Tag: #SOJ

  • To Parts Unknown

    5 Ruckers and a runner enjoyed the chilly temperatures and some Morning Wood action.

    The ruckers took an unconventional route that took us past the tennis courts, across Hull Street, and through various shopping centers.

    We cut through the sketchy hotel parking lot and jumped over a creek. YHC managed to plunge my leg into 2 feet of water in the process. We blazed a trail through a couple wooded areas and went through 2 church parking lots. Also enjoyed some Teeter Totter time.

    The home stretch took us back into Rockwood Park (via cutting through woods) and eventually onto the familiar paved/unpaved trails. Past the nature center and back to the flag with 2 minutes to spare.

    Big Rig emerged from the gloom as we were finishing. He had already logged 10 plus miles. I then saw him running on Courthouse Road as I was heading home from RnR. What a stud.

    Thanks to all who came out!

  • Club Icehouse

    Today was the soft launch of the eagerly anticipated ChapHouse Lounge. It was a VIP only affair. The following is a brief summary for your viewing pleasure:

    Mosey to the basketball court for Warm Up (Chaplain)
    Side Straddle Hops, Jazzercise, Ukranian Soldiers, Arm Circles, Helicopters, Alabama Prom Dates, High Knees, Butt Kicks, Karaoke, Bernie Mummy Kicks, Mario Jumps.

    Exercise One: 5 Corners (House Party)
    25 HR Merkins, 50 WWII Sit Ups, 75 Monkey Humpers, 100 Side Straddle Hops, 10 burpees.

    Mosey to the Playground set for Exercise Two (Chaplain)
    Dora with 50 hanging knee raises, 100 squats, 200 Freddy Mercuries. Bonus SSH’s initiated by Singer.

    To the Circle for Exercise Three (House Party)
    Quadruple Check with Merkins, Lunges, LBC’s and run a loop

    Back towards the flag with some Appalachian Lunge, Backwards Lunges. Side Lunge Squats, then run back.

    Numbers, Names, Announcements, Prayer Requests.

    House Party took us out

    Final Thoughts: The gimmick of a double Q did not appear to be strong enough to deter the fartsackers this morning – perhaps the cold and ice was just too strong. But those who made it out appeared to have a great time! Always great to collaborate with House. I think the most interesting mumblechatter was hearing about Rosie’s 8th grade basketball team that also featured Splinter! There has to be some video out there somewhere.


    SYITG

  • “No Schnivel, No Mercy”

    Seven foolishly brave souls stepped into the gloom, fully prepared for battle against the cold, snow, and ice. Then Crab Grass showed up in nothing but a single layer and shorts. In a moment of sheer peer pressure—or questionable judgment—we all stripped down to match. Because if one suffers, we all suffer, except most of us had to keep our pants on.

    With the cold biting at exposed skin, we started with some light stretching (which felt useless in this weather), then took off toward New Market Village, determined to hit every cul-de-sac it had to offer. And boy, did we.

    Over the next mile-plus of running, we made sure to make every stop count:

    🔥 Sprints between cul-de-sacs to keep the blood flowing.

    🔥 Calisthenics at every stop, hammering chest, abs, and shoulders.

    🔥 Burpees sprinkled in for good measure—because why not suffer more?

    🔥 Hops, mountain climbers, and ball dippers—not just for fitness, but as survival tactics to keep from freezing solid.

    The lack of schnivel gear made things… interesting. Every gust of wind was a reminder that poor decisions were made, but no one backed down. The cold was real, the discomfort was undeniable (at least for me), but the PAX pulled through.

    Mumblechatter Highlights:

    “I’m pretty sure my shoulders are warm but my soul is frozen.”

    Crab Grass, you better be at every workout from now on—we suffered for you.

    Wildcat offered his arctic plunge and sauna for the next one.

    Mudslide was awkwardly quiet, if you know what I mean.

    Hermie was still too scared to come out.

    Final Thoughts:

    We came, we froze, we conquered. No schnivel, no mercy. Seven entered, seven left—slightly frostbitten but stronger for it. Until next time, when we once again make choices that normal people would question.

    Continued prayers for the Britt family out west, the struggle is really, let’s continue to look out for each other.

    SYITG – No Excuses, Just Results. 💪❄️

  • Timberwolf Ice Ruck – Slipping into the gloom!

    The gloom hit different this morning. 22 degrees, snow-covered ice beneath our feet, and five mildly intelligent men who thought rucking through it was a good idea. We met at the AO known as Timberwolf, an area that—like its namesake—has no mercy. Rucks were strapped, headlamps flicked on (at least mine did), and with a deep breath (or maybe a regretful sigh), we stepped into the frozen unknown.

    From the very first step, it was clear that this wasn’t just a ruck; it was a battle against physics. Every footfall required precision, every shift in weight a calculated risk. The ice beneath the thin layer of snow made the ground an unpredictable adversary. It wasn’t a question of if someone would go down, but who and how spectacularly.

