Author: Upchuck

  • Saab’s Endoscopy

    Fourteen road warriors (and lots of us believe there were bikers, but no sign of them at the end) pulled on their running galoshes and hit the mostly ice-free streets for a Friday morning Run At Mary Munford.  Chit-chat at the water cooler suggests this might be what happened:

    Routes:
    East on Grove…
    …4 milers, right on Shields.
    …5 milers, right on Vine.
    …6 milers, right on Park, then right on Laurel.

    …all runners, right on Floyd, then right on Nansemond, and left on Grove.  Straight on ’til dawn.

    Number-a-ma, Name-a-rama, MARV took us out (sponsored by the VCU Sports Properties)

    Announcements:
    What better way to spend Wednesday evening, December 19, than mixing uppers with downers?
    Event #1: Hardywood’s oldest daughter has a book signing – (we think) Wednesday at 5:30-7:00 Crossroads Coffee Shop.  How cool is that?!! Come have a cup-o-joe and meet F3’s favorite author.
    Event #2: Rumor has it Flatline is sponsoring a HDHH this Wednesday at Southside Capital Ale House with a time TBD.  Ales and other malted adult beverages will be available.
    Anyone with hard facts on either event, please add in the Reply Section.

    Let’s all put our prayers in today for Gumbo’s daughter, who is having an MRI for concussion like symptoms.

    Last note…please also remember today Kubota’s grandfather, who passed away at 95.  My prayers will be with Kubota and his family today.  Please join me.

    NMS:
    Today’s route was designed with a few goals in mind…provide a 4, 5, or 6 mile run…have it be on dry-ish roads with very limited ice…have some state-sponsored lighting.  Triple check!

    Thanks to Wedding Singer for letting me gripe.  MUCH appreciated.  Hope your grandmother has a wonderful Christmas.

    Good to have Knox join us again.  Also, happy to hear Saab is digesting things well.

  • Dad, This Number’s For You

    8 Trumpeteers and one conductor struck up the band for a unseasonably warm rendition of the soundtrack to “The Gloom.”  A few of the high notes included:

    Mosey to the corner of West Drive and Beechwood for the COP.  Exercises were something like:

    SSHs x19
    LBCs x24
    Merkins x8
    Hillbillies x21

    Mosey onto Westham Parkway and back to the parking lot.

    Curb Crawls of Pain:

    Round 1: Bear crawl across bus loop, at first curb 5 merkins, then Army crawl across grass, then 5 merkins, then bear crawl across bus loop. 5 merkins.  Reverso.

    Round 2: Crawl bear, 5 merkins, lunges, etc. Then, reverso.

    Round 3: Bear crawl, 5 merkins, Polar bear, etc. Then, reverso.

    Four Corners:

    Going counter clockwise…
    10 merkins
    20 monkey humpers
    30 flutter kicks (4-count)
    40 SSHs

    Reverso.
    40 Hello, Dollys
    30 flutter kicks (4-count)
    20 monkey humpers
    10 merkins

    Mosey to the Big Parking Lot for Triple Nickel:

    5 Bernie Sanders up the asphalt hill
    5 WWIIs
    Run the parking lot
    5 burpees
    repeato for 3 rounds…

    Triple Check in the Big Parking Lot:

    Runner follows the arrows while Partner 1 does Decline Planks and Partner 2 does Monkey Humpers

    Final Note…Monkey Humper Ring of Fire x30

    Number-am-a, Name-a-rama, Announcements, YHC took us out.

    Announcement:

    Sign up for GrowRuck is going strong.  Already up to 10 or so…in addition to our crew, Charlotte, Hampton Roads, Pittsburgh, and other areas are representing.  See HoneyDo for more.

    NMS:

    The horn section was out in full force this morning.  The PAX hit all the notes – high, low, long, short, maybe even a few sharps and flats.  Where’s Mr. Holland when the PAX needed him?

    Theme for the day…male leadership, specifically for fathers.  8 years ago tomorrow, our family lost my father.  86 years young.  Veteran of the Great Depression, WWII, the Cold War, and more.  Thanks, Dad, for being willing to share your time, talents, and values each day.

