Tag: DownRange

  • You Can Learn Alot From Mariah

    Complaining does not work as a strategy. We all have finite time and energy. Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals. And it won’t make us happier.”
    Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

    A pax of one paid the price of a lactic acid party to greet the new year.

    COP:  3 mile run with the M.  Mosey to NBHS football field for a date with the Giant Ass Tire.

    100 Yard Tire Flip – Complete the following circuit until the Giant Ass Tire has been flipped end over end 100 yards, from one end zone to the other.  5 tire flips, run to opposite end zone, 10 merkins, 15 Thor Sit-Ups (combo WWII sit-up, American Hammer), 20 squats.

    100 Yard Burpee ladder – Start at one end zone and run to the 10 yard line and complete 1 burpee.  Back to the goal line and on to the 20 yard line for 2 burpees.  Back to the goal line and on to the 30 yard line for 3 burpees.  Etc. till completion of 10 burpees at the opposing goal line.

    Run Out The Clock – Do the following exercises until across the field until the other side is reaching.  10 lunges, 10 In Cadence Flutter Kicks.

    Numberama, namerama and Hardywood lead us out.

    Moleskin:  This sucks to do by yourself.  However, YHC was determined to do this workout and do it the right way. After watching Mariah Carey bomb her New Years performance, YHC took this as a lesson.  If you plan on faking it, you are better off just not showing up. Nothing good comes to those who mail it in. Also, a flesh colored unitard looks good on no one.

    Be super.

    Hardywood

  • Raised In The Lion’s Den

    “Decide what to be, and go be it.” The Avett Brothers

    A pax of 1 rose to the call of action for a sacrifical beatdown of gratitude for the year 2016.

    The thang

    COP: 4 mile run with the M.

    The Beast:  Exercises were Sippy Cup Merkins, squats, burpees, heels to Rosalita, Texas Hammer, Sippy Cup Merkins.  Starting at one end of the New Boston High School football field run to the 25, 50, 75, goal line, 75, 50, 25 yard lines (all the way down and all the way back).  At each yard marker perform six of the perscribed exercise over the course of 6 exercises.

    Cinco es Bueno:  5 rounds doing 5 reps of each of the following 5 exercises; flipping a giant ass tire, box jumps on the giant ass tire, dips on the giant ass tire, decline merkin on the giant ass tire, burpees and a short run.

    Homage to Swirly: On each of the 18 steps in the NBHS bleachers complete ascending incline merkins.  On row 1 complete 1 incline merkin, row 2 complete 2 incline merkins, etc to row 18 and 18 merkins.

    COT – Mosey to flagpole in front of school, namerama, numberama, Hardywood lead us out.

    Moleskin:

    Remember the scene in Castaway where Tom Hanks finally starts talking to himself with no one around but a volleyball?  It’s getting to that point for YHC.  YHC is calling out reps, shouting encouragement and making all kinds of weird breathing noises.  YHC is ready to be back in the friendly biosphere of the RVA mothership.

    “Raised In The Lion’s Den” is a line a Grateful Dead song, Minglewood Blues.  The flag pole at NBHS is surrounded by Lion statues, as that is their school mascot.  It seemed appropriate at the time.

    News:

    Seriously, start getting ready for the January 21st CSAUP.  See Swirly for details.  Those who can afford a day off on Monday to recover should schedule one.

    Be super.

    Hardywood

     

     

  • No. White. Flags.

    “That’s what dads do.  They past the best of themselves on to their kids.” – Steve Gleason

    After nearly summer time Texas temps yesterday, the winds of the plains came back with a vengence.

    The thang:

    COP – Four mile run with the M.

    Worlds Worst 11s – The exercises were an Air Bud Merkin (both hands off the ground at the top of the merkin) and a weighted Texas Hammer.  This is a WWII sit up with a 10 lb weight, at the top of the sit up, perform a one count American Hammer.  10 Texas Hammers/1 Air Bud Merkin, 9 TH/2 ABM, etc.. 1 TH/10 ABM. A short run was included between rounds.

