Tag: RAMM

13 Faithful Eager Runners posted at the AO this morning. The Shovel Flag planted in the quiet garden plot nearest the Staff Parking lot.

The THANG

From the Parking Lot, run to Grove turn Rightish, Head to the Boulevard, turn around head back to Wisteria 4 mile loop, Tuckahoe, 5 mile Loop, Mailbox in Front of St. Catherine’s, 6 mile loop, & then back to the Shovel Flag. Those that are running the BRR were told to take it down a notch for a slow steady run today, The BRR group from RVA is in the launch window for the race.

Moleskin
Ah, Where to begin today’s Moleskin… first, little history… This AO has been occupied by many different groups, Radical Muslins, Native Americans, Navy Seals, Tomato Nations, Some Rogue Leagues, and most recently the Surly and Belligerent Men of F3 RVA, who had taken up the flag of working out in the gloom for almost year without incident. That is until yesterday.

Thanks to Toga’s and TYA’s diplomatic skills (YHC is not sure where either of them received their diplomatic training or from where) for helping manage the situation yesterday in a seriously professional manner. Both with the Representative of the neighborhood Alliance, and with the Current leader of the education facility; Finding solutions that managed to make all parties satisfied except for the neighbor’s dog. ( Note to self: please get TYA and Toga to call the Diplomatic Field Office before we send in Jack Bauer again, remember to remove this from the BackBlast)

Rolling up this morning, Swirly was sitting in his vehicle in the old Parking area for the AO, YHC explained the F3 RVA has had to take up defensive positions on the far North end of the AO in the staff parking lot closer to Grove Ave. This position has been fortified with sound canceling/noise reduction foliage from the abundance of trees and given the stealthiness of the lack of light, The PAX should be able to gather at it’s usual decibel level without further incident. The tomatoes will now have to take the brunt of neighborhoods angst against loud early morning workouts.

Kotter’s to Abacus, He’s still in some pretty serious shape! Hope to see you at more workouts in the coming months. His new job at Richmond Multi-Sport will certainly enhance F3’s recognition in RVA!

As YHC made his way toward the Boulevard, YHC found himself running next to Sippy Cup for a few steps, Sippy continues to nurse his hurt calf. He made an early turnaround at 195 to head back to the AO. YHC is hoping that Sippy has a speedy recovery in time for next’s week mileage Mayhem at the BRR.

For Future Reference, Please park in the Staff Parking lot on Commonwealth close to Grove(It’s on the same road as we have always parked)

Announcements:

Monday’s Labor day Workout will be an Hour and the beatdown will begin at 0700 ( yes that’s 7:00 am in the morning)

10 fleet footed F3 PAX posted for the weekly jaunt around Mary Munford.  Weather was ideal, mid 60’s, no humidity and clear skies.  Perfect day for a fast run.

The Thang

Right onto Grove, run to Boulevard and turn around.  4 mile loop run to Wisteria, 5 mile loop run to Tuckahoe, and 6 mile loop run to St. Catherine’s bus loop.  After turnaround point, back to the shovel flag

Moleskin

Lugnut and Bleeder were pushing each other the whole route today.  Having already broken the ten minute mile barrier a month or so ago, they were pushing themselves even harder today.  At one point while Lug Nut was in the lead, Bleeder knowing that Lug Nut was afraid of dogs, started barking to try and slow him down.  In the end, they finished together and they posted a 930 average pace for the 4 mile loop.  Great work guys…level of improvement is impressive.

Many were sporting new shoes today.  At the beginning of the run, Saab, Swirly and LG (I think) all declared that this was the first run in their new kicks.  is August national new shoe month or something.  I had no idea.

Swirly tweaked his back a little during the run today.  Quick healing I hope.  YHC had the pleasure of running with Saab today.  Good to get a little second F in during the run.  I think we solved at least a few of the worlds problems.  After the workout, Bleeder told YHC that when he saw Saab and I arrive together, he immediately was worried that Saab must have gotten injured or something else to slow him down.

