Category: Richmond, VA

  • Tootle, Pip and Cheerio…To DK’s House We Go

    3 eager chaps paid no mind to the rain and posted to River Run to start the work week with a leisurely stroll, that went something like this (at least for 2 of us):

    Waste no time increasing the heart rate – head straight to and up Twin Team hill, right on Cawood Drive into Powderham, right on Drakewood Rd, left on Glendowner Rd – cross Ellesmere and take a right on  Gryphon Rd.  Around the corner it turns into Stonegate briefly, then right on Radstock – that turns into Kings Lynn Rd.  Cross Salisbury Rd and continue until we see DK’s house.  Tap the mailbox and return as we came.

    LugNut did his own things and avoided barking dogs.

    COT, Number-rama, Name-a-rama and YHC took us out.

    No new announcements – just get on a team and log some miles for the CSAUP.

    NMS:

    Great running with Rosie (thanks for waiting for me to summit Twin Team – man that is a killer).  Strong pace after that.  Thanks for pushing me.

    Despite our watches saying 2.5 miles and 22:30 minutes right at DK’s mailbox, somehow our return route clocked in just slightly shorter.  No worries, a loop around the BWES parking lot and we nailed 5 miles on the dot.

    We could see the LugNut beacon of light in the distance as we returned but we could not overtake him.  Good work Lug.

    Have a great day men.  No more Gumbo for you!

  • Slip N Slide

    10 Strong resisted the warm, dry fartsack this morning, and posted to Sunny and 70 conditions.

    COP

    Side Straddle Hop X 15
    DonQ X 10
    Merkins X 10
    LBC’s X15
    Flutter Kicks X15
    Copperhead Squats X 10
    Arm Circles (Large and Small) X 20 total

    Mosey to Bottom of Lindsay for some Lazy Dora

    -100 Merkins, sets of 10, P2 planks while P1 exercises

    -200 LBC’s, sets of 25, P2 holds legs 6 inches while P1 exercises

    -300 Squats (modified to 200) – Sets of 50 while P2 holds squat lunge position.

    Partner Carry up Lindsay to the stop Sign

    Mosey to the Field For Wheelbarrows = Wheelbarrow to the 25, stop each man does 10 merkins, same at 50 yard-line and 75.  Switch positions, and wheelbarrow back stopping at same points.

    Mosey to Horseshoe for Triple Check – Balls to the wall, flutter kicks, P3 Runs (each team 2 times through).

    PLY’s (leg toss) = 2 X 25 each, 50 each man

    MARY

    Dolly X25, Keymaster (WW2 X 25), Splinter (20 Pickle Pounders)

    Numberama, Namerama, and HoneyDo took us out….

    NMS

    YHC appreciates 10 PAX showing up in the elements for some fun.  Mumblechatter was light, and we got right down to business.  Thanks to Keymaster for partnering during DORA, although he dealt another super, juicy bomb out of his rear (second AO in 4 days where he’s likely left a crater in the ground).  YHC is certain that his drawers and socks for that matter are ruined forever.  YHC is now thinking that perhaps a dietary intervention might be necessary in the not too distant future (as this is becoming a pattern).  Thoughts?

    Needles to say, YHC was happy to partner with Ronnie for partner carries so that breathing was again possible.  Glad to see Ronnie back out after conquering the flu!

    The PAX seemed apprehensive when we hit the field for Wheelbarrows as conditions were lake-like with parts resembling Woodstock…  Honeydo took a mud pie to the shoulder and face due to the slip and slide conditions, however, his recovery was remarkable.  Enjoyed partnering with you brother!

    Great to see Wedding Singer and Garbage plate out at Hoedown, way to work guys!!

    Announcements: 

    -BT:  Toga is having knee surgery today, have him in your thoughts and prayers.

    -HoneyDo is taking the lead on helping out the men of the healing place as they train for the Monument 10k.  See him for details.

    Thanks for letting me lead today fellas, have a great Monday!

  • The Pax Hits the Little Piney

    Three veterans and one FNG decided that being two hours from Dogpile wasn’t a good enough reason to fartsack on a Saturday morning, and planted the proverbial flag at F3’s latest temporary AO: Crossroads Camp & Conference Center in lovely Lowesville, VA. So at 6am sharp, PAX headed to the hilly field for a beat down:

    THANG
    COP: SSH, DQ, IW, Freddie, flutterkicks, merkins

    It’s surely in the exicon somewhere, but YHC had no cell service to find the proper name, so “scatterbear” it was: 1 man does 5 burpees while PAX bear crawls away, man 1 chases and tags bears. Switch, repeat. The Hill made this rough.

    Partner Hill Runs: One man runs a hill that makes Heartbreak look like a speed bump, while partner exercises: 200 squats, 400 merkins.

