Author: Splinter

  • Introducing…

    F3RVAs newest AO. The Sugar. One posted after numerous EH attempts failed. According to the gentleman with the top hat and bow tie who greeted YHC at 0530, this may or may not have happened.

    The Route
    Head south on 3rd, under the overpass (or was it over the underpass?), to continue south on Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Meander around for three miles, briefly passing a few locals doing plank merkins and bear crawls. YHC joined for a few merkins then continued on to Freedom Park. Reverso then BTTVSF.

    Number, name, YHC took YHC out with a few passerbys wondering what I was doing.

    Moleskin
    This is a recurring running route that YHC has done for the last 10 years or so, every time I visit the Queen City. No meth labs, but I did try to get on the local news as the route took us right by the courthouse where there is apparently a big trial today.

    I will not be here every week, but every week I am here anyone and everyone is welcome to join. Heads up to the PAX that a portion of the greenway appears to be under construction from Spring 2022 – Spring 2024. That’s right. Two years. We will have to modify the route for the next few years.

    Satire lives on!

  • The Unforeseen Duel Between Tombstone and Clerks

    The Unforeseen Duel Between Tombstone and Clerks

    An unknown number of runners and cyclists convened at RAMM with everyone pointing at one another for routes. One thing was for certain, gears PAX outnumbered running PAX… at least at the published 0530 launch time. It went something like this.

    Moleskin
    The PAX started trickling in as 530 approached. Hugs were exchanged between long lost brewers, people stared, even discussion of opioids before daybreak. However, there was one fine gentleman that stood by himself and just simply absorbed the discussion in front of him.

    One PAX member could not contain his displeasure for YHCs declared route, as said person decided to arrive early (as he normally does) and had already performed said route (I’ll let you guess who). There was brief discussion on whether we could go west instead of east, but everyone went east. We all know west isn’t safe.

    With very little instruction on routes, our visitor from South Cary looked at YHC and declared, “I guess I’ll follow you? No seriously, how fast are you running?” No time for silly questions, just follow along.

    Well our visitor from South Cary, after saying virtually nothing pre-launch, proceeded to have a lengthy, and quite honestly, enthralling conversation about parking lots, homeowners associations, and the cost of private beach replenishment. Hermes, thanks for joining Faceplant and I and making us run on sidewalks instead of pavement.

    Great to see a variety of PAX today. We had a hot dog stand, a brand new (albeit somewhat squatty for my stature) road bike, and two or three runners that never made it back.

    Good luck to all the 10kers tomorrow. May your feet be fleet! Be on the lookout for Wedding Singer as a pacer!

    The route was epic. Hope everyone enjoyed!

  • Wordle, Turdle, or Squirdle?

    Eleven trust wary Spiderlings gathered under the steam for today’s iteration of fun with hills. YHC apparently waited too long to give instructions which resulted in a 5:31 launch. Good thing TYA wasn’t there.

    The Route

    • Left out of the parking lot and right up towards the football stadium
    • Left on Campus, straight through the path and left on Wheeler
    • 4s right on Ridge Top and right on Chandler
    • 5s right on Horsepen, right on Patterson, right on Ridge Top and left on Chandler
    • 6s left on Hampshire to Baldwin, right on Westham, right on Patterson, right on Ridge Top and left on Chandler
    • Everyone up Chandler and through the path to Bandy
    • Left on Three Chopt, right on Kensington
    • Kensington DEAD ENDS!!! Trust me, it does. 6 milers confirmed.
    • Veer right at the dead end and follow Stuart back to a left on Honaker
    • Honaker to Boatwright
    • Left on Campus, right on UR drive, back to the VSF

    Numbers, names, and YHC took us out before Hitch came stumbling in after making friends with a custodian.

    Moleskin

    Boy, you guys really didn’t trust me. Apparently the 4s and 5s didn’t think Kensington ever ended. 5s really didn’t trust me and turned right off of Kensington onto Honaker. 4s almost trusted me but came up short on Chanticleer. Faceplace was in full on trust mode and followed YHC all the way to the end. Trust fall exercise may be interesting with this bunch.

    Sounds like there were ample reports of too much mexican, chili, or loaded baked potatoes last night, resulting in a few of the pax finding their own path through Bandy. Blame it on the dog I suppose.

    Congrats to Faceplant who somehow picked St Peters over Kentucky but didn’t stick with them to the Sweet Sixteen.

    Best of luck to everyone out there, whether it’s brackets, driving an 80s Volvo, or running the Grand Canyon.

    Splinter out.

