trio of hardened HIMS that decended onto the FORGE to see what was in store for a Last Call Q. 5.30 came, lets mosey

    Downhill mosey to the cul-de-sac for F3 welcome and disclaimer (are we at No Toll or Forge?). Exercises soon followed to warm the aching bones. Everyone looked good to go, lets get it on:

    THE THANG –

    1st up was a Triple Check. Balls to the Wall, Imperial Squat Walkers, Timer runs to the 3rd, 4th then 5th light pole depending on the round. Thank you Doozy for the idea.

    Next up – Light Pole 11’s with Merkins and 2 count Mountain Climbers

    For the Finale – Mt Chaplain Prostitute Style. Starting at the low parking lot – 5 jerkins on the rail. Run to next parking lot, 10 WW2’s, then back to the rail for 5 jerkins. Repeat 10 WW2’s then Bearcrawl up Mt Chaplain to next parking lot for 15 Carolina Dry Docks. Return down Mr. Chaplain for WW2’s & Jerkins. Rinse and Repeat stopping at every parking lot for an exercise – 20 Shoulder Taps (2-count), 15 American Hammers (2-count), 10 Squats, finishing with 5 burpees. PAX crushed this, completing the Burpees at the flag.

    Numbers, Names, Announcements, YHC took us out.

    Announcements –

    HDHH – Wednesday August 11, Run and 5, Salsa at 6 – Honeydo hosting

    Sip and See Retreat in September in Amelia – make a day or stay the night, plenty of options as long as jorts are worn.

    Field Day – Dogpile in September.

    NMS: Lower numbers due to vacations, summer tour or the dislike of YHC’s bathing protest. Either way Doozy and Gypsy tore what was thought to be a tough workout. Mt Chaplain was extra slippery with the grass cutting ban currently being enforced in the City of Richmond. During the workout, a silver sedan with Freezy vanity tags decided the sidewalk was the best route to get to her destination and was not ashamed to cruise around the school on the walking surface. Never know what to expect at South of the River. Great conversation afterwards with Gypsy and Doozy. Great to see Gypsy making the rounds on the tour. Hopefully he will continue to join us in the future. Great work boys.

  • Continuous Loop

    A lucky 7 early morning veterans rose early to see what YHC had in store on the unforgiving streets surrounding First Watch. 5.30 came with Handshake coming in hot, off we go for a visit to Henrico’s smallest and darkest park between Ridge and Westham.

    Introduction, waiver and quick warm up including DQ’s, Cherry Pickers and Helicopters. Everyone seemed warm so off we go for a long mosey along River Road to Highland Road. Make it quick to avoid traffic on this dark morning. Everyone safe, lets roll into the THANG:

    Meet up on Highland for Mailbox Merkins and WWII’s. 10 merkins for mailboxes on the right, 10 WWII’s for mailboxes on the left. Move as a group all the way down to Westham Station along the canal. Mailboxes seem to favor one side of the street, often doubling up to avoid the hooligans still playing mailbox baseball.

    Arriving at Westham Station, partner up for triple check. Shoulder Taps, Squats performed under the flourscent glow of the street light while the runner crossed the canal bridge, railroad tracks 100 yards or so. Rumored to be some signage along the route but it was too dark for YHC to read. Continue on for 2 rounds as there is more to do.

    Traveling east on Westham Station with partners. Runner goes to 1st No Parking sign while partner performs Broad Jump Burpees. Between 1st & 2nd No Parking sign – exercises change to lunges with runner pacing to next sign. Between 2nd No Parking sign and corner of Westham & Ridge, dealers choice between reverse lunge or bear crawl.

    Still time left, Lindsay up Ridge stopping at each intersection to perform 30 Carolina Drydocks and 10 Imperial Walkers. Next intersection, 25/15; next 20/20, etc until 10/30 at the flag. Little extra credit was needed to complete.

    Numbers, Names, Prayers, Announcements. YHC took us out in an embarrassing poor fashion.

    Announcements:

    Squirrels Baseball on Saturday. See Bone Thugs if interested;

    Honeydo hosting a Hill Run happy hour at his kid free casa in August. Dets coming shortly;

    Breaking Bread is open beginning in September. Step up as it is a great experience. Backblasts for this are appreciated;

    Prayers for Upchuck’s M, not just for enduring the random thoughts of Upchuck,but she is also currently facing a challenging time. Hope all works out.

    NMS: After a few weeks of staying onsite, it was time for a road trip. PAX crushed it today from what Google Earth tells me was 2.75 miles. Constant motion as we did plenty of work in 45 minutes with minimal repetition and in humid conditions. Plenty of mumble chatter along the way. Always a pleasure being with the earliest AO. You guys rocked this loop with ease. Next time, need to extend the quick River Road mosey to Panarama.

  • No Toll Wagon Wheel

    6 Veteran No Toll Regulars and 1 FNG fought off the fart sack this morning to tackle the dewey fields of No Toll. This is what was rumored to have occured according to the dog walkers that witnessed with curiousity.

    Short mosey to the lush fields of No Toll for F3 disclaimer for the new attendee and a quick Warm up with exercises that included helicopters, dead man hang, cherry pickers, plank jacks, elbow plank, plank curls (new exercise with a working title) & LBC’s.

    Short Mosey to the pavilion for the Thang:

    Starting at the pavilion each PAX member ventures out to one of 10 flags laid out on the corners of the field to perform 25 reps of prescribed exercise. After each round, return to pavilion to perform 25 dips or 25 derkins (personal choice), rinse and repeat until all 10 stations have been completed. Exercises included American Hammers (2 count), Squats, Heels to Heaven, SSH, WWII’s, Flutter Kicks (2 count), Curls for the Girls, Squat Thrusts, Arm Circles (with coupons) & Lt. Dans. Doozy led the 6 while YHC and Bullseye cleaned up.

    Still time on the clock, short mosey back to Field 1 for Dora. 100 Hand Release Merkins, 200 Box Jumps, 300 Jump Squats. Timer runs across field and back. Audible called for time during Box Jumps. BTTF for Merkin Ring of Fire and quick Ab Mary of APD, Dollies & Rosalitas. Numbers, Names – Welcome Burnout, Announcements. YHC took us out.

    NMS: Numbers were a bit lower at No Toll with the Summer Tour and the Ultimate Frisbee happening at Heartbreak. Still strong showing from some SOJ regulars. YHC wanted to get on the Q sheet to avoid a 3rd week straight of a brutal Doozy/Posey Q. PAX seemed very happy the audible was called before 300 jump squats. Wagon Wheel workout takes its toll on the shoulders (arm circles with coupons are brutal).

    YHC received a text late last night from an FNG he has been recruiting for months that he wanted to come out to boost his cardio. YHC does not do cardio workouts but added a bit more to oblige. Welcome Burnout, another VMI graduate to add to the PAX. Look forward to seeing you back out shortly. Alwasy in honor to lead you fellas. Enjoy your day.