Author: Upchuck

  • Shirts or Skins?

    EIGHT studs threw off the lure of the Nap Sack for the dripping sweaty goodness that was the latest edition of the Roller Coaster. Conditions were 70 and sunny. According to the old guys mowing lawns, the following quite possibly could have happened:

    Reverse extra large, then reverse medium. Total distance 5.8 miles. 7,000,000 vertical feet. Some guys did a smidge less. All were soaked and earned it today.

    Numbers, names, YHC took us out with a message about the value of this Brotherhood.

    NMS:

    The thermometer clocked at 96 when YHC left home. Unclear what the true temps were among the trees, but regardless, it was hot. Humid too. Great to catch up with Shiplap who may have a pair of new shows to trade out. DM him if you have interest in a pair of New Balance 680, 860, or 880s (unclear which). Swiper was fresh back from Colorado, still getting his legs under him, but pushing hard.

    Great to see Bone Thugs and Big Tennessee out there. All the BTs in one place.

    Anthrax is threatening to appear at a BeatDown.

    Announcements:

    Lots going on…highlights:

    Hitch hosting on Saturday at 6. 303 or 330 Marston over in Windsor Farms. Dudes only.

    Squirrels Baseball July 31. Get in touch with Bone Thugs ASAP. 6-ish game. Family event.

  • The Shopping Trip

    One PAX returned to the pre-COVID AO for the most recent edition of The Shopping Trip (not to be confused with The Field, which is a beat down). Conditions were sunny and 70 (with a side order of humidity). According to the series of business park Security Guards, this was the route:

    north on Pine Island, east to 8150, then through 8151, past the LaQuinta (no police / obvious arrests today), left on SW 10th, left on SW 78th, left on Federated to Broward. Reverso and BTTVSF.

    Name, number, YHC took us out with a quick RIP for Omar’s (see below) father and grandfather who both passed recently.

    NMS:

    You can always go home. YHC has become solid pals with Omar, who runs the building operations where YHC stays on business. He’s a Jamaican, solid human (he’s F3 without ever having posted to F3), and only hasn’t posted because his work hours are 10-7. Safe travels to Omar as he heads home to Jamaica to pick up his kids, who will move to the USA. Great to catch up with a friend YHC hadn’t seen in a while.

    YHC spits the bit.

  • At Last, Alone Time

    With Gomer taking an FNG to Gridiron, Handshake on vacation, Hitch on the 24-hour DL, and Hutton on family duty, YHC took the reigns for a solo Breakfast Club. Conditions were 70 and sunny. According to the bedraggled dude who walks past every Saturday, this is more or less what happened:

    Route:

    Big change today – south on Robinson, RIGHT on Floyd (whaaatt?), LEFT on North Arthur Ashe Boulevard connecting to South Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Yep, the Revolution will not be televised, fellas. Route continued right on Blanton to the park to the War Memorial to Rugby to Pump House to Park Dr. then to the shovel flag. 2.5+

    Return route: Ole Faithful. 3.6 total.

    Number, Name, YHC mumbled to himself about a lesson from Freed to Lead about helping other PAX make their journey.

    Announcements:

    Hitchhiker Fest – July 17, 5:30. BYOB.
    Field Day – September 18
    Q School coming this fall

    NMS: YHC got a text from Gomer asking if someone could take the Q. Responding with a quick Yes, YHC soon realized that the Usual Suspects were likely going to be on other duties, so YHC had just made a reservation for 1 at 05:30. No matter. YHC would finally be able to get into the conversation without all of those “Mr. Chatterboxes.” Only those who post know how special that is. Plus, since Handshake on vacation in Florida, the group of one was open to a discussion on the history of VMI for the entire run. It was epic and glorious all at once.

    Early Bird + ET’s + New Market in the house = the best of F3 Coffeeteria. Add in the spices that are Shakedown and Bone Thugs, and clearly the band is getting back together, fellas.

    Thanks for the extended chatter, Bone Thugs. YHC enjoyed it immensely.

    Have a great weekend.

    UpChuck spits the bit.

  • Pre Blast: Q School Coming

    Pre Blast: Q School Coming

    This is a pre-announcement.

    With all of us excited about F3 and an on-going push to headlock new guys and pull other guys back from the Fart Sack, F3RVA will be hosting a Q-School later this year. This is an invitation to each PAX member to provide input on what they suggest we cover.

