Author: Upchuck

  • Black Ice, Black Schmice

    Three motivated men of hard choices posted to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day edition of The Hoedown. Temperatures were 70 and sunny. According to the drivers on Forest, the following might have happened:

    Parking lot tracers. Pick up Plus One.

    Parking lot tracers with Plus One.

    COP

    SSHs x60 (4 count)
    Dead man hang
    Right leg high, left leg high, drop the hips, pigeon right, pigeon left
    Imperial walkers
    Don Quixote (Froggy did something funny, and Handshake wasn’t there to comment)
    WWIIs
    Reverse crunches

    Mosey to the teacher parking lot for parking space intervals. 3 merkins, 3 WWIIs, 3 squats at each parking space.

    Mosey to the front of the school…but, walk the steps, which actually have no ice.

    Starting at the bike rack, 5 merkins, run to the front door and back, then 10 dips. 3 rounds, bro-code.

    Mosey to the “attractive nuisance” known as the Third Church Parking Lot. (No actual injuries or insurance claims were incurred.)

    Triple check…one man runs across to the school, one man does WWIIs and Carolina Dry Docks. 3 rounds. Make sure to call out the curbs. Do this every.single.time.

    Touch-a-Tree. 5 trees. WWIIs and reverse crunches. Or, something like that.

    Mosey back to the virtual shovel flag with a history lesson about kicking a curb accidentally (“Goldberg!” Or “Gomer”).

    Numbers…Froggy…Numbers!…Names, and YHC took us out.

    Announcements:

    Pigskin is leading The Bridge on Saturday, January 24 (this weekend). It will be cold, which is more of a reason to go. When Pigskin’s leading, get on the bus. Push off is early Saturday morning, return by about 10:30. This is a great opportunity to be an Actual HIM.

    Breaking Bread…Saturday evening…make dinner for 8-12 humans recovering from medical issues. These are people in need. WWJD? He’d help. Another opportunity to be an Actual HIM.

    Requests:

    Prayers for my high school pal, Becca. She has glioblastoma (brain cancer). Almost no treatments available. Short term outlook. 53. Good human.

    For our country. As one PAX member described it, “What a mess.” Indeed. Self-inflicted mess.

  • Cirque Italia

    One ran four at five in the latest edition of The Clinic. Temperatures were a seasonal 70 and sunny. According to the woman wearing one sock correctly and another sock only halfway on, the following might have happened.

    Usual Broward Blvd. Route. Somewhere around 4.5.

    Number, name, and YHC took himself out.

    NMS: It’s “winter” in south Florida, so it’s time for the circus. Canadians, Brits, Ruskies…you name it. The actual circus is also in town…something called Cirque Italia. It’s an Acquatic Circus. Sounds exotic. Get your tickets now.

    Announcements:

    Pigskin, being Pigskin, is being a true H.I.M. One who acts on behalf of others. He’s leading The Bridge on January 24th.

    Sign up for Breaking Bread. Make dinner for 8-12 folks recovering from medical conditions in a safe environment. It’s on the Q sheet under HIM.

    Frozen Triangle…tentatively February 7. While YHC likely can’t make it this year, it’s a fun event. The definition of CSAUP, and a fantastic way to make friends through a mutual challenge. Make a commitment to doing something that will push your boundaries.

  • They Are Not My Wife’s Tights

    6 men of serious purpose linked arms at the latest edition of the St. Christopher’s Country Club. Conditions were 70 and sunny. According to the local rabbits out for a silflay, the following might have happened.

    Round 1: stretch

    Round 2: curls and lunges

    Round 3: lawnmower pulls and triceps

    Round 4: Something and something else

    Round 5: squats and overhead presses

    Round 6: Boat/canoe and WWIIs/press

    Cool down: bench press and have a nice day.

    Numbers, names, and YHC took us out.

    Announcements:

    Pigskin is leading The Bridge on January 24. Leave around 6, workout 7:30 to 8:15, the best coffee ev-erh, and likely a stop at The Cumberland Diner. Home by 10:30/11. Most of that is true.

    Frozen Triangle is February 7. No Idea (not that guy) who to contact. Really. YHC does not know who is running this. Or, leading this. Or, really, anything. Please post details.

