Author: Upchuck

  • Pre-Field Day, On the Blacktop

    Two studs, no duds, sprang to life and into the latest edition of The Hoedown. Temperatures remained 70 and sunny. According to the Espresso-to-Go-Go team setting up for Field Day, the following might have happened:

    COP: Mosey around the larger parking lot, run the circle, and end up on the blacktop.

    SSHs, Dead Man Hang, and various stretches. Work in some mercans, arm circles, helicopters, squats, and ab exercises, including all the wars (WWI, WWII, and American Civil War). Reminder: ACWs are a heels-to-Heaven rolling into a WWI.

    Mosey to the – oh, YHC’s weird knee issue flared, so mosey more slowly – wall for people’s chair.

    After a slight recovery, line up. Then, sprint to the first basketball hoop, do 5 mercans, and back to the start. 2nd hoop, 10 mercans. 3rd hoop, 15. 4th, 20.

    Second round, LBCs, but do 10, 20, 30, and 40.

    Third round, monkey humpers. 10, 20, 30, 40.

    Fourth round, side straddle hops, single count. 10, 20, 30, 40.

    Walk it off…then mosey to the school wall for a self-administered triple check, including touch-a-tree.

    People’s chair, run the loop, 25 LBCs, and touch three trees. Do this 3 times, OYO.

    Slow-sy to the smaller parking lot. Grab a parking space. 3 mercans, 3 WWIIs, and 3 squats per space. Go halfway around.

    Then, mosey to the bus circle, 4 loops, and BTTVSF.

    Finish with 3 burpees…and then add 2 burpees, and then add 1 burpee to wrap it up.

    Numbers, names, and YHC took us out.

    NMS: 2 person workouts are great for mumble chatter and a good excuse to avoid counting in cadence. All numbers are unaudited.

    Prayers for Charlotte and YHC’s grad school classmates (11 deceased in 25 years).

  • At Least We Showed Up for Breaking Bread

    Two chefs loaded up and delivered a delicious meal in the latest edition of Breaking Bread, F3 RVA’s oldest continuously operating 3rd F (ok, we only have two 3rd F events…). Temperatures were 70 and sunny. According to the jealous police officers watching the food zip past the 2nd Precinct, the following might have happened:

    Tacos

    Beef, lettuce, tomatoes, chips, beans, cheese, onions, and hard and/or soft shelled tacos were on the menu.

    But, with the weather seasonally warm and comfortable, several of the guests were late arriving back to the facility. 2 were served, one we hope had a safe trip to the hospital, and several were late.

    Numbers, names, and YHC took us out.

  • Artemis

    One interstellar traveler shook off the dark side of the Fart Sack to take on the latest edition of The Clinic. Sea temperatures exceeded air temperatures, yet overall conditions remained 70 and sunny. According to the dog walker surprised by a head-lamp wearing sugar cookie, the following might have happened.

    Descend the cliff. COP at bottom. Stretch, 50 SSHs x 4 count, DQs, IWs, ‘mercans, etc.

    Southbound about a mile, north around the point about 2 miles, and one mile BTT yard arm. Up the cliff.

    Number, name, and YHC took himself out.

    NMS: YHC talks to himself. It’s an excellent form of stress relief.

    Today’s topics included college admissions and Trump portraying himself blasphemously as Jesus (then lying about it). Hegseth claiming to fight for Jesus in war. And, we are fighting Iran, a nation run by people who invoke the same God in the same ways for their cause.

  • Walter Had a Funday on Sunday

    5 men of purpose stepped forth to enjoy a romp around the river. Conditions remained 70 and sunny. According to the woman who runs with her dog and rarely says hello, the following might have happened.

    YHC and Walter did a North Bank out and back. 2 miles. 30 pound ruck for the beast man and no extra weight for the four-legged beast.

    Four others did about 7.

    One guy biked about 40, maybe 50. But, he did so really fast.

    YHC returned solo, so number, name, quick drink of water for Walter, and Walter said it was time to go.

    ETs followed. YHC thanks those who posted. F3RVA has some exceptional men, and ETs is always a good time.

  • I’m Not the Site Q, But I Have a Route

    A nine line of men built mutual strength through an unbreakable bond at the latest edition of Currahee. Temperatures were 70 and sunny. According to the guys walking super slowly three abreast along the road, the following might have happened.

    Figure Eight Route (if I say it’s a figure eight, it’s a figure eight).

    Old Prescott, do the very tiny loop at the cul-de-sac, and back to Godwin. Then, Maremont out past Raintree, do the Maremont Loop, right on Raintree (watch the walkers blocking the passing lane), and left onto Maremont.

    Do that 2 or 3 times, in whatever order each man chooses. From what YHC could tell, no creativity was requested or demonstrated. Lemmings all followed to their own slaughter.

