Author: Splinter

  • 4th Annual March Madness

    24 dancers assembled in the rainy gloom for an experience as close to one shining moment as they will get. This was the 4th iteration of this novelty, AKA The Gheorghe Murisan Classic. Here is how it went down, give or take a few “you get the ideas…”

    Mosey single-file over the the illuminated hoops court for layup drill. 4 left handed then 2 right handed before lining up military style on the court. Instructions were followed and off we went.

    COP
    Invisible Jump Ropes x20 (nice Fletch touch Gumbo)
    Don Quixote’s x10
    High Knees x20
    Butt Kickers x15
    Defensive slide with floor slap x10

    Mosey to the end line for a quick line drill followed by a tribute to 3 of the 5 Virginia schools playing in the tournament. Mix in a few line drills in-between specials.

    Kyle Guy Special
    Pair up and complete 106 merkins, 1 for every three he has hit (so far) this year.

    The Justin… wait for it… Robinson
    1347 total points in his career. 13 burpees followed by 47 single count lunges. We stopped b/c I said so.

    The Marcus Santos-Silva Rebound Special
    338 total rebounds in his career so 33 two-count mountain climbers followed by 8 Lt. Dans.

    Tip Drill. It worked this time, except no one can follow directions. Anyway, that was kind of fun. Saab would have loved it.

    Form 2 teams for some risk/reward. Choose one person from your team to shoot, if they make it your team does said amount of merkins and other team does burpees. If you miss it your team does burpees and the other team does merkins. 5 merkins / 3 burpees for layup. 10 merkins / 6 burpees for free throw. 15 merkins / 9 burpees for 3 pointer. My team won, mostly because of Vinny’s banked in 3 pointer.

    Try the 1-1 challenge again. 4 attempts this time around? BT made the front-end one round and was the only free throw made. Lots of burpees, merkins, and squats.

    Form 6 teams of 4. See, math works! Two full court basketball games with two teams sitting out doing WWIIs. If your team wins you stay. Losers bump out. I think we made it through 4 games of about 3 minutes a piece. One game was called after YHC hit the game winner. What, you didn’t see the clock?

    Mosey back to the VSF where YHC took us out.

    Moleskin
    YHC was a little nervous that no one would show today as the weather was brutal for outdoor basketball. Nonetheless, we all adjusted and hopefully had a good time. Kudos to Vinny and Gumbo for sporting themed jerseys, Gheorghe Murisan and Fletch respectively. Wasn’t Murisan a Bullet?

    We always manage to have just the right number of people for a great series of games. One of these days we will play in the daylight.

    Announcements

    • Big weekend this weekend. HH Friday at TCB on Douchee (sic Viral).
    • Bracketology is up. Get your bracket in by noon and pay me your $10. Bragging rights up for grabs!

    Big Data is always watching!

  • F3RVA Bracketology

    Bracket challenge is back again this year. 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

    https://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/group/126349/invitation?key=74b7ea567bcbe64a&soc_trk=lnk

  • Splinter Tried to Q

    Thirteen brave soles emerged from their car’s, some expecting a Lockjaw Q. Alas, they received a Splinter Q tribute to Lockjaw but in reverse/inverted/backwards order. It went something like this:

    Reverse Pitchfork
    4 miles – Out river road exit, through RR shopping center, down Westham Station, up S. Ridge to the light. Return to the start.

    5 miles – Same as 4 but on the way back hit Old Bridge to Highland

    6 miles – Same as 5 but also add on the other section of Old Bridge and add Panorama. There were a few 5+ folks that skipped the second Old Bridge but added Panorama.

    YHC took us out.

    Moleskin
    Great turnout today on a fabulous morning for a run. There was great admiration and excitement when YHC suggested that he had a route planned as a backup for Lockjaw today. One can only take that level of excitement as a compliment.

    Swirly secured the AO this morning, which included a brief discussion with a security guard about the need to corral a fox on the other side of the lake. Fox, not rabbit. Either way, we stayed away from that side of the lake and enjoyed the sights and sounds of Westham Station.