    Faceplant would like to learn to use F3RVA.org on his phone. Does anyone have the time to lend a brutha a hand?

  • It’s You Against You

    One biked, five ran, maybe 7 ran, and one walked…but, surely, all pushed in the latest edition of Sunday Funday. Temperatures were a brisk 70 and sunny. According to the guy who drives a creepy, but somehow not THAT creepy, white van, the following might have happened.

    2 guys ran 10+ at Snowy Owl. Maybe that’s Sunday Funday. Surely, today is Sunday. And, surely, it was a funday. If they do their own backblast, we will adjust.

    3, including an FNG, ran 6.7 miles on the trails. Buttermilk to Northbank.

    One ran way more than that. Hard to say how far.

    One ran way less than that. 4.1.

    One hiked for an hour.

    One guy rode forever.

    Numbers, names, and we dispersed.

    NMS: We had an FNG at Sunday Funday. Kevin is a legitimate friendly new guy. First, he’s friendly. Second, he’s new. And, third, well, we assume. Among other things, he is an expert tiler. Welcome, Grout.

  • Leadership Includes Communication

    Ten men of superior strength, foresight, and industry joined forces in The Gloom for the latest edition of The Dogpile. Temperatures were 70 and sunny. According to fokelore told among the local hermits, the following might have happened:

    Mosey around the near circle, then circle up on the grassy knoll close to the storage closet for…

    50 SSHs, dead man hang, Fudd’s wife, right leg high, left leg high, Wilson’s wife, pigeon right, pigeon left.

    LBCs x20, Frederick Mercury x20, Alabama Prom Dates x15, reverse crunches x15…

    Imperial walkers x10, Don Quixote x10, and something else.

    Mosey to the other circle, then around to the grassy area that we rarely use between the other circle and Park Drive.

    Partner up. Partner 1 does squats, Partner 2 runs to the first tree, then returns. Reverso. Round 2: run to the 2nd tree. Round 3: Run to the third tree. Repeat through 7 continuously further trees.

    Mosey to the intersection about 30 yards away. New partner. Dora 1-2-3.

    Each man does 50 merkins, then do 100 combined WWIIs, and 150 combined 4-count Side-Straddle Hops. Here’s the twist…partners do 3 boo-yah merkins at each swap-over.

    Luigi gives us a 20 count.

    Mosey about 30 yards onto the grassy area the is surrounded by the Frozen Triangle. We “never” use this grass. Except for today.

    Partner up with a new partner. First man runs and touches 5 trees. Second man does flutter kicks. But, the catch…you cannot touch the same trees as your partner. F3 says we are about leadership; we need to step up our game when it comes to teaching communication. This exercise is about very basic communication and coordination…in the dark.

    At the end, we compared notes…and different groups touched different numbers of trees. Expected outcome, but not the right outcome. Lessons learned.

    Mosey to the bottom of the Frozen Triangle for a Beast up the hill. Bro-code style.

    Squats, merkins, LBCs, monkey humpers, 6 burpees (one time…for the sake of time), and Choose-your-own-adventure.

    Single file run with the last man coming to the front back to the shovel flag.

    Numbers, names, YHC took us out with a prayer for our men and women in harm’s way, especially today.

    Announcements:

    We call it F3. There are 3 F’s. YHC encourages each of you to be a 3-F guy…fitness (workouts), fellowship (get together with your pals), and faith (do things with F3 guys that help beyond just you).

    Breaking Bread needs volunteers at the end of January. See the Q sheet.

    The Bridge needs a Q for January and another for February.

  • Make as Few Turns as Possible

    One man resolved to hit the streets for one more time in 2025. Temperatures were 70 and sunny (ok, 65, but super nice). According to the people illegally walking their dogs on the Hollywood, Florida, boardwalk, the following might have happened:

    North for 2 miles. South for 2.5 miles. Back to the virtual shovel flag for 5 total.

    Number, name, and YHC took himself out.

    NMS: news flash…Hollywood, Florida, is a nice place just after Christmas.

