Author: Vinny

  • 21 Honored 21

    Twenty-one brothers, including Hardwood (more on this in a minute) posted to honor the 21 year anniversary of those who gave their lives in the shooting at the Appalachian School of Law. (January 16, 2002). It was a moment I will never forget, and these are three people I will aways remember.

    Each year, I lead this Q for entirely selfish reasons. It is annual cleanse, of sorts. We start off by taking a knee and learning about Angela Dales, Thomas Blackwell and Dean Anthony Sutin. After that, we run a Silent Mile. For me, I reflect on Angela, Tom, Dean Sutin and their families. For the other PAX, I invite them to reflect as they see fit. A mile in silence is powerful, likely more powerful than it sounds. For me, it is one of the most meaningful experiences each year.

    After the mile, silence is broken. Today we embarked on a modified Hardway. On the field was a Compound BEAST. SSHs / Carolina Dry Docks / Jump Squats / LBCs / Imperial Walkers / Burpees. In order, each round.

    Touch-A-Tree: Three speed rounds of 7 / 5 / 3 while partner held coupon plank.

    BTTF

    Announcements: The Crucible needs continued support and will be moving to The Healing Place, as they embark on their annual Monument Avenue 10k training. See Shakedown for more details.

    NMS: Today was a very important day for me, but it really started last night. I received numerous calls and texts from brothers who could not be there today. In combination with who did post today, it means the world to me. I could say you all have no idea how much this means to me, but the great thing about my brothers in F3RVA is that each of you truly does know and understand how much this means to me. Today does not happen without each of you beside me, with me and behind me. The support you provide is immeasurable.

    Special shoutout to Hardywood who is in D.C. for his kids climbing competition, but who ran for one hour, from 6-7, all around D.C. in honor of today. Goose bumps, brother. Goose bumps.

    After today’s workout, I received a text from one of you who has a daily devotional. Today’s devotional happed to be Psalm 55, which starts: Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught at the voice of the enemy, at the stares of the wicked; for they bring down suffering upon me and revile me in their anger. Wow! How poignant is that?! Now, verse 22: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

    It is truly amazing how God works. Last year, our workout was in the shape of a heart. This year, one of our brothers has a daily devotional exactly on point. The power is real and undeniable.

    Try to live each day to the fullest, as all our days our numbered. Try to remember Angela, Tom and Dean Sutin, as examples of who to live for. People who made the ultimate sacrifice. Find those people who drive you to thrive.

    This morning was perfect. I could not have asked for anything more.

  • Lead From Within. Lead From Without.

    A lucky 13 from F3RVA converged in Buckingham with 23 other F3 Charlottesville, F3 Lynchburg, F3 Capital and Bridge brothers to celebrate the one year anniversary of The Bridge. In short, those who know, know. Some things just can’t be explained. The Bridge is one of those things. I always love posting at The Bridge, and today was no different. The energy was palpable. The brotherhood was real. The bond was everlasting.

    When I arrived at 7:01 – launch time was 7:30 – I was not surprised to see my RVA brothers already there, ready to go. Shortly, clown cars from all over arrived, including a solo clown car for our brother Major Payne from F3 The Capital. To say I was pumped to see everyone and celebrate this day is an understatement. It was Christmas morning, in a sense.

    On top of the organic energy, a film crew was on hand to capture F3s involvement with The Bridge. We were ready to hit the ground running.

    07:30, it was time to start. Circle up. Slaughter start = 11 Burpees.

    Warm-o-rama: YHC decided the best way to involve and introduce everyone was to call members of the PAX to the center of the ring, one at a time, to lead an exercise 10-15 total. SSHs, Scorpion Kicks, Carolina Dry Docks, HR Merkins, Burpees, Peter Parkers, Grass Angels, Australian Grass Angels, LBCs, Imperial Walkers, Jump Squats, and more…

    Circle of Doom: The Bridge has a nice track, and we made full use of it. Partner up – different nano regions. Partner one runs the track until they reach their partner, then switch. Partner 2 performs called exercises. Exercises are Bear Crawl, Triple Jump Squats, Lunges. Rinse and repeat until the exercising partner reaches the start/finish line.

