Six strong posted at Batteau today. Three or so fresh off of vacation. No more asses in the sand. Time to shake off the crab legs, ice cream and cold beers. YHC started us off.
COP:Helicpoters / DQs / Imperial Walkers / LBCs / Dying Coachroaches – ALL X 10
THANG: Introduce the Batteau PAX to Windsor Farms Do Si Dos. Partner up. Two sets of 10 each. Nex up, Whatchamacallits. Those who posted Gridiron on Saturday were introduced to these by our guest Q from Louisville. I think he called them Jack Whites, but even he wasn’t sure if that was correct, or why they were called that. YHC has taken it upon himself to rename them. They are completely underrated, and pack a nice punch. Just like the candy bar we all loved as a kid. 1 merkin / 4 air presses. 2 merkins / 8 air presses. Sounds easy. It ain’t. Repeat the ladder until you hit 10 Merkins / 40 air presses. I don’t know about the rest of the PAX, but shaving and hair shampooing weren’t completed with their normal ease this morning. YHC passed to Swirly.
Mosey to rusty cage. 5 pull-ups / 20 dips x 3 sets. Mosey a bit more to picnic tables. 20 step ups (10 each leg) / 10 incline merkins x 3 sets. Pass to Flange. Mosey to tennis courts. Partner up. Bear crawl across tennis courts; sprint back. Partner collect 100 donkey kicks, 150 SSHs, 200 LBCs. Mosey to COT area for 15 minutes of pain. More bear crawls. More merkins. Bear craw across COT yard, 1 decline merkin. Run back. Repeato to 11. Flange called and audible after 10. PAX runs the large loop then back for Mary. Cherry Pickers (20, YHC thinks), flutter kicks, Flange takes requests. Crossroads serves up V-ups. 10 or so, Flange lost his voice during counting. Easy to do at that point.
YHC took us out.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Puppy Pile 7/21:
Moleskin: YHC was excited to show the boys Windsor Farms Do Si Dos and Whatchamacallits. As expected, the PAX thought the latter would be easy. As predicted, the PAX fessed up that they weren’t. Great seeing everyone back in the gloom. If you are going to come off of vacation on a Monday, today’s 57 and sunny was a great way to do it. Nice to have Crossroads out with us. Interject some of that young blood.
THANG – Mosey to shoreline for Clock Merkins on the newly man made shelf as part of the beach restoration project. 3 x 12.
Mosey down to pier for unofficial Doras. Pole Smokers on pier pylons while partner runs up to the dune X 5. No dunes were disturbed.
4-Corners: Burpees / American Hammers (2-count) / Merkins / Lunges (2-count). Repeato x 10 x 20 x 30.
Mosey back to changing station for goggle pick up. Mosey back to KHP. DISCLAIMER: No lifeguard on duty. Swim at your own risk. Partner swim out to the end of the pier and back. NBD. Sharks had already eaten, we hoped. Mosey back to the flag.
Slurpee took us out.
Moleskin
YHC and Slurpee have been slacking at the beach for nearly two weeks. Well, YHC has. Slurpee has been killing the runs. Atta boy! What better way to kick off the 4th than an early morning sand filled beatdown. At the end, when we were safely on shore, YHC told Slurpee (and furnished video) about the six foot shark that was recently caught in the path of our swim. Slurpee took it like a champ – I think.
YHC reflected a bit this morning and realized a few things. First, any exercise done in the sand requires twice the effort. My calves are toast. Second, two-man workouts are a great opportunity to get to know better your brother. Nice talking with you Slurpee. Lastly, down range beatdowns are a blast. Especially in new territory.
Have a great 4th today men, and spend a few minutes in solitude reflecting if you can.
Thirty F3 Elementary School 4th graders showed up for F3 RVA Field Day 2018, and history was made.
