Author: 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

  • In Search of Dunkin

    One rucker who has been posting and two runners who were breaking their hibernation journeyed into Rutland and surrounding neighborhoods hoping to find Dunkin.

    The Routes

    The runners when along mostly snow and ice free roads in Rutland, Cool Spring Forest, Cool Spring North, and the Bojangles loop for a very careful 4.5 miles. The rucker was spotted going back and forth along Combs Drive and later claimed that he did find Dunkin.

    COP – Numberarama, Name-O-Rama,Yard Sale took us out.

    NMS

    The runners of DaVille have returned after a hiatus due to the snow/ice kept them away. BAM! and YHC convinced each other that it would be safe for a jog. As it turns out, the conditions were great with only a few icy spots. With the upcoming forecast, it looks like we will be able to try this again in the near future.

    No announcements for today.

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics

  • The Unusual Suspects

    Two Runners and Two Ruckers posted on this perfect Tuesday morning for another addition of the Raider Run/Ruck. The Runners did the reverse farmhouse loop for about 4.3 miles. Much talk was about running and track. The Ruckers rucked in the surrounding areas for about 45 minutes.

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

    NMS

    Many of the regulars were not here today. Not sure if staying up late of the national championship game prevented the early risers from posting. Enjoyed catching up with Anchovy who might not have run that far since he last joined me for the Raider run months ago.

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics

  • Four Men and a Lady

    YHC arrived at Atlee High School at 5:25 AM which is about 4 1/2 minutes earlier that he normally arrives. This was a sign of unusual things to come. Within a few minutes, 2 others had arrived. Bulkhead gets out of the car and walks over the the VSF. Soon after this, we see Trout getting out through the passenger door since the driver’s door was frozen shut. YHC takes the Q and off they went in this 22 degree morning.

    In case others were arriving late, Parking Lot Tracers were called. Soon after beginning, Trout observed all of the black ice.

    As the PAX members were now trying to complete the Parking Lot Tracers without falling, a lady came up to them an asked, “Can I join you for a run?” Apparently, it was F3RVA’s wearing of shorts in these temperatures that drew her attention to us. YHC quickly responded that this was a bootcamp. YHC responded that this was a bootcamp. She then asked if she could join us since her running parter did not arrive. At this point, the Parking Lot Tracers had been abandoned due to unsafe terrain. YHC said in a very unsure voice, “sure.”

    COP – The PAX circled up. YHC, who is such a rules follower, was trying to figure out how to start the COP with a lady joining us not know if this is allowed. Did he mention the 5 core principles? No, although he did mention that is is a men’s group. Did he mention his nickname or welcome to F3 DaVille? No. Did he even say if there were any new guys? No. He was trying to make up his mind how to start and eventually called the first exercise. The exercises were Puppy Pile rated, so no APDs, no Monkey Humpers, no Ball Dippers, no Roselitas, no Hello Dollys. and no Wilson’s Wife or Fudd’s wife. At first, he did call them pushups, but eventually felt comfortable to call them merkins.

    Corned Beef joined after the first few exercises were completed. All of the exercises were in cadence: SSH, Helicopters Don Quixotes, Arm Circles, Reverso, One Legged Lunges, other leg, Merkins, Angled Knee Jumps, American Hammers, LBCs, Heels to Heaven.

    The Thing

    Because of the issues with the black ice, the PAX headed towards the common’s entrance to Atlee High School.

    Triple Check with Five exercises – The PAX rotated through these exercises 3 times: The People’s Chair, Donkey Kicks, Freddie Mercuries, Hand Released Merkins, with the timer running to the parking lot, doing 3 burpees, and returning.

    Elevens with Jump Squats and windshield wipers – We bear cralled about 18 feet and then lunged back.

    Mosey back to the VSF for Plank-O-Rama

    Hold Plank then IC alternate between Carolina Dry Docks and Merkins. Rotate to side plank then IC lower hip and raise it. Rotate to back plank then IC lower and raise butt. Rotate to other side and IC lower and raise hip. Rotate back to plank to end with Mountain Climbers IC.

    Numberarama, Name-O-Rama, Announcements, Trout took us out.

    NMS

    Well done to the PAX this day including the FNGirl Cass (Tracker). I do think it was awesome that she wanted to join us today even after learning it was not a run and not knowing any of us. She does regulary run with a group that includes Marco Polo. She told us that she has run 15 marathons including 2 Boston Marathons. She is also a world traveller. She seemed to have no problems completing the exercises. Running was limited do the conditions, but that would not have been an issue for her. Marco Polo said her husband is a great guy, so maybe this will lead to having Marco Polo and Tracker’s husband to join us soon.