    The 2.5-mile loop around Timberwolf was slow-going, not because of exhaustion, but because our primary focus was survival. It quickly became a test of core strength, agility, and humility, as each PAX had at least one close call that made them reconsider their life choices. At one point, a particularly treacherous crossing turned our steady pace into something resembling a toddler learning to walk. Arms flailed, feet skidded, but somehow, against all odds, no one went down. That didn’t mean there weren’t casualties—dignity took some hits, confidence was shaken, and more than one man gave the ground a death stare.

    Mumblechatter was strong despite the cold. Does Shake Shack make better burgers than Five Guys, who has the best fries? Talking about the fellas who made a better decision to hit the fartsack rather than freeze, Fandango and Hermie, yeah, you. It was Tsaziki’s first ruck and even the most seasoned ruckers found themselves second-guessing every step.

    As we made our final approach back to the starting point, the relief was evident. Five PAX entered, five PAX left upright—but only just barely. Timberwolf had thrown everything at us: snow, ice, sub-freezing temperatures, and the ever-present temptation to give up and go back to bed. Yet, we conquered.

    COT prayers out to Crabgrass’ fam out west, dealing with grief over the loss of a young man who last his battle with the demons in his mind. Reminder that we have to look out for each other, and take care of our minds and mental wellness. Prayers to Rudy’s dad as well, recovering from a short hospital stay.

    Until next time, when we decide—against all better judgment—to do it again. SYITG.

  • Feel the Rhythm! Feel the Rhyme! Get on up, it’s bobsled time!

    10 brave souls battled the cold, snowy streets and icy conditions to perform a reenact of the hit classic, “Cool Runnings”. Big shout out to DTH for his canoe, sled and inspiration for the Q!

    Warmarama: Bus circle: Side Straddle Hops, Don Quixotes, Ukranian Soldiers, Merkins, LBCs, and Alabama prom dates. 

    COP 1 Bus loop:  DORA: Partner 100 Merkins; 200 squat jumps; 300 monkey humpers, Timer runs around bus loop.

    Cop 2: Jamaican Bob Sled (with a canoe): start at top of hill near flag, 2 Pax sit down in the canoe, the rest pull and push the canoe down the hill. At the bottom of the hill, change out 2 pax, rest of the pax push/pull canoe uphill. Repeat 2 x. For third time around- 3 pax in the canoe, while rest of pax pushed/pulled down/uphill.

    Cop 3 Triple Check with sleds: partner 1: timer runs to top of hill with sled, sled down. Partner 2: snowman world war 2s  partner 3: icy shoulder taps

    Close out with ring of fire.

    Announcements/Prayer Requests: Prayers for DTH and his family as they prepare for their mission trip, as well as his father-in-law’s health.

  • 80s love ballads and phantom flatulence

    Old hundred KB….what a great way to balance the grind of boot camps or running three hours in freezing rain.

    Warm up: Various movements and stretches to get blood flowing. Got the Hot Tub Time Machine soundtrack playing (seemed like a good idea at time).

    COP 1: KB 11s across the parking lot. Swings and KB squats. Farmer carry back and forth.

    COP 2: Mosey to the jungle gym area with Careless Whisper by George Michael begins playing, and I just kept it going. The shock value on the Pax was worth it. The walk over allowed me to invent the “quad of pain.”

    What’s that you ask? Dear reader, I will explain. Four groups of two. Four workout stations: 5 pullups, 6 Merkin pull throughs, 15 KB press, 20 KB swings. Four times through. Would probably adjust the rep count on the pullups by a few, same with the pull throughs. I think next time it will be 8/8/20/20.

    Mosey back to the flag, and sneak out a nasty SBD, which poor Hermey and Tzatziki accidentally taste. My apologies.

    COP 3: Back to flag for an arm blaster superset of bicep curls and tricpe extensions. Starting at 15/15 and cutting by 3 reps down to 3/3. Work back up to 15/15. Respect to Warby for finishing up even after we hit 6:15.

    Fill out the Rosie century run survey on slack.

    I led the group in a short prayer.

    PS: We miss you Cookie, and your salad shredder, your groans, colorful socks, and headgear.

  • Back in the Rock and Roll Groove

    It turned out, time away from F3 was beneficial. My body shut down(could not get out of bed for a day and a half. The flu kicked in someone was telling me that I needed a full body and mind break. Came back yesterday at Satan”s Hill, felt good so today first Q led since. A good dozen came out on a morning where it felt warmer then the temps read. Here’s the breakdown

    To the courts for a WARMARAMMA(SSHs, Imperial Walkers, Ukrainian Soldiers, Dead Man Hangs, Don Quixotes, Merkins, Plank Marches(a new twist added). Mosey over to the big parking lot for a 4 corners “ladies of the evening”style. 10 Werkins, 20 double count toe taps, 30 plank jacks, 40 jump squats. After that, a little venture to the concession area for a triple check: Hoedowns, Tricep dips, run down the stairs then up the grass hill.