  • Reminiscence

    A gaggle of runners and a resurgence of bikers convened at RAMM for some running and cycling. No one had signed up so YHC quickly plotted a simple route. Only 3 turns, yet Hitchhiker somehow asked more questions than there were turns. Classic Fan route today.

    The Route

    • East on Grove
    • 4s left on Boulevard
    • 5s left on Shields
    • 6s left on Plum
    • Left on Monument
    • Left on Westmoreland

    Numbers, names, swarming by cyclists before YHC took us out.

    Moleskin

    Today, post run/cycle, we reminisced with stories of a former PAX member. While not a regular and not recent, he always had a way of bringing some excitement to the group. Prayers for all of our PAX that are going through difficulty, current or former, that they find the necessary peace to carry them forward.

    Prayers also go out to TYA, Shakedown, and the rest of the crew heading to the Grand Canyon for their race next week. Go get it!

    My thanks for the day go to Faceplant and Marv for the thought provoking social discussion this morning.

    Spiders (and Rams) still playing! Cheer for your local teams!

    Splinter out.

  • F3RVA 2022 Bracketology

    F3RVA 2022 Bracketology

    Bracket challenge is back again this year after a 2 year hiatus. Pretty simple. Give me $10 and you might get it back. Splitting the pot this year to top 2 spots. Yahoo again.

    • 67% goes to the winner
    • 33% goes to first loser
    • $10 per entry by cash, venmo, paypal, zelle
    • bbischoff78 at gmail dot com
    • password is sunny70

    Questions? Hit me up on Slack.

    https://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/group/76356/invitation?key=08f142c287dace97

  • In College There Was A Girl We Called Sharrow

    In College There Was A Girl We Called Sharrow

    A relatively light crew of 8 launched from RAMM for some fun around the city streets. Two launched at 5, the rest quickly huddled prior to 530 for the following instructions. YHC was reminded that today was Friday and we were only supposed to run. Regardless, this is what we did:

    The Route

    • 4s go north on Commonwealth to a right on Monument
    • 5s / 6s go west on Grove
    • 5s take a right on Lexington, right on Patterson, left on Chantilly, right on Monument
    • 6s take a right on Roslyn to Harlan, left on Patterson, right on Willow Lawn, right on Monument
    • Everyone take Monument to a right on Boulevard
    • Right on Floyd
    • On Floyd, every time you passed a “Sharrow” you had to do a burpee. There were many.
    • Right on Nansemond, left on Grove BTTVSF

    Numbers, names, YHC took us out.

    Moleskin

    Light crew today, must be either spring break or the UVA fans didn’t want to show up after a 13 point first half last night. Either way, those who showed up ran.

    YHC was inspired the other day while driving down Floyd to somehow incorporate this road into a workout, given the ample number of Sharrows that were painted on the road. Faceplant proceeded to disclose his company is responsible for many of the bike lanes that now exist throughout the city. He also disclosed any of the Sharrows that have a painted background are not federally recognized, so we skipped those burpees. Pays to have someone on the inner circle in your running group.

    While sitting in my car at 515 looking to see who had the Q and realizing it was open, YHC took the opportunity to introduce the PAX to all the Sharrows on Floyd. Everyone rejoiced.

    Good luck to everyone running this weekend, wherever they may be running.

    Announcements

    • Prayers for Roger Roger and his family as they navigate the next few weeks of recovery
    • The port-o-jon that the city installed at the bus stop on Monument near Willow Lawn is locked. Apparently only bus drivers have the key.

    Have a great weekend gentlemen.

    Splinter out.

  • Don’t Mind the Gas, It’s Simply Water Vapor

    Seventeen All-Americans emerged from their vehicles early to enjoy this morning’s pre-spring 59 degree treat. Shiplap even donned short sleeves today, you know it’s going to be a good day. Huddle up for directions which included heavy routes for all three charters:

    The Route

    • West around the lake and through the woods, being careful over the gravel path
    • Left on College, Right on University
    • Continue on University, crossing Westham and Ridge before turning left on Ralston
    • Right on River, Right on E Glenbrooke Circle
    • Left on W Glenbrooke Circle
    • Everyone takes a right on Summit
    • 4s traverse summit one time then return the way we came
    • 5s traverse summit two times then take a right and complete the Glenbrooke Circle loop before returning via River
    • 6s traverse summit three times, right on Glenbrooke, left on Hillaire, left on Shadow, right on Twin Lake, right on Twin Lake (again), then left on Glenbrook to complete the circle and return via River

    Numbers, names, and YHC took us out.

