a strong group of dedicated men showed up at WAWA ready to get it on. About 15 min into the trip to Buckingham a trash truck on fire blocked the entire road – dead in the water for a min. We made several attempts to get a path around but to no avail. Rudy lead the charge, got us through and we were back on our way. Coming in hot, Cookie was there and got the go ahead that we could work the men out regardless of being late for the desired length of abuse time. I was ready to dole it out.
COP
we warmed up w a mosey and the typical ssh, merkin, helo’s, etc after YHC butchered the disclaimer and creedo.
THANG
started w a DOJO Dan and the made made my heart happy with their strong KIA’s (japanese for unification of energy). Then we ran a build a beast w merkins (180 not 90), WW2, squat, dry dock, ssh, drop all exerc and 3 burpee at each stop up and back. partner up for PLTs and then a ROF.
COT
number/namarama where YHC was reminded that as of today he’s no longer 47, welcome to FNG Sully brought to us by Cookie, announcements, YHC brought us out with prayers for the upcoming bridge graduates in their next steps of this journey of life. I am thankful to be able to lead such a fine group of gentlemen. The fellowship to and from the bridge was a highlight, thank you corned beef and hutton for put up with my minivan driving skills. The fellowship continued with a bday breaky and cake at the cumberland diner. What a morning and powerful way to start a saturday. Thank you Heist for making it all possible. THank you men.
Heist jumped in with a surprise set of 11s: Burpees and Squats. Things got spicy!
Round 3: Wrapped up with some more Cindy work.
Triple Check: Swoop led a quick triple check of Merkins and LBCs.
Finished up by putting the blocks away, then a little Broga to cool down. Time!
COT: We circled up for Numbers/Names. Big Herm took us out with a strong prayer, especially lifting up Tank as he prepares for the next chapter in 80 days.
Moleskin: Grateful to all the guys who came out for a solid beatdown. Enjoyed some much-needed 2nd F at the Cumberland Restaurant afterward!
YHC and Broadway took the banana clown truck to Buckingham to pound the pavement with 5 Bridge badasses. As usual – it was an excellent experience with an amazing group of HIMs. If you are looking for a humbling and inspiring experience, come to the Bridge!! These guys pushed it hard, and shared some really amazing personal stories. The mascot pups roaming the grounds sniffed the following beatdown.
Warmarama
roaming warm-up: Football drills, merkins, squats, calf raises
Light Pole Suicides
Run Down, Bernie Back
2 Burpees
Increase a light pole each time, increase 2 reps of burpees each time (up to 10 burpees)
Red rocks smoked it!
SEAL PFT – 2 Minute Maximums
PAX with most reps called an Ab exercise
2 minute HR Merkins – Tank for the win with 65!!
2 minute diamond sit-ups – Red Rocks for the win with 50
2 minute max parking lot laps – Red Rocks is fast! 3.5 laps
Cindy Triple Check
Clean and Press
American Hammers
Lap to end of lot (Timer)
Finisher – Caterpillar Drills
Line up and sideways bear crawl over the 3 cindys
Each cindy perform 1-armed merkin on each side of the block
Caterpillar repeats back the other way
Names, Numbers, Prayers
I cannot say enough how thankful I am to Upchuck, TYA, and Vinny for helping lead this cause. It reminds us all that if not for the grace of God our lives could have ended up differently. And even then, programs like this give men that second shot/helping hand they deserve. Shout out to Broadway for making the long trip with me to help bring some light and motivation to these men. Also shout out to @hardywood, these guys loved their new shoes and put them to good use! Honored to be part of this outreach.
Men who take the lead, not for themselves, but on behalf of others.
If either of those topics interests you, read on.
