Tag: RAMM Gears

Mary Munford Elementary

  • 336 Hours and Counting

    Four consistent cyclists showed up this morning for RAMM Gears, but a record 19 runners pulled into the Mary Munford parking lot for RAMM. At our 5:30 departure time we were exactly two weeks, or 336 hours, away from the start of the Blue Ridge Relay. By the time you read this, several of those hours will have disappeared. This looming deadline appears to have motivated many of the pax to pack in additional miles this week.

    The Route: Reverse Carillion. An old standard used at the AO several times this year. Always an energizing run as all participants end up racing west on Grove and the six milers attempt to catch those with shorter routes. YHC was therefore somewhat familiar with the path, although grateful to Lockjaw for providing a more detailed description. Apologies are due for some less than clear directions given. Saab took us out.

    Mumblechatter: With TYA’s release of the BRR team assignments there was much sorting out between new rivals. Taunts and insults were heard as BRR participants realized former friends had become adversaries. Swirly, TYA, and Wedding Singer left early to add additional mileage. The five milers ran together for the first mile and then spread out as the six milers caught up. Lockjaw was missed during the debate on proper tapering technique (too late already?)

    Gumbo could still use help with Breaking Bread on Sunday afternoon.

    ReeseStrong 5k in three weeks.

     

     

  • Taking minors across county lines….

    The AO was calm

    Like just before hurricane

    No Big Blue in sight

     

    An elite seven

    Running a route forty-two

    The one Marv prefers

     

    East on Monument

    Back to the AO

    The routing for most

     

    Swiper got rolling

    Crossed county lines with Scrappy

    Followers beware!

     

    Upchuck’s Announcements

    Just one year ’til golf event

    Takers anyone?

  • Reverse Setaukit AKA Do What?

    Thirteen men rolled out of the sack to enjoy a Friday morning run.

    The thang: Repeat Lockjaw’s ‘Setaukit’ route from last Friday but in reverse.

    Moleskin:

    Aye! YHC thought this would be much easier than it was. 15 PAX handled this route flawlessly last week, so just reverse it and those who didn’t know the path could partner up, even though there were many turns involved. Only YHC and Marv made it through the designed course, but one way or another everyone got their miles in. Props to Lockjaw commandeering the PAX through the normal route on a weekly basis. YHC will work on his run Q leadership skills as mentioned in the prayer.

    Welcome Bronson ‘Paris’ to F3RVA.

    Announcements – BRR coming up soon! May need more runners as a few have dropped out. Reesestrong 5K/cold beers and crabs Sept 16th.

    -Singer

  • Bus Stop

    17 Pax had a strong showing today with the Setauket route before them.

    OBT took us out.

    NMS:

    YHC provided route instructions and maps prior to the run which kept us closer to the intended course, but there were a few strays.  The third time will be the winner!

    YHC likes this route with the various neighborhoods and terrain – rolling hills as well as long stretches on Dover.  The hill on Charmian did not disappoint and brought some BRR love to the RVA.  You are welcome.

    The good samaritan award goes to Upchuck.  Upon seeing an older lady standing on the sidewalk at 5:30, he looped back to make sure she was ok.  Turns out she was waiting for the bus, but Upchuck’s character came through.

    Announcements:

    • Upchuck’s golf tournament on Monday
    • Reese Strong 5K September 16 – Oyster, crabs, colbeer, and fellowship afterwards
    • See TYA for those interested in BRR spots

    Time to Taper,

    Lockjaw

  • No pool today, just humidity

    17 escaped the lure of the FS to hit the roads today.

    Reverse Carillon routes for the runners.  Splinter was the lone 6 with many  groups running 5.

    Fudd took us out.

    NMS:

    Today it looked liked we went in the pool.  I think I was less wet yesterday.

    It was good to see Fuddski in a surprise appearance after a while away.

    TYA continues to push both fashion and technology with his cooling suit.  It is slightly odd with him putting ice packs down his pants before a run.  Maybe Wilson was on to something with the long sleeves in summer…..

    As the BRR approaches, its been good to see the Pax come out and push their distance and pace.  Keep it up!  Almost there!

    Time to Taper,

    Lockjaw

  • Marv’s last walk to RAMM

    On Friday July 21 Marv walked for the last time to Ramm – and no one has heard from him since… I believe he is in the process of a move to a temporary home  while he awaits his new  house to be finished. Word is it will be ready on Thanksgiving – (BT said of what year) …. He is just kidding of course – it’s looking good Marv… Anyway – hope the move is going well Marv.  Marv is famous for a few things – allow me to list a few : His golden broadcaster voice – prayers, running, skunk shoes, VCU, writing excellent BB’s – and not posting BB’s which is why Corporate had to jump in on this one :).

    We ran Monument Ave last Friday – my apologies if I leave any of the pax that were there out – doing my best to remember that day…  But gotta get this posted – Big Data is for real !

  • Bastille Day

    15 runners and bikers embraced the humidity in celebration of Bastille Day.