    Numbers, names, and Lighthouse took us out.

    Announcements:

    F3RVA needs a few good men to volunteer to lead 3rd F activities. YHC is going to move on from The Bridge after 2 years. We are looking for a guy to step up to take this on. The role requires a small amount of organization to get a group to organize trips once a month to lead a workout at The Bridge (and usually stop at The Cumberland Diner on the way back). Give YHC a shout if you are interested.

    Prayers for Handshake’s family member, Charlotte (13 years old, YHC thinks…too young, in any case). She’s a strong kid, and no kid should have to suffer. Prayers for her parents and family as they are forced to endure the unimaginable impacts of cancer.

    Prayers for YHC’s friends Becca (glioblastoma) and Mike (health trainwreck).

    Keep our men and women in the uniformed services safe, and watch over our men and women who put their lives on the line in the intel community.

  • Not A Soul

    One man ran solo in the latest edition of The Clinic. Temperatures were 70 and sunny. According to the able-bodied hotel employee parking in the handicap space, the following might have happened.

    Ran the 4.5 mile loop. No stops. BTTVSF. Number, name, and YHC took himself out.

    Announcements: Drop YHC a line if you are interested in leading a 3rd F. F3RVA has precisely 2 regular 3rd F’s that YHC is aware of…would love to have an energetic person take on The Bridge. It’s always a crowd pleaser.

  • The Police Approached Us Before the Workout

    Nine men armed with noble purpose gathered before the dawn on Pi Day (3.14) under the gaze of Richmond’s finest. Temperatures were 70 and sunny. According to Officer Levine’s police report, the following might have happened:

    Mosey to the intersection of the park entrance road and the other park road for the COP.

    75 SSHs
    Dead Man Hang
    Fudd’s Partner
    Wilson’s Wife
    Pigeon right / left
    Inverted Scorpion Kicks
    Imperial Walkers
    Flutter kicks
    Reverse Crunches
    Rosalita’s

    Do Not Mosey

    Touch-a-tree…rounds of 10, 8, 6, 4 (and maybe a mini round of 2), then the actual round of 2.

    Exercises were WWIIs and squats (10/8), then flutter kicks and Carolina Dry Docks (6/4, and mini-round of 2), and then burpees and burpees (round of 2). Congrats to Senor Frog for running all the way to Short Pump and back on the round of 2.
    Mosey to the Carillon.

    Triple check. Three different guys on each team.

    Man 1: Run to steps, bear crawl up the right side, cross in front of the Carillon, do three merkins, run down the left side and back to the flags / center area. But, it’s a race…against your two teammates…

    …Man 2 runs from the flags to the far circle and back (not AROUND the circle, just TO the circle).

    …Man 3 runs from the flags to the near circle and back (not AROUND the circle, just TO the circle).

    If Man 1 returns before either Man 2 or Man 3, then all three do 10 burpees.

    Somehow, on the first round, two of the Man 1 guys beat their teammates, which should, YHC tries to say politely, never happen. 10 burpees for everyone.

    Three rounds for each guy…no more burpees were done.

    Mosey to the Amphitheater.

    From the bottom to the top…increasing at each step, one V-up and one squat, then 2 and 2, then three and three…and so forth.

    …until it was time to mosey BTTASF (Back to the Actual Shovel Flag…thank you to our resident medicinal practitioner, Flatline, for bringing the flag).

    Numbers, names, and Senor Frog took us out with a message.

    Announcements:

    After almost 2 years of running The Bridge (and 5 prior years of running Breaking Bread), YHC is ready to turn over the reigns of leading F3’s Third F’s (along with Oyster) to a new leader. The Bridge needs a man ready to organize – not necessarily attend – but organize, a workout each month for our friends who are working to improve themselves every day. F3’s motto is “leave no man behind, but leave no man where you find him.” These men help us grow, and we hope we help them grow. Plus, for those followers of Jesus, each of us is called to “visit the imprisoned.” The mandate could not be more straightforward. If you are ready to help, please let YHC know, and please spread the word to help us find someone to take the mantle.

    Thomas joined us out of the actual Gloom today…he found us. Way to go! He’s an insomniac who works overnight at a warehouse. How many guys can say that they were going to go home to sleep, but chose to stay up and hit F3? Welcome, Graveyard!

    Happy Pi Day…

    Lastly, please keep our men and women in the military in your prayers.

  • Spring Out of Bed

    Three absolute animals sprang out of bed into the first regular workout of Daylight Savings Time. Temperatures were 70 and sunny. According to the half dozen delivery vehicles visiting this morning, the following might have happened.

    Mosey to the teacher’s parking lot for the COP.

