Tag: RAMM Gears

Mary Munford Elementary

  • Over the river and through the woods

    16 strong posted on a beautiful spring morning for a run or bike ride. Weather was perfect for a run, high 60’s, low humidity and the sun was rising.

    The thang:

    Commonwealth to Momunment, right on Monument, 4 milers turn at The Boulevard, 5 milers at Allison and six milers at Stuart circle. Back to commonwealth and back to the shovel flag.

    Bikers headed to the Hugenot bridge, to riverside drive, Riverside to the nickel bridge and back to the shovel flag.

    NMM:

    Lots of folks hung out after the run/bike this morning. As BT and I left at 7am, BT pointed out that we spend as much time hanging around talking as we did running this morning. Great group of guys out there to catch up with after the workout. Always amazed that no matter what the weather, we will stand there talking after the workout in the cold, rain, etc…

    Congratulations to Marv. Found out today that he won the “Best runner in 3rd Grade” award back in the day. I knew his immense running talent had a long history. Just did not know it was so award filled. Also congratulations to No Tools. His son just signed on with VCU to play catcher for them (he was highly recruited to the best of schools and will be a great asset to VCU). Maybe Marv will announce some of his games. Also congrats to No Tools for his daughter. She is currently at the Olympic trials for swimming. Clearly some athleticism in that family. All I can think is that his wife must be quite the athlete!!

    The six milers were flying today. With about 3/4 of a mile remaining in my five mile (almost) loop, Rosie came sprinting by, followed by Marv, Sippy, and Saab. Saab ambled along with Mother and I for the last half mile. Lugnut was a Lifo today and did a slightly different route, returning on Grove instead of Monument.

    Bikers took a little bit of a longer route today and pulled back into the parking lot around 625. Ricky Bobby was reported to have killed the big hill coming back up from the Nickel Bridge. YHC has taken on that hill many times and it is a tough one, especially since going through the toll booths slows you down a bit.

    Announcements

    Batteau workout commencing on 6/20 at Forrest Hill park. Hardywood has the lead on that new AO

    Phonics is sponsoring a corn hole and rock and roll event tomorrow at Marty’s in Mechanicsville.

    Tomorrow is the last day of the “hostile takeover”. Come on out to Dogpile or GridIron for a rare appearance at each from TYA and Bleeder. Should be an easy beatdown?

    TYA and Bleeder out

  • Gorilla (s) in the Mist

    2 Bikers and 18 runners posted on a humid June morning for a beatdown.

    The Thang:

    Right on Grove, 4 milers turn at Lafayette, 5 milers turn at Roseneath, 6 milers turn at the Boulevard, and 7 milers turn at Robinson. All proceed to Three Chopt, turn around and head back to the shovel flag.

    Ramm Gears folks road to Williamsburg and back for a quick morning jaunt of just under 100 miles. Great job guys

    NMM:

    TYA spent months researching routes in and around the AO. Having done my due diligence, I quickly settled back onto the Grove Avenue loop that we started on and did for the first six months or so of the run. Many groans were heard when I announced the route. In my defense, I did add another option, the seven mile loop, to mix things up a bit. No one took me up on the new route.

    Very hot out there this morning. 75 and humid to start things out. Sippy was the first to start shedding clothes. He began and finished the run shirtless. YHC jettisoned his shirt after the first part of the run when we went back by the shovel flag. Toga also opted for the shirtless option and was quite a vision with no shirt and no hair on his head. Toga was out front today. When he looped back around BT yelled over to him something like “Lookout, a bald Gorilla is on the loose”. Luckily no children where up that early in the morning to witness the scene.

    Announcements:

    TShirts are on sale for Spider Run. Sign up now so we can meet our minimum order quantity.

    Fudd is having a barn raising party tomorrow. Starts at 8am. Come on out. He will have warm beers and nearly empty bags of chips with only crumbs left for refreshment.

