Category: Richmond, VA

  • Guys, I think it’s raining

    Six men felt the peer pressure and left the comforts of their fartsacks to post at No Toll this morning.  The AO was secured at 5:00 and all was quiet, save for the rain for a while until Swiper showed up and then walked off.  Where did he go?  YHC began to wonder if it was really Swiper at all.  Eventually he wandered back, the others showed and we were off.  This is what went down.

    Thang:

    Mosey to nearby lot for COP and to gather stragglers.  All IC: 60 x SSH, 15 x helicopters, 10 x Don Quixote, 10 X Merkin 1.5’s, slow (1-chest to ground, 2-halfway up, 3-chest to ground, 4 – all the way up = 1 Rep),  20 x LBC, 20 x LBC with one leg straight/the other bent per normal position, 20 X LBC – switch legs.

    Triple Check: 50 SSH instead of running, WW2’s, Flutter Kicks

    Mosey out to the big lot beyond the gate for Dora: one partner runs around the lot, the other works on: 200 2 ct Shoulder Taps, 300 Box Cutters, 400 Squats.   (Apologies to Bag Phone, I should have explained better that we work towards those counts together with a partner.  I wouldn’t have blamed you for a mutiny thinking you had to get to those counts on your own!)

    Keep same partners, Partner 1 lunges across lot long ways, Partner 2 runs to the far end and back.  When partners meet, switch positions.  Switch to Bear Crawls for the return trip.

    Mosey back to flag, but wait we have 30 seconds left!  Making sure the PAX got their money’s worth: circle up for 30 seconds of Mary – American Hammers x 10 IC.

    NMS:

    Was thankful it was just rain this morning.  I had modified the entire workout to be done in the pavilion in case of lightning, hence the SSH instead of running in the triple check.  Seeing no flashes this morning, most of it got switched back to normal, but I left the triple check modified just for some variety.  Super 21s and some 11s were under consideration, but we hit those things hard in a nice ground and pound by Chum Bucket at Punisher last night.  In fact, most upper body exercises were subbed for abs and legs.  For some reason, YHC recovers faster there than from Merkins.  Apologies to the PAX if anyone was after Chest Day out there!  Your M’s probably like the abs too.

    YHC got a good laugh when Marmaduke casually mentioned “Guys, I think it’s raining” during COP.  Tobit mentioned the Peer Pressure of F3 as the main cause of his post.  That’s what it’s all about, we show up in the gloom more for the other guys than for ourselves.  Along the way, we get in a nice workout.  Great effort this morning men, there’s nothing quite like pushing through some adverse conditions with ya’ll.  Take that strength out into the world and make the day better for someone else who needs a lift!

    Sugar Sock out

     

  • Special Run

    With sustained rain upon us, Pax converged by the Commons under the enclosure.  YHC gave the route and off we went.

    Out the Bat Cave exit and across the Huguenot Bridge.  Take the Riverside exit and then a left to head west on Riverside.  4s turn around at the park entrance and 5s turn around at Hickory for out and back routes.

    6s continue up Hickory to Cherokee and hang a left.  Cross Huguenot Rd and take a left on Arrowhead which will turn into Oxford Pkwy.  Take Riverside back to the bridge and return home.

    NMS

    When the bat cave was called, the Pax groaned in anticipation of deep water.  The bat cave did not disappoint as we navigated the trail via sparse lights and how the person in front of you fared on the terrain.

    Many opted for the shirtless option since the humidity was 100% and soaking.  The view over the river was serene as the waters were calm despite recent rain.  Riverside never disappoints and is certainly one of the top running roads in Richmond (when you can see the river).

    As we returned to the AO, one of the Spider Buses had a destination titled “Special Run” displayed.  Most days with this Pax are indeed special and always better than going it solo.  Add some rain, snow, or challenging terrain, and it gets very special.

    I am glad the bus driver agrees as well.