    Recall that one of F3’s five core principles is a two-part statement: workouts are led by a rotating Q who participates in the workouts. Rotating Q. Participates in the workouts. 

    Some of the following may (or may not) be topics and / or instructors:

    1. “Counting to Three or Four,” by Mr. Holland (aka, F3RVA’s Resident Choral Instructor)
    2. “Appropriate Use of the Single Arm Circle,” by Hardywood
    3. “I Have a Question,” by Saab
    4. “Pills: Red, Green, Blue and Q,” by EF Hutton
    5. “Touch a Tree: Why It’s Worth Doing Every Q,” by YHC

    Q-School is a fantastic opportunity for guys who are newer to F3RVA or PAX looking to sharpen their Qing skills to hear about the Q from guys who have years of experience. This will cover everything from having access to the Q sheet (on Google Docs!) to techniques for managing the workout. And, remember, there are many types of Q’s. Beat downs can be different from regular runs which can be different from Sunday Funday or Dirt Church. One size does not fit all.

    More details to follow. In the meantime, pass the word. And, for those who have specific ideas, specific topics, or a particular experience you would like to see covered or shared, feel free to send them this way.

    SYITG!

  • Vinny’s Baseball Returns

    Four men of energy and action threw out the lure of the Fart Sack to complete the latest edition of Hoedown. Conditions were sunny and 70. According to Vinny, here is more or less what happened:

    Mosey to the front of the school for the COP:

    SSHs
    Dead Man Hang
    IWs
    APDs
    Oblique Crunches (L/R)
    LBCs
    HRMs
    Hello Dolly

    Mosey to the Teacher’s Parking Lot

    Parking space shuffle: 3 exercises, 3 reps each

    Flutter Kicks (4-count)
    WWIIs
    Rosalitas

    Roughly 10 parking spaces

    Mosey to the Blacktop for a Prostitute (always come back to the same corner)

    Round 1: 10 HRMs, then back to home for 1 burpee
    Round 2: 10 HRMs, then to second for 20 WWIIs, then back to first for 10 HRMs, then home for 1 burpee (and so forth).
    Round 3: 10 HRMs, 20 WWIIs, 30 Flutter Kicks (4-count), 20 WWIIs, 10 HRMs, and the burpee
    Round 4: same as Round 3, adding 40 Monkey Humpers to the loop.

    A prostitute in the mid-summer drives a big sweat and usually means one thing: Vinny’s Baseball is up next. Started by our Main Man Rob Sievers, Vinny’s Baseball (copyright used with permission) is wiffle ball (that copyright is not used with permission) batting practice. 10 swings. Cue the song,”Glory Days.” Enjoy the morning.

    BTTF for 1 minute of American Hammers.

    Numbers, names, YHC took us out with a message about free people living from free countries (USA, Germany, South Korea) being thankful for representative government in an environment that allows everyone to live according to their own conscience. F3RVA is a great embodiment of this ethos: no one tells you what to do, and when you want to build something positive, lots of guys will be there to offer guidance and volunteer their contributions. Boom.

    Announcements:

    Hitchhiker is hosting a backyard party on July 17, 5:30 pm. BYO beverages, finger food provided.

    YHC is considering hosting a Richmond History Trivia Contest. Ms welcome to participate. Hitch has his money on Emily Seoung, his wife. She sounds like a ringer.

    NMS:

    Day after July 4 is usually light on attendance as guys are on vacation or recovering. Today was a great day for a lighter workout and some Vinny Baseball. Vinny started this over at The Batteau his first year (among several events started by Vinny, including Vinny’s Field Day – look for information on Field Day shortly). Solid F3RVA tradition.

    YHC reached out to several guys to borrow a wiffle bat. Who knew that Bodo’s a) has a wiffle bat, and b) has an annual July 4 weekend trip to Asheville compete in a family wiffle ball game? Sweet. But, no love borrowing his bat. So, YHC was off to Dick’s Sporting Goods to invest in a knock off.

    Results were mixed. Blue Moon says nobody plays baseball in Germany. Hutton struggles without his glasses, but can smack a softball style pitch. Hitchhiker literally knocked the plastic cover off one ball. YHC needs to hit the batting cages more often. Overall, good showing for four PAX who never practice. Solid morning, fellas.