The Bridge is a ministry-driven school in Buckingham, Virginia, about an hour or so west of Richmond. There, men who are transitioning from being incarcerated to being free (again) spend about a year learning a variety of trades (e.g., welding, HVAC, carpentry, mechanical skills, and so forth) so that, when they are released, they have sufficient skills and structure to be (we hope) independent, well-functioning members of our society. Succeeding with one guy is a win. In short, this is a step on a second chance at life. The men are all selected by the judicial system based on their behavior while in prison. They are challenged – many have drug, alcohol, or other addictions. If these men do not adhere to the standards, they are sent back to prison to complete their sentence. In short, it’s not a guarantee, and it’s not a cake walk. In any case, if you believe in St. Jude (the patron Saint of Lost Causes) or the story of St. Dismas, perhaps that’s enough inspiration for you to give a few hours of your time and energy to support these men on the occasional Saturday morning. Or, if you are looking to meet other F3 men and enjoy the Second F of the drive out and back, hop in the Clown Car and make an impact. I believe you will learn from this experience, and I believe you will help others grow as well.
Our F3 brothers in Charlottesville manage this effort. F3RVA takes on a fraction of the commitment. Back in the day, we used to claim 12 Q’s a year (one per month). That was a challenge for one person to organize. So, we have changed it up. We now have 7 volunteer leaders, that’s 7 of your F3RVA brothers (ahem, F3RVA and F3Amelia), who have committed to leading (or organizing other men to lead) 2 times per year each. That’s 14 Saturdays. Quite an impact.
In addition, if you would like to join this group of Leaders and share the challenge of Leadership, there are 52 weeks in a year. Plenty of good places still available. The more, the merrier. We can always do more.
Here’s our list of Leaders. Everyone of them has my respect.
State Farm: Goyne Park / Chester Heist: Alamo / Western Chesterfield Whitesnake: Gridiron / Strange’s Nursery Hardywood: Amelia / Jetersville / Appomattox Corned Beef: DaVille The Yankee Aggressor: City Proper UpChuck: Westhoe / Tuckahoe / Who You Calling a Hoe?
As I noted previously, there are holes to fill on the map. It would be awesome to have a Leader pick up the challenge on behalf of the Stratford Hills / Midlo area. You have an entire region behind you.
This weekend, we launch. Saturday, August 31, State Farm has the Q, and Broadway is riding shotgun. Two studs taking on this opportunity (even while they are building The Iron Bridge!). YHC sees your impact, and it’s impressive. Thank you. Nice work.
On September 14, we have another Leader ready to grab the mantle and make an impact. Heist will be leading the crew. Thank you, as well. And, thank you to the guys planning to join him.
To everyone else, your nano / local Leader (the guys listed above) will be organizing a small team two times per year. Jump in the car and go. For those who work out on Saturdays, this takes about an hour longer than your normal Saturday morning commitment, with a usual return by 10:30 or so. You are guaranteed to make an impact, learn about yourself, and have the worst cup of coffee (styrofoam cup, super weak coffee, all free of charge!) in support of a great cause.
Oh, and a few guys have asked me about going to a place surrounded by a fence. If you have not been to a prison, detention facility, jail, halfway house, glamour slammer, or similar, this is not GITMO or Folsom. No shackles, no iron bars, no razor wire, no gangs, no prison guards, and no jump suits. This is a farm with a rail fence. The guys often workout in jeans (we bring them workout clothes and F3 shirts). There are one or two guys with radios. These guys look forward to seeing you. They love this, and they put out the effort to make it a success.
YHC thanks you in advance for your time, energy, and impact.
Eleven men turned the Struggle into Success at the latest edition of The Bridge. Conditions remained 70 and sunny. According to the abundant wildlife at Horsepen Lake State Park, the following might have happened:
Introductions among men. Shaking of hands. Providing of names. Verbal indications of Brotherhood. Setting the state for the Beat Down to follow.
Mosey around The Bridge Ministry campus before circling up at the basketball court. Disjointed disclaimer and other substandard recitations of purpose. IYAKYAK.
COP:
50 SSHs, 4 count Dead Man Hang Downward dog (it’s The Bridge, open only to men, so Ms and their exercises did not attend today) But, just between us, the Pax did Fudd’s wife. Then, the Pax did Wilson’s wife. (YHC just reports the news. Don’t shoot the messenger). Hand release merkins – 15x WWIIs – x10 LBCs – x20 Rosalitas – x20 Hillbillies – with flair, x10 Imperial Walkers – x10
By popular acclaimation, the PAX called for, and received, F3’s finest exercise, Touch-a-Tree (or Pole). Rounds of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. PAX were encouraged to plan strategically. Bro-code. Always wait for the Six.