    Modified Forest Gumps: New partners. PLTs x 10 to each side and 10 Dealer’s Choice. In between rounds PAX performs 10 BooYah Merkins.

    Merkin Balloon Toss: Partner up. PAX tosses water ballon and performs 5 called merkins each round until a winner is declared. Diamond Merkins, Merkins, Carolina Dry Docks were called.

    Tug-O-War: Round 1: Bridge v C’ville. Bridge won. Round 2: C’ville v. RVA. RVA won. Round 3: Hodge Podge v Hodge Podge. Round 4: Bridge v. All-Stars. Bridge won again! 2 for 2. Boom!

    American Hammers (Ivey) x 20.

    Announcements: F3RVA will Q at The Bridge the 4th Saturday of every month. BRR teams are beginning to form.

    NMS: Today we converged to celebrate a very important milestone – 1 year of F3 at The Bridge. At The Bridge, we talk with these mean a lot about leadership, and its meaning. I wanted to demonstrate leadership as a true vulnerability, and not being out front without meaning. We started by forming an inner circle of the men from The Bridge, with all other PAX standing directly behind them. Leadership starts with vulnerability and trust. You cannot lead until you know that you can trust those around you, that you are accepting of help and support. The outer circle is there for you. You cannot lead by yourself. You cannot lead until you can be open, free and trusting.

    Next we switched places. Now The Bridge PAX was on the outside. An equally important component of leadership. You are there to lend unconditional support. To catch a brother when he falls. Champions don’t show up to get all that they want. Champions show up to give all that they have. The same goes for leadership. As members of F3 and The Bridge, we must give all that we have. We must be selfless. We must get back up when we fall down.

    The men at The Bridge are doing very special things. It is a true honor to be a part of it. Thank you all so very much for being here to celebrate and honor. It meant the world to me.

  • A Silent Run: My Brothers and Me

    Twenty-seven of my brothers posted at Dogpile for a day and workout that is very near and dear to my heart. Tragically, twenty years ago tomorrow, there was a shooting at my law school that left three – very important people in my life – dead; and three others wounded. Today’s workout was in honor of Angela Dales, Thomas Blackwell and Anthony Sutin (those whose lives were taken far too soon, and whose lives remain a large part of my “why.”)

    After sharing the tragic story of January 16, 2002 with my brothers this morning, I explained that I needed a silent mile. A mile to reflect on that day and what it means to me. I introduced them, somewhat, to the Angela, Tom and Tony that I knew, and then invited them to run silently with me. To use that time to reflect on anything and everything. As much as I needed it, I also wanted to offer it. So we ran, one mile in silence and reflection.

    We completed our memorial run at the Penny Stage, at which point it was time to honor life in the most fitting F3RVA way possible, through a beatdown that we were all lucky enough to enjoy and appreciate. Not everyone has the opportunities that we have. Today, for me, serves as a most pointed reminder.

    Warmups: SSHs x 20 / Helicopters x 10 / Hillbillies x 10 / LBCs x 10 / Scorpion Kicks x 10

    Beast Theater: Start at the bottom of the amphitheater and progress up and down a la The Beast. With coupons. Round 1: Overhead Presses. Round 2: Curls. Round 3: Jump Squats. Round 4: Carolina Dry Docks. Round 5: Dips. Round 6: Bent Rows

    Deconstructed Burpees Dora: Kick Outs x 100 / Merkins x 200 / Jump Squats x 300

    Touch-A-Tree: Round 1: 9 trees with Bench Press. Round 2: 7 trees with coupon hold out straight.

    BTTF

    Announcements: See Corned Beef if you want to help build ramps around RVA. They are in desperate need of help. Gomer Pyle is headed back to Honduras for mission work. Post at The Bridge Ministries AO in Buckingham, VA. It’s AWESOME and POWERFUL. I’ll meet you there. It’s every Saturday at 7:30.

    Special shout out to Flatline who has been working hard to enter the Army Reserves on the medical side. He has been accepted and will be heading out for training soon. In line with today’s theme, this is exactly what it’s all about. Live. Life.