    Lab Rat mentioned two charity events that Phonics is sponsoring. One was a corn hole tournament on June 11th. The other was a 5K run. See Lab Rat or Phonics for details. (just as an aside, corn hole means something entirely different in the Northeast. I can assure you we do not have that kind of tournament in Massachusetts)

  • The Original Hit by the Original Artist

    Sunny 70
    16 Faithful posted this early morning in a not so gloomy gloom. 13 RAMM runners and 3 RAMM GearHeads. The Q’s gave directions and it was supposed to look like this.

    THE THANG

    Starting at the School Parking lot, Run toward the Boulevard on Grove, 4 mile loop Turn at LaFayette, 5 Mile Loop turn at Roseneath , 6.2 Mile loop turn at Boulevard, Back down Grove to Three Chopt, then back to the Shovel Flag.

    GEAR THANG

    Intervals, Hills, and Gear changes and back to the Shovel Flag

    COT in Silence

    Moleskin

    Kudos to the six individuals who opted not to Drive to the AO this morning, Ricky Bobby and Abacus were vying for furtherest distance away( Out by Collegiate and Somewhere near Daville), Sippy and Saab were a close 3rd and 4th both running from their neighborhoods that are nowhere near the AO, with NoTools riding in from Worldwide Head Quarters on Hamilton. Followed by MARV, who moseyed his way into a still strong 6th place from his house.

    Stifler’s mom discussions were abound this morning, Rumors of late night dinners and other intesinal combatants were to blame for the emergency procedures that apparently were executed or not executed this morning, the details of the incidents were sketchy at best. Thankfully there were no Seal team members with clipboards to document the actual occurrence. ( Today the role of Stifler’s Mom is going to be played by Pucker, a Jville Understudy)

    It was an awesome site to see the huge crowd of Runners crossing Libbie at a serious pace to finish their loops under the 45 minute Window. Leading the Pack were Rosie and Dutch, both of whom came flying by Lug Nut and YHC with a glamorous comment “Only a Half mile to go!”

    The reports on the GEAR group came in intervals, Ricky Bobby taking the Q, The Group did a series of Intervals and hit the hills around of UR before heading back to the Shovel Flag, Abacus was proving to be a machine in cranking as if he was just using the Throttle in a race car. He was able to give a pointer or two on the cadence and Level pedal strokes. NoTolls reported back in at Worldwide HQ that he rode over 30 miles this morning, rumor has it he saw Saab on the South side of the River just before crossing the Nickel Bridge and then again as he was coming back across the Mayo bridge in Downtown Richmond somewhere near the Federal Reserve building. (THIS JUST IN —- TYA Reported seeing Saab Crossing Lake Charles in Louisiana at 8:15 this morning) ( NOTE to self – New F3 RVA T-Shirt idea design – Where in the world is Saab? — Saab does abide)

    With the unofficial start of Summer this weekend, Today was the first time this year YHC was able to run over 4 miles, the last time YHC was able to do that was in November before YHC accident tripped over a Horseshoe(it was NOT Lucky). Thanks to Lug Nut for sticking with YHC today, Not sure who was helping who today, (Pretty sure YHC was not helping Lug Nut.) YHC was happy to say that no pain in the problomatic left knee while running was a major step in the right direction. YHC is looking forward to a Summer of Running, with the occasional Bike throw into the mix; Thanks to the bike, YHC was able to recover and run again this early(Against all medical advice/ common sense) or even a have chance to make the BRR. Thanks to everyone in F3 RVA for the support through some cold frostbitten days on the Bike; YHC could not have done it without you guys!

    When we talk about leadership, it comes in many different forms. Celebrating the lives that were given for our country this memorial day, it is just one way people demonstrate the gratitude of a grateful nation. Being a leader, somedays is just about being thankful for what you have, and realizing that many pieces that had to fall into place in order for us to be where we are today. The moment of silence in the COT today was for many reasons; Honoring those who gave their lives, showing that I don’t possess the words or the ability properly and adequately express my gratitude, and ultimately every person has to clear their mind for what they want and/or need; Silence gives everyone that chance of reflection.

    Peace out. Bleeder

    Announcements:

    New F3 RVA Shirts – Get them before they are all gone — http://f3.mudgear.com/collections/va-richmond

    Spider
    daville

    Normal Schedule through the Weekend. Check @F3Richmond for any changes the Q’s may have for the Holiday on Monday times.

