Tag: #CSAUP

Completely Stupid and Udderly Pointless

  • Friday Night Ruck

    12 HIMs made it out for a special 9/11 version of Friday Night Ruck. We did this last year where YHC planned a frozen-triangle-esque ruck here in the Deep South.

    Started at Alamo 8pm. Only 6 HIMs to start the bootcamp, but the other savvy 6 joined before we left. 343 – 300 KB swings, 400 squats, 300 around the worlds. Runner to the trash can and back with their block.

    left the AO and headed to Matlocks house and then into the abyss of the wilderness. There’s a nice path through the woods that brings you to Satans Hill, so tick chiggers and spiders be damned, we marched on through! Up the hill one time for Rodeo Clown and bootcamp #2

    9 11’s – 11 merkins, 11 squat thrusters, farmers carry across parking lot. 9 rounds. Legs were feeling it! A pre-stashed cooler of water hit the spot and rejuvenated the PAX.

    Rucked through the new section and to the Woolridge Extension they recently cleared. Members of the pax became weary that YHC had a trick up his sleeve, and well, I didn’t disappoint. It’s about 1.25 miles to the end with a steep hill, and at the top was 6 sandbags waiting to be carried home. Work as a team, swap after a couple of minutes. Made it back to the beginning of the extension and we were all relieved to leave the sandbags behind.

    Rucked back to Alamo to the delight of many passer buyers. The PAX was rewarded for their hard work with cold beer and bourbon. Enjoyed some quality 2nd F afterwards.

    Great work everyone! 8.2 miles in 3 hours

  • Lightning Ruck

    Thunder boomed in the distance. F3 is rain or shine! 0530 and four CSAUP-loving SOJ studs shouldered the 60# sandbag and took off into the gloom. The goal was to reach DTH’s house and back within the hour. The neighborhood route was chosen to maybe dodge the risk of tree-falling injuries in the woods. Within 2 minutes sheets of driving rain drenched the PAX to the bone and filled our boots with an extra 5-10 pounds of rain water. Lightning in the distance was noted with due awareness but remained at least a mile away. High speed pace was maintained in a mostly downhill route to DTH’s place, dropping the Sandy in the new carport, then hustling the uphill Oxford streets back to the AO by 6:02.  Nobody died. Scram is a Double-Respect BEAST. Memories for life. Yours AYE! ~DTH

    Announcements (SEE SLACK!)

  • Sizzling CSAUP Postal-HIM’s

    A pair of diehard NOS heavy-weight ruckers embraced the absolute CSAUP-suck to hit the molten streets of Bon Air for a 4.5+ mile ruck delivering HUNDREDS of F3 invites into every mailbox between the Ruckhenge AO and the Bon Air Community Association pool, and also planted fliers onto all the windscreens of the BACA pool and the Planet Fitness / Trader Joes lots. Was it ridiculously hot and exhausting? YES. But if these sacrificial efforts bring just one more Sad Clown into the F3 brotherhood, then it was ALL worth it! Massive T-claps to L Woods to take YHC’s little mailbox drop idea and put it into ACTION by actually creating and ordering the fliers. Absolute HIM! Let’s be on the lookout for some FNG’s this week! Yours AYE! ~DTH

  • The Clinic Hosts Two for Two at the 10th

    Two posted just after 5 for the YHC’s 10th Anniversary. Temperatures remained 70 and sunny. According to @therealMr.WaterBottle, the following might have happened.

    40 pound pack, 2.3 miles, The Real Mr. Water Bottle, and YHC…not a terrible way to bring in YHC’s (roughly) 10th anniversary with F3. There will be a Beat Down Q to celebrate, but YHC has been feeling under the weather even while traveling a ton this week and weekend. Good to have a companion who knows friendship and loyalty like MWB.

    “Leave no man (err, Water Bottle) behind. Leave no man (err, Water Bottle) where you find him.”

    Numbers, names, and YHC took us out.

    NMS: 10 years ago, Honey Do brought YHC to F3. Thank you, Honey Do. YHC was a reluctant recruit…5:30 a.m. was a challenge. Just getting into Honey Do’s car was a challenge (the man carries at least 3,000 pounds of pocket change, eyeglasses, etc. in that car.) But, YHC is forever grateful for the invite.

    Unlike Faceplant with Mr. Water Bottle, a special thank you to Honey Do for picking YHC up. It’s made all the difference.

  • Ruckers get a Brazilian from The Flying Chad

    An elite squad of heavily-laden ruckers converged at Ruckhenge for the first leg of our OTB adventure. Before we could even leave the lot, an FNG-to-be chased us down to get the download on F3 and assured us he’ll be joining us soon. En route to the railroad track a second FNG-to-be stopped the march to also get our info. Seems daytime rucks might just be a great recruiting tool! We traveled a total of about 2.2 miles, and YHC felt very much like a sorry pack mule carrying a cooler of beverages in addition to the usual 50 pound ruck. But we arrived exactly on time at Machismo’s 12 acre paradise, and promptly dropped rucks and crushed a beer. 