    Fantastic Fours – The exercises were SSH, merkin, weighted Texas Hammer (10 lb), weighted squats (35 lb) followed by a short run.  There are 4 rounds total.  On the first round do 10 of each exercise.  Round 2 do 20 of each exercise.  Round 3 do 30 of each exercise. Round 4 do 40 of each exercise.

    5 Minute Burpees – Starting the timer at 5 minutes complete 5 burpees in the first minute, 6 burpees in minute 2, 7 burpees in minute 3, 8 burpees in minute 4 and 10 burpees in minute 5.

    Namerama, numberama, Hardywood lead us out.

    Moleskin – YHC must reiterate doing this by yourself is the worst.  Today’s title came from one of the finest examples of a man to ever walk the earth.  If you don’t know the story of Steve Gleason , drop what you are doing and get familiar with him.  While a star special teams player with the New Orleans Saints he was diagnosed with ALS.  His story is a lesson for the rest of us.

    My theme for 2017 just might be NO WHITE FLAGS.

    Be super.

    Hardywood

  • The Obstacle Is The Way

    “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Marcus Aurelius

    Another rainy day greeted a pax of 1 in New Boston, TX.  Humidity and doubt were the entry fee for those in pursuit of glory.

    The Thang

    COP:  SSH, LBC, Freddy Mercury X 20, Merkin X 10

    Polar Bear 40 Meters

    Airing of Grievances  – Utilizing two aluminum benches complete the following exercises in a round – Box jumps, dips with feet on opposite bench, incline merkin with one hand on each bench followed by a short run.  Round 1 is 10 count, Round 2 is 15 count, etc to Round 5 of a 30 count of each exercise.

    Power of 10 – Complete 10 rounds of the following: 10 X 4 count american hammer, 10 split lunges, short run.

    Ladder 2.0 – This ladder consisted of 6 stopping points.  On the first stopping point complete 1 exercise. Run back to the start then to the second stopping point and complete 2 of the exercise.  Etc. to the sixth stopping point.  Round 1 squats, round 2 merkins.

    Namerama, numberama, Hardywood lead us out.

    Moleskin – YHC cannot overstate how much this sucks to do by yourself.

    2.0 Joined for the Ladder 2.0 exercise.  We found a huge covered pavillion in which this 6 year old, future F3 warrior arrived only to skateboard, and left drenched in sweat.  The heart of YHC grew three sizes.

    Continued thoughts and prayers for TYA and his family.

    Swirly is planning a CSAUP adventure on 1/21.  See him for details.  Do not take this lightly.  By the sounds of the itenerary, most people would pay to have this kind of lactic producing adventure.

    Lab Rat is looking for the original creator of the Hill Billy COP exercise.  This is injunction with an 18-20 mile trail run on the AT on 12/28.  See Lab Rat for details.

     

  • The Grand Excursion – Freeman’s Revenge

    “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” Jefferson

    On a cold blustery December day at New Boston High School a pax of 1 showed up.  The call to arms was made.  In the air was equal parts rain, doubt and determination.

    The Thang

    COP:  3 mile run on rural dirt road with the M. Then take vehicle to the New Boston High School football stadium for a solo beat down.  Wait a minute, that came out wrong.  I mean, getting after it by myself.

    Usain In The Membrane:  100 yards of broad jump burpees.

    Fantastic Fours:  Exercises were merkins, heels to heaven, Freddy Mercury, squats.  Start with 10 count of each exercise (two count FM) and run 100 yards.  This is a round.  On each successive round add 10 count.  Round 2 is 20 count of each.  Round 3 is 30 count of each. Round 4 is 40 count of each.

    Lindsey’s Softball Playing Sister, Bertha – Start with 1 tire flip. **Please note this was the biggest tire YHC has ever flipped.”  Run approximately 50 meters to another tire and complete 10 decline merkins.  Back to the “Big Ass Tire or BAT” for 2 tire flips.  Back to the other tire for 9 decline merkins.  ETC till 10 tire flips at the BAT and 1 decline merkin.

    Burpee Ladder Emmit Smith Style – Perform one burpee at the 10 yard line, back to goal line and run to the 20 yard line and complete 2 burpees.  Back to the goal line then to the 30 yard line for 3 burpees.  Etc till the entire field is completed with 10 burpees at the opposite goal line.