    Half-Beast: merkins, lunges, burpees

    11’s: WWIIs & merkins, traveling halfway up The Hill again, of course

    MOLESKIN
    In the midst of the burdens and stresses of life & work, YHC was in dire need of time and quietude in the mountains. Surrounded by a beautiful landscape, excellent temperatures, and 40 or so good men from West End Presbyterian Church, a morning workout was just the thing to top the whole thing off. Glad to welcome in FNG Bill Philips, aka Nigel. Upon finding that Bill studied architecture and plays guitar, PAX was briefly excited to declare him Nigel, as a reference both to Spinal Tap  guitarist Nigel Tufnel and Frasier Crane’s architect brother, Nigel Crane. Seconds later, of course, we realized that “Nigel Crane, architect,” was actually “Niles Crane, psychiatrist.” But a name’s a name, man.

  • Pre-Blast: Healing Place 10k training team signup

    Starting next Saturday The Healing Place 10k training team for the Monument 10k will begin. Every Saturday at 7:30 from 2/3 to race day on 4/14 volunteers will he helping these men get ready for the 10k.

    Our hope is to have 2-3 PAX go over to help each week. Go after Dogpile, or straight there. These men are starting from scratch so you don’t have to be a runner, just willing to help support these men.  Please use the sheet link below to sign up for date(s)

    Google sheet Sign up link:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10vnhdGp17bT8GJw0xpj_dGpAwRTSo6m0kA5Z-a0d6DY/edit?usp=drivesdk

    Address:  700 Dinwiddie Ave, Richmond, VA 23224

  • And, peace be with you…

    9 Pax, including one FNGal Mary Caton Lingold, left the dry comfort of the fart sack to lay down some wet miles this morning. YHC signed up for Q last night in an attempt to influence the route in order to minimize damage to our glorious trails. Here is more or less what transpired.

    Arriving in the parking lot around 6:30 YHC parked next to TYA’s snack filled mom car, got his affairs in order and went over to join TYA for some conversation only to discover an empty car… guess he’s out already. The rest of the Pax arrived including the FNGal (friend of whistleblower) and the Q described the route;

    Across the bridge, down the access road, across Belle Isle, back across Potterfield, up the acces road and across the bridge. 7ish miles. Not the fun hilly trails we are all used to but sometimes we get on a plane headed to Paris only to land in Cleveland. When life gives you lemons – eat them whole, seriously, pulp skin seeds and all – and don’t break eye contact – maybe life will stop being such an a-hole if you show it you’re done F’ing around. Or make lemonade, you’re choice.

    Everyone set out together, except TYA who was already killing it, and YHC learned that he can keep up with Saab for a while but that he can’t keep up with Saab and talk as comfortably as normal. Saab broke off around Forest Hill Park and the rest of us kept on keeping on.

    Across the southern bridge to Belle Isle and headed across when out of nowhere Upchuck disappears into the woods with the ladies ?. Some mumblechatter about him calling out that he didn’t know the route but he clearly had us in his sites when he led the lasses astray… turns out they wanted some more hills and miles so they looped the island and took riverside back. 8ish hilly miles.

    Back to the parking lot and Fudd, probably sick and tired or hearing YHCs views on everything dipped out to take his kids to church. He was followed out by Helix and Sugar Sock (who ran further today then he had previously- ever – way to go Sugar!).

    Soon after Upchuck and his crew appeared, followed by TYA (13.523 miles) and then Saab (10ish) some of us enjoyed some snacks out of TYAs trunk (dubbed mom car by FNGal), TYA told her she wasn’t allowed to have two first names “pick one!” And was promptly told he obviously wasn’t from the south ? numberama, namerama, FNGal dubbed Half Pint for her love of all things Little House on the Prarie, and YHC took us out until he encountered a 404 file not found error at the end of his prayer – and settled on “and peace be with you all” what?

    Announcements – CSAUP, Upchuck and Honey-do starting training with Healing Place guys next Saturday and could use help  – talk to them

     

     

     

  • As The Pax Likes It

    Splendid morning with a strong 8 posting at GridIron. Mosey to the lower football field for Attila’s abbreviated disclaimer of “check it before you wreck it.”

    Thang:

    Slaughter Starter of the Pan Pax 8 Count Body Builder X20 variety.

    Salt and Pepper division of the PAX made with the latter taking the long road to the Pillars and the former taking the more direct route – Burpees X10 at 3 station stops en route.

    Pax selects 4 exercises (assortment of upper body, lower body, and core) X20, execute, finish off with Burpees X10. Rinse and Repeat X4.

    Enter the Golden Triangle for Dips and Step Ups, Rinse and Repeat.

    Slalom Run the Pillars to the Concrete Triangle.

    Gather at the Concrete Triangle for APDs X20.