  • New Classic

    16 runners and bikers came out for perfect spring time run with a little chill to the air.

    The Thang:
    5 and 6 milers did the Carillon route with 6 milers extending to Patterson on the return trip.

    4 milers took Grove east, left on Boulevard, left on Monument, and left on Westmoreland.

    NMS:
    Great turn out this morning.  Everyone’s times are getting faster and the distance covered is growing.  Way to push it!

    The Pax caught sight of Saab periodically along the route as he interlaced this run with his 20+ mile route today.

    Good luck to TYA and Labrat running the half marathon on the trail this weekend.

    Lockjaw

  • Patterson here we come

    9 runners and 1 strong biker posted for a Friday morning workout. Weather continues to be stellar for the morning workouts. Early morning workouts certainly take advantage of good weather conditions.

    The Thang:

    5 milers, Commonwealth to Patterson, Patterson to St. Christophers, Left onto access road in front of Three Chopt, Left on Grove, back to school and one lap around school to finish. 6 milers, right on grove to Hamilton, left on Hamilton, Left on Patterson, then follow the 5 mile route back. Bikers, head to UR and play on the hills for 45 minutes.

    Naked Moleskin.

    Always interesting to do a new route. This is one of my favorites from the past, when I used to live at the intersection of Patterson and Malvern. Good memories of the route and it did not disappoint me. With a new route, comes directions. When YHC was explaining the turn onto access road in front on 3 Chopt, I was having a hard time conveying the concept to the PAX. Splinter quickly cleared things up “look, just dont run on three chopt”. That worked and it seemed like everyone got the idea. Only problem with the route was the stated mileages. I was off by about a half a mile on the 45 and 6. The PAX were very accommodating, just adding the trek around the school to get the stated distances.

    YHC was in hot pursuit of Gumbo for the whole run today. Gumbo is much like Bleeder. You can catch up to him, but there is no way to pass him. I caught him on 3 occasions, did not change my pace, yet he pulled away again and again. Oh well, maybe next time.

    We had three takers for the six mile route today. Sippy, as usual. He was joined by Splinter and Rosie. Not sure if Splinter is a regular six miler, but this was Rosie’s first round with the longer route. Great job fellas. I only hope one day to be able to do that.

    YHC took us out.

    One slot left for the BRR sign up soon. Talk to HC

    Marv and Saab were missed along with many other regulars. See you guys back out there in the gloom again soon.

  • Stroll to Dogpile

    14 runners and bikers enjoyed a great morning on the town

    The Thang:
    Head east on Grove.

    At the Boulevard, 4 milers take a left and go to Monument. Left on Monument, left on Westmoreland and back to the SF.

    5 and 6 milers instead take a right on Boulevard and head south. Boulevard turns into Blanton. Take Blanton right up to the front of the Carillon – up the steps, across the promenade, and back down the steps.

    Outbound on Blanton, left on Douglasdale. Go across the highway and a right on Portland. Take Portland to the end and dogleg through Windsor Farms.

    Cary to Malvern and head north on Malvern. 5 milers take a left and head back on Grove to the SF.

    6 milers continue North on Malvern to Patterson. Left on Patterson, left on Westmoreland, and back to the SF.

    Marv took us out inspirationally as always.

    NMS
    Testimonial of F3 – YHC runs further, faster and with deeper meaning with the Pax than on his own. The 5 milers took turns pushing the pace with Swirly cranking it up on the last stretch. Good conversations with all and I got to know Mr. Rodgers better.

    Saab ran to the workout, ran the 6 miles, and ran home. YHC was on the lookout for a broken down Saab on the side of the road. Driving home, I did overtake him about a mile and a half from the AO still going strong and perhaps even at a faster pace. Well done Saab!

    HDHH next Wednesday. Let Flashdance know if you are going so he can get a headcount.

    See TYA for one of a few limited edition BRR spots remaining.