    Namerama, numberama, Hardywood lead us out.

    Moleskin – This was a self preservation effort.  After two days of driving across the country and a stop in Hot Springs, AR YHC was in dire need of a solid workout.  Let it be know that doing this crap by yourself is 10 times harder without the rest of the pax.  On every single workout YHC wanted to quit or cut it way back.  However, completing this solo and in 40 degree rain lead to a huge feeling of accomplishment and connection back to the friendly biosphere of the RVA mothership.  I have the deepest gratititude for the outstanding men of F3 Richmond. There is zero chance I do this workout in these conditions without the incredible guidance and support I have received over the past year.

    The title of this post is in reference to fellow Virginian Thomas Jefferson.  During the same time as the Lewis-Clark Expedition, Jefferson had sent Thomas Freeman and Peter Custis to explore the Red River in what he called “The Grand Excursion“.  It was labeled as a scientific journey, but he was really laying the ground work for westward expansion.  He knew that if he didn’t do it another country would.  Despite a well outfitted team, they were turned back by the Spanish on the Red River.  This spot is only a few miles from the NBHS stadium and is now known as Spanish bluff.

    Thoughts and prayers go out to the great Yankee Aggressor and his family.

    Please see Lab Rat’s “Appalachian Vacation“.  This is a trail running adventure on 12/28 on the AT.

    Be super.

    Hardywood

  • Sunrise at Stinkhill

    A cold, breezy morning greeted 11 faithful and 1 FNG at StinkHill for the last of the concentric launch for F3 Hampton Roads.   Discussions on temperature, quantity of clothing and YHC’s clown car occupied the PAX until 0700 and the fun began.

    Mosey across the street to the playground parking lot.  Begin with a disclaimer and right into the workout.

    • 20xSSH then 5 burpees
    • 10 Don Quixotes then 4 burpees
    • 15 Hillbillies then 3 burpees
    • 15 Imperial walkers then  2 burpees

    20 LBC the YHC asked Dreamliner to complete the pattern, Dreamliner is confused and calls for Merkins –  ask DK if he sniffed it out so DK calls one burpee but fortunately for the PAX, this is where the pattern ends, 10 burpees OYO

    Mosey down the path a bit and stop for Partner Chase – Partner 1 bear crawl,  Partner 2 – 10 merkins run to catch up, 3 times through.   Mosey around the trail stop for Partner Chase round 2, new partner – P1 lunge, P2 10 WWII sit ups run to catch up.

    Mosey to bars for a shortened versino of Cindy 5 pull ups (modified) 10 Merkins, 15 Squats – repeat for 6 minutes.

    Indian Run around the rest of the the lake trail, stop for Mary – Dollies, American hammers, something else?

    Mosey to a good spot on the hill so we don’t run into any other wayward workout groups.  Go halfway up the hill Bernie Sanders Style (backward) stop for clock merkins- 5 each at 12, 3, 6, 9, 7 and 12

    Mosey to the field at the bottom of the hill for Lindsay with Imperial Squat Walkers and World War II sit ups (30/10, 25/15, 20/20…)

    Mosey to the flags for a little more Mary, including Rosalitas, Crunchy Frogs, Superman and close out with a ring of fire, 10 merkins each

    COT

    Numberama, Namearama, Johnsonville took us out

    Announcements:

    • Weekday workout started in Hampton Roads – See Dreamliner
    • CSAUP event in Richmond, 1/21/17, details to follow, possible clown car from Hampton Roads

    NMM

    Great day to get on the road early and see these men of F3 Hampton Roads, the cold weather makes it tough to escape the fartsack and get FNGs out. We got to see a wonderful sunrise over the lake but I’m not sure if any of the PAX noticed since they were trying to crack the burpee code YHC was laying out.  Welcome The Custodian, briefly Arnie, until the 2nd F and we learned of his occupation while at Liberty U.  This was the 2nd trip for YHC and Jville to StinkHill and it was great to see some familiar faces and new ones as well with 21 FNGs over the past few weeks.

    Rosie’s slight upgrade from the family truckster had the PAX from F3 Richmond riding to the AO in style and comfort.  No need to be crammed into an actual clown car when the Vanna is available for use.