    Time to Taper,

    Lockjaw

  • Grass, brick, and concrete

    A PAX of three posted for the most recent offering of Punisher.  Jville and YHC met in the parking lot and moved to the school yard for slow warmup with some of the usual – Invisible Jump Ropes, IWs, DQs, Russian Soldiers, Helicopters, and Arm Circles.

    We shifted to a grassier part of the yard for an 8 minute AMRAP #1 (as many reps as possible within the time frame) – 10 Squats, 10 WWII Sit Ups, and 10 Slight Close Grip Merkins.  Nightcrawler posted as the AMRAP began.  We moved to the school wall for 8 minute AMRAP #2 – 20 Second People’s Chair, 10 Wall Crawls, 10 Hello Dollys, and a mosey out in the yard around a nearby tree.  We jogged around the school to the bus loop for 8 minute AMRAP #3 – 10 Decline Carolina Dry Docks, 10 Monkey Humpers, and 10 Flutter Kicks.  Finish with Mary (LBC varieties) and stretching.  COT and YHC took us out.

  • Clear Skies For the Beatdown

    5 RVA regulars and an out of town visitor sat in their cars for the light show until 0529 and jumped out to get the beatdown going.  As YHC contemplated what to do in case of lightning at an AO only visited once in the middle of the night the rain started to slow.

    THANG

    A few flashes took the warmup under the metal awning held up by metal posts, maybe not the best place but better than out in the open.  DQ, Helicopters, SSH, Alternating Shoulder Taps, LBC.

    Mosey to the corner of the blacktop for Compounding Four Corners.

    Round 1 – 5 merkins each corner; Round 2 – 5 merkins +10 Mountain Climbers in each corner; Round 3 – Do the others + 15 Squats; Round 4 – Add 20 2-ct Flutter Kicks; Round 5 – Add 20 1ct Freddie Mercuries; Round 6 – Add 15 Monkey Humpers; Round 7 – Add 10 Alternating Shoulder Taps; Round 8 – Add 5 merkins and do all the exercises together (somewhat in cadence).

    Back to the flag for the COT.

    NMM

    An ominous start to the week as YHC woke up to lightning and thunder, wondering how many Tuckahoeans? and/or summer travelers would post.  There is a small awing that YHC planned to stay under if the lightning stuck around but it cleared up right after COP in time for us to push though the Compounding 4 corners.  Did not realize the 4 corners would take up the whole time, plus about 45 seconds, even with the PAX pushing hard and staying together for most of it.  Those extra 45 seconds are on me, no charge for overtime this week.  It was only 180 merkins, not 200, sorry Kubota, I thought it only felt like 175.

    Welcome to RVA Papa Smurf from Sarasota, up visiting family.  He lived in RVA a few years ago but took on some F3 tourism today and crushed it, posting on Twitter before leaving the car.  He confirmed that Flashdance is alive and well in Florida and has jumped into F3 down there head first.  Swiper is getting into running mode flying around between corners.  Kubota will be following YHC around this week on the summer tour.  I apologize in advance for anything new that flops this week.  First flop, cadence with single count, and 2-ct exercises.

    Thanks for coming out despite the threatening weather.

    Announcements:

    Prayers for Fudd’s sister as she heads into surgery later this week and grieves for her lost father-in-law.

    RVA Ghostflag will be at 45MOM this week

    Happy hour at Wood and Iron in Midlothian Friday at 5:30

  • …And the Creek Don’t Rise

    Four intrepid Pax fought lightning, zero visibility, and torrential downpours to make it to Tomato Run.  Once to the AO, the rain held back for perfect running conditions.  We went through King’s Charter and picked up some trails returning us to the AO.  Mudface defied lightning and science to ruck with a pack full of steel plates.

    YHC took us out.

    While the entire drive up 301 was washed out and zero visibility, the last quarter mile next to the construction was the most hazardous.  Driving along the jersey wall with the train on the other side, there was a nice cross current of flow coming through the wall.  Then you come to the deep water which was akin to a river crossing.  In the end, cars and SUVs made it through, though a longer, but dry, route was elected for the return trip south.