    Pepper Pax run the Concrete Triangle X1 and High Skip same X1 while Salt Pax endure Merkins (and some late Carolina Dry Docks). Salt Pax run the Concrete Triangle X1 while Pepper Pax execute Merkins (some of dubious quality).

    Pan Pax 8 Count Body Builders X8.

    Mosey back to Parking Lot Pavilion – Pepper Pax take the long route and Salt Pax the more direct, each Burpees X5.

    Dips X20, Rinse and Repeat.

    8 Count Body Builders X3, APDs X20, Superman with vocals, and Child’s Pose Close.

    COT: Numberama and Counterama, J’ville announced Century Classic in April, and Takeout Prayer by YHC. Refreshment (fellowship) at Einsteins for 3/4th of the Pax.

    MoleSkin: Arriving at the lower football field, Attila was sure there would be little or no further movement at the AO. Wrong, and props to those who self-identified as Pepper Pax, especially Cecil and NightCrawler.

    The Pax seemed genuinely appreciative of the opportunity to shape the workout in response to the “on the fly” Q’s solicitation of exercise suggestions for the Stonehedge (naming credit: Johnsonville). WhiteDeer added to his growing list of observable disorders by doggedly defending his selection of Heels to Heaven as a lower body exercise. Diagnosis: autotopagnosia.

    ByProduct has set a strong example with his consistent postings – RedWood status earned.

    ChumBucket reached deep into his workout toolbox by offering the Pax the En Pointe Squat which is a like a pirouette with a squat in lieu of a turn. Get it wrong and it can be painful and embarrassing.

    The only thing planned in advance was the CrowdPleaser, a healthy dose of Burpees – 116 (see below) seemed like a good number.

    Stand firm and be thankful.

    Psalm 116

  • I’m really pushing now…

    28 descended upon Dogpile in reasonable temperatures for light calisthenics.  This is what transpired, more or less…

    As Lockjaw is still under the weather (get better soon buddy), he asked Circle K if he would take the Q this morning.  Since CK has his birthday-Q next week and was running on a tight schedule, he rightly opted for a hot potato.

    Circle K (first Q):

    COP:  Invisible Jump Ropes (i.e. jump up and down aimlessly), DQ’s (Sloooooowly), Squats.

    Ascending dips up Carillon steps (1 to 18).  Descending Inclined Merkins (18 to 1).  Plank up.  After a few reach-arounds and turns at Wilson’s Wife, turn Q over to Gomer Pyle

    Gomer Pyle:

    Hallelujah up steps of Carillon (i.e. holding arms in air) then single dip down each step.  Advance to circle past Carillon…

    Curb Crawls:  Bear Crawl then Crawl Bear back and forth 5 times.  1 merkin/derkin off the curb each time.

    Abs:  WWII’s, Flutter Kicks, Hello Dolly’s, (YHC is sure there were others…).  Turn Q over to Slurpee…

    Slurpee:  Partner up.  200 leg tosses among the pair.  Turns Q to Kubota (pre-VQ)

    Kubota:  Long mosey to Love Hill.  Partner carries ALL THE WAY up Love Hill…rotate carries as needed.

    Saab:  Jacob’s ladder up/down hill behind Carillon.  Ascending Burpees at the top of each hill up to 7.  Run to flag for quick Merkin Ring of Fire

    Just a few notes and observations from today’s workout.  YHC is certain there will be many more:

    • Apparently it is not Saab who HAS THE RUNS today.  Get well Swirly and I hope it passes (ha) soon.
    • Either YHC has inspired a few, or the PAX is just getting older and stiffer.  It was nice to see some others (Wilson) fall behind on the Don Quixote cadence today.
    • Speaking of older and stiffer, Marcel Marceau briefly mistook YHC for Hardywood.  YHC almost blushed.
    • Kudos to Kubota for his pre VQ (scheduled for Hoedown in a few weeks).  Once called upon by Slurpee he took off running towards Love Hill so fast, the PAX almost lost sight of him.
    • Marmaduke apparently lit off a few bombs this morning.  At one point during the inclined merkins – with a few concerned PAX facing his posterior –  he declared “he was really pushing…”
    • Thanks to Loveseat for helping to pound through the leg tosses.  50 per shot was a smoker.
    • YHC appreciates the growing number of positions applied to Wilson’s Wife.  He is certain the feeling is mutual.
    • Thanks to Shakedown for partner carries up Love Hill.  He would have carried the entire distance were it not for him taking intermittent breaks from Saab’s mumble-chatter in his left ear.
    • Welcome to Flatline’s 2.0 now named (Wet) Willy

    Announcements:

    Breaking Bread on Sunday.  Please contact Rosie or Hardywood if you are interested in joining them.

    CSAUP signup now (worksheet has been posted)

    Saab abides

     

     

  • Murph Friday – January

    4 brave men barred the cold to take on Murph Friday!