    4 milers and 5 milers headed east on Grove to take a left on Hamilton.  Hamilton to Cutshaw and cut in front of Thomas Jefferson High School.  4s continue to Blacker and hang a left taking to W Franklin.  5s continue to Staples Mill to Monument west, a left on Willow Lawn Drive, and a left on W Franklin.  4s/5s take W Franklin back to Lafayette.  Right on Lafayette to Grove to the SF.

    6s take Commonwealth to Cary.  East on Cary to Thompson to Floyd.  East bound on Floyd to Monroe Park.  Back on Cathedral to Grove to the SF.

    YHC took us out.

    NMS

    The theme of today’s route was in recognition of the Franco-American relationship with routes covering Lafayette, Hamilton, and three ministers to France, (Franklin, Jefferson, and Monroe).  Our own revolution was largely successful due to French aid.  Lafayette and Hamilton overtaking redoubts 9 and 10 respectively at Yorktown while the French fleet prevented British reinforcement leading to Cornwallis’ surrender.

    The cry of the French Revolution – Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity – are evident every day I post with F3.  I am proud to belong to F3RVA!

    Announcements:

    • Up Chuck has a golf tournament in August
    • Toga is hosting auditions to replace his F3RVA presence based on wit, sarcasm, and form police.
  • Dirty Dozen

    The high humidity rendered this group of 12 just plain dirty by the end.

    4 Milers – W on Grove to Libbie, to Patterson E, to Malvern S, to Grove W, to SF

    5s and 6s – W on Grove to Henri to St Chris to Patterson.  East on Patterson.  5s turn at Malvern to Grove.  6s turn on Nansemond to Grove.  Grove to SF.

    It was good to see Aisle 5 today and give him a good ribbing.  A disclaimer should be provided for those American Hammers to prevent injury.

    BRR training was in full swing with Aisle 5, Wilson, and Honeymoon.  YHC showed restraint and did not provide guidance on proper taper form.

    Announcements:

    • HDHH Wednesday the 12th @ 6pm – The Answer on Broad St
    • Upchuck has a golf tournament in early August.  The 7th perhaps.

     

  • Step up or Step Aside

    20 pax showed up for a Q-less run/ride this morning.  Lab Rat knew about the empty slot and came prepared, calling the Carillon route.  Marv gave the flying assist calling for the Carillon route in reverse!  Splinter was maintaining the official clock, so when YHC turned to him regarding time, he said GO.

    The reverse Carillon route is such a classic because it forces the 6 milers to commit the extra 3/4 of a mile right off the bat (5 mile route is actually 5.25).  This gives the route a bit of a fox v. hare scenario, where the 5 milers (hares) are wanting to stay out in front of the 6 milers (foxes).  Sometimes you win, sometimes you get eaten.  This morning, the 5 milers fared pretty well against the 6 milers, with a good majority finishing in front of MARV, who led the way on the long route this morning.  Splinter is recovering from losing 7 pounds somehow after getting his wisdom teeth pulled.  I didnt think you could shave 7 pounds of Splinter without removing a limb.

    Awesome to see some old faces out again….Sippy Cup, Aisle 5, and Pucker.  Cake is visiting from Roanoke, and (smartly) brought his bike along to get in some miles with the GEARS folks.  BRR season is upon us, guys!  Great job to all this morning.

     

    Lab Rat Apologizes…

  • One Short

    13 foot-soldiers (no horseman today) reported for duty in sunny and 70 degree rain showers to splash a rectangular tribute to a fallen F3 brother.  Here’s how it went down:

    All runners headed north on Westmoreland.

    4 Milers took a right on Grace to Malvern
    5 Milers took a right on Jacques, another right onto Dabney and then to Malvern
    6 Milers took a left on Dabney, pushed forward two blocks and backtracked south on Dabney to Malvern

    All groups headed south on Malvern to Cambridge, curved on Cambridge to Berkshire, and then home on Commonwealth to MM (except the Q, who took a wrong turn, caught up with TYA, and joined the handful of PAX to get lost in their own Q).

    Mumblechatter:

    We lost a brother this week, F3 name Cheech.  In place of the normal mumble chatter, Q encourages all PAX to take a minute to pray for his family, friends, and colleagues.  Part 2 of Q’s suggestion is to put down the phone, i-device, remote control, or keyboard…go hug your wife, kids, girlfriend, parents, dog (I hate cats), or whoever, and let them know you appreciate them in your life.  Thank them for making you better.  Q out.

    Announcements: 

    Last week of C’ville.  Be ready 5:45 a.m. Saturday for the clown car.  Contact Lab Rat or Honey Do.
    BRR…T minus 76 days and counting…starting training now.
    Speaking of which…Wednesday hill runs.  Go.  Run.  Grow.
    VQ Week…sign up now.  This requires: 1) being able to count aloud to three, and 2) being willing to put yourself out there…piece of cake, get your first time behind you, and all the rest are easy.  You can do it.
    Golf Tournament: August 7.  Augustine Golf Club, Stafford.  Clown car.  Fundraiser for Guadalupe Free Clinic.  Sign up with UpChuck (timnee@gmail.com)
    Two Can reminds everyone…”Don’t deny the facts.”  The man can swipe right with the best of them.