    UpChuck spits the bit.


  • Did He Buy a Snowplow?

    Seven trail runners declared their independence from the tyranny of a centralized egomaniacal monarch, set their own courses, and tackled today’s edition of Sunday Funday. Conditions were genuinely 70 and sunny. According to

    Routes were South then North. Some, perhaps energized by the late start (7:01 a.m.) set off fast and crushed it. Some did the normal amount. Some maybe a bit less. All celebrated their freedom to establish and achieve their own goals. YHC believes that distances ranged from 6+ to 8+. You vs. you.

    Numbers, names, YHC took us out.

    Announcements:

    Hitchhiker House Party, July 17. 5:30 pm until dawn.

    NMS:

    Welcome Chris. Cool dude. Ultra man.

    Trail chatter today was about false prophets and hypocrites who tell lies.

  • Bo Don’t Know Where He’s Going

    9 formed up in 2’s and 3’s to forge a path through the raging waters at the most recent edition of RAMM. Conditions were sunny and 70 with a slight drizzle below the cloud layer. According to the silent female runner on Grove, this is more or less what happened:

    All Runners

    Commonwealth to Berkshire.

    Left on Dover.

    Right on Portland.

    Right on Douglasdale to the bottom of the hill.

    (Do not get close to the quarry entrance, which is guarded closely).

    4 Milers

    At bottom of Douglasdale, reverse direction. Run to top of Douglasdale. 

    Return to MM via Portland, left at Dover, right at Berkshire and straight onto Commonwealth.

    5 Milers

    At bottom of Douglasdale, reverse direction. Turn left onto Loch Lomond and run to the end. Reverse and run the length of Loch Lomond, then reverse back to Douglasdale (this makes a cross in the neighborhood).

    Right on Douglasdale. 

    At the top of the hill, right on Rothesay and run the Rothesay loop.

    Return to MM using Portland to Dover to Berkshire to Commonwealth.

    6 Milers

    At bottom of Douglasdale, reverse direction. Turn left onto Loch Lomond and run to the end. Reverse and run the length of Loch Lomond, then reverse back to Douglasdale (this makes a cross in the neighborhood).

    Right on Douglasdale to the top of the hill.

    Reverse down the Douglasdale hill and repeat the above cross shape in the neighborhood.

    On the second lap, turn right on Rothesay and run the Rothesay loop.

    Return to MM using Portland to Dover to Berkshire to Commonwealth.

    Number-am-a, Name-a-ram-a, YHC took us out with a message about enjoying the day and being an honorable person.

    Announcements:

    Convergence on Saturday July 3 to celebrate July 4, coincidentally a day many of us will also get together. YHC hereby invites the OTB group to Converge, in person or in spirit, on Sunday. Start time is 7:00.

    Hitchhiker hosting a funfest at his place at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 17. Dudes only. Finger food provided. BYO Beverages.

  • July 2 RAMM Routes

    July 2 RAMM Routes

    This run is over to the small neighborhood off Douglasdale and the Powhite Parkway. The route in the neighborhood forms a cross. Sippy led this a few years back, and it poured. Tomorrow looks like a good day for a redux.

    All Runners

    Commonwealth to Berkshire.
    Left on Dover.
    Right on Portland.
    Right on Douglasdale to the bottom of the hill.
    (Do not get close to the quarry entrance, which is guarded closely).

    4 Milers

    At bottom of Douglasdale, reverse direction. Run to top of Douglasdale. 
    Return to MM via Portland, left at Dover, right at Berkshire and straight onto Commonwealth.

    5 Milers

    At bottom of Douglasdale, reverse direction. Turn left onto Loch Lomond and run to the end. Reverse and run the length of Loch Lomond, then reverse back to Douglasdale (this makes a cross in the neighborhood).
    Right on Douglasdale. 
    At the top of the hill, right on Rothesay and run the Rothesay loop.
    Return to MM using Portland to Dover to Berkshire to Commonwealth.

    6 Milers

    At bottom of Douglasdale, reverse direction. Turn left onto Loch Lomond and run to the end. Reverse and run the length of Loch Lomond, then reverse back to Douglasdale (this makes a cross in the neighborhood).
    Right on Douglasdale to the top of the hill.
    Reverse down the Douglasdale hill and repeat the above cross shape in the neighborhood.
    On the second lap, turn right on Rothesay and run the Rothesay loop.
    Return to MM using Portland to Dover to Berkshire to Commonwealth.