  • Fartlek.., it’s Swedish

    7 runners and two cyclists posted for a lovely spring run/bike through RVA.  Here’s how it went down.

    Runners turn left on Grove for a 4 minute warmup.  We then commenced with a Fartlek (alternating between faster and slower paces) workout up to Three Chopt, down to the 195 overpass, and back to the school.  The PAX alternated between 1 minute fast pace intervals and 2 minute relaxed/slower intervals.

    YHC has no idea what the bikers did, but I doubt it looked like this.

    YHC closed the COT

    NMM:  Apologies to the Monument Ave. 10k runners tomorrow.  YHC didn’t think about that as running in a sardine can lost it’s appeal years go.  Hopefully the speed work will help and not hinder your race.

    Fartlek seemed to confuse Fudd as he kept going back to Fartlick and some VMI thing he was subjected to/perpetrated himself.  To quote the venerable Saab, “It’s Farlek.., it’s Swedish.”  The explanation didn’t seem to help.  YHC also encouraged the runners to use a pace greater than their normal ability to maintain a conversation.  It should be noted that Lab Rat was not discouraged.

    Lastly, thanks to Abacus for demonstrating that TYA is not the only person wearing sausage casings rather than compression pants.

    Announcements:  Abacus seems to have joined the BRR, but see TYA for more slots.

    Contact me for the dates you want to Q or participate in the Hampton Roads launch.  We need a minimum of 4 per Saturday on 6/4, 11 and 18.  Let them know how we lead in RVA!

    Stay Classy,

    Toga

  • Which building is Gryffindor?


    4 Gear Heads and 16 Runners Plus a LIFO arrived for some serious Sunny and 70 Cardio work. All exchanged pleasantries in the normal fashion before heading in their groups specified direction.

    THE THANG

    Down Grove for some indian run Gears Style; right on Three Chopt Left on Tawano Left into Univeristy of Richmond for several loops and gauntlet/hill intervals.

    Moleskin

    NO Tools explained to the other gear heads that the wind would be a factor in todays ride, which gave chase to the Indian style sprint down grove. Happily, Ricky Bobby’s new ride came in handy for the more road oriented spectacular that become todays ride.

    As we entered the University, The Sheik took the lead and proceeded to give everyone pleasant tour around his Alma Mater , as we climbed the hill on the other side of the lake, admiring the stunning architecture, NO tools proceeded to ask “So, which building is Gryffindor?”; which was followed by, as you can imagine, several more Harry Potter’s styled jokes, Was Snape’s office near the Cafeteria, followed by my personal favorite, Can you also play soccer on the Quidditch field? The Pax passed several buildings and fields where the Sheik spent time playing football, Studying, etc. At one point The Sheik exclaimed I did my best work in that building right there. Not knowing we had just passed the Cafeteria, NO Tools said, “Was that your dorm? Never mind, I’d rather not know.”

    As we looped around the campus, The Gear PAX discovered that a road Closed sign may appear to be quite similar to a field closed sign; However, unlike the city, A massive barricade followed by a 6 foot fence, will actually stop the PAX from trying to cross; The gauntlet through the building challenged the PAX bike evasive maneuvering skills. Ricky Bobby was glad to report that his new bike could navigate the right angle turn effectively.

    On the Loop back to Three Chopt, No Tool made an attempt to run across the Baseball field; but the field was closed(no signage was apparent.)

    The Hill Climb back to Three Chopt was quite effective at wearing down at least half the PAX, whilst the other Half was ready for more.

    Announcements:

    New AO’s and Workouts coming online

    April 6th W Dog- Dogwood Dell, Adding to the Wednesday Morning workouts.

    April 7th Circus Maximus – Godwin , A Kettle Bell/Block Workout ( Limited Running?)

    MARV is starting a Running group on Tuesday mornings – More Details to Follow

    POST WORKOUT:
    Abacus reported that he faced the Winds NO Tools mentioned as he was ridding to the AO from Daville! He busted a wheel on the Ride and Limped back to the MM. Ricky Bobby lent him a wheel to make his way back home.

  • RAMM Nation

    GO RAMS!