    YHC wanted to do 10 minutes of Cindy but with so much to do at the AO and without proper pull up bars we cut it short to get some other things in.  A couple other minor curveballs in what YHC wanted to do but we were able to pack a few other things in to fill the gaps.

    Excellent 2nd F where we learned:

    • Why The Custodian had to get a new name (originally Arnie in the COT)
    • We need to leave room for Jesus when hugging, The Custodian knows how much space that is
    • We realized Dreamliner sprints everywhere, including back to get coffee refills
    • Mater has some ideas for a Q if he can get his hands on a telephone pole and boat, I want to be there for that one just out of curiosity
    • DON’T PANIC if you have a fire in your trash can
    • Offshore can optimize anything with programming, including the number of cuts to make on the trim of a bathroom remodel.  I want to see his next Q fully optimized for a maximum beatdown, or he could just pass it off to Swirly and say do what he says.
    • Finally, F3 Hampton Roads is in good hands for growth with the men they have EHed so far. Good luck to you in the coming weeks, hope to see you soon.

    A pleasure to take the reigns this morning men.  Well done.

    Everything is coming up Rosie.

  • From Survive To Thrive

    12 brave and fearless warriors arrived for a blustery Saturday morning.  This group of men was ready to take ownership of their effort and of Mt. Trashmore.  We were prepared for battle with just cause and able group of the willing.

    The thang:

    COP – SSH, Imperial Walker, LBC, Freddier Mercury X 20, Merkin X 10

    11s – Partner up.  Each team starts with Boo Yah Merkins and Partner Burpees.  Round one is 10 Boo Yah Merkins and 1 Partner Burpee.  Round two is 9 Boo Yah Merkins and 2 Partner Burpees.  Etc. to 1 Boo Yah Merkin and 10 Partner Burpees.

    Fantastic Four – Four rounds of four consecutive exercises punctuated by a run up to the top of Mt. Trashmore to “TYA Pole” and back down.  On each round add 10 qty to each.  Round 1 is 10 Dips, 10 Merkins, 10 Squats, 10 Leg Lifts then run to top of Mt. Trashmore and back.  Round 2 is 20 Dips, 20 Merkins, 20 Squats, 20 Leg Lifts then run again.  Round 3 is exercises X 30 then run.  Round 4 is exercises X 40 and run.

    Balls To The Wall – Three rounds of the following.  One partner gets in the Ball To The Wall position.  The other partner runs approximately 300 meters then switch positions.  Complete three rounds.

    Mosey back to flag for burpee shuffle and ring of fire.

    Numberama, namerama and Honey Do took us out.

    Moleskin:  YHC was pretty excited for this day, which lead to non-optimal sleep.  After the car was packed with a proportionate amount of coffee and shovel flags, YHC was not able a very necessary wallet.  This lead to a few brief moments of panic and then said wallet appear exactly where YHC had last placed it.  A few minutes after 5pm coffee was being poured in the Ellwoods parking lot and the clown car was loaded.

    Flipper held court for the drive down.  How in the world some one who doesn’t drink coffee can sound that much like Sam Kinison that early in the morning, YHC will never now.  Upon arrival at the AO we were greeted with the sight of shovel flags planted.  We were also greeted with gusty Atlantic winds that shivered me timbers.

    The Hampton Roads crew absolutely crushed it.  This was a full hour beat down.  If we are gonna drive down, we gotta bring our A game.  Mt. Trashmore is no joke and this place is an awesome AO.  Dreamliners super power is Balls To The Wall.  This exercise was done with such precision and closeness of his balls to the wall, there is a chance that in nine months there will be little baby walls with a Mt. Airy accent at Mt. Trashmore.

    The 2nd F was at Panera with most of the Pax able to make it.  Topics included the technical materials procurement division of NASA putting out a male calendar.  Amazingly, this hasn’t been done before.

    The clown car back to the nurturing biosphere of the mothership was a highlight for YHC.  There were many stories on the ripple effect this group of men has had directly and indirectly on the pax.  It is an incredible privilege to be a part of this community for YHC.  There’s a saying that you are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with.  That makes YHC a damn lucky fellow.