Exercises were merkins, monkey humpers, something else, something else, and burpees.
Mosey to the back road for a Beast. Telephone poles mark the 25%, 50%, and 75% distances with the turn around at the line in the asphalt. Again, always return for The Six.
Exercises were merkins, SSHs, squats, (break for some stretching), squats, something else, and “Colorado” Dry Docks (know your audience). Red Rocks crushed it.
House Party picked up a slight tweak of his knee which limited his running. Self-imposed burpees for the duration. Stud. (If burpees are the alternative exercise, YHC hopes to never, ever have even a minor injury).
Mosey back to the shovel flag (thank you, Hardywood!) for 60 seconds of snow angels.
Numbers, names, and, despite his allergies, Hardywood took us out.
Announcements: Tank has 5 1/2 months to go in the program. He’s trying to change his life and his relationship with his son.
NMS: First, thank you to Mr. Davis and The Bridge Ministry for hosting us today. Coffee hit the spot, as always.
Second, the actual speed bumps at The Bridge are no joke.
Third, YHC continues to be massively impressed by the men of F3RVA and F3 Amelia and their willingness to give of their time and efforts. Thank you, gentlemen, for making today special. The enthusiasm from The Bridge pax is contagious. The students at The Bridge love the chance to spend time with men who believe in them and their efforts. And, YHC suspects that we each learned from them as well.
Fourth, Clown Cars are the only way to travel. Great fun with your mates, regardless of where they live or what nanoregion label is applied. Today, we had 5 guys from all over (Lakeshead, West End, Westham, RounTrey, City Proper) in a van for an hour each way…good times, fellas. YHC got a chance to catch up with good pals and make some new ones. That’s the F3 way. We are stronger together. Let’s put more Brotherhood (and less nonsensical division) on the menu. LG!
Coming up…F3RVAs efforts with The Bridge continue to rise. 6 guys turned out today, and we already have 3 guys who have picked up the torch for August 24. Thank you in advance to State Farm, Yeehaw, and Swoop for their efforts. Way to go!
F3RVA has more in store for The Bridge. Additional information coming soon, so continue to look for more opportunities to join throughout the fall.
13 PAX ventured over the Bridge and into the gloom. We were blessed with a (relatively) cool and dewy morning to share with the men at the Bridge. YHC got a taste of this AO last month and couldn’t wait to come back. With Shakedown on partial I.R. (BMX is a young man’s game apparently…) and TYA still partially cyborg, the Q was up for grabs – how could one resist!?
After donning some new gloves and giving the house mascot (Lucy the dog) a quick scratch – the team got after it. Here’s what happened…
THE THANG
WARMERAMA:
Mosy to the corner
Welcome & Disclaimer
Dead man hangs, Ukrainian Soldiers, SSH, Helicopters, Alabama prom dates, LBC’s
Inchworm to the light poles
Mosy to the parking lot
COP 1: Clock Tower
All PAX at own pace
Perform # of reps corresponding to the “time on the clock” at each position around the grounds.
3 o’clock – 3 burpees
6 Merkins
9 Squats
12 LBC’s
Two times through – Atlanta and Gourmet ALWAYS circled back for the six – leave no man behind!
COP 2: Triple Check – Hop Over Merkins
PAX 1 – Jump over PAX in Merkin (down Position)
PAX 2 – Merkins (pause for PAX 1 to jump over)
PAX 3 (timer) – Run to Picnic table and SLAP IT
Modifying Merkins and Jump overs as needed – But all PAX pushed it
COP 3: Light Pole 6’s
Mosy to Light Poles
Run to light pole – 6 reps of … Pick your poison!
6 light poles down and 6 back
Gourmet is fast
MBTTF
Finisher: Body Bag Builders
Circle Up
YHC thought 20reps of 10ct body builders would be appropriate
10reps in – we were smoked
Finished off with miscellaneous abs and holding legs “six inches” above grade (Shakedown observed YHC is not a great judge of that dimension…)
COT:
Counterama #13
Namerama
Announcements: None
Closed out in Prayer: One Man Band had someone special on his heart – an 11 year old Tindy, that was a friend of the Bridge going through some difficult medical challenges. YHC requested some healing and courage for that family. Closed with some gratitude for the strength to gather and move on the earth for the morning.
