Author: Phonics

  • When will Wong’s Taco’s Open?

    Three runners and one lonely rucker looking for a friend posted to the Tomato Run/Ruck on this perfect Thursday. As the runners took off, they had one lingering question. Sure, March Madness was a topic and the question, “Can Nebraska win it all?” was asked. But all that was on their minds was, “When will Wong’s Tacos open? Sure, we would look on the website and see “March 31, 2026” as the official date, but that’s cheating. Did they have employees yet? Had they organized the kitchen yet? Regardless, excitement is in the community as it gets closer and closer to the opening date.

    The Runners did the reverse library/Bogangles loop, Kroger loop, then to Rutland, Cool Spring Forest, and back. The rucker was everywhere looking for a friend.

    COT: Numberarama, Name-O-Rama, Announcements, Opus took us out.

    NMS:

    Go RAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sure, Go HOOS!, Cornhuskers, and whoever you are rooting for. Have a great day everybody!

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics

  • Welcome Back Winter

    It might have been 70 and sunny somewhere at 5:30 AM on this St. Patrick’s Day, but as the 3 runners and 3 ruckers stepped out of their cars at Atlee High School, the wind brought back that familiar feel of winter.

    The 3 runners ran the farmhouse loop for 4.3 miles. The ruckers walked around the campus and possibly other locations.

    COT: Numberarama, Name-O-Rama, Announcements, BAM! took us out.

    NMS:

    As the runners took off, no ruckers had made it to the AO yet. Off to the distance, one rucker was observed driving in. As the runners returned, two others had joined him in the ruck. The runners talked about everything from yesterday’s weather to retirement. We were just all thankful that we made it through yesterday’s forecast safely.

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics

  • Deer and Boberry sightings

    Three dudes gathered at the Pump House for another edition of Sunday Funday. For the route, we crossed the bridge then made our way along the soutside before crossing to return along the North Bank. Saab broke away at Brown’s Island and ran up the Memorial Hill before returning along the roads. Helix and YHC put in 7.1 miles.

    Along the way, we ran into Boberry who is training for a 50K. There was also a deer on the trail that startled YHC as the deer and a companion took off down the hill.

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics

  • Spring Forward Respectfully

    Five sleep deprived dudes, all getting respect, arrived in the dark for another episode of Sunday Funday. Sippy originally led the way was we we crossed the bridge then ran along the south before returning on the north.

    COT: Numberarama, Name-O-Rama, Announcements, Sippy Cup took us out.

    NMS:

    It was great making it out to Sunday Funday this morning. YHC ran most of the way with Helix, and we were able to catch up on what our families are doing as well as other topics.

    During the COT, Sippy Cup started a discussion about the time change. We then started a discussion about when it should be and if it was necessary. British Columbia is springing forward and not going back. Spain has it but springs forward in April. Some cons of spring forward include: messes with our circadian rhythm leading to an increase of strokes, increases in obesity, and car accidents. Pros: Maybe saving electricity cost and possible economic benefits with people staying out longer. It is also nice in March to have more daylight after work. Will we keep changing or will our politicians choose standard or daylight savings. Stay tuned.

    Announcements: There are several in the F3RVA community who need thought and prayers. Say a prayer for them today.

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics

  • What is February 29, 1980? BAM!

    2 Runners and a lonely Rucker posted on this perfect Thursday morning in Rutland to get a little exercise. With the amazing weather, this is what occurred:

    The Route

    The Runners did the traditional Rutland Route by going through Rutland into Cool Spring Forest into Knollwood, back to Cool Spring Forest to the Cool Spring North trail. They then went back into Cool Spring Forest turning on Crestfield and back to the VSF for 5.2 miles.

    The Rucker rucked around Rutland and possibly in Cool Spring Forest.

    COT: Numberarama, Name-O-Rama, Announcements, BAM! took us out.

    NMS:

    A great thing about the COT is when somebody calls out a new year around the sun when nobody knew it. BAM! called out 46. Well, happy birthday BAM! When was your birthday? This is an easy answer to most of us, but if you were born on February 29, its not quite as simple. You are 46 years old but have only celebrated your official birthday 11 times. BAM! you’ve got the Q on February 29, 2028 for #12.

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics

  • The Saturday Slow Mosey

    Two teachers posted at Atlee High School on this last day of February after five straight days of teaching bell to bell. With days off, snow, and delays, both may not have been in shape for that difficult feat at this time of year. Because fatigue and soreness were going to be issues, YHC took the Q and this is what they did.

    COP: SSH, Helicopters, Arm Circles, Imperial Walkers, Don Quixotes, Running Man, Merkins, American Hammers, Heels to Heaven, One legged APDs, other leg, both legs, Bulgarian Split Squats, Raised dips

    Slow Mosey to pullup bars

    For 20 minutes, we did the following five exercises with 4 of them in the corner of the blacktop: 5 Pullups, 10 Merkins, 15 Squats, 20 Flutterkicks, 25 Mountain Climbers.

    Slow Mosey back to VSF

    COT: Numberarama, Name-O-Rama, Announcements, Opus took us out.