    50 SSHs.
    Dead Man Hang
    Lisa’s
    Pigeon left / right
    Don Quixotes
    Imperial Walkers
    Hillbillies
    WWIIs
    Flutter kicks
    Hand Release Merkins

    Parking Space Exercises

    3 merkins, 3 WWIIs, 3 squats at each space. 3 burpees at the No Parking Zone.

    Reminder: Time for us as visitors was limited to 15 minutes, according to the signs.

    Touch a Tree (Rules explained; no questions of any sort)

    Rounds of 10 and 8…WWIIs and Flutter Kicks

    Rounds of 4 and 6…squats and monkey humpers

    Round of 2…les burpees

    Mosey to the parking lot…bear crawl up the asphalt hill, run back down, across the parking lot, 10 merkins, 20 squats, and Bernie Sanders back to the asphalt hill. 3 rounds.

    Numbers, names, and Salt Lick took us out with a message about gratefulness.

    Announcements:

    Looking for a site Q for The Bridge going forward.

    NMS: 56 and foggy is perfect. Who needs to sweat when condensation does the trick?

  • Super Soakers

    Four of Richmond’s finest abandoned the Fart Sack to soak up a hawt potato with brotherly exercise. Temperatures remained 70 and sunny. According to the Amazon driver conducting a drop off at 6:03 a.m., the following might have happened.

    Senor Frog Q:

    Mosey to the dentist’s parking lot. Disclaimer. Senor Frog is not a personal trainer. (And, soaking is not sex. Really. You believe that, don’t you?) All of these things have been decreed from on high.

    SSHs, dead man hang, pigeon (Right, then left), Wilson’s wife, inverted scorpion kicks, jazzercise (with enthusiasm).

    Faceplant Q:

    Traveling COP. Onto Groooove. Left on the next road (Woodlawn), left on Kingcrest…, nope, still too icy, so keep going, then left on…North Ashlawn…nope, still too icy, can we get to the church parking lot on South Ashlawn (?), yep, let’s do that.

    At various types of vehicles, conduct 5 exercises, which were squats, SSHs, squats, and SSHs. Act childish along the

    Continue moseying to the church parking lot for a triple check, so partner up with one guy. Ok, that’s not right. It’s a Dora, so…three rounds…merkins, dips, and half the group did SSHs while the other guys were apparently solving world hunger or developing a cure for the common cold, or debating whether young Morons really believe that “soaking” is not sex. (If anyone in the PAX believes that soaking is not sex, feel free to share that here. It’s a safe space. No judgment. You believe that, right?).

    UpChuck Q (with only 25 minutes to prepare, YHC seems surprised to have the Q):

    Reverse traveling COP…5 of things at various cars, adeptly picking the least iciest, most driest spots on the road to stop (Handshake was not there to make a crack about “driest”). For real. YHC kept the PAX dry. In fact, YHC showed genuine concern for the PAX. At the third stop, Hazel, Fiver, Bigwig, and BlackBerry all awoke from the half-slumber of WWII’s in the middle of South Ashlawn at 5:58 a.m., and yelled,”Hrududu, hrududu, hrududu!!!” In YHCs almost 10 years of F3, this was a first…an actual Amazon delivery being made amidst the PAX right at 06:00. Incredible. Pleasantries were exchanged with the driver.

    The PAX moved aside, and then did our WWIIs to completion. (To be clear, this is not like soaking, which is not done to completion. It’s just done to, YHC supposes, nothing. If it were something, it would be…well, sex, which, to be clear, it’s not sex. So, just to nothing.) Ok, let’s move on. YHC said today was childish.

    Circle up at the mini-circle, or the “thing that we run around” or whatever Saab called it.

    10-20-30-40, each followed by a loop around the “thing that we run around right there.” WWIIs, merkins, something else, and reverse crunches.

    Saab Q:

    The Traveling COP continued to travel. 5 burpees at roughly each lamppost.

    Circle up under the picnic area for 5 MOM, and then conclude with Ring of Fire doing 10 merkins of each man’s choosing.

    Mosey back to the virtual shovel flag for numbers, names, and YHC took us out with a reminder that, since none of us expected such an incredible opportunity to have a group in their lives, let’s make the most of it for ourselves and for other men. Let’s do two things – participate in all three F’s, and give away the gift we have been given.

    NMS: Good stuff today, fellas. Always good to see Faceplant and Froggy, and super cool to catch up with Saab, who YHC had not seen in some time. If you had 6:07 a.m. in the “When Will Esther Williams Name First Be Spoken Contest,” then you are a winner.

    Announcements:

    Frozen Triangle will live up to its name. 3 boot camps, run nine miles. (There’s also a rucking option, which is less frozen, but still a triangle).

    Prayers for YHC’s friend Becca. Glioblastoma. 53. She’s a good human.

  • 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.