  • Breaking King Hawaiian Rolls

    Breaking King Hawaiian Rolls

    3 thankful Pax descended upon 180 Belt Blvd. for the latest installment of Breaking Bread.  According to the loitering customers next door at Wendy’s, here’s how the evening went:

    Seymour and Malcolm arrived first to scout the AO.  Swirly would be proud – 40 minutes ahead of start time (ironically, start time for dinner actually is 5:30, only this event is “p.m.”).  UpChuck pulled in about 5:12.  Pax unloaded and set-up ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, King Hawaiian rolls, and cookies. What was the world like prior to Costco quantities?  Add to the food a quick set-up of plates, cutlery, etc. – all provided on-site.  Simple, fast, elegant.  Some 2-liters of lemonade and iced tea were placed on a table.  Easier than calling cadence, for sure.

    A short prayer of thanks for the bountiful harvest, and 15 patients filled their bellies, some coming back for 2nds, 3rds, and a snack to squirrel away for later.

    Seymour and UpChuck did a little clean-up.  Easy-peasy.

    The Pax then ran a 6 mile loop.

    NMS:

    Every Pax member should put this event on their calendar.  First, it’s easy (which YHC recognizes is not typically the F3 approach).  Second, it’s rewarding.  You will learn about yourself through this event.  But, most important, these folks really appreciate someone coming to provide them a decent meal.

    All in all, another fun evening sharing the 3rd F with a couple of my F3 brothers.  What a treat to get to know Seymour a little better, meet Malcolm, and share a meal and some conversation with some folks recovering from various medical ailments in a safe environment.  YHC was humbled to chat with a woman who described how she became homeless.  Wow.  She shared that, once she is back on her feet financially and medically, she realized how important it was for HER to be more humble in the future.  Good lesson for YHC as well.

    Have a wonderful last few hours of the weekend and a solid week fellas.

  • Pre-Blast: Breaking Bread, Sunday, November 25 – Need YOU!

    Pre-Blast: Breaking Bread, Sunday, November 25 – Need YOU!

    Thanksgiving Quiz

    Question 1: Where was the first Thanksgiving in America held?

    Answer: Virginia.  That’s easy.  As early as 1610.  9 years before some Massachusetts Pilgrims scraped up their new Plymouth by crashing into a rock on their way home from a baahhhh.

    Question 2: What is a HIM?

    Answer: High Impact Man.  This weekend, it’s YOU!

    Question 3: Who will be a HIM for 2.5 hours on Sunday, November 25, 2018.

    Answer: You

    Question 4: What is needed?

    Answer: F3 RVA sponsors Breaking Bread one Sunday evening each month.  This month, it falls on Thanksgiving weekend. As of Tuesday, no one had signed up, so I jumped at the opportunity.

    Isn’t this a hassle on a Sunday?  Only if you let yourself think that way.

    If you have not done this, it’s not a burden – it’s a reward.  You will have the opportunity to serve dinner to roughly 12-15 people.  These are folks who incurred injuries or other medical conditions in their lives.  They found themselves homeless in the process.  The Daily Planet is their chance to recover safely and, at this time of year, in a warm, welcoming environment.  Your help pulls them through.  And, having done this 2 times already this year, I can tell you there will be no one at your family Thanksgiving tomorrow more thankful than these folks will be for your help on Sunday.

    Also, for anyone who is thinking, “But, I like to watch football on Sundays,” your prayers have been answered.  They almost ALWAYS have football going on Sundays in the fall.  EVERYONE watches.  No burdensome M’s or 2.0s to ask you to be a husband or Dad** – just you, football, and helping the homeless.

    I need ONE brother (two would be fine, but I NEED one), one HIM, to step up for Sunday.  I’ll do most of the cooking.

    Who’s in?

    Respond to the Pre-Blast or text me (804 307 6765).  Help a brother, help some homeless folks, but most of all, help yourself, F3RVA Thanksgiving-style, by lending a hand.

    **Bring your kids, if you wish.  Daily Planet recommends that they be 10 years old to attend.

  • Pre Blast: Breaking Bread, This Sunday, November 25

    Thanksgiving Quiz

    Question 1: Where was the first Thanksgiving in America held?