    After that over to what will be our new meeting spot again(fill in later). A new one: Guerilla Burpees(a few paces run, then drop into a burpee). We did one little lap and boy that fired things up. It was then Dora time(100 Merkins, 200 squats, 300 LBCs). Instead of around the lot, down the grass hill and back up. The kicker: each person’s first 10 Merkins were Hindu/Dive Bombers style(talk about firing up the body and everything). One day we will do a Hindu push-up/Hindu squats variation that will destroy the body big time. I think I got everyone on that yet we had a little time left. Back to the start for an 11s(ball dippers and Mike Tyson’s). When Pierogi, Tin Man and I finished. I called it. To the flag for numbers, names and prayer led by YHC to close it out

    Yes we will probably change up the meeting spot soon. I saw the Latino Farmer’s Market will return 4/5-11/1 every Saturday so we will have that spot for our after workout coffee and eats. I am getting back into things I enjoy, going to what truly works plus adding new stuff. It’s not to rush and go gung-ho into it, take my time and let it happen. Could I have done the Frozen Triangle(No) I wasn’t physically to where my body afterwards would have gotten sick again. Close it out: my son and I were on the way to Wegmans saw a silver Cybertruck(god those are the ugliest looking vehicles and they are up to 100k). We joke and call it Lego truck cause you could have designed it with legos. See you next time

  • Be my bro – Valentine’s day bromance

    How freaking great to have 17 dudes show up today! Especially awesome to have Nancy Lopez, McGruff, Katniss, Mudslide and Lwood. Hey – we even had an FNG! LFG.

    Playlist to get juices flowing: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3OWx0nSyWsRCq12atuQwpp?si=vntAyo3tTMu-Dp_m3iDAwA&pi=v0pqPE7bSqG8h

    Warm-up (10 minutes)

    • SSH – 20 IC
    • CHS – 10 IC
    • UKs – 10 IC
    • Deadman Hang
    • Merkins – 10 IC
    • Scorpion Kicks – 10 IC
    • Rosco’s mom
    • Fudd/Wilson Wife

    • Mosey to the base of the hill

    The Thang (45 minutes)

    1. “Heartbreak Hill” (10-12 min)

    • Partner Up (one PAX runs, the other works)

    • P1: Sprints up the hill and back down

    • P2: AMRAP exercise until P1 returns

    • Round 1: Merkins

    • Round 2: Squats

    • Round 3: Plank Jacks

    • Round 4: Big Boy Sit-ups

    • Flapjack after each sprint

    2. “Cinderblock Love” (12 min)

    • Partner Work: One PAX works, the other holds a plank

    • Four Rounds:

    • 15 Block Thrusters

    • 15 Bent-over Rows

    • 15 Block Swings

    • 15 Goblet Squats

    • Plank while waiting for partner

    3. “Love Hurts” (12 min)

    • Partner Carry / Wheelbarrow

    • Partner 1 carries P2 (or wheelbarrows) 30 yards, flapjack

    • 20 Pattycake Merkins (clap between each rep)

    • 20 Sit-up High Fives (partners do sit-ups together, high-five at the top)

    • Rinse and repeat for 3 rounds

    FNG – Andrew from New Market. Dude runs through the neighborhood all the time, looks like a straight beast. Worked on him since the summer to come out. Well, we finally did and Nancy came up with the perfect name “Focker” as he is a nurse and his FIL may have worked for a three letter agency. Welcome dude.

    Fandango had birthday Q at Alamo.

    Prayers for the special needs child that passed in Chesterfield county recently.

  • How do you define “conversational pace”?

    two PAX looking for some speed work were able to find it at the Graveyard Shift today. YHC was running a couple minutes late but had the Q, so we hit the ground running. Here’s the WOD:

    • warm up lap
    • 2 laps at 10k pace
    • recovery lap
    • rinse and repeat (literally with the rain)
    • 2 laps at 5k pace
    • recovery lap
    • rinse and repeat
    • 2 laps at 1 mile pace
    • recovery lap
    • 2 laps at 5k pace
    • 2 recovery laps

    Ended at right around 5 miles. Prayers for Big Rig’s co worker who lost their father. Announcements: looking forward to the century 100 miler! Details to come

    NMM

    The back blast title comes from Big Rig’s question to me. Somehow I still kept yapping no matter what pace we were running. I may be faster if I learned how to shut my trap. But then I wouldn’t want to post. The 2nd F is the glue, the reason I continue to come out for F3!

  • Ruckhenge 021225

    What an ice morning! 4 insomniacs met up for a rucking good time and a few miles around the streets and trails of Larus. May have seen a pine shedding some extra weight, thankfully before we arrived. Appreciated having the company this morning and continuing the them of the TFT from the weekend.

    numbers, names and announcements: Thoughts for the DTHs as they prepare for mission and travels to family this weekend.

    Followed by Coffeerama and a Q.source discussion on Failure and Teamwork. SYITG