    Great to be back out there, even in limited capacity. See everyone in the gloom.

    Announcements
    Earth day is soon. Support your local earth by getting yet another free tshirt.

    Mark your calendar for the fall retreat.

    Splinter out

  • You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

    Image result for how the grinch stole christmas

    One shy of 12 huddled around big blue waiting for instructions but they never came. BT proclaimed, “It’s 5:30!” and YHC said, “Follow Me!”  Groaning ensued.

    Mosey by group to the base of Roselawn and Towana and collect the PAX. After the recollection of the good spirited cheer YHC received while trying to help propagate the 12 days of Christmas last year, YHC pronounced his intentions for this year’s 12 days. What better way than intervals.

    We’ve never done 12 intervals before so YHC figured today seemed like a great day to try. There was a warning blast on twitter indicating there was the possibility of mischievousness. Spider Run was the opposite of Christmas today. 12 intervals up Roselawn and Towana is a Grinch’s blessing indeed.

    Lots of recollection during today’s run.  The last time we did intervals at Spider Run was 7/17 in sweltering heat and humidity.  There was also discussion of the newly minted “No Dumping” sign in the vicinity of Fudd’s infamous tron squats.  Glad to see we are welcome in the neighborhood.  I was glad to see that Sippy has overcome the memories of reverse intervals down Towana.  That is a feat likely not to be repeated.

    YHC totaled about 4.5 miles and 552 ft. of elevation gain.  Bleeder managed to mix in a latte between intervals.  The Grinch would be proud.

    Announcements
    – Saab will cover Spider Run next week at the normal time.  Marv is coordinating a possible late morning or late afternoon 2.0 friendly run on Christmas.  Details to follow.
    – HDHH mañana

    Big data is watching…

  • Those Are Mighty Fine Poles You Have

    Image result for line of poles

    Seven south of the river stallions gathered at SoT for a much anticipated (by the Q) visitor Q.  YHC was looking forward to the expedition for a few weeks and it didn’t disappoint.  Mosey down the hill to the middle of the football field for:

    COP
    SSH – 25
    Donald J Quixote – 15
    Russian Soliders – 15
    Arm Circles – 10x & 5x both ways

    The Thang
    Continue to the end of the football field and line up on the goal line for something YHC called Fun on the Football Field. Work down the field to the goal post, completing 100 yards and 100 of the exercise.  Run back to the start and plank for the 6.  Multiple rounds were:

    Round 1 – Stop every 10 yards and complete 10 merkins
    Round 2 – Stop every 25 yards and complete 25 WWIIs
    Round 3 – Stop every 50 yards and complete 50 2-count flutter kicks
    Round 4 – Run 100 yards and complete 100 SSHs

    Saunter back up the hill with an impromptu stop at the nicely spaced poles along the road.  Pole smoker indian run with 5 pole smokers while the rest hold 6 inches.  Complete three rounds.

    Meander towards the back of the school, thinking about the stairs but then calling an audible.  Lindsays (a.k.a Johnsonville’s wife).  Run the length of the parking lot and complete 30 merkins and 10 squats.  Run back then 25 / 15.  20/20, 15/25, 10/30.  Plankorama for the six.

    Quick sidewinder run towards the corner of the school for triple check.  BTTW, mountain climbers and run half-way down the hill to the random school crossing sign.  Why do you need a school crossing sign when  you are smack dab in the middle of school property?  Anyway, that was fun.  Someone was squeaky on the wall.

    Short ROF without singing then back to the flag.

    Numberarma, names then YHC took us out.

    Moleskin
    Thanks to the SoJ regulars for welcoming me this morning.  Always great to see those you haven’t run into in a while.  Also great to see some fresh blood keeping DK honest.  Rooster banter was continued from NoToll yesterday.