    Mossy to the main playground.

    10 rounds of the below with each round consisting of the following exercises.

    • 10 pullups
    • 20 Merkins
    • 30 squats

    After we completed the 10 rounds we headed back to the parking lot

    COT, Name-a-rama, Number-rama

    Strong work by all and we killed it in regards to time so we did a couple mins of mary.  Also nice job to Rosie to get 3 miles in before the Murph.  Marmaduke great to see you crushing the 2 mile run portion…..looks like you’re a step closer to BRR.

  • Best $1 I Ever Spent

    13 warriors rose to greet the dawn of a new day.  As expected, the temperature was 70 and sunny.  According to legend, it went a little something like this.

    COP All IC: Hand Release Merkins (HRM) Flying Squirrel style.  When the hands are released, they go all the way out to the side.  IC X 10, right leg up IC X 8, left leg up IC

    Flutter Kicks X 10

    Mark Spitz (flutter kicks with arms extended) X 20

    WWII Situps X 15

    SSH X 10, SSH Right Leg Up X 10, SSH Left Leg Up X 10

    Super Triple Check: Round 1 – One man runs loop in the parking lot, one man is in plank, the other is doing burpees.  Complete 75 burpees as a team. Round 2 – run, six inches, 100 team WWII SU.

    BAR Crawl:  Partner UP.  One partner completes a loop around the church.  Other partner bear crawls the switcheroo.  Next round crawl bear.  Do this until one loop has been completed.

    Merkinsville: Round 1 – 10 decline merkins, 10 dips, 10 incline merkins. Round 2 – Same as round one but with left leg up.  Round 3 – same as round 1 but with right leg up.

    Numberama, namerama, YHC had the privilege of taking us out.

    Moleskin: Way to bring it Mechanicsville.  These men have created something really special in DaVille.  Everytime I make the extended journey, I’m greatly rewarded.  Thanks for the effort and energy!  I left The Creek fully charged.

    NMS: The title of the BB came from an interaction YHC had a few weeks ago.  After making a $1 donation into the bucket of a man standing on Forest Hill raising money for homeless veterans, he says to me “God bless you and let yourself be blessed.”  Growing up in Texas and having allergies, I have heard “God bless you” more times than I could count.  What struck me in that moment was “let yourself be blessed”.

    I’m the luckiest guy on the planet and it’s a damn shame I don’t act like it every waking moment.  I think there are many reasons we don’t let ourselves be blessed and we get off the tracks a bit.  We may not think we are deserving or maybe it’s shame that’s holding us back. Whatever it is, letting yourself be blessed is a conscious choice you have to make. Maybe the bravest thing you could do today isn’t to hold your guard up, but to let it go.

    News:

    • Rosie has the Q for Breaking Bread.
    • See Honeydo for info on running with the exceptional men of The Healing Place during their 10K training program on Saturdays.
    • Get on a team for the CSAUP on 4/13 – 4/14.
    • Wild Thing is leading a men’s bible study beginning next Thursday at 6:30am at Rise and Shine.  The theme is love and surrender.

    Be super,

    Hardywood

  • Don’t pet that dog!

    Fifteen strong runners (no takers on Gears this morning) set out on our third attempt at The Serpentine route.  Weather was RVA winter.

    The Serpentine:  Down Grove, Left on Hamilton, left on Hanover.  Hanover to the end, do a 180 to Stuart.  Stuart to Hamilton, do a 180 to Kensington.  Kensington to end, do a 180 (thru the gate) to Leonard.  5 milers hang a right on Woodlawn to school.  6 milers go to Hamilton, 180 to Patterson, return to school on Commonwealth.

    NMS:  Several attempts have been made to nail this route, and we are still not quite there.  Looks like round 4 is in order….at least nobody bitches when Lab Rat pulls the map out.  Upchuck asked me if I had laminated copies….great idea.  I personally love this route, btw.  Running thru the neighborhoods appeals to me. Seems as though the 6 mile guys took the gravel griding route part way, ending up on a couple allies.  I wonder if I should have left them out of the backblast?  Sorry, Lockjaw, that was a cheap shot.

    At least two packs of runners came across the resident raccoon that lives in the sewer grate on Hamilton and Kensington….which barks!  No shit.  At first sight, I thought it was a big cat until it looked up.  Upchuck was taking the turn tight and didnt see it, and it started barking like a Chihuahua at him.  Crazy.  The six miler guys had a similar experience.

    Also noteworthy:  Offshore wore an orange plastic bag with arm holes cut into it for some reason today.

    Apology of the Week goes out to Rocky (Raccoon).  First off, for naming him after a song…but that’s just a slam dunk.  Secondly for ruining his morning walk with our antics.  Cant a fat raccoon just be left alone for 10 minutes?

     

    Lab Rat apologizes…