This Year’s Theme: 80’s / 90’s TV Shows/ Music & Games
The bell rang. To much fun to be had. No warm-ups. Count off by 4s and mosey to the Carillon Field. Line up behind team captains Rosie, Handshake, Swirly and Hardywood. Let the games begin:
Relays – 3 points for 1st / 2 points for 2nd / 1 point for 3rd
Wheelbarrow Derkins – Two PAX members at a time from each team wheelbarrow towards their team cone. Every fifth step, stop and perform a derkin. Repeat to the start/finish line. Switch-a-roo and repeat until each PAX member completes the exercise. Waiting PAX performed Jump Squats
Sack Race – PAX competes in the age old sack race. Out to the cone, out and back. Waiting PAX performed American Hammers
Tunnel of Love – PAX sets up in the tunnel of love (bridge tunnel) while each PAX member, one at a time, Army Crawls through the tunnel. Repeat until each PAX member of a team is across the starting line. (Set a distance that requires each PAX member to Army Crawl at least three times)
Merkins – One at a time, PAX bear crawls to their cone. Performs maximum of 20 merkins. Crabwalks back to the starting line. Repeato until the team finishes a collective 260 merkins. Waiting PAX performed invisible jump ropes
Out and Back – All together, each PAX member performs 100 single count crab cakes. Run to cone at end of the field (75 or so yards away) then returns to starting line. Switch to 100 single count flutter kicks. Run to cone at the end of the field. Switch to 100 SSHs. Run to cone at end of field. PAX members were allowed to donate extra SSH’s to their teammates.
Tug-o-War – Semifinals x 2 / Consolation round x 1 / Championship round (worth 5 and 3 points)
Water Balloon Toss – PAX lined up across from each other and tossed on the whistle.
Round 1 – toss and do 10 merkins Round 2 – toss and do 10 werkins Round 3 – toss and do 10 knuckle merkins Round 4 – toss and do 10 diamond merkins Round 5 – toss and do 10 wiper merkins. (Add rounds as necessary)
Mary: Superman
The PAX took us out
NMS
The inaugural F3 RVA Field Day went off without a hitch, I think. YHC and Kubota arrived on the scene at 5:05 and made two observations. First, we managed to bring all the supplies needed, not an easy feat. Second, Swirly was already holding down the fort. After field set-up, Kubota and YHC joined Swirly for a pre-battle strategy session. Slowly but surely the PAX arrived.
6:00 circle up and count off by 4s. Teams were pumped to leave school and find out about the mystery that awaited them. After skipping the disclaimer entirely, YHC set the table for the first relay. On the whistle we were off. The pace was fast and furious from the jump.. YHC heard Swirly lodging a merkin count protest at some point. Kubota may have called foul. Who knows. Competitive juices were flowing fully. Team Rosie won round one.
The sack race was an absolute show. Hardywood won’t be stopped. Nothing can contain him, not even a fancy hipster burlap coffee sack. YHC has no idea what was going on down the field, but according to Kubota, we had a spy. Watch out men, someone was hiding in the bushes taking notes. Loose Goose, what did you do? Round 2 also went to team Rosie. The fix was in.
Tunnel of love proved to be a test of will and very little grace. I don’t know about y’all, but YHC’s knees won’t be presentable for a week or two. No TYA shorts for me. Team Swirly said what fix, and took Round 3 going away.
The out and back relay proved to be another battle of will. At some point Gumbo became the jockey, and YHC became the horse. “Go! Vinny! Go! Vinny!” Thanks for riding me hard brother, I needed it. Again, team Rosie took the round.
Tug of War was the highlight of the day, other than perhaps the HUGGS, more on that in a minute. It was Team Hardywood’s time to shine. With Callahan leading the way, it was over before it started. Flashdance had to leave early to set the table for coffeteria, forcing team Handshake to operate down a man. They lobbied YHC and Kubota for an extra man to regain even strength. Nope. This ain’t 4th grade field day. This is F3 RVA Field Day. As Flashdance famously said about an hour later, “sounds like y’all need to suck it up.” And suck it up they did, digging deep, and fighting hard, Team Handshake showed real grit in the consolation round, and won down a man. Way to pull men. T-claps. With minimal effort however, Team Hardwoody took round 5. YHC isn’t even sure his feet were ever on the ground after the first pull. Also, Flatline fully recognized the strength of Team Hardywood and immediately dropped the rope and walked off the course. Your team may not have known that. Now they do. Love you brother, your shirt was fantastic!