    Big thanks to Dreamliner for the consistent effort to build momentum here.  YHC is confident this will be a force in the years to come.

    Keep up the great work gents.

    Be super.

    Hardywood

  • Steady is the drip that wears the rock away…

    12 intrepid and burgeoning leaders – including 3 FNG’s – descended upon Mount Trashmore for what has now become a hallmark AO for the steadily growing Hampton Roads F3 site.

    The Thang:

    Bleeder Q:  Mosey to steps and perform Step Lunges to the top of MT. Mosey to other side of MT for COP:  SSH, LBC, DQ, Merkins, Imperial Walkers.

    Swirly Q: At the top of the hill, perform Polar Bears from one point to the “Pole” (more about that later).  Perform 20 WW2 situps, and run back.  Al Gore until all were done.  Run to bottom of hill near parking lot for a Triple-Check (2 rounds).  One partner runs up (stairs) and down hill, while other 2 perform Pole Smokers and Merkins.  Runner returns and everyone advances to next exercise.

    Saab Q:  Jacobs Ladder up/down MT.  Ascending Burpees up to 7.  Perform 5 WWII situps each time one passes the midpoint (level area) of the hill.  Hold legs 6 inches until all are done.

    TYA Q:  <start by reminding everyone the importance of his role as Q and how they must all do what he says>.  Perform 11’s from starting point to “TYA’s Pole”.  10 Merkins, 1 Flutter Kick (2 count).  Perform one more round of (10) Merkins and then mosey back to flag for a few minutes of Mary.  Mary:  Rosalitas, Hello Dollys, American Hammers, LBC’s, Superman.  TYA then took us out.

    Moleskin:

    With Bleeder’s “Jack-Bag” in hand, the Richmond PAX departed for Mount Trashmore several hours before dawn.  As one gets to know each PAX, you learn such things as their “density,” one’s preferred temperature (every 15 minutes), and the precise times one’s GI tract come to life each morning.  One also learns that banging on the doors of a convenience store that has not yet opened is acceptable and explainable behavior when one finds it is owned by Bleeder Enterprises, LLC.

    Upon arrival at MT, the PAX was quickly impressed with the size and area of the park and quickly named off a litany of potential drills.  TYA was convinced that, given his commanding leadership as a Q, no PAX would question swimming the lake if directed.  It was at this point YHC questioned that assertion and weighed his respect for a pillar of F3 RVA, with the health risks associated with swimming in a lake located at the foot of a former trash dump.

    There was some initial debate on where to park – either where F3 RVA was previously instructed to park, or elsewhere.  The Richmond PAX chose elsewhere.  It was at that time we had to regroup and mosey to the proper location where the Hampton Roads PAX had already planted their shovel flags.

    As we proceeded through the workout, TYA felt compelled to profess his knowledge of science and engineering by quizzing the PAX on the purpose of the “pole” potruding from the top of the mountain.  Knowledgeable responses were swift, however, and thus “TYA’s Methane Gas Pole” was anointed…”TYA’s Pole” for short.   During the Triple-Checks, one of the PAX remarked on Swirly’s slow, steady, and textbook-form when performing the Merkins.  Swirly’s commanding reply was “Steady is the drip that wears the rock away…”.  It was at that point the PAX were rendered speechless by Swirly’s poetic prowess.

    Also observed was the distribution of custom t-shirts off a (tiny) truck to the “Campos” contingent – which reportedly read “Campos owns Mount Trashmore” on the back. It was all Swirly could do to restrain himself. There was also brief discussion surrounding the number of times the PAX went up the hill during the course of the workout (7)…or 11 by Swirly’s math. (In fairness, one must qualify whether merely “Traversing” a hill counts, and if there is a break in the ascent (e.g.to perform WWII’s) it almost feels like two climbs.  Interesting that one of the PAX pointed out…”we only went up the hill once last week”.

    We welcomed 3 FNG’s (LN2, Sheldon, and Lance). They worked hard today and I hope they continue to post and bring in others.  TClaps to the following: Lance…for choosing to take a morning run before the workout (because 1 hour is not enough), Priorities…for having a baby last Tuesday, and still making the time to post, and Dreamliner for his ongoing enthusiasm and effort to make F3 Hampton Roads a reality.