    It’s hard to believe no one had found the poles previously.  They are in clear sight and you actually have to try to miss them when running to/from the football field.  Glad I could point out something that hasn’t been done at SoJ before.  Can’t wait for another sub-freezing day to try something else new.

    For those that haven’t made the expedition to SoJ on a Wednesday it’s a great AO.  Small groups will push you even harder.  YHC highly recommends it.

    Announcements
    6:00 Turkey workout at Mary Munford tomorrow
    Someone won DKs survivor pool and it wasn’t me

    Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.

    Big Data is watching.

  • Swimming at Hoedown

    https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/fish_out_of_water.jpg

    Ten warriors, sans webbed feet, huddled in the crisp fall air before embarking on today’s hoedown.  Start off with a 3/4 mile run then huddle around the shovel flag.  Resist Conspiracy’s call to number off before tackling this ground ‘n pound.

    The Thang
    Repeat the following x2
    SSH – 25
    Merkin – 10
    WWII – 10
    Copperhead Squats – 10

    Repeat the following x5
    Merkin – 15
    WWII – 15
    Copperhead Squats – 15
    Worm Merkin – 10
    30 second plank

    Repeat the following x2
    Lunges – 10x each leg
    WWII – 15
    Flutter Kick – 30

    Mosey to the wall for triple check.  People’s chair, mountain climbers, and a lap around the loop.

    10x ring of fire then we were complete.

    Numbers, names and YHC took us out.

    Moleskin
    The idea for this workout started a few months ago when my daughter came home from swimming practice and told me they did a boot camp, after their normal swim practice.  She wrote it down for me and I filed it in the backlog for things to get to at an F3 workout.  Today seemed like a good day to test it out.  YHC added the run at the beginning and the triple check + ROF.  Everything else was stolen from her workout.

    YHC must have a reputation for patterns and numbers as the PAX was gleefully attempting to figure out the next exercise throughout the first two rounds.  Then they gave up.  Maybe out of boredom or perhaps out of exhaustion.  Today was no joke.

    For those counting, we did 155 merkins.  Apologies to Keymaster for attempting to run him off the road on Sunday.  It’s nothing against you, YHC frequently attempts to run people off the road.

    Announcements
    – Handshake VQ at Heartbreak tomorrow.  For those that want to run, UpChuck has Spider Run.
    – 1 hour Berkley plantation workout at Mary Munford Thursday morning at 6:00
    – Conspiracy has v1.0 of big data dating back to 2015.  According to his records F3RVA has a 70% abandon rate after the first post.  I think we’ve gotten better since then.

    Big Data is watching.

  • Obstructed Breathing

    12 galloping gazelles, one rover on two wheels, one owl whisperer, and one lanky giraffe gathered in the swamp that was Spider Run this morning.  No one signed up for the Q so YHC enthusiastically called River Run to avoid all the downed trees and power lines.  A few lower body tweaks here and there but no electrocutions.  All in all a successful morning.

    The Route
    Across the bridge.  4 milers do the half clover leaf and return.  5 milers to Rockfalls and return.  6 milers a few hundred yards past the Williams dam and return.  A few spartans braved Custis and reached the summit at Cherokee.  Kudos to Swirly, Sippy and Swiper? who made that decision.

    Moleskin
    The air was thick that day my friend.  Like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli.  The PAX got about 50 feet out before the great humidity beast appeared before us.  I tell you it was 100% if it was 10%.  As if sensing our presence, he let out a great bellow.  The PAX said… “easy big fella”.  Then as we all struggled, we realized something was obstructing our breathing.  From the path we were running we could see right into the eye of the great beast.

    From out of nowhere, a huge trough of stale air sat on us like an oppressive regime, it opened our pores and we found ourselves face to face with the great humidity beast  We had tears streaming down our faces.  We could barely see it was so thick, but we knew something was there.  So we slogged forward, step by step until we pulled out the obstruction.

    Image result for seinfeld titleist

    Titleist?