    Answer: Virginia.  That’s easy.  As early as 1610.  9 years before some Massachusetts Pilgrims scraped up their new Plymouth by crashing into a rock on their way home from a baahhhh.

    Question 2: What is a HIM?

    Answer: High Impact Man.  This weekend, it’s YOU!

    Question 3: Who will be a HIM for 2.5 hours on Sunday, November 25, 2018.

    Answer: You

    Question 4: What is needed?

    Answer: F3 RVA sponsors Breaking Bread one Sunday evening each month.  This month, it falls on Thanksgiving weekend. As of Tuesday, no one had signed up, so I jumped at the opportunity.

    Isn’t this a hassle on a Sunday?  Only if you let yourself think that way.

    If you have not done this, it’s not a burden – it’s a reward.  You will have the opportunity to serve dinner to roughly 12-15 people.  These are folks who incurred injuries or other medical conditions in their lives.  They found themselves homeless in the process.  The Daily Planet is their chance to recover safely and, at this time of year, in a warm, welcoming environment.  Your help pulls them through.  And, having done this 2 times already this year, I can tell you there will be no one at your family Thanksgiving tomorrow more thankful than these folks will be for your help on Sunday.

    Also, for anyone who is thinking, “But, I like to watch football on Sundays,” your prayers have been answered.  They almost ALWAYS have football going on Sundays in the fall.  EVERYONE watches.  No burdensome M’s or 2.0s to ask you to be a husband or Dad** – just you, football, and helping the homeless.

    I need ONE brother (two would be fine, but I NEED one), one HIM, to step up for Sunday.  I’ll do most of the cooking.

    Who’s in?

    Respond to the Pre-Blast or text me (804 307 6765).  Help a brother, help some homeless folks, but most of all, help yourself, F3RVA Thanksgiving-style, by lending a hand.

    **Bring your kids, if you wish.  Daily Planet recommends that they be 10 years old to attend.

  • The Thundering Herd

    Eight men gathered for the last pre-Thanksgiving Spider Run.  Temps were sunny and 70, or 50 and calm winds, both perfect for a morning saunter.

    The Thang:
    Exit UofR to take a right on Campus, left on Three Chopt, quick right onto Pepper.  Right on Patterson.

    4 milers…right on Libbie and right on Grove.
    5 milers…right on Harlan, slight left onto Oak, and right on Grove
    6 milers…right on Westhampton and right on Grove.

    All runners, right just prior to Three Chopt, left on Iris. Follow Robin, Fairway, and Ridgeway back to UofR, then right and left back to the Student Center.

    Number-am-a, Name-a-ram-a, announcements, YHC took us out.

    Announcements:
    TYA will host a Thanksgiving morning beat down at 45MOM.  Start time is 06:00.
    Breaking Bread this Sunday:  YHC will take the lead, but what was The Lone Ranger without Tonto?  Or, Batman without Robin.  Or, Starsky without Hutch?  YHC could use a second.  Who’s in town and able to contribute a little time?  Respond in the BB.

    NMS:
    Today’s BB title comes not from any reference to Va. Tech. (that’s coming), but rather from YHC passing TYA on Grove…apparently, YHC’s breathing was heavy enough that TYA may have believed YHC was multiple men.  “A Thundering Herd of One”

    Speaking of TYA, he and Saab have built a strong friendship through F3.  Today, they looked like a Doublemint commercial. Way to coordinate clothes, fellas.

    As for Tech…if YHC had been asked in at the beginning of this year, “Which is more likely, UVA will lose as a #1 seed to UMBC or VT will need to beat UVA in football in order to play any football in December?” YHC would surely have selected UVA choking.  The Commonwealth’s teams are having a tough year.  Here’s hoping Friday’s game is a good one – perhaps the first competitive game in some time.

    Take the time to give thanks this week, fellas.

  • And a one, two, three…a one, two, three

    25 band members, including 3 FNGs, plus one conductor posted for the Lawrence Welk Show revival tour, RVA edition.  During the next pledge driver, PBS will rebroadcast the show, in black-and-white, this way:

    Warm-up Act: Mosey to the near traffic circle:
    Invisible jump rope, IWs, SSHs, Hillbillies, LBCs, flutter kicks, HRMs and fire hydrants…each x16

    For our First Number…Mosey to the Carillon.  Partner up…Wheelbarrow across the bricks the “long way.”  At the end of each turn, add Shoulder Presses.  First round 10, 2nd round 15, 3rd round 16.