    Announcements:  Workout at MT next Saturday.  Beginning the week after Thanksgiving, DreamLiner is starting a mid-week workout beginning at 5:30.  Please continue to EH others and grow F3 Hampton Roads.

    Saab abides

     

     

     

  • Hampton Roads Is All In!

    14 Redwoods witnessed a beautiful sunrise from atop Mt. Trashmore at the inaugural planting of the Hampton Roads shovel flag.  It begins again, and here’s how it went down:

    Mosey to shovel flag for warm-up COP: 15 SSH, 15 Imperial Walkers, 15 Don Quixote, 10 Merkins, 15 LBCs

    Mosey 1st field: 50% run, 75% run, Karaoke x2, 2x bear crawl half the field then run, 2x crab walk half the field then run, Plankarama

    Mosey to benches for 10 dips and 10 squats in cadence repeato x2, 10 derkins

    Arc loader to footbridge then run the rest, repeato x3

    Mosey back to pavilion and partner up for People’s Chair while partner runs to base of Mt Trashmore, repeato x4

    Mosey up steps to top of Mt. Trashmore, enjoy an amazing sunrise, 10 merkins, 10 flutter kicks from side of hill, 10 derkins, run down steps and complete 10 incline merkins

    Mosey back to field and partner up for LBCs while partner touches 5 trees, repeato x2

    Mosey back to shovel flag for 5 Minutes of Mary: LBC, Alabama Prom Dates, Hello Dolly, Rosalita, Superman/American Hero

    Moleskin:  Mount Trashmore may not sound glorious, but the newest F3 AO has tons of potential for future beatdowns.  The PAX took up the challenge and crushed the first workout, and YHC knows that this group is going to kill it in the Hampton Roads area.  You could see the red pill taking hold as they pushed themselves through the first of many to come.  There were several highlights, and here are a few of the better ones:

    • YHC left his shoes on the back porch, but Lab Rat packs 3 pairs and was ready to help a Q out.  Lab Rat also left one of his shirts in the Toga Mobile just to get a call back.  YHC has seen this trick before and will not fall for it.
    • Splinter and Upchuck got to meet a contingent of Campos in the parking lot prior to launch.  There were some interesting differences, and some pleasantries were exchanged.
    • Dreamliner is pumped about growing the PAX, and his energy is contagious.
    • Space Monkey loves his new moniker and can face plant during bear crawls with the best of them.
    • Best wishes to Average Joe as he gets ready for his Spartan Race and then rehabs the knee (note: not F3 related)
    • We’ll be anticipating the announcement of Priorities’ new addition.
    • Mentos sighs when Lab Rat keeps talking just like everyone in the RVA PAX.
    • Thanks to the RVA PAX for making the trip!

    It was a huge honor to lead this morning and be a part of a growing F3 Nation.  Pass it on #leap

    Hampton Roads Day 1

    Stay Classy,

    Toga

  • Windy City

    A Pax of 2 ventured forth from their hotel to the park across the street.

    COP

    20 SSH

    15 Don Quixote

    20 Imperial Walkers

    Arm Circles- 10 small, 5 large – reverso

    Line up at the 12 on the giant sundial in the park. Bear crawl around the outer circumference stopping at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 markers to do that many repetitions on the following:

    lap 1 – merkins

    lap 2 – burpees

    Mosey down to the park adjacent to navy pier for some Dora.  Partnered up, one of the pax would run the loop around the fountain while the other did the following: 100 merkins, 200 flutter kicks, 300 LBCs.

    Next on to 11s with dips on the park bench and derkins on the fountain mound.

    Mosey back to the hotel and perform a round of pole smokers.

    Finish the workout with a ring of fire, twice around!

    McRib took us out post announcements.

    NMS

    Perfect weather today for an urban nomad beatdown in the Windy City the morning after a Cubs victory!  We  attempted to get others to join us, but the prospect of working out at 530 deterred many.  Another day to go to EH more volunteers.

    it was awesome laying in the park during Dora and watch the city come alive as lights came on in a fragmented pattern across the neighboring apartment skyline.

    Go Cubs!