    Moleskin

    A teaser was dropped on Slack yesterday that routes would be a little heavy, so be prepared. Routes were heavy, but maybe not to the degree disclosed. Either way, it was intended that we take a little longer today. YHC has gotten into a stale habit of running the same mileage on every run. Sometimes even adding half a mile makes me feel it that much more. Just trying to mix it up a little instead of 4s, 5s, and 6s every week.

    EF Hutton made a point to call out how much his ass hurt after yesterday’s pounding at Hoedown. Gotta get those glutes activated on a regular basis.

    Prayers today were not only for those around us but those living in extreme uncertainty in Eastern Europe. While it may seem half a world away, we should always try to do what we can to eliminate preventable casualties. That’s YHCs geopolitical statement of the day. God bless.

    Splinter out.

  • Block Party at Trinity

    Seventeen elite gentlemen gathered in the moon-lit parking lot for today’s iteration of Hoedown. Men gathered from afar, likely due to today’s pseudo-holiday. Hitchhiker attempted to steal the Q but no one listened. YHC called let’s mosey and the PAX followed down Forest to Trinity.

    COP

    • 20 SSH
    • 10 Helicopters
    • 10 Imperial Walkers
    • 10 Don Quixotes
    • 10 Merkins
    • 10 Freddie Mercuries

    The Thang

    While thinking through Q options this weekend, YHC felt like a higher intensity, cardio workout was due. Therefore, a 1K 5K was called. Partner up for 1000 exercises while your partner runs the horseshoe, to Stuart Hall, and back. Exercises were 100 hand release merkins, 200 Lt Dans, 300 WWIIs, 400 SSH. Collect the six as some teams began to finish then mosey back to the VSF.

    Digits and alphabetic assignments before YHC took us out.

    Moleskin

    Who knew Trinity UMC was such a mecca for early bird walkers? The PAX came across at least 3 individuals doing laps through the parking lot. Since we were 17, they had to modify. Apologies to the neighborhood for crashing the party.

    Not much mumblechatter today due to the requirement to count. Most teams were close to finishing the 1k exercises so YHC will call mission accomplished on that one. With about 7 laps and the mosey to and fro, we should have been close on the 5k also. Great push everyone.

    Kudos for Florence for calling out coffeeteria after the workout. Seems like there was a strong following converging on the local Starbucks. YHC would have joined you except Henrico decided that a day of recognition for our 46 presidents only deserved half a celebration, so off YHC went to shuttle the youngest to the bus.

    Here is link to a brief reflection on the history of this day.

    Announcements

    • Arrive at Source of Truth by 5:50am Saturday to clown car to the Bridge. See Flatline for more details.

    Spring mornings are on the horizon. Looking forward to more mornings like today.

    Splinter

  • The Rehearsal Dinner

    Fifteen eager spiderlings huddled in the bowl behind the commons, wondering what the high pitched steam release was coming from the smoke stacks. Some stared as if they were looking at a shooting star, YHC declared enough and routes were shared. Across the bridge!!!

    The Route

    • Through the bat cave and across the parking lot
    • Across the bridge and take the u-turn on the right on the other side of the bridge
    • Once you turn around and are facing Riverside once again, turn left… upriver… west…
    • 4s take a left on Southhampton and make your way up the hill until you get to 2 miles and turn around
    • 5s and 6s take a right on Southhampton and left on Riverside
    • 5s continue on Riverside to Cherokee and return
    • 6s continue on Riverside across Cherokee, up Rustic, left on Oakleaf, left on Elm, left on Hickory, cross Cherokee and continue back to the VSF

    Numbers, names, slight delay to pray for Wilson before Bone Thugs joined us and YHC took us out.

    Moleskin

    Lovely morning for a run today. There still seems to be confusion as to east and west once we get to the river. How long have we been doing this, 5 years? Some people just won’t ever get it. At least those people are always prompt.

    Title of the backblast comes from the discussion in YHCs group about rehearsal dinners and the appropriate level of roasting that is done by family and friends. Apparently YHCs family may take it a little too far. All in good fun.

    Announcements

    • Hitch is joining Corned Beef and DTH for a ramp build on 2/10. Still need 3 more to join.

    Enjoy the day!

  • A Hot Meal on a Cold Night

    Three in the Splinter household noodled on a meal for Breaking Bread before settling on something that had no noodles. Enchiladas were called and delivered to our friends down on Belt Boulevard.

    For those that haven’t signed up, sign up. Upchuck couldn’t make it any simpler. It’s a great organization and they are ever so grateful for the support we provide them on a regular basis.