Category: Richmond, VA

  • He who looks backwards……

    9 of RVA’s finest descended on the mostly deserted (and dark) grounds of Tomahawk Middle for a Fudd beatdown. According to the raccoon rifling through the dumpster, the following may have occurred:

    Mosey from the parking area towards the back of the school about 50 yards for COP while we wait for Splinter to show up:

    SSH’s, DQ’s, Merkins, Flutter kicks, Imperial walkers, Arm circles

    Mosey behind the school to the football field for 11’s: burpees in one end zone and squats in the other.

    Tunnel of love from one endzone to about the 40 or 50 yard line.

    Mosey back to the area of the SF for 15’s…..bear crawl across a stretch of concrete, do 10 dips on the guard rail, bear crawl back across said concrete to the beginning, do 5 pole smokers. Repeato for 9 dips and 6 pole smokers and so on until all PAX completed 5 dips and 10 pole smokers.

    Mosey back to the frozen tundra adjacent to the SF for Mary. Each PAX picks an exercise…..Flutter kicks, Merkins, something else, squats, Wilson’s reverse pineapple leg raises, lunges, Freddie Mercuries, American Hammers.

    Numberama, Namerama, YHC took us out.

    NMS:

    This was YHC’s first ever post at Timberwolf and why not Q when you’ve never visited an AO before? After picking up his FNG, YHC arrived on site early and drove around in circles, trying to figure out where to park. After a quick phone call to Splinter, YHC gained the knowledge necessary to park his car, plant his shovel flag, and prepare for a beatdown with some of the best dudes in RVA. As many of us know, one’s first experience at F3 can make or break your willingness/desire to return. Knowing he would have an FNG in tow, YHC put out the call for “good dudes” earlier this week, and some good dudes showed up in spades.

    YHC may have been a little overzealous with the 11’s on the field. Running 100 yards between sets equals more than a mile of running and that definitely got everyone warm. YHC must admit to being woefully underprepared for the darkness behind the school. One would think that a light or two might be on but No…….it was pitch black back there without any moon to assist. Thankfully, Heist brought his headlamp and shed a much needed light on the situation.

    FNG Escobar performed admirably today, keeping pace with the PAX during all evolutions. The Tunnel of Love is always a crowd pleaser, and everyone’s quads were burning by the time we reached mid-field.

    Several of the PAX inquired as to why YHC kept “looking backwards” towards the front of the school during COP. YHC picked that spot so that Splinter would see us when rolling in (YHC knew he was running a couple of mins late). Upon reflection though, there aren’t many times in life where “looking backwards” is advised or encouraged. (We didn’t go down this wabbit hole today but YHC is feeling poetic so here goes)…….Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” There’s also the story of Lot’s wife, who turned to stone when she ignored the angel’s advice and looked back at Sodom and Gomorrah. While YHC had a legitimate reason this morning, “looking backwards” in life often doesn’t bring about anything positive. While it certainly is productive to take stock of one’s past actions with a desire to improve or change for the better, looking backwards at our past can also bring about feelings of regret. In YHC’s opinion, regret is one of the most toxic emotions that one can feel as we cannot change the past, and dwelling on past mistakes does not put one in the kind of positive mindset that is conducive to service to God in this world. Certainly we should take ownership of our mistakes and strive to be better men every day, but we must also give ourselves grace…..no one is perfect, and we will continue to make mistakes as that is part of the human condition. As we approach the end of 2022, YHC encourages everyone to give your past, mistakes and all, to God and ask Him to take away the guilt and regret and replace it with hope for the future and the faith that He will give us the strength necessary to accomplish His will for our lives, and for our family’s lives, in the new year. “I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord….”Plans to help you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.”

    Coffeeteria at Starbucks afterwards was great fellowship, and YHC was happy to hear that FNG Escobar had fun and intends to return to the gloom in the future.

    Thanks for letting me lead boys. It was an honor and pleasure as always.

    Never stop chasing the Wabbit!

    Fudd

  • 12s and 29s

    Four eager beavers including me took a tour of the roads around Mills Godwin high school.

    COP: DQs, helicopters, HRMs, FMs, DMH run the bus loop.

    Exercises: There were two dice and six exercises for each dice. First dice was for 12 reps. Second dice was for 29 reps. Dice 1 – burpees, sit and press, lawn mower pulls – 2 count, overhead pulls, sumo squats and halos. Dice 2 – bicep curls, bench press, flutter kicks with coupon – 2 count, LBCs – no coupon, SSHs – no coupon and dips – no coupon.

    We would mosey to different areas around the school sometimes having to lunge, sometimes rifle carry and sometimes just carrying the da#n coupon. We had the tendency to pick SSHs which made me ban SSHs. We also seemed to like sumo squats and lawn mower pulls. We made the estimated half mile trek around the school and still had time for a mountain climber, American hammer, DQ and DMH cool down.

    Prayers for Attila’s mother n law and Florence’s in laws. Convergence is at Dogpile at 6 a.m. (that is early) on 12/31. There is a run to different AOs in January. I forget the name of it because I sometimes am a bad listener. Just ask my M. It was great seeing Florence make the trip up north and I continue to be amazed at what Pigskin can do with a bad back at Triple Respect. And it is always good to see our site Q Attila.