    For our Second Number…Mosey to the field behind the Carillon for Touch-a-Tree.  Partner up. Rounds of 10-8-6-4-2…some mix of Mary…flutter kicks, LBCs, snow angels, burpees and one other thing.  Planking and HRMs mixed in for the six.

    Brass rusts in the rain, so for our Third Number…onto the side street next to Rugby Road for Up-and-Down, partner style…Run down the hill, 20 WWIIs, backwards run up the hill, 10 ‘mercans…repeato x3 or until time called.

    The Band closed out the morning in the Amphitheater with an extended re-mix…a little number called “V-Ups.” Let’s take it from the top…18, dropping one for each step down…one lap around the Amphitheater for an encore.

    BTTF.  Number-a-ma, Name-a-ram-a, YHC took us out.

    Announcements:

    Hammers and Ales coming up…don’t be a tool.  Bring a friend, bring a tool, and help a good cause.  Nov 10, 6 p.m.  https://backblasts.f3rva.org/2018/10/31/pre-blast-please-come-to-hammers-ales-11-10-18-6pm/

    Gro-Ruck comes to Richmond March 22-24, 2019. Spend a weekend pushing yourself and growing yourself, backpack-style.  Final exam requires carrying a Henrico County 7th grader’s backpack 300 yards to the bus stop.  Harder than it sounds.

    Bear Creek 10-miler. Ankle tape and high tops optional.  Come hear the Kingston Trio sing “Charlie on the MTA” on repeat throughout the 10 miles.  Lab Rat Stew at the Finish.

    NMS:
    Today was an FNG-Fest for rights to the Ghost Flag.  Two SOJ men posted, in the Northern Hemispheric sense…one Virginian, one Floridian…thus securing the GF for SOJ.  Welcome to Purple Rain, Knope, and (briefly, but now formerly, Z-Pack), hereafter called, “Bone Thug.”

    YHC appreciates the push from Flange, Gumbo, and Sippy Cup.  Nice work, fellas.

    Much grumbling by the pax during the Wheelbarrow + Shoulder Press.  This also made an appearance on Monday when YHC Q’d Hoedown.  YHC has now done the shoulder presses with both Splinter and Flange, thus illuminating the spectrum of “verticality.”

    Lastly, the backblast title comes courtesy of YHC’s cadence, only recently diagnosed as bearing an uncanny resemblance to Lawrence Welk’s conducting.

    UpChuck spits the bit.

  • Another Blow Out at Hoedown

    A lucky 13 pugilists came forth on the day before the penultimate day of October to celebrate the start of the week and the 31st Anniversary of Thomas Hearns winning his fourth boxing title.  The glow-light runners on Forest tell the tale this way:

    COP: Mosey to Church parking lot.  IW’s x 15, IJR x20, Hillbillies x10, SSHs x20, DQs, LBCs x25, Rosalitas, and HRMs x10

    Mosey to the Teacher’s Parking Lot:

    Partner up.
    Round 1: Wheelbarrow across parking lot.  Partner 1 does 10 shoulder presses.  Swap spots, wheelbarrow back.
    Round 2: x15
    Round 3: Q senses brewing revolution…Semi-audible…

    Mosey to the Parent Parking Lot:

    11’s…squats, run the parking lot, run backwards up the asphalt hill, and decline merkins

    Mosey to West Drive Circle for Lindsey: flutter kicks and monkey humpers.  Run West Drive Circle between rounds.

    Mosey back to the Bus Circle:
    Triple check…BTTW, Frederick Mercury, and run the loop.

    Circle up at the SF for one round of Mary…Hello Dollies x10

    Number-a-ma, Name-a-ram-a, YHC took us out.