NMS:
I think the largest group yet, with 9 Bridge men and 4 Rva travelers made this Saturday special. Anthrax and Shakedown brought the heat, while TYA tailored a great workout with Bus around the grounds. It is really tough to express how impactful this experience is. YHC was in awe at the sheer GRIT these brothers possess. From the second we mosy to the final call at COT, these PAX give it their all – always seeming to understand – “it’s you against you”, and pushing/modifying/rallying themselves to the brink.
YHC connected with a PAX that shared a variety of mutual friends and folks hailing from South Central Va. A small world indeed. But what stuck, was to think how often common threads, towns, people, goals, challenges, and general life experiences tie us ALL together. And I think one of YHC’s favorite things about F3 – brotherhood.
But hey – in closing – there is no better AO to remind us of that bond. Put next month on your calendar and venture to the Bridge for some brotherhood.
13 indomitable spirits, some on their natural legs and some on walking sticks, rose into the post dawn sun to face the challenges The Bridge had on offer. Conditions were, yet again, 70 and sunny. According to the ants crawling up YHC’s shoe, the following might have happened:
COP: Introductions, refresh relationships with old friends, and onto the exercising…slow mosey around the outer driveway. Rotation of exercises on the mosey…slide feet side to side, then into a karaoke, the flip to karaoke on the other side, then slide feet the other way. Easy to understand in person. Finish with a slow mosey to the corner.
Circle up for the COP.
SSHs x 50 Imperial walkers x 10 Dead Man Hang, then walk out into merkin position. Right leg high, then left leg high. Merkins x10 Littlest of Baby Crunches x20 Reverse crunches x10 Freddie Mercury x11 Rosalita x10
Mosey to the Chapel Lawn. 11’s. Step ups and merkins. Continue until time called.
Numbers, names, and TYA took us out with a story about a young man persevering through adversity and the challenges of inactivity.
Announcements: none.
NMS: Today was the largest group that YHC has seen at The Bridge. 8 men put themselves forth and joined 5 travelers in the Brotherhood of F3. “There but for the grace of God…” Life is a journey better made with the help of others and best made with those who care about you. The stories that some of these guys tell are challenging. YHC heard today about a man who attended 16 schools and lived all over Arlington, sometimes in cars or on the streets, all within spitting distance of where YHC grew up. It’s a small, small world.
YHC takes his hat off to the 4 Brothers who took their morning to brighten someone else’s. State Farm led from the front, pushing Road Runner, Atlanta, and others. Thank you for joining. Nice to have your leadership. Circle K and TYA are regulars, though it was nice to have the mercury above the single digits this time. And, before you say, “Isn’t TYA recovering from knee surgery?”, the answer is yes. And, not only did he post, he spent the 45 minutes on his back or sitting leading Bus in a capability-appropriate workout. Nicely done. YHC also thanks Corned Beef, who jumped right into YHC’s invitation Tuesday morning to visit The Bridge today. Always great to have your enthusiasm on the journey.
For those guys with an interest in joining at The Bridge, this is a once a month AO for F3RVA. We take one Saturday per month; Charlottesville takes 3 per month. Studs welcome. It’s a journey to get there, and it’s a journey of learning once you are there. Leave no man behind; leave no man where you found him. Your standard AO will be there each week; YHC invites each man to step out of his comfort zone and try The Bridge.
A dozen men posted for the Saturday beatdown and fellowship at the Bridge Ministries in Cumberland county. YHC has never experienced quite a large group at this AO, and to say it was uplifting is an understatement. Men with varying backgrounds, stories of adversity, redemption and hardship, coming together with one common purpose….
Saab took the Q today while TYA provided his usual commentary, which reminded the PAX what F3 is really about.
A band of 6 pulled each other up and worked as a team in the latest edition of The Bridge. Conditions remained 70 and sunny. According to the puppy who loved TYA, the following might have happened:
Warm up loop around campus. Bro-code.
Circle up. TYA led us in the COP. First rule broken 90 seconds in. No matter. Onward.
Cherry pickers, Don Quixotes (perhaps at your own pace), Imperial Walkers, LBCs, flutter kicks. Try not to sit in the poop.
Partner up for a triple check. Timer runs to the gate, but don’t leave. Really. Other fellas do pole smokers and WWIIs. Your abs will hurt on this ride.
Swirly takes the Q. Pop over and pick up a cinder block. Everyone get a partner.
Partner 1: Run the length of the field.
Partner 2: Block exercises. Overhead presses, squats, curls, bench press, block burpees. The latter are so much better at 35 degrees than 80 degrees.
Mosey to the resting telephone pole. Curb crawls. Do 1 mercan on each side. Next round, 2 mercans on each side. 3, then 4, then 5, then 6, then 7.
Ma-ma.
Mosey to the center for some Mary. Right leg lifts, left leg lifts, Alabama prom dates, LBCs, flutters, Rosalitas, Hello Dollies, Freddie Mercuries.
Stretching…Wilson’s, regular, Fudd-ski, right hand high, left hand high, right leg high, left leg high, right knee to right elbow, left knee to left elbow, Yankee Aggressor, Southern Gentlman, right arm through, left arm through, toss some 3 inches and hold it (2 or 3 times), and then finish with a 10-pack of mercans. Mom-ma.
Numbers, names, and Saab-ski took us out.
NMS: If you haven’t been to The Bridge, you are leaving a part of the F3 experience on the table. This is men helping men remember what is important about a brotherhood. Building bonds, having fun, running up the heart rate, and helping each other through life. A little slice of pure goodness and fellowship. And, a ton of laughs.
All you care to drink coffeeteria on the house.
Also, YHC laughed for 2 hours in the car. Awesome morning.
Eleven men of purpose assembled just after The Gloom to conduct the latest version of The Bridge. With temperatures soaring to 70 and conditions sunny, 8 PAX started on-time and were joined shortly by 3 more. According to the three dogs running and jumping to stay warm, the following likely happened:
COP
Mixture of SSHs, Don Quixotes, Helicopters, LBC’s, WWII’s, and TYA’s version of a merkin (like a flip-side version of Vinny’s flutter kicks). Or, something like that.
12 Days of Christmas
Surely, you all know this starts with 1 burpee. Two WWIIs, 3 of something else, and so on and so forth until 12. YHC was asked to “pick” the exercise for 11, which YHC was then told was not appropriate for 11, so YHC “second picked” 11 heels to Heaven. 12 was SSHs. Honestly, not having YHC’s joints freeze was considered a win.
Mosey to the Parking Area for a triple check. Or, at least YHC thinks this was next.
Man 1: Dumpster and back
Man 2: WWIIs
Man 3: Monkey humpers
Mosey to the Corner of the Circle (yes, this circle has corners):
Partner up. Each man runs in the opposite direction of his partner. When they meet, do 10 partner boo-yah merkins. Second round was partner heels to Heaven (or whatever those are called). All YHC knows is TYA’s hands must have been cold so he was pounding on YHC’s shoes to warm up.
The PAX did something like the above a couple of times, but YHC was so cold, the only thought was of how long until time.
Circle of Trust included a few exercises. Wiggle toes and fingers and such.
Time. 45 coldest minutes of F3 in quite some time.
Names, numbers, and TYA took us out.
Announcements:
Bear Creek on March 12. See Lockjaw. 10 mile run in the woods. Limited ground cover, so fewer opportunities for full wipe-outs than in prior runnings.
Gomer is cooking up something for May. Sounds like a one-man, three-part loop-de-loop. Think WWI aerial combat only in two dimensions instead of three and probably with some merkins.
NMS: if you haven’t been to The Bridge, you are missing out. Who helps who more? Us or them? YHC feels like he grows every time he attends. Challenge yourself to attend this.
Solid to see 8 of RVA Current and RVA’s Honorary Members’ Finest in attendance on a 5 degree day. Windchill had us at minus 8 or minus 9. Brr. Not BRR, but brrrrr.
Great to spend a few minutes catching up in the balmy 25 degree building with Jay.
Hardywood spread some Christmas cheer to the residents. Well done. Knocked their socks off, literally.