    Hopefully Mike White can bring the Jets back to their winning ways this weekend. Do great things.

    Fireman Ed

  • Christmas Eve at The Bridge

    Eleven men of purpose assembled just after The Gloom to conduct the latest version of The Bridge. With temperatures soaring to 70 and conditions sunny, 8 PAX started on-time and were joined shortly by 3 more. According to the three dogs running and jumping to stay warm, the following likely happened:

    COP

    Mixture of SSHs, Don Quixotes, Helicopters, LBC’s, WWII’s, and TYA’s version of a merkin (like a flip-side version of Vinny’s flutter kicks). Or, something like that.

    12 Days of Christmas

    Surely, you all know this starts with 1 burpee. Two WWIIs, 3 of something else, and so on and so forth until 12. YHC was asked to “pick” the exercise for 11, which YHC was then told was not appropriate for 11, so YHC “second picked” 11 heels to Heaven. 12 was SSHs. Honestly, not having YHC’s joints freeze was considered a win.

    Mosey to the Parking Area for a triple check. Or, at least YHC thinks this was next.

    Man 1: Dumpster and back

    Man 2: WWIIs

    Man 3: Monkey humpers

    Mosey to the Corner of the Circle (yes, this circle has corners):

    Partner up. Each man runs in the opposite direction of his partner. When they meet, do 10 partner boo-yah merkins. Second round was partner heels to Heaven (or whatever those are called). All YHC knows is TYA’s hands must have been cold so he was pounding on YHC’s shoes to warm up.

    The PAX did something like the above a couple of times, but YHC was so cold, the only thought was of how long until time.

    Circle of Trust included a few exercises. Wiggle toes and fingers and such.

    Time. 45 coldest minutes of F3 in quite some time.

    Names, numbers, and TYA took us out.

    Announcements:

    Bear Creek on March 12. See Lockjaw. 10 mile run in the woods. Limited ground cover, so fewer opportunities for full wipe-outs than in prior runnings.

    Gomer is cooking up something for May. Sounds like a one-man, three-part loop-de-loop. Think WWI aerial combat only in two dimensions instead of three and probably with some merkins.

    NMS: if you haven’t been to The Bridge, you are missing out. Who helps who more? Us or them? YHC feels like he grows every time he attends. Challenge yourself to attend this.

    Solid to see 8 of RVA Current and RVA’s Honorary Members’ Finest in attendance on a 5 degree day. Windchill had us at minus 8 or minus 9. Brr. Not BRR, but brrrrr.

    Great to spend a few minutes catching up in the balmy 25 degree building with Jay.

    Hardywood spread some Christmas cheer to the residents. Well done. Knocked their socks off, literally.

    UpChuck spits the bit.

  • “Twas the night before Christmas”

    The Bridge was first and way colder. Breaking Bread with the family was prepared all afternoon and way warmer. Thank you to Publix for significant prep assistance!!!

    Both filled YHC’s tank and provided reflection on the night of Jesus’ birth!

    Could I be any more blessed? I don’t think so!

    Loud and Proud,

    Flatline

  • 45 Minutes of Gerry x 2

    A naughty 9 descended upon Mary to experience a tale of two Geriatric Q’s. This is what transpired – more or less…

    Q1:

    • Donkey Kicks, bear crawl, run out and bernie sanders back (3 rounds)
    • Suicides on the Courts: Mountain Climbers and Merkins intertwined

    Q2:

    • Four corners: Burpees, Merkins, WWIIs, SSHops. Variety of running, lunging, and Karaokes mixed in. Ascending, then Descending.

    NMS:

    Good to have TYA healthy and back in the gloom. His excitement was reflected in his persistent pursuit of more Burpees. Hitchhiker will be skiing for the first time today…YHC will be hoping it ends well and not in crutches…

    To paraphrase what TYA expressed in the COT, take stock in what you have – and not in what you don’t have..

    Saab abides

  • Time to Run Again

    YHC showed up with Hash to see two Rucker’s cars and no one else, initially we thought it would be a father son run; however, Opus and Mr. Holland showed up and we kept a level route with a sub 9:30 minute per mile pace ran for 2 miles then walked for about 4 minutes when Hash piped up that it’s time to run again. We continued running for another mile, then Opus and Mr. Holland walked for about 3 minutes while Hash and YHC ran to the clubhouse for about 3.2 miles total then stopped for a cool down walk towards Atlee Road. We picked up the Ruckers and we all walked back to the clubhouse. Opus and Mr. Holland were able to get in 4.2 miles, Ruckers 4.5 miles.

    Numberama, Namerama, YHC took us out.

    Moleskin

    It was great to get out again for a run and at 32 degrees, this felt warm compared to the sub freezing 20 or less degrees for workouts the past couple of weeks. 2022 is coming to end and we are talking about what is coming up for the new year. Always great to catch up with the guys and hope everyone has a great day today.

    Announcements – We are planning a 2nd F for Wednesday January 4, 2023 at PBR on 301 at 6PM. If you can make it North of the wall, please plan on it.