    NMS:

    YHC showed up into the parking lot this morning a few minutes late and saw many frosted over cars but no F3 PAX members. He guesses there was an overnight school trip which could explain the cars. A few minutes later, Opus showed up in the parking lot. With a late start, both slowly moseyed throughout the AO which turned out to be perfect on this Saturday. Corned Beef joined us for coffee at Local Cup following the bootcamp. Great way to start off a weekend.

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics

  • Ice Free Run

    It’s felt a little less like winter as six dudes posted to this Tomato Run/Ruck on this perfect day. The Ruckers rucked around Rutland and possible other areas. The Runners went into Cool Spring Forest, then Cool Spring North, then back and eventually did the Bojangles loop.

    COP: Numberarama, Name-O-Rama, Announcements, BAM! took us out.

    NMS:

    It was great being out again and not taking a terrible fall. Those are always good days.

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics

  • A February Frost cannot keep us away

    Nine gentlemen showed up at Atlee High School this Tuesday morning despite the thick frost that tried to keep us away.

    The five ruckers took off and possibly headed into Giles. The four runners, including Opus whose car looked like it had been in the artic, took off towards Kings Charter. Opus did the 4/1 while the other 3 looped back every so often because in DaVille we brocode as much as possible. The farmhouse loop in the opposite direction was completed.

    COP: Numberarama, Name-O-Rama, Announcements, Trail Mix took us out.

    NMS:

    It was great having so many out today. Hopefully, as our area thaws, we will have a few more join us over the next month.

    Announcements:

    • Frozen Triangle this Saturday at 6 AM at Dogpile. You can participate in the entire event or just part of the event. There is also a need for support volunteers.

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics

  • Watch That Step

    Two Runners and Four Ruckers went on an exploration trip the check out the retreating glaciers in Rutland and the surrounding neighborhoods.

    The Ruckers left with just 3 but returned 45 minutes later having found a fourth wondering around.

    The Runners decided to check out the side walks between Rutland and Giles and safely navigated some of the still very icy spots. As they came back, YHC noticed that they had extra time, so he decided to guide them into the townhomes next to the YMCA. This loop will end with running down a paved path which was mostly clear. At this point, the pace had picked up quite a bit. They turned down the last sidewalk heading for home. YHC, being the clumsiest runner in F3RVA did something that possibly no runner or walker has ever done along that stretch of sidewalk. There is a step towards the end of the sidewalk, and YHC, not noticing the step, tripped right over it. BAM! stopped with YHC making sure he was okay. YHC will have to wait 24 hours to see what type of shape he was in after the crash. Regardless, the excitement of exploration had ended, and the PAX members slowly jogged back to the VSF or just over 4 miles.

    COP: Numberarama, Name-O-Rama, Announcements, No Idea took us out.

    NMS: Thank you BAM! for helping me get back this morning. Still shocked that with my headlamp, I did not see it. Will never forget its there again. Great seeing Mustang when we returned to the AO.

    Announcements: Frozen Triangle next weekend

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics

  • Thankful for the workout

    Three dudes who apparently do not look at weather forecast or wind advisories stepped onto the grounds at Atlee High School the morning after a light snow. An icy parking lot and gale force winds were ready to great them. YHC, being slightly tardy for the start today, grove into the parking lot and it appeared that the two other PAX members were off to the distance doing SSHs. YHC then attempted to run over to there location but multiple PSAs by Bulkhead to not run due to the icy ground. Once YHC joined them, a hot potato Q was determined and Bulkhead took the lead.

    Very slow mosey to the Atlee High School commons entrance. Per exercise, we found ourselves getting closer and closer to the Atlee doors where there was less snow and wind.

    Bulkhead’s Q

    COP all IC: SSH, Invisible Jump Ropes, Imperial Walkers, Helicopters, shoulder rotations, Don Quixotes, Copper Head Squats, raise arms up and lower to ground, Tempo Merkins, Freddie Mercuries.

    Triple Check #1

    Wall Sits, Hold Plank, Bear Crawls to wall and back

    Mr. Holland’s Q

    Triple Check #2

    WW2s, Squats, Lunge to wall and back

    Triple Check #3

    Merkins, American Hammers, crab walk to wall, lunge backwards

    Phonics’s Q

    Elevens – Lunge to side and do Monkey Humpers, Bear Crawl back and do scissor kicks.

    COT: Numberarama, Name-O-Rama, Announcements, YHC took us out.

    NMS

    It was great again being able to do a bootcamp at Atlee High School since this location had only been slighly used in the past 2 weeks do the the ice and snow. The location we selected for today worked great because it limited the wind. It was shocking as we moseyed back to the VSF to feel the wind.

    I feel very fortunate to be able to exercise and have this fellowship on cold mornings like today. Many in our community have been suffering in recent weeks due to the cold and sickness. Our thoughts and prayers are with them that things to get better.

    Coffee was a good time again today. Corned Beef was able to join us.

    Announcements: Frozen Triangle postponed by 2 weeks to 2/21/26. (Not on Valentine’s Day. Good call F3RVA)

    New skill to work on from today: Can you rotate your shoulders in different directions at the same time? I’m practicing Mr. Holland. Not there yet.

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics