Tag: RAMM

Mary Munford Elementary

  • The Bearded Oyster

    The Pax was solely on foot today, whether running, walking, or rucking.  This was the first Friday in sometime without a bike presence.

    YHC explained the Grace’N’Allen (Grayson Allen) route in recognition of UNC’s triumph over Duke last night.  Other parallels include a route that is loaded with cobblestones, potholes, as well as other tripping hazards and seems to go on a little too long.  Go UVA, SJU, and UNC!

    4s/6s – Head West on Grove to Bunting, cross Patterson and take Chantilly to Monument.  East on Monument to Thompson and take a left to Grace and hang a right.

    5s – Head East on Grove to Thompson and hang a left.  Take a right on Grace.

    From here:  4s take Cleveland back to Grove to the VSF.  5s/6s take Allen to Grove to the VSF.

    The routes were a little heavy this morning.  4.24, 5.31, and 6.16 in distance.  The 6s felt short changed from Tuesday’s 5.85 and for the 5s, well, we are developing beasts in the ranks.

    Swirly took us out.

    NMS:

    Today was quite the menagerie of observations.  As I pulled into the AO, Bleeder emerged from a Toyota SUV and Saab from a BMW; both of which seemed out of place.  Great conversation as a six wide Pax ran down Grace, but strolled down memory lane of youthful shenanigans.  Despite it being cold, there were birds singing everywhere along the route this morning.  Is Spring coming soon?  What do these birds know that we do not?

    Finishing the run, we had Pax joining us who either missed us or ran their own thing, including Oyster.  We have not seen him in a while, but he was back today with a full beard, hence the backblast title.

    Labrat chose to tote his backpack and try Rucking.  Is it just me or has he avoided Lockjaw runs  since the mutiny?  Last time it was biking, this week rucking.  Next time is he going to dig out those roller blades from the 90s?

    Thoughts go out to Sippy Cup’s mother-in-law who was recently injured with a fall.  The Pax hopes for a speedy recovery.

    I also want to thank the Pax for the support they have given me from across the RVA region.  A sincere Thank You.

    Time to Taper,

    Lockjaw

  • The Black Widow

    Yep, It’s Ground Hog’s Day.  A day to celebrate the signal of a spring to come, or know the winter still has us in it’s grasp for a little while longer.  I chose to go with the Bill Murray theme and celebrate an infinite loop.

    The route posted above is two miles in length.  4 milers do it twice, 6 milers do it three times, 5 milers do it twice with a one mile bonus loop (Grove to Malvern to Cary to Commonwealth to Grove).  Black Widow is the name of the route considering the resemblance to it’s namesake.

    NMS:

    Pre-run, YHC was sitting with Swirly in Big Blue chatting about life.  Saab walks out in front of the beams of our headlights and begins to do burbees.  The time to run approaches.  Saab is still doing burbees.  The Pax talks some more.  Saab is still doing burpees.  Finally, he concludes at 42.

    Even though Big Data was updated weeks ago for the renegades who supported #trackworksucks, Saab felt obligated to continue through with the challenge.  Well done Sir!

    Windsor Farms was quiet and tranquil affording a great running route.  It seems the only newspapers that are delivered in Richmond are in this neighborhood.  Has the internet not made it south of Cary?

    Runners were strong today with the eye on the prize:  whether a CSAUP victory or an upcoming ultra.  YHC will note that the bikers may have been apparitions.  No cars in the parking lot nor bikers in the COT at the end.  However, there was a sighting of bikers.  It’s easier to include Labrat in the backblast then to receive a backblast comments prodding throughout the day.  If No Tool’s companion was someone else, let me know and I will update for Big Data.

    Announcements:

    • Honey Do and Upchuck’s volunteer initiative begins tomorrow.  Please sign up.  If you can’t start tomorrow, there are plenty of opportunities between now and the 10k race.
    • CSAUP – Join a team and let’s get rolling!

    ABT,

    Lockjaw

     

     

     

     

  • Don’t pet that dog!

    Fifteen strong runners (no takers on Gears this morning) set out on our third attempt at The Serpentine route.  Weather was RVA winter.

    The Serpentine:  Down Grove, Left on Hamilton, left on Hanover.  Hanover to the end, do a 180 to Stuart.  Stuart to Hamilton, do a 180 to Kensington.  Kensington to end, do a 180 (thru the gate) to Leonard.  5 milers hang a right on Woodlawn to school.  6 milers go to Hamilton, 180 to Patterson, return to school on Commonwealth.

    NMS:  Several attempts have been made to nail this route, and we are still not quite there.  Looks like round 4 is in order….at least nobody bitches when Lab Rat pulls the map out.  Upchuck asked me if I had laminated copies….great idea.  I personally love this route, btw.  Running thru the neighborhoods appeals to me. Seems as though the 6 mile guys took the gravel griding route part way, ending up on a couple allies.  I wonder if I should have left them out of the backblast?  Sorry, Lockjaw, that was a cheap shot.

    At least two packs of runners came across the resident raccoon that lives in the sewer grate on Hamilton and Kensington….which barks!  No shit.  At first sight, I thought it was a big cat until it looked up.  Upchuck was taking the turn tight and didnt see it, and it started barking like a Chihuahua at him.  Crazy.  The six miler guys had a similar experience.

    Also noteworthy:  Offshore wore an orange plastic bag with arm holes cut into it for some reason today.

    Apology of the Week goes out to Rocky (Raccoon).  First off, for naming him after a song…but that’s just a slam dunk.  Secondly for ruining his morning walk with our antics.  Cant a fat raccoon just be left alone for 10 minutes?

     

    Lab Rat apologizes…

  • Mutiny on the Bounty

    Sixteen Runners and Ruckers came to cover ground by foot today.  This is the first no bikes RAMM in a while.

    YHC announced speed work at the track and four Rogue Runners disembarked on their own adventure.  The rest went to the TJ track for an epic workout, partially due to the fact that everyone wanted to be there and whining was nonexistent.  I am sure the other group was assailed by a group of rabid raccoons in the darkness.

    We did laps in the snow, wind sprints on pavement, and the longest indigenous people run YHC can remember.  Good times.

    Fudd took us out.

    Announcements:

    • The F3RVA Century Classic is coming!  Form your teams and start to train.  This visionary run will connect all of our AOs, so start cleaning them up.  Corporate is watching.
    • OBT discussed a rucking leadership initiative which embodies the principles of F3.  Sounds like leadership training, a good workout, and fellowship which is the recipe for a great time.  If you want to get down with OBT, additional information will be forthcoming.
    • Not confirmed, but Swirly spent his time this morning constructing a gallows at Mary today.  Mutineers be warned!

    Time to Taper,

    Lockjaw

     

  • I don’t think the heavy stuff will come down for sometime….

    It was raining hard

    Will it clear for us to run?

    No fear, off we go!

     

    Deep pools of water

    Labrat requests job advice

    Pax provide insight

     

    Down campus we go

    Singer’s beacon flashing on

    But where did he go?

     

    Onward through darkness

    Iris never disappoints

    Grove to shovel flag

     

    Yes, we did the forward Haiku route today.  YHC took us out.

    The CSAUP is building momentum and many are excited.  More information will be available soon, but in the interim get your miles in and start forming your teams. (DK – you can camp after the run, by the way.)

    ABT,

    Lockjaw

  • Staggered Start

    12 runners eventually showed up for the run this morning….either the roads or the extreme cold made for an unusual start this morning.  The kicker was BIG Tennessee, who was going to do a drive-by, but unfortunately saw us on Grove and begrudgingly came to a sliding stop and joined in.

    Route:

    Serpentine route- Run down Grove to Hamilton, then serpentine your way thru the neighborhood streets. 4 miles go shorter, 6 milers go longer.

    NMS

    -The roads were for the most part snow covered, but there was enough ice out there to make you pay attention.  The cold was no joke, and turning in to the wind really sucked.  Personally, I liked running on the packed snow but I think it affected everybody’s times and nobody was able to finish their normal distance in 45 minutes….or it was close.

    -I have no idea what Oyster did this morning, but I think there might have to be a new F3 term for what he did.  Let’s see, First in the parking lot, last out of the car, then first back in the car.  At least he gave us high 5’s on Commonwealth from his window as the 5 milers were finishing up!  (I realize that Swirly was actually first in the lot, it’s called poetic license, people.)

    -I am convinced that this route needs to be in the regular rotation.  My goal is to be able to walk up, call out “serpentine route” and everybody knows what to do.  It’s not nearly as confusing as what it sounds, but giving the directions is a real pain.  Most folks caught the cut thru this time though, which is an improvement.

    -Great job to everybody that posted this morning, no matter what form that took.  It was an easy morning to hit that snooze button.

    “Second” Apology of the week goes to TYA.  I really don’t have anything to apologize about, but I’m sorry anyways.

     

    Lab Rat apologizes…

  • Paper Run

    A Great 8 came out for an arctic run in the neighborhood.