    For the second part of our adventure, Machismo marched the PAX back into the woods and toward the railroad track where a number of old, mostly rotten, railroad ties were piled up. Dookie briefly danced with a copperhead, but no harm to either dangerous creature transpired. So two mostly whole railroad ties were shouldered, 3 men to a caber, and carried back to the ranch. We deposited the cabers next to Machismo’s log splitting arena, and took turns competing with splitting speed and maul VS axe. The clock face splitting for speed was particularly fun, and Machismo leaving the ground to split a gnarly bit was epic (see picture) – no wood can resist the power of The Flying Chad. We concluded our pre-dinner activities by being entertained with DTH and Machismo’s efforts to walk a giant wooden spool (see picture). 

    For our third quarter of this epic event, the PAX pulled up camp chairs, cracked beers, told stories, and watched the meat wizard (Machsimo) go to work. With a smaller number of PAX than expected, these lucky few HIM’s engorged themselves with triple portions of tomahawk lamb steaks, sandwiches of Brazilian-style steak & chimichurri on toasted baguette, and a couple massive steaks provided by Dookie. After devouring some of the meat Purple Rain asked if Machismo would have him for his wife, but he was quickly declined. The PAX got to meet the lucky M toward the end of our dinner and she agreed Machismo’s meat is the best. 

    For our final leg of the OTB adventure, Machismo (and his sweet dog) led a very jolly and stuffed band of ruckers back through the darkening woods to Rockaway, and then even remained with the PAX for the full return journey back to Ruckhenge. YHC was under quite a bit of weight, and found the return trip, all up hill, to be quite daunting. At the time of this writing, YHC is completely stiff and sore all over. But the PAX was very encouraging and all HIM’s completed the 2.5 miles trek back to Einstein safely. 

    If you’ve read this far, thank you. Even with many weeks to plan/prepare, not many PAX prioritized participating in this epic event, and it’s likely even fewer will choose to read about what we’ve accomplished out there. As with all things in life – you’ll get out what you put in. Be there next time fellas!  Yours AYE, DTH

  • I’m Not the Site Q, But I Have a Route

    A nine line of men built mutual strength through an unbreakable bond at the latest edition of Currahee. Temperatures were 70 and sunny. According to the guys walking super slowly three abreast along the road, the following might have happened.

    Figure Eight Route (if I say it’s a figure eight, it’s a figure eight).

    Old Prescott, do the very tiny loop at the cul-de-sac, and back to Godwin. Then, Maremont out past Raintree, do the Maremont Loop, right on Raintree (watch the walkers blocking the passing lane), and left onto Maremont.

    Do that 2 or 3 times, in whatever order each man chooses. From what YHC could tell, no creativity was requested or demonstrated. Lemmings all followed to their own slaughter.

    Numbers, names, and Lighthouse took us out.

    Announcements:

    F3RVA needs a few good men to volunteer to lead 3rd F activities. YHC is going to move on from The Bridge after 2 years. We are looking for a guy to step up to take this on. The role requires a small amount of organization to get a group to organize trips once a month to lead a workout at The Bridge (and usually stop at The Cumberland Diner on the way back). Give YHC a shout if you are interested.

    Prayers for Handshake’s family member, Charlotte (13 years old, YHC thinks…too young, in any case). She’s a strong kid, and no kid should have to suffer. Prayers for her parents and family as they are forced to endure the unimaginable impacts of cancer.

    Prayers for YHC’s friends Becca (glioblastoma) and Mike (health trainwreck).

    Keep our men and women in the uniformed services safe, and watch over our men and women who put their lives on the line in the intel community.

  • A Triangle has 3 sides

    YHC doesn’t know of another time the Frozen Triangle has ever been rescheduled. It is ironic that something that has the name “Frozen” was rescheduled because of actual frozen conditions.

    First off, what is The Frozen Triangle? Well it consists of 3 things: 20 minute Bootcamp at Dogpile, 3.4 Mile Run to Punisher, 20 minute Boot at Punisher, 2.9 Mile Run to 45MOM, 20 minutes Bootcamp at 45MOM, then 2.4 mile run to Dogpile to finish. Roughly 9 miles and 60 minutes of Bootcamp.

    Before YHC starts, happy 10 years to Bodo’s! You are always ready to jump into anything that comes your way. To quote the reverend from The Patriot “A shepherd must tend to his flock. And at times fight off the wolves…” Whether it’s a duel on the Pickelball court, or taking an Ultimate Frisbee game too seriously we are glad to have you as part of our group.

    YHC only completed one leg of the Triangle (45MOM Bootcamp and run to Dogpile) so YHC is missing the full details of what transpired before then.

    Dogpile – Bodo’s Anniversary Q. Not sure exactly what happened, but it was likely epic and entertaining. Then mosey to Punisher.

    Punisher – Gumbo Q. Also not sure exactly what happened, but rumor has that it was a tour of the campus while finding new and fun options. Then mosey to 45MOM.

    45MOM – Gypsy Q. Gypsy raided the Community Garden for Pavers/Edging Stones. Various exercises without any running: Block/Kettlebell Pass, Jack Webbs, then Wack Jebbs. Then mosey to Dogpile to finish.

    There was also a rucking contingent with House Party, Choo Choo, and Commando.

    NMS – T-claps to the guys that did the full Triangle, that is a tough CSAUP and there were a few first timers.

    Announcements – L Woods is involved in a Food Drive, please see Slack. Gypsy encouraged men to join a F3 Shield Lock, as well as to reach out to guys you haven’t heard from in a while.

    YHC is proud of the Pax that participated in The Frozen Triangle, especially those who were able to complete the whole thing. Special thanks to the guys involved in planning and to Corned Beef for running the Chuckwagon with snacks and water.

  • Frozen Triangle – Ruck Style

    Conditions were 10/10 gnarly (for RVA). Dry powder blowing sideways, snow and ice underfoot, and a wind chill that cuts to the bones.

    11 stud ruckers converged on the Frozen Triangle to remind the elements who’s boss.

    THE THANG

    Warm-o-Rama: DTH kicked things off with a high-speed Warm-o-Rama. The goal was to get the blood flowing and test traction underfoot before we set off. 

    The Ruck: We covered 8.9 miles of treacherous terrain. The ground was a mosaic of ice and powder, making every step a core workout. There was plenty of slips, but the PAX remained upright the entire time. Not one fall. Impressive given the conditions. 

    Bright blue skies, blinding morning sun, and  flags flying in the gusts. Some passersby honked. Others gestured. We waved back anyway.

    The conversation was deep. There is something about biting wind and freezing lungs that strips away the fluff and leads to real talk. We felt fully alive as we marched 8.9 miles closer to the men we want to be.

    Good work boys. 

    Next up is Frozen Triangle Part Duex on 2/21 0600 @ Dogpile. Let’s show up in number and have strong PAX representation. 

  • Many moons ago

    A birthday Q to remember. Me vs me I always try to push myself in the things I don’t like doing. I looked back to the recent ipc week 1. On the football field we ran 90 yards between each work out. 35 reps at each end of the field. We did start with 6 burpees in honor of Broadways request. Workout in the end zones consisted of: SSH, merkins, oblique lifts with cindies, plank Jack’s, lbc’s, oblique lbc’s, box cutters, WW2s, calf raises with 2 cindies, double count lunges, squats, and maybe one or two I’m forgetting. We racked up just over a mile. But with 9 minutes left on the clock I was saving the best for last looking to ipc for inspiration we finished with 90 thrusters. With some no shows on the FNGs I need i could go hard and these HIMS did not let me down. And now looking forward to Doolittles VQ next week.

  • The Things We Do For Beer

    ”You attract bees with honey” is a famous saying. Tonight showed you attract ruckers with beer! 12 (but then 13 after Cookie ate his pancakes and 14 after Ponch was told to get his ass out there) came out for what will be the first of many CSAUP Rucks!

    THE THANG

    Swoop kicked it off with ruckless 11s and ruck-on 4 corners around Alamo and we proceeded on our way. Crabgrass had a surprise for the PAX at the top of a dirt mound at a construction site where we found 6 sandbags waiting for us. Quick triple check with runner carrying sandbags + planks & SSH.

    We carried our 6 new sandbag friends with us as we made our way to Satans Hill. We split the group in half Team A) carry the sandbags to top of hill with rucks on and back. Team B) line up and do snake order merkins until Team A returns. Round 2 same thing but with jump squats.

    made our way to Old Hundred and Warby had a diabolical chart of exercises associated with letters. Spell your name and pay the price. Those with 5 or less letters had to spell their name twice!

    Began our 2.5 mile trek home to Alamo

    4 hours, 9.5 miles later we gathered around Alamo parking lot and began cracking open beers and enjoying some much earned guy time! Great work everyone, we pushed it hard today and no doubt each of us will be exhausted tonight and feeling it tomorrow, but we had smiles on our face the whole time and we all are glad we made it out tonight. One thing is for sure – we need more of these and there will be!

    THE HIGHLIGHTS

    1.5 miles in and Warby’s sole separates from his shoe. Thanks to some McGyver gorilla tape, we fix his “flat”. One mile later, his other shoe disintegrates and we need even more tape to get him back on the road. The fact that he completed another 7 miles in this janky setup is beyond words (see photo)

    Ponch’s daughter arrived home while we ascended Satans Hill and she was given a message to give her pops…”Get Your Ass out there”…and he obliged!!

    Special shoutout to Focker who answered a 10pm SOS call for some size 8.5-9 shoes for a ‘vagabond’ barely surviving.

    Thanks DTH for cranking the tunes even though one PAX was concerned the ‘house in the woods’ would be awoken by Bittersweet Symphony and seek revenge. Crank it up!

    14 HIMs have never had a beer that tasted so good. It’s so good when it touches your lips!

    Thank you to those who organized and thank you to those who supported. A great night for F3 RVA!