Announcements

BRR is exactly two weeks away.  Team appears to be ready. Stay healthy for the next two weeks guys.

Go Ruck is Mid October.  Contact Honeydo for details.

17 strong post for a jaunt down Grove Ave.

The Thang

4 milers run Malvern to Three Chopt and back to MM
5 milers run to Nansemond to Three Chopt and back to MM
6 milers run to the Boulevard to Three Chopt and back to MM

Moleskin

This is YHC first Q at RAMM. After several attempts to find alternative routes for todays run YHC brought back old faithful.

The PAX continues to show great speed and endurance. Well done fellas, you should all be proud.

Convergence Saturday, September 19th. Be there!

12 Faithful arrived for today’s run. It was a perfect temperature for a run or for flying.

THE THANG

Run Backwards to Grove, turn right, Run to the Boulevard, Return for the 4, 5, 6 , 6+ mile loops, then back to the Shovel Flag.

MOLESKIN

YHC arrived early in the gloom to get some bonus mileage in before the PAX arrived, YHC thought someone would have had the same idea. Wearing enough reflective clothing, YHC could easily be spotted in case Jville showed. The two 747’s that tried landing on Commonwealth this morning has YHC rethinking the amount of Light and reflection necessary to prevent being run over by a car.

Happy that the PAX could complete the rest of the Backwards running that TOGA started us on yesterday. Sorry that Pucker was not there to show us how it’s done. Saab was not going to be late, he started running as he shut his car door, and looked slightly confused as the PAX started running backwards toward Grove, but quickly hit his reverse stride.

YHC had Life Savers Peppermints for the PAX that arrived early, Please check out this article for more info about running and Peppermint facts Link:Peppermint Grizzly and Best Shot were asking about it on the route out this morning.

YHC was glad to be able to run with Best Shot and Grizzly for a brief period this morning. We were able to attach to another run group, some of whom were more lit up than YHC. No Planes were sighted though.

Lug Nut, looking for more speed, found that the performance of a race car/runner can be subject to the amount of time it takes to make a PItSStop.

TYA was hot on the heels of Swirly and BT. BT and Swirly discovered that halting conversation can increase their pace, and they quickly out paced TYA. YHC is sure TYA continued to talk to himself.

SAAB was first to return the Shovel Flag from the longest loop. Way to hit it SAAB!

Announcements:

Sunday trail run will be at Pocahontas Park. 10k cross country loop that will be run twice. Meet at Martins at Stony Point at 6:30 to clown car to Chester. Let Jville know if you plan on joining his clown car.
Richmond GoRuck event is on October 23 & 24th. Talk to Honey Do. Preblast posted a few weeks back. Check it out here Red Light and Blue.

Next Wednesday’s Hill run will be followed by a beverage at TYA’s house – this will serve as our second F for August.

Bake sale, at Parham Rd Exxon (807 E. Parham Road) Friday 11 a.m Swirly and YHC daughters raising money for a School Athletic Trip.

12 Faithful posted this morning at the Top of Hillcrest

The THANG

Ran continuous loops of Hillcrest until the appointed time of 0615.

Marv took us out in the COT

Moleskin

YHC arrived early to leave his car at the normal starting point for the run with a sign for directions to Hillcrest, Aisle 5 and Wilson were kind enough to drive me there.

In prep for the BRR, a hill workout was needed. TYA suggested that we modify the run to accommodate just that. Last Wednesday afternoon’s hill workout was so much fun, why not try on a friday morning in the Gloom. Toga commented as we descended the first hill, ” a light would have been a good idea.”

The Iron Gates, towards the top of Hillcrest, gave each runner the subtle reminder that the hill was not yet over. The gates seemed further up the hill with each revolution past the Robin Masters estate. Although YHC never saw Magnum pull the Ferrari out of the driveway, probably too early to the Private investigator.

Wild life on Hillcrest was active this morning, between the Deer, and the Owl. Who YHC could plainly hear asking the same question over and over.