    A pax of 18 strong descended upon Grove for a crisp morning run/bike.  YHC planted his brand new shovel flag, TYA laid out the route, and Bleeder took the lead for #RAMM GEARS for a group effort Q.

    THANG:

    TYA kicked it old school this morning with an all Grove Avenue run.  4 milers run to Lafayette, 5 milers to Roseneath, and 6 milers leg it out to Boulevard.  Everybody 180s it back down to 3 chopt for yet another 180, then back to shovel flag.

    NMS:

    Great to run with Honey Do again.  Conversations drifted from weight loss to the 25 year anniversary of grunge, to his upcoming half marathon on Sunday.  Burn it down, HONEY DO!

    Saab and Rosie had the restrictor plates engaged until either a given point or until they tired of YHC’s chatter, then let the ponies run.

    Swirly was spotted off in the distance, but had his sights on faster splits.

    Mr. Rogers and Sippy paired up for a run of unknown distances…but safe to say further than 5 miles yet maybe not quite 6.

    YHC forgot his newly planted shovel flag in the madness of the rather large ball of man. He’s a big dumb animal, folks.  Thanks to Circle K for going back to pick it up, and Saab for stepping up as well.

    YHC will “leave it to Bleeder” post the deets on the cycling side.  (you see what I did there?)

    Announcements:

    http://f3nation.com/2016/03/08/w-dog/

    http://f3nation.com/2016/03/02/pre-blast-afsp-golf-tournament-april-25/

    http://www.dominionriverrock.com/  Half marathon #CSAUP

    This Tuesday is first DaVille workout, Circle K has the Q.  Chickahominy Middle School, 9450 Atlee Station Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23116

    Swirly has the helm for DogPile in the morning.  TYA said it should be easy.  Swirly responded “the wall just got 10 feet taller.”

    Teneis buenas fin de semana,

    Lab Rat

  • Trenches, Snow, Bikes…

    3 Bikers and 13 non-gear folks arrived in a Snow covered AO. Here’s how the Gearheads hit it.

    THE THANG
    Departing MM heading into Windsor Farms towards the trenches, Going off-road to do some trench work, followed by a Carytown and Fan Tour, back to the Shovel Flag.

    Moleskin

    When looking at options for a snow filled morning, The Fat Tire bike seemed like a good choice; however, since no snow appeared to be actually sticking to the road, and the Trenches made for an interesting ride had there been more light, and YHC’s memory of riding through the trenches as a child actually seemed less intimidating; but as The Sheik eloquently said” You have got to be Kidding me!” with the first drop into the snow infested trail.

    YHC was fighting the weight of the monstrous wheels for the latter part of the Ride, The Sheik and No Tools had very little issue riding their particular rides. Perhaps YHC should consider the use of helium in the tires. Clearly the Nitrogen isn’t doing the trick, after taking some wedge out, the bike does corner a tad bit more effectively; however, the centripetal force does give the impression the bike is making the Earth rotate off-axis while trying to execute a simple left or right turn.

    No Tools continues to impress with his riding ability, always being on look out for the Motorized vehicle that would end a day poorly for any biker. Lights on bikes can only be but so effective. Thanks for looking out for us!

    Various Announcements

    Fudd is still looking for golf teams (and sponsors) for the charity he is coordinating to support suicide prevention. To that, TYA is looking for 4th man for his team…

    Still have open slots for BRR (9 and 12 person teams). There will be a mountain house we’ll be renting for use afterward.

    Lab Rat will be hosting the happy hour in Mechanicsville this month (following the new F3 AO he is coordinating!) Word is, if you get a couple beers in him, he drops his quiet demeanor and becomes a bit chatty.

    Weight challenge and running-mileage challenge this month. Not too late to sign up for one or both.

    Friday – Run/Gears around MM (don’t let a little frozen precipitation dissuade you)
    Saturday – Saab Q for Dogpile, DK Q for GridIron (Looks like potential for a double-dip folks).
    Sunday – Trail run (chip-away at those 100 miles, and/or prep for the BRR). Shorter routes are also an option for those not accustom to longer runs.