    COT: Today’s workout represents more than I can ever share here. If you were there today, I hope you got something out of it, spiritually and physically. There are moments in all of our lives that stick with us forever. 1.16.02 is one of those dates in time for me. I will never forget that day. It would be impossible for me to do so. So I choose to remember the good that came of it. In everything there is good, no matter how difficult it may be to see. For me, it’s knowing that Angela, Tom and Tony lived life, and shared with all that knew them, how important that it was, and is, to live life. We talk a lot about how tomorrow is never promised. 1.16.02 is proof positive of that for me. When I don’t want to do something, or I’m lacking motivation, I use that day as a reminder that I’m one of the lucky ones who still has a choice. I get to wake up and go work out, be with family, friends, etc. When we aren’t feeling up to something, let us each remember that we are the lucky ones who get to live, life.

    Today was a true honor for me, to share this with you all, and to have your support, means the world. Y’all are my brothers, and for that I will be forever grateful.

  • Falling Down: Getting Back Up

    Twenty Eight (including 13 from F3RVA) posted for an inspirational and meaningful experience at The Bridge in Buckingham County. It went something like this:

    Introductions & Warm-O-Rama (lead by Squirrel): SSHs x 20 / Merkins x 20 / Carolina Dry Docks x 20 / Copperhead Squats x 15 / Third Graders (Cherry Pickers) x 10 / 1 lap around the track.

    Thing 1: The Beast. LBCs / Box Cutters / Jump Squats / Nancy Kerrigan / 10 sec Elbow Planks / Chuck Norris Merkins

    Thing 2: Jack Webbs

    Thing 3: Mini Field Day – Sack Races / Wheelbarrow Races with 10 Boo Ya Merkins at the cone

    Yoga-rama: Shakedown lead us in some cool down exercises.

    NMS: I’ve been telling many of you about The Bridge since it was started this past summer. It cannot be fully described, but once experienced, it can never be forgotten. The men in this program have all fallen, hard, but are learning how to get back up, and we are their support system. We are inspired to lead, but in truth, they lead us. They show us what it is truly like to face struggle and, in most instances, overcome it.

    I was extremely honored to share this experience with you all, and humbled by how many of you came today. In speaking with each of you after the workout, I know you now fully understand what this, much bigger than all of us thing, is. Jay James, the Director, told me today was the most inspired he’s seen these guys, and it’s all because of each of you supporting such a great and meaningful cause. The men at the Bridge are diamonds in the rough. It is our job to help them get polished up and on the other side of The Bridge.

    Thank you all for being there today – it meant the world.

  • Back To School (Night)

    Thirty Four perennial 4th graders posted for a Back to School version of Field Day. Bus after bus after bus pulled into the parking lot (in the case of Hardywood, it’s a true statement) to bring the heat and feel the pain. The uniform machine was strong, with West Enders dawning their usual and respected popped collars. D’Ville stepped up their game in a big way, bringing a Mechanicsville sponsorship into the fold. Well done men! Free oil changes, or something, for everyone!

    7:01 – Let’s mosey to the field. Four teams of 8/9 were establishe.

    Crab Soccer opened up the games. Eight minute games. Tight matches on the pitch ensued, with Team Southside (including YHC on a borrowed contract from City Proper) took both matches in style. There were no controversial goals.

    Olympic Relays were next: Wheelbarrow out to the cone, BooYah Merkins x 10, switch and wheelbarrow back. Team City Proper won the podium. Sack Races were next. Form varied, and there were surprise performances. Mudface showed serious agility and speed, while TYA and Bone Thugs showed neither. Handshake took a Matrix dive in slo-mo in a valiant effort to cross the line in front. To no avail, he came up five feet short. Once again, City Proper took the podium.

    Marathon: COVID appropriate Tunnel of Love across the field. For a third time, City Proper took Gold.

    Merkin Egg Toss: Several rounds. After each round, distance got greater and Merkins got more difficult. Merkins x 10 / Chuck Norris Merkins x 10 / Diamond Merkins x 10. Team D’ville took the entire podium, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Competition is now fully on.