Team Hardywood also posted nicely in this battle at water balloon-loo. With a former DI VMI athlete on our side, it was over before it started. Not sure who took 3rd, but Team HW took 1 and 2. Yeah Boooooy!
Back to the flag for Mary. YHC figured there was only one way to close out F3 RVA Field Day 2018. Super Man!
Since not everything can be about Old Milwaukee and some crab legs, YHC served HUGGS post-battle, to which Upchuck commented that the expiration date must be May 5, 1987. YHC sure hopes so.
Great shirts men. Way to bring out your inner child, even more than normal.
Welcome FNGs Baby Spice, Borat and Crayola. Love you.
Major T-claps to my captains, Hardywood, and Kubota for doing work. Kubota, you are a true team player. Can’t thank you enough.
Finally, congratulations to Team Rosie (ABBA, Fudd, Rosie, Spit, Sabotage, Shakedown and Flatline) on winning the Ghost Flag. Y’all figure out who gets it and let us know when we’ll see it next. It was a good flag. Mostly house broken. Nano region Richmond Proper set y’all up right. Take good care of it.
An even 13 old school rap afficionados posted at WDog to beat the heat and reminisce about when rap music used to be good. Mosey to field beside amphitheater for COP by a sign that says stay off grass.
COP: Helicpoters x 12 / Willie Mays Hayes x 9 / Reverse Sit-ups x 12 … Mosey to hill behind amphitheater.
THANG:
Big Ass Clock Merkins OYO x 3 Merkins at each hour, clockwise. Sprint down and out of bowl to tree at the top, then bring it back for another round of BACM’s OYO x 3 at each hour, this time counterclockwise. Mosey to stage. YHC had plans for a quick stage party, but that got interrupted. More on that later.
PLTs progressive to the top of the stairs. Al Gore and a lap around the circle until PAX finishes up.
Lawnmower Merkins Partner up for wheelbarrows. Every 5th pace stop and complete a merkin while in wheelbarrow position. Repeato x 3. Then backwards lawnmower merkins back to original starting point. Each person completes one circuit.
Wheelbarrows Same partners wheelbarrow across the circle and switch. Bring it back.
Mosey to Rusty Case for Triple Check 1. Hanging knee-ups (left/right/middle) 2. Row Boats 3. Sprint to fire hydrant for 3 burpees. Repeato x 3.
Mosey back to the circle. Ring of Fire 1-5 and type of Merkin called out by each PAX member. Jog in place in between. YHC called out Swirly Merkins to finish things off. Back to the flag.
MARY 25 crab cakes OYO
Announcements
F3RVA Field Day is this Saturday. See the Preblast for details. The Ghost Flag will be up for grabs. Weat a t-shirt that represents your elementary school days.
Puppy Pile – 6/23 / July 4 Convergence / RAMM GEARS Amateur ride is this Friday.
NMS
YHC pulled into WDog at 4:57 certain he’d get his choice of parking spaces. But ole Big Blue proved me wrong once again. 5:25 and only three PAX members were on site. Then, like in Field of Dreams, they poured into the parking lot ready for a beatdown.
YHC recently learned that Flava Flav is throwing out the first pitch for the Squirrels next Thursday and had to work in an ode to the trend setting, clock wearing, lyrical murderer. Hence, Big Ass Clock Merkins.
YHC had a nice little rap concert planned on the stage but apparently I didn’t get my stage rental application in on time. When we arrived at the stage, a nice gentleman was there taking a nap after presumably a late night of Shakespeare. Oh well, YHC now knows better.