    It was a great day for a run after the storm.  We had the subdivision to ourselves joined only by a few rabbits, and a frog or two.  We got to experience the rising creeks when traversing the trails, evidence of all the runoff from the recent deluge.

    Thanks to Mudface and Phonics for showing us around and ensuring we weren’t the only ones posting on such a day.

    Time to Taper,

    Lockjaw

     

  • Lightning Rod Reg

    Seven storm chasers appeared from the gloom into the gloom for an electric beatdown that went like this:

    Swirly Q: COP – SSHs / DQs / Helicopters / IWs / 5 burpees OYO. Mosey to trees lining driveway. Lunge to tree. 10 HR merkins. Repeato to top of driveway. Run long circle loop and back to circle curb for dips while waiting on the PAX.

    Bleeder Q: Mosey down to trail around lake. Progressive laps. Round 1: 10 burpees – take a lap. Round 2: 10 burpees / 20 American Hammers (single count, Lab Rat). Round 3: 10 burpees / 20 American Hammers / 30 spacers – YHC has completely forgotten the third exercise. Audible. Run back up love hill to second light pole. Back to the PAX. Run up love hill and back to the pit for reverse planks.

    Vinny Q: Mosey to tree beside tennis courts. Pele 20 count. Mosey to circle for ascending curb crawls AMRAP style for 5 minutes. Incline / Decline merkins. Circle up. Captain Thors OYO – 1 min. Ring of fire. 1-5.

    Lab Rat took us out.

    Announcements: Aug. Puppy Pile in the works. We need a Q. BRR (you must know the secret knock to get in).

    NMS:

    YHC loves workouts in the pouring rain. Not so much when lightning is everywhere. Nevertheless, the 5:30 bell rang, and it was time to go to work. Glad I wasn’t the only crazy person who posted. Turns out there were at least six other crazies.

    Always a solid way to start the week, and always a solid group to start the week with.

  • OTB regulars

    After a few weeks of summer tour guests and lone runners YHC and Honeymoon hit the roads around Midlothian for a few early a.m. miles.  We hit the regular route of coal mines, Woolridge and Midlothian at a pace conducive to mumblechatter.  YHC’s 50k, Honeymoon’s trip to Disney, upcoming BRR and CSAUPs dominated the conversation during the run and at the post run coffeteria.  Beautiful weather for a run this morning.

    Announcements:

    The Ghost Flag will be making it’s next appearance at YHC’s  45MOM Q this week. Come one, come all to claim the flag.

  • FHP loops

    A Lucky seven ? trail runners engaged in CSAUP scouting and training today at Sunday Funday. YHC arrived at the pump house 15 minutes early (on time) and was followed immediately by Sugar and then Saab. Saab informed us that TYA was running Forest Hill Park loops and that he was headed out Buttermilk a little early to do the same. After the rest of the Pax arrived we followed their lead and ran BM to FHP and back for about 7. TYA did 3 loops for around 11. Saab logged around 10. Sally the dog joined us and we saw another (Mustang) Sally on the trails.

    The main group did some running, some walking, some talking and had a good time.  We got off the trail around the time it started to rain.  Sugar Sock took us out.  YHC wasn’t planning on going to ETs but Lab Rat texted his M from my phone and then said “see you there” so I figured I could change my plans, which were lame anyway.  Glad I went.

    Good times guys

     

  • Pickle Ball is for Pansies!