    Announcements:

    1. The Bridge.
    2. Breaking Bread.

  • Last Ruck of 52

    One intrepid young man rose before the dawn to finish off 52 with 2.5. Temperatures were 70 and sunny. According to the ducks swimming on Lake Florida, the following might have happened:

    38 pound ruck and a 25 pound excess tummy moseyed around for 2.5 miles.

    Number, name, and YHC took himself out.

    Announcements:

    3rd F opportunities:

    1. The Bridge,
    2. Breaking Bread,
    3. Sit on your butt and do nothing. Work the phrase, “HIM” into posts on Slack.

  • Chaos

    Ten men of strength, fortitude, and stamina stood tall, dug deep, and embraced the dawn in the latest edition of The Dogpile. Temperatures were 70 and sunny. According to the ancient legend told at along the Vita Trail, the following might have happened:

    06:00 Launch. Chaos ensues.

    IYKYK.

    07:00 Finish. Chaos ends.

    Numbers, names, and YHC took us out with a reminder that sometimes life throws you a curveball, challenges your expectations, and helps you grow through discomfort.

    Welcome to the college admissions process in 2025.

    Announcements:

    The Bridge, Kubota leading, December 27, 2025. This is your opportunity to do 1st, 2nd, and 3rd F’s all in 4 hours. Help another man through life, and grow yourself along the way.

    Breaking Bread, December 27/28. Thank you to the men who have signed up (Fudd and Flatline). Hope the residents like VMI dining hall food.

  • 2.5 at 5

    One man strove forth, under weight, to set a positive course for the day. Temperatures were 70 and sunny. According to the person reporting to work on time, the following might have happened:

    2.5 miles under 38 pound ruck. 4 loops. 2 cups of coffee.

    YHC stayed out past his normal bedtime at a Florida Panthers game…no better way to shake off the morning rust.

    Number, name, and YHC took himself out.

  • Leroy Jenkins Touches His Tree

    Eleven F3RVA regulars and one Rock Hillian, recently acquired in a trade for Doozy, launched at 5 for the pre-Thanksgiving version of First Watch. Conditions remained steady at 70 and sunny. According to Leroy Jenkins, the following might have happened:

    Short mosey around the parking lot taking a series of left turns, then across the street to the front of the church for…

    …58 or so SSHs,
    Dead Man Hang,
    Fudd’s wife (hey, Roger),
    Right leg high, left leg high,
    Pigeon right, pigeon left,
    Fudd’s wife, Wilson’s wife,
    Hand release merkins (feel the wetness!),
    Flip over to WWIIs
    Flutter kicks
    Freddie Mercuries

    Mosey to the Satellite Parking Lot for…Touch-a-Tree, or Pole, or Post…
    10 – flutter kicks,
    8 – same,
    6 – squats
    4 – squats
    2 – burpees


    Round 2: 10, 8, 6, 4, 2…squats, Carolina dry docks, and burpees.

    Mosey to the triangle for Triple 20’s. Groups of three. One man run the triangle. Men 2 and 3 do 20 merkins, 20 four-count flutter kicks, and 20 four-count SSHs. 3 rounds, or due to time and Leroy, 1 full round.

    Mosey back to the parking lot, touch 10 cars, and a couple of rounds of Mary.

    Numbers, names, and YHC took us out with a message of thanks for what actually makes America great – our unique set of individual rights to free speech, a free press, the absence of state-sponsored religion, free assembly, and the ability to petition our government when we see fit.

    NMS:

    Leroy Jenkins returned to First Watch and made the appropriate impact adding just a little bit more to an already run-heavy beat down. YHC thanks Handshake for being ready to step in. YHC’s back has been acting up, and it’s always good to know someone is ready to help if need be.

    Announcements:

    Thanksgiving Convergence. 7:00 a.m. Mary “Mumford,” or Mary Munford, Elementary School, whichever you prefer. Handshake will lead us in being thankful for friends, family, manscaping, and mumble chatter. Those who park in the parking lot will be appreciated by the neighbors sleeping in.

    Breaking Bread continues…9 years of F3RVA supporting The Daily Planet’s medical respite…sign up on the Q-sheet.

    The Bridge continues 4 years, or so. Kubota leading the charge on December 27. We are looking for a Q to step up for January or February. Anyone who has been once previously is qualified. Who will lead us?