  • Zuul at Mary

    Zuul at Mary

    15 buff Gozerians agreed to cross streams and combine their psychokinetic energies in today’s edition of 45MOM of Mary / Jerry / Gary / Larry. Conditions were 70 and sunny. According to Walter Peck of the Environmental Protection Agency, this is more or less what happened:

    Mosey to the grassy area by the Monkey Bars for The COP:

    SSHs
    1 burpee
    IWs
    no burpees
    Dead Man Hang
    1 burpee
    LBCs
    2 burpees
    HRMs x15
    Flutter kicks
    APDs

    Mosey to the Row of 8 Trees on Commonwealth for Suicides

    Run to the first tree. One WWII sit-up. Back to the start.
    2nd tree – 2 WWIIs. Back to the start.
    Repeato for all 8 trees.
    The Catch: there are two benches. Every time the PAX passes a bench in either direction, do 5 mercans.

    Mosey to the Trees on the Corner of Commonwealth and Cary for more Suicides.

    Run to the first tree. Five 4-count flutter kicks. Back to the start.
    2nd tree – Ten 4-count Flutter kicks. Back to the start.
    Repeato for all 4 trees.
    The Catch: There is a garbage can at the end. Do 5 burpees at the can.

    Peter Venkman (aka UpChuck/YHC) informed the PAX that the Keymaster is moving to California. Keymaster took over for an abbreviated VQ.

    Circle Up for the Wedding Suite (APDs and Pickle Pounders)

    Mosey to the Grassy Area for A Race (somewhere Bone Thugs was watching):

    Two teams race up and back, one Gozerian at a time.

    Round 1: Footrace
    Round 2: Bear crawl
    Round 3: Crab walk

    Back to YHC. Mosey to the tennis courts for another Suicide.

    1st court: bear crawl
    2nd court: lunge
    3rd court: run

    Stage Dives. This was a new one. 6 guys circle around a 7th guy. Lift that man 5 times (as though he’s stage diving). Lather, rinse, repeat x7.

    BTTF.

    Numbers, names, TYA took us out with a message about goodness and leadership.

    Announcements:

    Convergence on Saturday, July 3 at 7:00 a.m.
    Any PAX not signed up for Slack, please drop YHC a line. Lots of summer items in the works. Looking for someone to organize the next HDHH (Tuesday’s was solid from what YHC has heard).
    There is a rumor that Vinny’s baseball may make an appearance soon.

    Breaking Bread is full for the summer. Look for announcements in early August about the September through December sign-ups. Well done, gentlemen. Barbara and the guests thank everyone who has helped. YHC thanks you as well.

    NMS:

    As noted, today was Keymaster’s last post before moving to northern California. Not having Q’d yet, Keymaster received his draft notification at 05:25 this morning. Solid Q for a first-timer put on the spot. Well done. Pleasure having you as part of this group for many years. Best wishes for a safe move, enjoy being closer to your wife’s family, and don’t be a stranger.

    Speaking of strangers, Fudd made an appearance. He is moving to Colorado again soon. Best with the work plans and great to see you. Side Note: No, Fudd is not juicing. He’s a naturally gifted athlete with a high-speed motor that has been turbo-boosted by several years of living at 6,000 feet. His lungs are bigger than your’s. Crushed it today.

    Speaking of juicing, there is surely something in the water or the genes at the Murchie Family home. Holy smokes. Munson annihilated the workout today, adding a few extra rounds on several of the evolutions. YHC sees you. Solid push; solid leadership for the PAX.

    Peter Venkman spits the bit.

  • After We Run, We Paddle

    4 Pax declined the lure of the dinner time Couch Sack and cast off for an evening paddle. Two came from home; two from the prior workout. Conditions: flat water, good river camaraderie, 70/sunny.

    According to the teenagers jumping into the swimming hole, here’s most likely what happened:

    Route: East/southeast on the James (downstream). UPC estimates 8500 lateral feet. Return by similar route against the modest current. Workout time ~1.5 hours. ~3 miles.

    NMS: solid chatter, great conditions, super sunset, and the PAX choice of ice cold malted adult beverages. This was living correctly. Thank you, gentlemen, for talking YHC into a double workout this evening.