    After the bootcamp, Corned Beef, Bulkhead, and YHC hung out for a few minutes at Starbucks.

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics

  • Services Day at DaPile

    Veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines along with two current teachers posted at Atlee High School on this perfect Saturday for a hot potato Q beatdown that went something like this.

    Opus’s Q

    Mosey to bus loop side entrance of Atlee High School

    COP – SSH, Imperial Walkers, Tempo Merkins, Tempo WW2s, Figure 4 reversed crunches, other leg, APD, Copperhead Squats.

    Triple Check – Bulgarian Split Squats, Dips, Timer runs to end of side walk and does 3 burpees.

    Beat It’s Q

    Mosey to Tennis Courts

    Triple Check – Wall Sits, Ball Dippers, Timer does suicides with 4 stops.

    All PAX members does 50 LBC for 300 total.

    Phonics’s Q

    Mosey to Blacktop

    Rotate 3 times through 6 Exercises

    • Pull-ups, Jump Squats, Heels to Heaven, Hand Released Merkins, Thunderclaps,Timer runs around blacktop.

    Indiginous People Run back to VSF. Then 2 minutes of stretching OYO.

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

    NMS

    The DaPile bootcamp is always a great way to start off a Saturday. As YHC arrived once again fashionably late, the five other PAX members had not decided yet who was taking the lead. Thank you Opus for taking charge. What was discovered during the few minutes after 6:30 AM before the bootcamp started was there were veterans of 4 branches of the military at the bootcamp: Army (Corned Beef), Navy (Lab Rat), Air Force (Beat It), and Marines (Bulkhead). Hope in the future to have the Coast Guard and Space Force represented as well.

    Five of us then went to the Local Cup for some 2nd F. Great time as always.

    Announcements:

    Its not too late to join the Sugar Fast. See Opus.

    Have a great day everybody!

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics

  • That’s not a good idea.

    Five posted to Pearson’s Corner Elementary School on this perfect Friday for a bootcamp that can end the week correctly. Since there was a Florida visitor, YHC took the Q and off they went.

    COP all IC: SSH, Helicopters, Arm Circles, Reverso, Don Quixotes, One legged lunges, other leg, Jazzersize, Hillbillies, Merkins, Angled Knee Jumps, Synchronized Mountain Climbers, LBCs, APDs, Heels to Heaven

    The Thang

    4 Corners (Each PAX member stands at corner of blacktop and does an exercise while 5th PAX member runs to next station. The exercises were Freddie Mercuries, Dips, Jump Squats, Skull Crushers and were all completed 5 times.)

    Pull-up Hangs/Merkins – Because of limited pull-up space, the PAX was broken into 2 groups. One group did 15 second pull-up hangs while the other did Merkins. They then rotated until all PAX member had led the count twice. This total 6 rotations.

    Toga Special – YHC remembered Toga leading this years ago. PAX gets in balls to wall posiiton. They then walk down the wall until they are in Plank position with feet still on wall. They then walk back up the wall to Ball to the Wall position, they then go back to Plank Position. This was done twice with the following exercises done at the conclusion.

    • Round 1 – American Hammers and Flutterkicks
    • Round 2 – Plank-O-Rama all in cadence (Carolina Dry Docks/Merkins, go to side plank with raising and lowering hip, go to back plank with raising and lowering butt, go to other side plank with raising and lowering hip.

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

    NMS:

    Great to have Audit from F3 Pensacola visiting today. Rosie gave DaVille notice that he might be posting today. The Creek is not one of YHC’s normal posting locations, so there was a learning curve. Thank you Trout for letting YHC know his original plan for the Pull-up hangs was not a good idea. Trout realized there was a high probability of breaking the playground equipment which caused YHC to pivot to an alternate plan. Also, thank you Yardsale for bringing the mumblechatter and positive attitude again today.

    YHC also must have been slightly tired today since he briefly forgot to include himself in the Name-O-Rama and also briefly forgot his new age.

    Audit did ask the PAX at the COT about the “Cone Parade” in Richmond on New Year’s Day. YHC had heard about it on the news but have never seen it. Interesting how visitors see things in town that those who have lived here all of our lives have never seen. At least this is proof that it really occurs.

    Announcements:

    1. Opus is doing a sugar fast for January. Let him know if you want to join him.

    It was a honor to lead this morning. Well done all!

    Gotta Run!

    Phonics