    Tug Of War: Gladiators came together in epic battles of muscle torque and gusto. Not really, but it sounds good. In the end, Mudface and company were too much to handle.

    BTTF:

    Announcements: 1st Inaugural 3rd Annual F3RVA Retreat is next Saturday at Gomer’s family farm in Amelia. Contact me or Gomer for the address. Gates open at 1:00. Cornhole will commence around 2:30. Sign up in Google Docs, Monthly Challenges. This is a bring your own everything event. We will provide a grill, you bring the rest. There are no formalities other than corn hole. There is plenty of room for yard games. Have a baseball catch, play birdie ball, Try Hard may bring his ropin’ station – who knows. Do bring a dish for the group to share.

    COT: Let us be ever mindful to remember where we came from. For me, I come from F3RVA in many ways. I miss you all dearly, and am always grateful to be with you, my brothers. Today was a special honor for me to lead. As we grow and separate from various phases of our lives, let us not forget where we came from. Embrace your heritage, embrace your upbringing. Hold them tight and never allow them to be forgotten.

    It was a pleasure to lead.

  • Second Annual-First Inaugural Retreat

    And still the champions – Gumbo & Vinny (‘Stache Bros)!

    30-40 meats posted at the butchery for our second iteration of the Retreat. Many thanks to each of you for making it what it is, an ode to, and showcase of the ‘Stache Bros.

    As usual, the main event, the annual Gumbo & Vinny win, Cornhole Tournament was a blast. There were good outfits (mine), bad outfits (TYAs), and things worn that should never, ever be considered again (DTH / Hardywood).

    The food was excellent, and the brotherhood was even better. This is a gathering I very much look forward to each year. It was great seeing my brothers, old and new.

    Mark your calendars now for the 3rd Annual-First Inaugural Retreat: 10/2/2021.

    And still the champions – Gumbo & Vinny (‘Stache Bros)!

    Anonymous quotes from our gathering:

    “Sure, but I haven’t shotgunned a beer in 35 years.”

    “I’d pay $30 for a Gatorade, right now.”

    “Cornhole meant something different when I was a kid.”

    “Gumbo & Vinny are unstoppable.” – All of you said this at some point.

    “Fore.”

    “Are we at a Megadeth concert”?

    “Pretend like they are North Koreans.”

    “Who brought the school desk?”

    (Feel free to add any additional, and very much unattributed quotes from the day).

    Love you clowns.

  • PreBlast: 2nd Annual First Inaugural F3RVA Retreat – 10/3/2020

    PreBlast: 2nd Annual First Inaugural F3RVA Retreat – 10/3/2020

    Brothers, this year’s Retreat will once again be held at the Gomer Pyle family compound in Amelia. Gates will open at 2:00 PM.

    Site Address: Text me (804-852-0800) or see Gomer Pyle. For security reasons, the address will not be posted here .

    Cornhole: Gumbo and I look forward to defending our title. Two man teams need to start forming now so that E.F Hutton can set up the brackets. Teams should be comprised of members from different nano-regions. Please use the sign-up sheet on Google Docs. This – double elimination tournament – will start at 2:00.

    BYOE: Bring your own everything, plus anything you want to share with the group. Last year Rosie donated 100 oysters to the cause. We will have Circle K’s massive grill, but if you want to smoke something, a la Shakedown, you’ll need to bring your own smoker, etc.

    Camping: We will be camping out for one night. Bring tents, truck beds, whatever you will need.

    Organized Events: Other than cornhole, there will be none. This event is not about working out – we do that all year round. This is a 2nd F event! There will be other lawn games available for impromptu fun. Last year this format worked very well. Simply hang out and enjoy yourselves.

    Looking forward to it!

  • Thank You!

    My brothers, just over two years ago, I, like many of you, was looking to find that something that was missing in my life. I maintain that I was not a Sad Clown, but by no means was I fulfilled. That all changed when by happenstance, I met a guy named Patton Gleason (no chance his junior year HS picture was ever displayed in a mall near the Food Court with a name like that). As google would indicate, he was a TED Talk giving, Style Weekly 40 Under 40 winning, dark jeans wearin’, random 80s baseball knownin’, energy machine who would introduce me to the greatest brotherhood I’ve ever known; F3RVA. It was that energy, that I fed off of, from day one. So for that Hardywood, I will be eternally grateful.

    I could spend all day on here telling each of you how much you mean to me, truly. There will never be a way for me to repay you for what you have given me, physically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s wild to wander through this journey and slowly start to realize that 1st F is about the 5th reason why F3RVA truly matters. I can only hope that as others come in, they will be as lucky and fulfilled as I have been.

    Now then, it’s time for Senior Wills (if you were in a frat, you will understand. If not, continue reading anyway). To those listed below, I leave the following (to my other brothers, consider yourselves lucky to have escaped the seriousness):

    Hardywood – More perfection. You don’t have enough of that in your life.

    Swirly – More drive and determination. If only you could increase the intensity. HOOOOLD IT!!

    TYA – The ability to be more of an individual. You clearly are a lemming. Someone once told you that Massachusetts held the First Thanksgiving, and you’ve been following their lead ever since. Oh, and it is debatable who is the best player in NHL history. It’s naught yar falt.

    Kubota – Be more generous with your time and support. You are too selfish.

    Flatty – Chill out on all the negativity. Find some positivity in your life, brother.

    Saab – Always pack Immodium for BRR (seriously, this isn’t supposed to be funny).

    Circle K – Repeat after me: Biscuitville, yes. Coors Light, no.

    Ollie: “What’s the Frequency Kenneth…”

    Flipper – We’ll always have Sudley Seahorses and me sleeping through your midnight power run at BRR. How about some Fun Dip, to say I’m sorry.

    EF Hutton – Shut up and listen more. Less Macho Man impressions, and more Smith Barney.

    Big Tennessee – A better wiffle ball changeup.

    Gumbo – I’m gonna need you to win more. At life and at F3RVA. I can only associate with champions, and sweet ‘staches.

    Upchuck – A bigger brain, and less fear of approaching strangers.

    Handshake – a taste for Scotch.

    Wilson – My entire Dance Party CD collection and a sense of humor. Lighten up, bro.

    Hitchhiker – Hana. Doo. Set. Net. Daseot. Yeoseot. Ilgop. Yeodeo. Ahhop. Yeo. Oh, and you are a real bad ass (seriously).

    Bodos – Kittens, rainbows, and an endless supply of yo-yos.

    Pucker – Smaht Pak.

    Rosie – A better attitude. And maybe a bit more sincerity.

    Bleeder – Batteries for your Tron and astronaut armband iPod holder for dark mornings. #Nantan

    Gomer Pyle – A better understanding of black and white. There are no shades of grey. The sooner you get that, the better.

    Lugnut – Annual run to the Capitol. It’s only 6, 7, 8 miles or more.

    Wedding Singer – More Super Bowls with asterisks.

    Spit – Trips to Starbucks in Arlington.

    Sarah – Straight A’s.

    Swiper – My vote when you run for school board.

    Shakedown – The ability to give and take sarcasm. Seriously. I’m joking. Maybe.

    Marmaduke – #HTTR

    Don Draper – Try Hard may be a cult leader. Blink three times if you need help.

    Offshore – Beakers and test tubes (but I’m not filling them).

    Salley Girl – 6 inches minimum at all times between you and runners knees on the trail.

    Wojo – Free wedding hors d’oeuvres (must be redeemed by May 2021).

    Sippy Cup – You too, talk to much. And when you do, it’s empty words. I need to learn more when I talk with you. Oh, and bigger calves.

    Lockjaw – Repeat after me: I can post without Q’ing.

    Bootleg – You really lack inner drive. It’s quite honestly, a problem.

    Phonics – The ability to run more like a gazelle and less like me.

    Opus – Smurf Jacks.

    Mudface – you write Back Blasts to fast. Slow down and think about what you want to write before you post them. Maybe consider a few drafts.

    Splinter – My Gheorghe Muresan collection (not really, but it’s the thought that counts).

    Honeydo – A 12 month ginger fro.

    Bone Thugs – Teddy Ruxpin tapes and Jhoon Rhee.

    Lab Rat – Gently used yoga mats.

    Oyster – Your own chickens.

    Double Mint – Minny Vinny; What else is there?

    Faceplant – BMW medallions that don’t get destroyed in the car wash.

    Malpractice – My puke bucket that you held at my very first beat down.

    Seymour – Floor Slaps are the greatest (call them every time you get the Q during a Hot Potato).

    Slurpee – Shared custody of my puke bucket from my FNG beat down that you Q’d (I tell people you still exist, I swear).

    Recall – Patience. If you are gonna ride with us, you need more patience.

    Tobit – Drop my name anytime at the Chic Fil A at Elon.

    Sugar Sock – A better, more in-depth name by Hardywood.

    Corned Beef – When you post in C’ville, you don’t know me.

    Try Hard – The ability and patience to change your name on all of your F3 items. It’ll be a full blown Snickers commercial. Oh, and a weekend with Dredd.

    Flange – Free corn hole lessons. The Retreat is right around the corner.

    All future FNGs – Swirly won’t kill you. As long as you do exactly as he says.

    Love all of y’all…

    -Compton Vinny

  • Hero Cuts

    Vinny Baseball was born at Batteau, so it only made sense for it to depart from Batteau. Was glad to be able to have BT experience what others have so eloquently described:

    “F*$^ me! I’m so tired of being sore” – Hardywood (5/5 rotten tomatoes)

    “Fun for the whole family” – Upchuck (there aren’t enough tomatoes)

    I think ‘Ole BT got his groove back. Hero pitches were thrown. Hero cuts were taken. What a beautiful morning for some calisthenics, infield and BP.

    -Vinny Dykstra

  • Mo Bamboo

    Two groups of 10 (and TYA) posted to see Vinny off to Charlottesville (at least that is what I am going with). The encore:

    COP: Mosey to and around the traffic circle to enjoy the new (and poorly laid) asphalt. Introduce myself to the audience, and away we go. Swirly Hangs x 10 / Helicopters x 10 / LBCs x 10 / Scorpion Kicks x 10.

    Beast Theater: Mosey to our coupon dealer Penny to negotiate some coupons. Back down to the amphitheater for Beast Theater. On the way up the stairs, carry the coupon as you wish. On the way down, carry it above your head. Exercises at the 5th, 10th and 15th steps on the way up and back down (al la the Beast).

    Round 1: Curls Round 2: Squats Round 3: Incline Merkins. Round 4: V-ups Round 5: Decline Merkins Round 6: Chuck Norris Merkins

    Whatchamacallits (Jack Webbs): You know the drill. 1 to 10 / 4 to 40.

    Merkin Egg Toss (Field Day was supposed to be today): Partner up. Go until we declare a winner. Variety Merkins x 10 in between rounds. Burpees included. Congrats to Wojo and Bodos for their asterisk Field Day victory, 2020.

    6MOM: 100 Flutter Kicks (as if you didn’t see that coming).

    TYA took us out.

    NMS: This won’t serve as my “see you later” post (more to come), but to those of you who were there today, thank you. It really meant a lot. TYA really brought us home with his words. Please be reminded of them minute by minute. Hour by hour. Day by day. We are all brothers. But that only matters if we support each other, as brothers. Life matters. Respect matters. Civility matters. Let’s all be stewards for good and decency.

    Awkward Transition / Observations: Hardywood is a soon to be Alpaca Farmer. Upchuck is a parking lot claims adjuster. Flatline is the real life Greg Faulker. Bone Thugs has coupons for llama insemination products. Doublemint is Minny Vinny. Gomer Pyle and I share an affinity for the general public. Wojo’s fiancé would get along well with Shakedown. Bodos YoYos. Handshake drinks White Claw out of bourbon bottles – allegedly. TYA can’t see, but man is he a looker. Circle K knows all about Biscuitville. Gumbo is alive and well. Rosie needs a leisure suit. Goldberg bought his wagon from the set designer of Breaking Bad. Slippin Jimmy loves Pandas.

    Time for a 2 hour nap.

    -Compton Vinny