    YHC scurried into the parking lot at Gridiron after sucking down a full jar of red pills.  Four Gridiron regulars were on the wrong end of this beatdown.  Here is how it went down:

    • COP
      • 25 SSH
      • 15 invisible jump rope
      • 20 IW
      • 10 cherry pickers
      • 10 2x merkins
      • 25 2x LBC
      • 15 Helicopters
    • Mosey to the far end of the parking lot for a burpee march – 15 parking spaces/15 burpees, followed by 25 WWII sit-ups and 25 flutter kicks
      • Rinse and repeat 5x for 75 burpees, 125 WWII sit-ups/flutter kicks
    • Mosey to the jerkin gym for 4 sets of 8 jerkins
    • Mosey to the pickle ball courts for suicides – 11 total
    • 40 APD recovery
    • Mosey to the pavilion for 5 sets of 10 abyss merkins/10 Lt. Dan
    • COT with YHC taking us out and then on to Einsteins for some 3rd F

    In annals of F3 backblasts, here is a phrase probably never uttered…those 75 burpees did not seem so bad, can we go back and do more?   The Gridiron PAX had to muscle through the suicides, which were nothing short of brutal.  To make matters worse, two less than manly human beings decided to play pickle ball on the far court during our suicides.  Pickle ball cannot be considered a sport.  It is a leisure activity that involves a plastic ball and tiny racquets.  No one was sweating.  These two should have seen the efforts of the PAX, realized the inferiority of their endeavors and stepped aside out of sheer embarrassment.  I am sure there is a men’s clinic somewhere that can test them for low testosterone.

    All in all, strong work from the PAX   Chum Bucket was a beast on the last leg with abyss merkins and Lt. Dans.  Great work and great to have you back brother!  Good to see Cecil and Night Crawler back as well.  For those looking to support the virgin Q movement, Byproduct leads the Gridiron clan next week as he celebrates getting within 12 months of respect from the PAX!

    God is good all the time!

    Attila

  • Rain held off, sweat did not!

    16 soldiers rolled into Dog Pile on a cloudy morning hoping to stay dry (from the rain)

    COP-

    SSH x 20

    DQ x 10

    Copper Head Squats x 10

    Arm Circles x 15 (2)

    LBCs x 20

    Merkins x 10

    Helicopters x 10

    Burpees x 5 OYO

    Mosey to Bowl Behind Stage

    Dora – Runner and Partner Excercises

    100 Hand Release Merkins, 200 Squats, 300 LBCs

    Mosey to  Amiptheater

    11s

    Decline Merkins at Bottom, Incline Merkins at top

    Audible halfway through and Plank at top

    Mosey to Field

    Indian Exercise length of the field

    Divide into 2 lines.  Pax line up about 3 yards apart down the sideline.  First PAX member does 5 burpees while PAX does called exercise, once burpees are complete, run to the end of the line, next man up does 5 burpees and continues moving the line.  Work the entire length of field to complete.  Exercises included, LBCs, WWIIs, Merkins, Arm Circles, burpees, Elbow Plank, Crunchy Frogs, Scorpion Kicks, Squats, Invisible jump rope, Pickle Pounders, SSHs, and probably some im missing….

    Stay in line, Mosey to Lightpoles, hit 6 light poles, 2 Burpees at each up and back, return to the field.

    Walking Lt. Dans to midfield.

    YHC called Sprint all you got to the end of the field.

    Circle up

    Merking Ring of fire while holding 6inches

    Mosey to Flag

    Halfway, stop 3 Burpees OYO

    Once at flag 30secs of as many burpees as you can do.

    Numberama, Namerama, YHC took us out

    Announcements:

    BRR- you want in, find out how

    Trails and Ales in October

    NMS:

    It was a great morning in the gloom.  YHC thinks everyone was certainly thinking that the rain would come at any minute but we were blessed to be able to finish with no rain.  Great to have FNG Bernie join us, way to work!  Also great to see Circle K back out after the mission trip and always good to catch up with him.  Strong work by all men, there was tons of mumblechatter this morning by this group.  Thank you all for allowing me to lead and be a apart of this group, there is no better way to start a Sat morning!  Everyone enjoy the rain, it is needed just as much as the sun!  Have a great day!

    ** Also, Phone messed up, missed some one on role call, who is it?  Apologies in advance!

    Marmaduke