YHC also learned about Willie Mays Hayes’s during my recent trip to F3 Arlington. Lots of mumble chatter ensued from that exercise. See Swirly for a movie quote rap battle. He’s taking on all comers.
“Heywood leads the league in most offensive categories, including nose hair. When this guy sneezes, he looks like a party favor.” – Harry Doyle
At the June 16th DogPile for YHC’s DogPile VQ we are having a full blown field day – F3 Style. As part of the lead up, I’m asking each of you who plan to participate to wear a t-shirt that best represents your elementary school years. The t-shirt can either be from your school, for you life long RVA types, or can highlight the era. Scower local thrift stores or ebay for your wears. There is a loose $5 limit. Don’t go nuts on cost. You can also make your own t-shirts. For those of us who attended elementery school the 80’s, that’s definitely a thing. Other accessories are also welcome.
Ghost Flag
The Ghost Flag will be up for grabs at Field Day. This will be a competition format and teams will be selected on that day.
Let’s drum up some numbers and see if we can get 40+
Four ball boys showed up at Batteau Lawn and Tennis to meet Andy Murphy. Credentials were checked, uniforms were issued, and off we went.
ANDY MURPHY (The THANG): Mosey to lower tennis courts. NO COP. Run 5 laps around two courts. 5 burpees OYO. Run 5 laps reverso around same two courts. 5 burpees OYO.
10 crab cakes – single count / 20 merkins / tennis court line tracers out and back. REPEATO x 10
Bonus round for such quality ball boy performances.
WWIIs until the PAX finished the bonus round.
5 laps around the two courts. 5 burpess OYO. 5 more laps around the 2 courts, reverso. 5 more burpees OYO. Back to the Flag.
6 MOM: 50 LBCs in cadence. 50 PLTs (2 sets of 25). YHC took us out.
NMS: YHC grew up playing tennis and even dabbled in it at the collegiate level. When we did The Murph a few weeks ago at WDog, it came to me that we could modify to a tennis version. Hence, the Andy Murphy. 24 laps around a tennis court equals a mile. Not wanting to get the ball boys dizzy, YHC opted for 12 laps around two courts. Given it took the PAX some distance to reach the courts, we went 10 laps on each side of the exercises, for a total of 2 miles.
The boys did great today, given there were only 4 of us, we were a bit spread out. Very little mumble chatter. Then again, The Murph, or any modified Murph, is designed to keep the mumble chatter to a minimum. In all, it went very well. We finished with time to earn some extra credit by way of an 11th circuit. 6 MOM was equally tough given the high concentration of core muscle exercises.
At the end, during on-site 2nd F, a cat/kitten found its way to our group and went straight up to Hardywood. It was great seeing Hardywood bond with his Friendly New Cat (FNC). I’m not sure, but I think I saw Hardywood building him a towel nest as they rode off into the sunset together. It really is great to see a man and his cat.
Announcements:
The Ghost Flag made an unofficial appearance at Batteau today. It was there to announce that it will be up for grabs on June 16th at DogPile, for Vinny’s DogPile VQ. As part of the roll out, YHC would like to challenge each PAX member who plans to attend to scower local thrift stores and ebay for a t-shirt that best represents your elementary school days. There will be a $5 limit placed on your purchase, if you go that route. You can also make your shirt if you’d like. Hint. Hint.
Nine regulars lined up before the doors opened in anticipation of what might be the final sips of coffee served at Flashdance’s Jazzercise and Coffee House, Richmond location. 05:30, doors opened. PAX stormed in to grab a table for 10, saving a seat for Hardywood who was parking the car.
Mosey to the bottom of Twin Team. All ten seats are filled. YHC introduced himself as today’s Barista and the house was open for business.
Start with crab walk or bear crawl. Both were free, thanks to Flashdance’s generosity. Pax placed their orders and proceeded down the hill until their drinks got cold and needed to order new ones. Those who started with crab walk did 5 merkins then transitioned to bear crawl. Those who started with bear crawl did 10 WWIIs then commenced with crab walk. Repeato to the bottom of the hill (last mail box on the right). At PAX’s option, they could purchase 10 lunges for 50 SSH’s. That purchase could only be made after the completion of a cycle of drinks on the house (crab walks and bear crawls).
PAX reached the bottom of the hill with six minutes to spare. We moseyed aimlessly on our way back to the flag to fill the six minutes. YHC took us out.
Moleskin
YHC looked at the work schedule last night around 8:00 and saw that no one was scheduled to open up shop this morning, so I volunteered to come in. It’ was great to see customers already lined up in anticpation of the menu, when I pulled into the parking lot.
Once drinks were served, PAX took a seat at a table for 10. Chit Chat was great. Although at one point, YHC heard some insensitive remarks. Everyone should know by now that we don’t tolerate insensitivity here at Flashdance’s Jazzercise and Coffee House. We had to close shop for an afternoon to impart training. PAX had to take ten lunges back up the hill. Shakedown wanted to see the legal terms so YHC referred him to Gumbo, in-house counsel for Flashdance’s Jazzercise and Coffee House. Training ended and we were back in business. At least twice YHC instilled positivity into the house environment, and announced flash sales. Most of the PAX bought in, and purchased 20 lunges for 50 SSHs. Hardywood doesn’t like flash sales, so he opted out.
We all have strengths and weaknesses, at least YHC has plenty of weaknesses. Today we learned of Flipper’s strength. This! Whatever we did today, he crushed it. He finished well ahead of the PAX and came backup the hill for more punishment. Way to go Flipper!. Nice work Hardywood on staying in your chair the entire time. No need to buy gimmicks like lunges. True men take their coffee black. Excellent work! Apologies to Gumbo for not serviing a diet (shoulder) friendly menu. Way to push through despite your dietary restrictions. You might need to see an allergist for that. I think Flipper is your guy.
To all of the PAX, thank you for letting me insist that we get it all out and dig deep today, and try something new. I really needed it, and I hope y’all appreciated the service. Remember to tip your waiters and waitresses.
Flashdance served actual coffee post beatdown, and camaraderie was enjoyed/appreciated by the PAX. Flashdance is leaving us in a month or so. Make an effort to spend some time with him before he heads down to FL. He’s good people, and YHC has enjoyed getting to know him.
Announcements
Puppy Pile 6/23 at Dogpile / July 4th Convergence at Tredegar / Summer Tour has started.
Congratulations. I knew the record would stand until it was broken – Yogi Berra
F3 Arlington has a planned launch set for Saturday, June 2, at 7:00 AM at Yorktown H.S. / Greenbrier Park (2700 N. Greenbrier Street, Arlington, VA 22207). I plan on attending. If anyone would like to join me, let me know.
Nine aspiring NHL players posted today in preparation for game three of the Eastern Conference Finals, and to celebrate the Caps finally breaking the 20 year D.C. sports curse (what curse). It went a little something like this:
5:30 sharp, leave the locker room and mosey to warm-up area beside the rink / bottom of Heartbreak Ridge.
COP: YHC advised the PAX that he needs work on cadence. Arm Circles (slow – forwards / backwards). Jump Squats. Invisible Jump Ropes. All x 10. The dudes abided with HALT every time, so YHC must have improved slightly overnight.
THANG: Pre-skate strength and conditioning. Clockwork Merkins on HBR. 5 at 12/ 3/ 6/ 9. Repeato Counterclockwise. Plank walk between slotted times.Crawlbear up HBR for 20 row boats (there’s a theme here). Crabwalk back down. Polar Bear up HBR for 20 WWIIs (still a theme). Polar Bear back down.
Time to lace up the skates and hit the ice. 1 lap around the rink/track. (Native American Run w/ 3 burpees).
Partner up: Defenseman, time to get in on the ice time. Catch me if you can. Skate/run backwards while partner does 5 burpees. (It’s hard to do burpees in skates on ice). 1 lap.
New partners: Time to work on those upper and lower body injuries. Partner 1 runs a lap while partner 2 completes dips. Repeato x 2.LBCs to wait for PAX. 50 LBCs OYO (more on this in a minute).
Penalty Box / Rusty Cage. Pax hit with a 5 minute major. Partner up. 11s. Jerkins and Booyah Merkins (2-count).
Game over. Back to the locker room/flag. Good guys win. YHC took us out.
NMS: Great time this morning. YHC pulled an accidental Swirly. I woke up at 4:45 got ready and started to head out the door when I realized it was 4:15. Oh well. Arrived at HBR 30 minutes early and was able to get the rink lights turned on, warmed up and ready to go. Six PAX members joined me at the start of practice with two others coming in hot. Considered having them skate extra laps, but decided against it.
There was a leak in the arena roof, so last night’s rain made pre-skate training a bit slippery. Flipper called an audible on downhill Polar Bears and went with somersaults instead. Good work Brother, YHC/Coach noticed the extra effort!
Solid mumble chatter during time in the Penalty Box. Solid effort as well.
YHC didn’t plan this, but as it were, today was my 50th post (hence the 50 LBCs). Special shout out to Hardywood (or blame Hardywood if you’d prefer) for bringing me in to F3. It’s been awesome so far, thanks to all of you. Can’t wait for what lies ahead. Thanks for letting me lead today.
Announcements:
Happy Birthday Atilla!
PuppyPile – May 19th. 7:05
Pay Shakedown lost of money to shave his head.
See Wilson and Gumbo about golf.
Memorial Day Convergence at Tredegar/Belle Isle May 28th. 7:00 a.m.
F3 Arlington is launching Saturday June 2 at 7:00 a.m. YHC plans on being there. Join me if you can. Hit me up for details or check them out on Twitter.
Six regulars and one FNG gathered at Batteau this morning for coffee, bagels, and Hot Potatoes. 5:30 sharp, time to mosey. YHC took us to the far side of the field to see what the neighbors on Forest Hill Avenue were having for breakfast.
COP: Arm Circles (10) SSHs (20) DQs (11 – not sure why). Shut it down. NOTE: YHC hasn’t practiced much with cadence, so I wanted to get some in today. Unanimously confimed, I’m terrible at it. Come bust my chops tomorrow at Heartbreak Ridge for my Q.
Mosey to top of the stairs of pain. Collect rocks. Circle up. 2 left arm / 2 right arm Merkins at each rock. Plank walk to next rock, clockwise back to original rock. Next up, counter clockwise, 1 left arm / 1 right arm Merkin back to your rock.
Pass the sugar. Hardywood, you’re up. Saunter to the bottom of the stairs. HR Merkins – run to the bottom of the next set of stairs. Squats. Hump to top of the stairs. Burpees. Repeato. 5 /10 /15. Shakedown’s turn to serve coffee.
Native American run – sorta – to the stage left over from last night’s music fest. Attempt box jumps. To shakey. Mosey back down to the site of Clockwork Merkins. Burpees / Box Jumps x 20. Dang!
Sugar Sock, you’ve never been to Batteau before, so you’re up. Make sure the food is hot, and bring us home brother! Mosey to tennis courts for Triple Check: Leg Lifts / Squats / Lap around tennis courts x 3.
Back to the Flag
NMS:
Great work today gentlemen, especially to FNG ABBA. I hope the pain was as promised. Look forward to seeing you back out soon.
Thoughts and prayers this morning for a few of our brothers specifically, and all of them collectively. Great thing about F3 is that no matter where you turn, there’s a brother nearby. Lean on us when needed, hold us up when you can. Awesome stuff!
Announcements:
Puppy Pile is this Saturday, 7:05.
Shakedown is kicking butt to kick children’s cancer’s butt. See prior backblasts to help him out.
Memorial Day convergence at Tredegar/Belle Isle May 28th.
Wilson has a golf tournament May 18th / Pre-game May 16th at Independence. 5:30