    Announcements:
    November 3 – Hardywood is hosting FNG Fest with the Ghost Flag at Dogpile. Bring a friend and see whether they have the stuff to be nicknamed “Harambe”
    Marmaduke is collecting coats for the homeless…likely everyone of us has a closet with old stuff in it (YHC certainly does). If you haven’t worn it in 2 winters…consider the pride you will have seeing your coat keeping someone warm this winter.
    BRR…early December.  BT is looking to be persuaded to register. Ankle tape, elbow pads, and a decent rake are all optional.

    NMS:
    Hutton put it very well this morning.  “Did I miss a chili cook off this weekend?”  W.O.W.  The horn section came out in full force.  The PAX took “push yourself, don’t hurt yourself” to the edge.
    YHC was happy to welcome HoneyDo back to Hoedown, thus the Wheelbarrow + Shoulder Press combination…YHC apologizes to the PAX for not including ZingFit in the evolutions.
    YHC continues to be impressed with the PAX’s ability to come up with new ways to count reps. 2-count? 4-count?  By 5’s? By 10’s?   New math abounds…https://boingboing.net/2014/03/10/a-math-teacher-explains-new.html

    Enjoy the day, fellas.

    UpChuck spits the bit.

  • World Turned Upside Down

    22 hearty souls launched for a variety of two-wheeled or two-footed exercises…temps were sunny and 70.

    Routes were varied…some walkers, some 4 milers, some 5 milers, some pseudo-6 milers, and some Kubotas.

    Walkers…generally out and back on Grove.

    4 Milers…Grove to Maple to Park to Granite to Grove and back to the flag.

    5 Milers…Grove to Maple to Bremo to Crestwood to Libbie to Grove and back to the flag.

    6 Milers…Grove to (hey, Saab, turn on Maple…, hey, Saab, turn on Maple…)…oh, just run on Grove.

    Kubota run…show up early, run hard, do more.

    Number-a-ma (false start), Number-a-ma again, Name-a-ram-a, announcements, and Swiper took us out with a metaphor about long-term personal growth.  Or, trees.  Or, planting.  YHC thanks him.

    Announcements:

    CSAUP tomorrow at 7.

    Bring warm coats on Saturdays.  Marmaduke collecting for the homeless.

    PuppyPile October 27

    Bear Creek 10 Miler.  December 2 at Bear Creek State Park.

    NMS:

    F3 history was made today, the 237th anniversary of Cornwallis British forces surrendering at Yorktown. When Cornwallis surrendered, the American military band played “The World Turned Upside Down.”

    Today, YHC saw something new….an un-injured Swirly walking. In fact, lots of walkers today.  Looks like the PAX will be ready to start the CSAUP on full-rest.  Good luck to all who are running/walking/riding tomorrow.  7:00 a.m. at Shelter 1.  Place your bets on FanDuel.com.

    UpChuck spits the bit.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Continue This Over Coffee?

    Tu-Pac’s rejected the warmth and dryness of The Fartsack and pushed forth into the cool morning rain showers that made up the latest rendition of Sunday Funday. The tatoo artists around Monroe Park will tell the story something like this:

    Route:

    Rain made for muddy trails, so the PAX stuck to blacktop and concrete. From Pump House Park…north on Park Drive…through the neighborhood and park to Robinson, north to Monument heading east bound. Monument becomes Franklin. From there, continue east until 5th St., then southbound at 5th St. From there, west onto Cary until Robinson, then south to the Park, keeping the VITA Trail to our right and back to the VSF.

    YHC lost count of his steps, and as neither Hardywood nor YHC was wearing a watch or other GPS-enabled device, there is no precise record of the distance. Google Maps says roughly 8 miles. Hardywood says 81 miles. Reality somewhere in between.

    NMS:

    Today was a fine morning to hit the streets and observe Richmond at its Sunday morning best. Modest foot traffic, pleasant drivers, and few, if any, cyclists. YHC continues to be amazed by the multiplicity of approaches the average citizen takes to seeing their fellow man jogging past on a cool morning…everything from complete aloofness to a pleasant wave and a hello.

    ET’s always offers some good conversation. Today, no different – thanks for the advice, buddy.  And, outside definitely trumps inside.

    Have a super Sunday.  And, if you are a Cleveland Browns fan, condolences.  Talk about snatching a tie from the jaws of victory.

    UpChuck spits the bit.