    Well, it was not a Titleist out there today but it certainly felt like I was running with an obstruction in my blow hole.  What a ridiculous morning to try and run.  Great job to everyone out there.  Go out and be the best that we can be, this weather has to be past us soon.

    Announcements

    Convergence this weekend, PuppyPile the following weekend, CSAUP 10/20.  Plenty of opportunities for brotherhood and fatherhood.

    #bigdata is watching

     

  • You Can Put Your Meat in My Freezer

    Image result for 9/11

    Thirteen gentlemen gathered flags and converged by the lake for a 9/11 themed version of Spider Run.  A few regulars expressed their frustration on the bathroom doors being locked.  Alas, instructions were given and off we went.  Those that had flags carried them for the run.

    The Route
    Everyone proceed up by the golf course, right on fairway and proceed up Iris to Three Chopt.  Right on Three Chopt and then left on Grove.

    4s – Left on Granite, left on Patterson, left on St Christophers, right on the access road, left onto Campus then back to the start.

    5s – Left on Roslyn which turns into Harlan, left on Patterson, left on St Christophers, right on the access road, left onto Campus then back to the start.

    6s – Left on Bunting, left on Patterson, left on Honaker, right jog to Boatwright, left on campus, back to the start.

    Numberama, namerama, wait for TYA then YHC took us out.

    Moleskin
    What a great morning for a run to reflect on what happened 17 years ago.  The run was mostly quiet this morning which provided ample time for personal reflection on the sacrifices people have made to provide for the freedoms that we take for granted.  Kudos to all that carried the flag today, either part way or for the entire route if your name is Swirly.

    Bleeder got the message last night and opted out of flag carrying and wore his c. 1997 Britches American flag rugby shirt.  Today was not a cool morning to wear a vintage rugby shirt.  Love the energy though.

    Announcements
    With the impending weather the latter half of the week, Shakedown suggested that we all use this group to support each other if someone is in need.  Shakedown graciously offered up a place to store your meat.  He indicated it was right beside his ammo store so don’t get any wild ideas.

    If anyone needs a generator see Kubota.

    Lots of CSAUP opportunities in the future.  9/22 Convergence, 9/29 Puppy Pile, 10/20 CSAUP, 12/2 Bear Creek 10 miler.

    Congrats to Lockjaw who posted his 200th time since #bigdata started collecting.

    #bigdata is watching

  • Dispelling Big Data Myths

    Dispelling Big Data Myths

    Having finally dug out and recovered from what was essentially a month of vacations for #bigdata (insert mocking comment here), YHC took the opportunity this morning to listen to the substitute podcast episodes 97 and 97.75.  Considering I get questions on how #bigdata works on a weekly basis, I figured now was as good a time as any to clarify exactly how it all works.