    The Route

    • East on Grove and left on Hamilton to Broad
    • East on Broad to Roseneath, hang a left and take to Norfolk – 4s turn around here and retrace their steps back to the SF
    • 5s/6s turn right on Norfolk and take to the Boulevard
    • Hang a right on the Boulevard – 5s take to Kensington, 6s take a left on Leigh
      • 5s take Kensington west to Westmoreland, back to Grove and the SF
      • 6s take Leigh to Hermitage and west on Broad to Davis
        • left on Davis to Kensington west to Westmoreland, back to Grove and the SF

    YHC took us out.

    NMS

    It was a cold start to the run, but once we acclimated, it was fine.  There was talk of football, bowl games, and UVA’s domination of the first minute of the Military Bowl.  Scott’s Addition was desolate as expected with the exception of a motorist who shouted out to F3.  We presume this to be Shakedown en route somewhere.

    The pace quickened down the Blvd with Swirly leading point.  Upchuck announced our presence to an upcoming pedestrian who leaped out of our way effortlessly.  Upchuck gets points for his follow up EH on the fly.

    Talk was brief after the run as we elected to continue discussions for some third F at the Starbuck’s down the road.  Good discussion all around including 80’s hair bands, Saab’s dislikes, and a sundry of topics.

    Announcements:

    • Upchuck and Honey Do are assisting with an effort that is training those recovering from addiction for the Monument 10K.  They need a revolving cast of Pax support to run a few miles Saturday mornings this spring post Dogpile.  Inquire with them for details on how to help out.

    This concludes a year of Friday Qs.  Its been a pleasure to lead the way and pilot routes out of the infinitesimal options that area of town offers.  A special thanks to TYA who signed me up for three months to recharge my running commitment and the Pax should look forward to 52 new routes next year!

    ABT,

    Lockjaw

  • Another One Down, One To Go

    The Finest Fourteen came out for a pre-holiday run.

    The Routes:

    Everyone headed west on Grove.  4s turned onto Libbie to Patterson.  5s and 6s continued to the end of Grove and took the access road to St Christopher’s Rd; St Chris to Patterson.  All routes headed east bound on Patterson.  4s and 5s turned on Malvern to Grove and home.  6s turned on Rosneath to Grove to home.

    YHC took us out.

    NMS:

    Grove had a road closure due to what appeared to be a line down, taking out power to some of the houses and street lights along the route.  This detour also caused BT to bring the Landcruiser in hot to the AO.  It was an odd juxtaposition to see total darkness surrounded by Christmas lights, but we managed.

    After a year of Qing Friday, one more post to go.  It’s been a fun year setting routes and we will finish strong next week.

    Announcements:

    • Christmas Day at Hoedown @5:30 am.  Same time, same place – Mr Holland is leading the only AO in town.
    • New Year’s Day at Hoedown @ 7:00 am.  Different time, same place and an allegedly family friendly workout by Honey Do.  Interested in seeing what an onslaught of burpees and doneky kicks does to little kids?  Then come out January 1!

    Time to Taper,

    Lockjaw

  • Monument Light Tour

    Another record week for RAMM with 18 on foot or bike.  Today’s route was aptly named by Honey Do as “The Big Dipper”.

    Northbound on Westmoreland to Monument and head east.  4s turn at Sheppard, 5s at Strawberry, and 6s at the Lee Monument.  Head west on Monument and South on Lafayette to Grove to the VSF.

    Swiper took us out.

    NMS

    I was anticipating an illuminated Monument Avenue full of wonder and holiday spirit.  While there were some lights, today’s route did answer an important question:  “How does one come to own a large classic home on Monument Avenue?”  The answer is by turning off your holiday lights in the evening and not leaving them for packs of runners to enjoy at 5:30 am.

    It’s good to see the return of Swiper.  He is back with full speed.  Taking us out was concise and eloquent.  Welcome back!

    Announcements:

    • Labrat had what seemed to be a personal announcement for Sippy Cup.  Something about meeting for the early bird lunch in a cafeteria somewhere.
    • HDHH next Wednesday at the Answer.  Honey Do’s birthday and the end of hate.

    Time to Taper,

    Lockjaw

  • Riders on the Storm

    19 Riders and Runners embraced fine weather on the edge of Snowstorm Benji.  Today may be a record count for this AO.

    Today we did the forward Carillon route with all distances spoken for.  Everyone ran with a group with some packs as large as five wide.  Lot’s of car traffic today for some reason, including a mailman out for deliveries before 6:30.  ‘Tis the season.

    Lugnut took us out.

    Announcements:

    • Slurpee’s VQ Monday at Hoedown.
    • EF Hutton’s is one AO shy of completing the Grand Tour.
    • Labrat was going on about something else too
    • Honey Do has December’s HDHH on the 20th.  More information to come.

    Time to Taper,

    Lockjaw