Tag: RAMM Gears

Mary Munford Elementary

  • 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.

  • ALL PAX: 1 Month Weight Loss Challenge “March FATness : BURPEE Busters”

    F3 RVA: YHC has been fighting a bad knee, which has not helped my usual daily calorie burn. YHC have joined the Weight Loss Challenge, Anyone from RVA Game to Step up!

    March FATness : “Burpee Busters”

    (see what YHC did…. “March MADness : BRACKET Busters” … so clever)

    WHO: Any and all F3 Nation PAX willing to commit to losing a individually selected, predetermined amount of weight through disciple and hard work.
    WHAT: 1 Month Weight Loss Challenge! You vs You. You determine the weight loss (most PAX chose 10lbs which is a little less than a third of a pound per day). Hit the goal, or you owe 200 burpees
    WHEN: March 1 – April 1 (32 days)…. 35 days if you want to start now!
    WHERE: Honor system on weigh-in (start and finish). ON 4/2 Saturday, ***200 chest-to-ground penalty burpees straight *** are owed by all PAX not meeting the weight loss they themselves committed to lose. If you are in SOB / Area51, this will be done after the Stonehenge workout together. Other F3 Nation Brothers, coordinate amongst yourselves to meet together at your preferred location, should any penalty burpees be required, or do on your own. You vs You… don’t cheat… honor yourself!
    WHY: April race season is around the corner! (Spartan Race OCR, Charlotte Racefest Half-Marathon, Battefrog OCR, Ultimate Challenge Mud Run… all in back-to-back-to-back-to-back weekends), lose the weight and don’t carry it around as an obstacle for these events. Have the beach body you want for the Summer. Does YHC really need to provide you with a list of reasons to lose weight (other than if you don’t need to lose any)? Stop.
    HOW: Post more, eat a healthy diet, get liposuction, drink less beer, whatever… it’s up to you but try to do it in a safe and healthy way (#asif).
    BONUS: Madame Tussaud (@MadameTussaudF3) is concurrently running a April Merkin Challenge where you can see how many merkins you can do in the month …10,000 merkins = 323 per day. OR choose the amount you would like to do.
    Tracking is be done on a spreadsheet that was set up by MT (#accountabilitysheet)… check it out here, log it yourself, or one of us can log it for you. But declare your starting weight and target weight (or just amount of weight you want to lose if you prefer) by 3/1 for accountability. If you are in SOB/A51 then there is a channel on Slack we can add you to (contact Wingman @trentjones).

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mGbXGtbmr1mxQeTrAZlIhSvefEcdZYhW5Jo3decBB68/edit?invite=CKqPxZAI&ts=56d1b643#gid=0

    Questions? Contact either J.R.R. Tolkien (@JRRTolkienF3) or Madame Tussaud (@MadameTussaudF3) for details on either challenge. Hope you will participate and these challenges will help you kickstart your weight-loss, keep you accountable, and make you better over the next month.

  • Dark Territory


    3 hard charging GEAR heads and 13 others( with out bikes) arrived at the AO in the cold gloom.

    THE THANG

    The route was as follows: turn left on Grove to Libbie, Turn Right on Patterson, Left on Malvern, Right on Boulevard, Right on Grove back to the Shovel Flag.

    COT by Lab Rat

    MOLESKIN

    As the Sheik and YHC gathered, The sheik putting together the vast assemblage of his gear, another fellow Gear Head pulled up, Welcome Ricky Bobby( He wants to go fast); a tomato walked up with yoga matt in hand to whisper to the Gear heads to please respect the neighbors. The Sheik and YHC looked at one another, both wondering, Are all the neighbors above 50? Politely shrugging our shoulders went back straight back into welcoming Ricky Bobby to the RAMM Gears fold. Ricky Bobby held his own keeping up with YHC and the Sheik, Ricky Bobby was riding a standard mountain bike.

    The Sheik decided that the ride needed a small fireworks display, and timed it just as the PAX was on Libbie to release his headlight into the spokes of his front wheel. The display was epic; although the celebration was short lived when the Sheik realized that his headlight was no longer functional. Unfortunately, the Route took the PAX into Dark Territory along Malvern north of Broad. Ricky Bobby and YHC managed to light the way and keep the Sheik reasonably safe.

    Upon Return down grove the PAX caught up with several of the RAMM regulars, The Sheik using some serious stealth maneuvers managed to wake up most to the Fan area.

    In celebration of a safe trip home, YHC shared a few Cuban cigars with the fellow Gear Heads to take home.

    Several PAX members mentioned some upcoming Running events, BLAH BLAH BLAH, etc.

    Lab Rat encouraged people to come out and see the Dog Jumping competition at River Rocks.

  • Road blockage


    1 faithful with a bike, 1 FRGNG(Friendly RAMM Gears New Guy) with a bike, and 14 others that opted to go bike-less.

    THE THANG

    Ride down Grove through VCU to Belvidere around Battery Park, back up Main to Road Block, cut over to Grove, down to Three Chopt, back to MM to the virtual Shovel Flag.

    COT by Lab Rat

    MOLESKIN

    KUDOS to TYA for joining the ever growing Bike version of F3, Two notes, 1) TYA does not have any lights or reflectors on his ride, 2) choses to wear dark clothing as well. In the past, YHC has been almost hit by a car while running, YHC can’t imagine what would have happened if Biking speed were involved.( the Metal carnage would have been huge!) Carytown Bike Co. has the lights, please go get them.

    The term Freight Train was used to Describe YHC Speed ability when any decline presented itself. The Sheik is actually much more impressive than YHC when the Downhill race is taken up. The brakes tremble with fear.

    As TYA and YHC wear headed back on Main Street, 3 cop cars, 1 fire engine, and 1 Ambulance were positioned to blocking the Route, with a quick change, we headed back over to Grove were the RAMM runners were in full force.

    More names are being adding to the list of those that are willing to join the Gears group when the weather warms up( FUDD, Loose Goose, It is true that only the older guys can handle the cold); however, YHC looks forward to that day!

    Announcements

    SEE TYA to sign up for the Blue Ridge Relay— Toga, It’s still in September.

    Ask Wedding Singer about the Earth Day 5K race.