    Congratulations to Oyster for posting over 300 this year, that is amazing and shows grit and commitment…he is quite the Q also! Way to go brother!

    Speaking of Q’s – Doozy has 100 this year and to celebrate he is Qing at Dogpile this Saturday at 6am. Another great accomplishment! Phenomenal Doozy.

    I hope to see you in the gloom soon fellas, your friend and Cheers….CB!

  • There is 1 in 99

    YHC was on a solo mission at the Forge this morning.

    Mosey to the circle island in front, between the schools for COP

    Schrunchy Frogs, American Hammers, Deadman Hangs, Imperial Walkers, Squats

    Man Killers

    Mosey to the corner for a solo triple check

    50 LBC’s, 50 Plank Jacks, Run around the circle island (X3)

    Lung from light pole to light pole, Bear Crawl from light pole to light pole, mosey to front of HS

    Another solo Triple Check

    50 WWII’s, 50 Squats, Run big circle island (X3)

    Mosey beside the school towards the back by the ticket office

    Another solo Triple Check

    Wall sits (count to 50), 30 Dips, (tried to do Tooth fairies but had to modify to) Bear Crawl up steps mosey around fence back to the start (X3)

    Mosey down the ramp BTTF finish with Schrunchy Frogs and American Hammers

    Numbers / Names YHC took me out

    NMS:

    A solo Q is tough especially when it’s cold out, thoughts of stopping early, not doing something because its tough and reducing a count all cross your mind from time to time. Beatdowns are not meant to be done solo, that’s what makes F3 such a great resource. Accountability and fellowship keep you focused and push you to be better. Are you better today? I am better because I know that there are guys that will read this BB who were not there with me physically today but because I am accountable to them and because I draw strength from their friendships, YHC was able to do the hard stuff even when nobody was with me.

  • Please nobody lick the Coupons

    Eight eager PAX posted to First Watch to find several coupons lovingly deposited by THE BEST site Q in all RVA. A few morons posted for Broga but the rest of us took off at 5:00:

    COP: SSH, Don Qs, Imperial Walkers, Merkins, Reverse Crunch, Scorpion kicks.

    THE THANG: Mosey to RRbC back lot to start with 4 Corners: 10 Merkins, 20 WWIIS, 30 CCDs, 40 Jump Squats. 2nd Round: HRMs, Monkey Humpers, Squats, & something else. Partner Up and Wheelbarrow across and back with partner. Go grab coupons and mosey to Henrico’s smallest park: Block the Plank & HRMs, 3 rounds. Switch partners and run road to light and back while doing Block Thrusters. Back to coupon drop zone, gather other 3 and circle up for block stations. 8th man is timer with 10 burpees. Annoucements and YHC took us out.

    NMS: Great to have Wedding Singer and Whittler join the regulars. Our trusty site Q texted YHC at 3:57 am that he was dropping coupons off but couldn’t post since he was sick. That is dedication. YHC considered a gift after Xmas but everyone’s gift will be printing and in the mail to them soon as the FW order is fulfilled.

  • Last WTH of the year

    With people out of town, others on the sick list and Roger Roger flying, it was just Lighthouse and me today. 6 trips at a fast walk around the school, 200 merkins and 200 dips. Discussion of coal in Ukraine and what happened when Nixon froze prices (again) in 1973.

  • Obi Vincent – KB King

    YHC was pumped this am as he researched another great KB workout from Obi V! HE always has some great complex routines that gets your full body exercised. So like a good student, notes were taken on a 3×5 card, placed in a zip-lock bag and was left at home!

    No worries-from memory here is what went down:

    Brief warmup – 20 SSH, 10 Alternating KB lunges.

    THANG

    First Rotation – Plank Pass Through 10 each side 10 KB full swings then KB 1/2 swings (in squat position) , 20 on back holding KB above chest flutter kicks. Wait for 6, jog a lap. Repeat rotation two more times with 30 second rest between, then walk lap to recover.

    2nd KB complex was 10 swings each arm to a squat, then 10 cleans each arm and 10 snatches each arm. (This was best to alternate arms for each snatch) we walked a lap between each complex set…tough one for the legs here!

    Cool down – Plank Pass Though 10 x each side, Alternating lunges each side and, for Yardsale’s enjoyment, a healthy dose of ‘Boat – Canoe!’

    Welcome Florence to Manndate!

    COT

    Numberama, Namerama – Florence took us out in prayer.

    Moleskin –

    This was a cold morning for sure and everyone comes in hot to this one, I had to grab an extra KB for Florence and he is ready for The Circus workout tomorrow on the West end! We warned him of the healthy mumble chatter at this AO and will Bulkhead back from Vegas…well… what is said here stays here! It was also great to see Florence visit the folks north of the wall! Nice photo op with the Corn-Flo Corn Hole Championship trophy!

    Announcements – Convergence this Saturday at Dogpile, normal time 6am. Doozy’s 100th Q! Bring your shovel flags if you have one, if not make one for this event!

    Excellent workout this morning Gents as it was an honor to lead and hope to see you again in the gloom soon! Cheers….CB!