    1. It all begins with the backblast. Someone writes a backblast with the Date, QIC and the PAX list.  They tag a region and add a tag for the AO.  Nothing fancy here as this always happened.  If you don’t tag an AO than it isn’t in the AOs history.  The OCD in me hates this.  I often go back and clean up posts that don’t tag an AO.  Please tag an AO.  Yes, it should be a required field.  Blame WordPress for not making that as simple as it should be.
    2. #bigdata gets a update from f3rva.com as soon as a backblast is published.  It then takes the information from the backblast and creates a new “workout” in #bigdata, pulling out the Q, each individual PAX member, the AO and stores all that information.  Don’t ask questions like “why can’t you just read directly from the PAX line to get real-time updates?”  People ask me that question a lot.  Buy me a 2-3 high-ABV craft beers and I’ll explain it to you.  Saab may be able to explain it to you now as well since he has a fancy new degree.
    3. To account for inconsistencies in the PAX / Q names, there is an alias concept.  Every person that exists in #bigdata can have 1 or more aliases associated with that individual.  At this point, the alias association is manual (backlog item).  No, there are no machine learning algorithms in place (yet) to automatically associate a likely alias with an actual PAX member.  This is why I give Lockjaw so much grief for coming up with alternative spellings for Two Can whenever he feels like it.  Chuckle all you want but at some point I will get tired of linking aliases and then someone else will have to do it (or it won’t get done).  That is why I respectfully ask that people make a reasonable attempt to spell the name correctly.  I take time once a month to go back and clean up everyone’s misspellings, abbreviations, 19th century british literature equivalents.  No, it’s not the best use of my time.
    4. In the early days of #bigdata, that is all that happened.  As Honeydo put it, once the backblast was published, #bigdata was set in stone.  I had to intervene and make sure it was refreshed when there were changes.  Not anymore.  The backblast author has 2 days to make changes to the PAX list and it will still get updated.  No more complaining to me or texts during the day asking to refresh #bigdata, not necessary.  Don’t question why it is limited to 2 days.  I made a decision.  If someone wants to work with me on triggers in WordPress then we can eliminate the 2 day restriction.  Otherwise, it’s 2 days.  I consider this case closed.
    5. Epoch for #bigdata is 2017-03-19.  Why?  Because that is when I finished tested and released #bigdata to TYA and a few others.  Why didn’t I go back and add every previous workout?  Because that would suck.  It would be a tedious process that I wouldn’t even send offshore (sorry Offshore).  Could this be automated?  Sure.  I just don’t think it’s the best use of my time.  If someone is interested in taking this on as a side project I can make that happen.  Just buy me a few beers.  Preferably something that looks like orange juice so I know Swirly won’t drink it.
    6. Another myth debunked is that people that post pre-blasts get credit for a Q.  This is an absolute fallacy and was never the case.  In the early days of #bigdata YHC would clean up the data.  Basically this was me exerting my power to delete what I previously called phantom workouts.  TYA was a victim of this one time.  However, it was primarily used to delete preblasts from #bigdata.  This is no longer necessary as long as the author follows a simple rule.  Any backblasts with a date in the future get excluded from #bigdata.  So, if you are writing a preblast, put the date in which the event will actually happen.  Presumably that will be in the future or else by definition it would be a backblast and there would have been a Q and a PAX.
    7. Running Qs should count less than workout Qs.  I disagree with Honeydo on this one and it will remain equally weighted in perpetuity.
    8. The Q ratio was something I added as a humorous poke at Lockjaw when the joke was he was running near 100%.  He’s close.  Little known fact.  If you click on your name, your all-time q-ratio is displayed right above your graph.  The q-ratio on the attendance report is just your q-ratio for that period.  I love this stat as it reminds me when I haven’t Q’d in a while.

    I have a very short list of items currently on the backlog.  If you have ideas on how #bigdata can be improved, let me know.  Grab me in a workout, send me a note/text, whatever it takes.  I enjoy this as a hobby and may eventually get around to your request.

    Remember, #bigdata is watching.

    Splinter

  • Mont Henricus

    Image result for sir isaac newton

    Fifteen able bodied gentlemen challenged Sir Isaac Newton’s theories today as they climbed Mount Henrico.  Circle up just down the way from the commons for instructions:

    5 ‘ish mile route:
    – out campus by the baseball field to left on College
    – Right on Lakewood
    – Right on Wood
    – Left on Baldwin
    – Quick right on Westham then continue left on Baldwin
    – Left on Rock Creek
    – Quick left on Forest then right on University
    – Right on Glendale then left on Julian to the top
    – Return the same way

    4 milers follow the 5 mile route to University.  Then around Arlington circle before reversing course and returning.

    6 milers did Arlington circle on the up and back.

    COT with one quick exit then YHC took us out, thanking Newton’s discoveries.

    Moleskin
    Crowd pleaser this morning.  No complaints at all from the PAX for an oldie but goodie route.  The 5 mile route is a little heavy but wouldn’t want to short change those 5 milers from seeing the peak.  6 milers should be pretty spot on, although YHC had to double back for the six.

    Soup was thick this morning.  Great work by all!

    Splinter out