Sippy and Marv passed YHC early on, both looking very strong going up the hill. YHC is certain that Sippy did twice as many loops as YHC. Way to Dominate the hills MARV & SiPPY! Representing VCU in awesome fashion this morning!

When YHC asked MARV to take us out in the COT, he did such a good job, YHC thought he was going to end with This Prayer was Sponsored by Woodfin.

Post Workout

TYA and YHC caught up with Oyster at Ellewood’s. The conversation ensued that there continues to be a ongoing trash can debacle at this store, TYA pointed out that they have moved the trash/recycling away from the front door, Now there are four trash cans within 6 feet of each other by the other entry way. Apparently, TYA was the forth person to point out the issue this morning to the manager on duty. On further discussion with the manager, She requested that YHC fill out a comment card. Several of the employees of the store had made statements to YHC that having the trash cans in the improper location is making there job almost unmanageable, because as a result of the Trash cans are no longer being utilized correctly, and only one can is actually being used, therefore causing trash can overuse, Which we all know is becoming an epidemic in this country and in some cases can cause blindness. They are having to empty one can six-seven times a day versus the prior 1-2 times. YHC politely suggested that they contact Magnum PI to investigate this travesty, as we had run by the Robin Masters Estate several times earlier this morning, and clearly Magnum must be looking for additional work if he able to sleep in past 0530,(unless he was on an all night stake out with a fellow unnamed F3er, who can’t say why he is consistently late – oops sorry Conspiracy) This problem must be rectified before more damage is done.

This Backblast was Sponsored by Ellewood Thompson’s Grocery — Home of Best Sandwiches you make yourself —

11 fast and strong runners posted on a glorious Friday morning.  70 and sunny at the outset and at the finish

The Thang:

Monument Avenue Loops: 4, 5, and 6 mile options.  Commonwealth road to Monument, turn right on Monument.  4 mile turn is at Sheppard, 5 mile turn is at Strawberry, and 6 mile turn is at Allen Street.

Moleskin:

Since YHC is a son of a history teacher I probably should know more about the monuments on Monument Ave.  When I declared the 6 mile turnaround as around a monument at Allen street it was pointed out that the monument was the Robert E. Lee statue.  My dad, as a historian and a civil war buff, would have been sorely disappointed that I have not recognized and honored each of the statues along our route.  This weekend, I shall take a bike ride down this road and drink in which glorious men we are recognizing.

After the run and appointed time came and went and everyone but Swirly arrived back at the shovel flag, YHC was starting to get more and more worried about Swirly.  Five or so minutes after Toga finished and reported that Swirly was right behind him, Swirly came running down the street (with Sippy as a companion).  Come to find out that Swirly got lost coming back to the shovel flag.  Given the complex set of directions and ONE turn on the entire route, I can see where one might get lost.  Next week Swirly will have a GPS and a homing beacon just in case the route directions are too challenging.

Context was the theme of the prayer at the end of the workout.  YHC shared a personal story about my health condition and pointed out that we are indeed the “lucky ones”  I am blessed with many things in life and live a relatively comfortable existence.  Too often, I focus on the negatives and the things I don’t have/need or the minor suffering I have to endure.  Given the country I live in, the friends and family I am blessed with and the relatively good health that I have….I need to look out at the context of the entire world and realize that things are pretty good for me.  Enjoy the day, seize this opportunity and enjoy the comforts that you have.

Announcements:

Dogpile and GridIron tomorrow morning: 6 and 7 am respectively

Run from the Pump House on Sunday at 7 am.  Several of us have discussed this and we will add this as a regular workout on our schedule (may tweak the time a bit).

TYA OUT!

Please return your seats and tray tables to the full upright position, 13 of the faithful ran down back down the normal Grove Ave routes.

The Thang

Run down Commonwealth to Grove(unless you are Sippy, Marv or Saab, they all ran to the start) Turn Right on Grove, Run to the 4, 5, or 6 mile loops, and run to Three Chopt, then back to the Shovel Flag.

Moleskin

Lug Nut and YHC were quite happy to have the normal route in front of us in the Gloom this AM. We managed to break the barrier that has been eluding us for several weeks. Perhaps Conspiracy passing us early on helped us maintain proper form. Conspiracy was asking for directions, which Lug Nut replied with a cross street that was in the opposite direction of our run.

TYA arrived early to get in a full 10K this AM. Nice job!

Honey Dew hit the Five mile loop trailing slightly behind BT and Swirly, Strong showing Honey Dew!

The Rogue group was in the AO this morning, One of them cam over to inquire if we could share the AO this morning, YHC responding that we were “just running” today.

Another run group was sprinting down Grove as the first few F3 men were reaching Three Chopt, Lug Nut and YHC yelled at one of them that we recognized. Maybe Next week!

Annoucements:

Dogpile 6 am and Gridiron 7 am tomorrow.

BRR run Sunday 7am, Meeting at the Pump House near Dogwood Dell.

Shirts are still available for DogPile until Monday, Please order them now!

8 strong and eager PAX set out on this humid Richmond morning.

The Thang:

Following Marv’s lead, we ventured back to Monument Avenue to hit one on the better running routes in Richmond.  4 Loops mapped out, 3, 4, 5, and 6 miles.  All loops head North on Commonwealth until you reach Monument, turn right on Monument.  Turnaround points are Thompson for 3, Sheppard for 4, Davis for 5 and Allen for 6.  After turning around head back to Commonwealth, turn left and back to the shovel flag for the finish.

Moleskin

Great run today, but two strange things at the beginning of the run.  First, when YHC turned the corner onto Commonwealth, I did not see the familiar car of Swirly.  He is always the first one to arrive and is usually warming up on the track before the run.  A vacation has him out of town this week.  Second, since we knew Sippy was also out of town, we were not looking across the street for that familiar headlamp moving towards the start of the run.  Gentlemen, we missed you both out there this week.  Look forward to you being back in the fold next week!

Toga was a FIFO this week.  Toga needed to get his long run in this morning so he arrived at the AO at 445 to start his run and joined us at the flag for 530.  He put in a total of about 10 miles but had to leave before the COT so he could get home to allow his wife to get out and exercise.

Three PAX had the same Brooks running shoes on this morning.  Marv, Circle K, and Fudd (I think), all had the same brand, style and color of running kicks on.  Given the number of brands, styles and colors that is highly unlikely.  I am sure Splinter can do the math on how likely that would be in a random selection of runners?

Circle K was a FRNG today.  He and The Scream opted for the four mile loop.  Both acquitted themselves well making it back to the shovel flag first.  YHC was in hot pursuit of BT and Toga on the way back to the flag, but could not make it before we got to the flag (I am not sure If I had another 50 miles i would have caught them…but hope springs eternal).  Fudd and Saab ran together today.  I think Fudd is trying to replace himself on the BRR.  Would love to have Saab on the team, but I will be sorely disappointed if Fudd is not part of the team.

COT and out into the day to take the world on….

This morning 8 Faithful F3 men met at 5:30 at Mary Munford for the Friday run.

THE THANG
Run Commonwealth toward Monument then Head east into the rising sun. The four mile turnaround was told to be Sheppard, the five was told to be Davis and the 6 was told to be Allen, and back to the Shovel Flag.

Moleskin

For the first time in recent memory, the group got away from Grove Avenue and ventured north to Monument Ave, the home of the Monument Avenue 10K and possibly one of the more scenic running trails on the East Coast. The four mile turnaround was told to be Sheppard, the five was told to be Davis and the 6 was told to be Allen. Questions, There was some post run discrepancy on the actual distance from the turnaround…Belmont may have been a better marker for the 4 milers and who really knows about the 5s. Either way, it was a good jog with some hills, including a nice steep incline to end the run up Commonwealth. Some of the PAX added loops on the new track at Mary Munford.

Announcements

Order Dogpile Shirts now if you want one!
BRR Trail run Sunday, Post tomorrow to find out what time.