January 24th, 2019. Only 40 days until March 5th – Mardi Gras! And what better way to celebrate than a traditional Okwata 40?!? Even better, its a blustery sub-forty degree day at the Lakefront (YHC’s car said 37 degrees – but that didn’t account for the gales). Good Times!
8 hearty PAX braved the chill. Some, like YHC, were bundled in full winter (aka “Marlin”) gear. Smooth managed to have his entire face covered, while DaParish seemed to be sporting some fancy earmuffs. Then, of course, there was JV wearing his tank top and calling the rest of us a bunch of cowards. Disclaimer issued – including warnings to try and keep warm – and we were off.
Due to yesterday’s rain, and with Surge’s strong urging, YHC modified the 40 in an effort to keep our shoes dry. PAX moseyed down to Canal Street and over the levee, seeking shelter from the wind. Instead of over-and-back, we would instead just do up-and-down, always staying on the sheltered side of the levee. Other than that, its a traditional 40: 10 exercises, each done in 4 sets (40 sets!). In between each set, up-and-down the levee (40 trips up the levee!). Each set is 10 reps (40 reps!). When PAX finishes his set for one exercise, keep repping or plank until the 6. No rest until everyone’s done. The exercises (and some 40-themed Mardi Gras trivia that helped keep the PAX entertained…..):
- Burpees first, of course.
- Penguins. 2nd Modification: lets do the reps at the top of the levee rather than the bottom. Sure its windy up there. But its a heck of a lot dryer.
- Did you know there are 40 parades in February (from Chewbacca through Muses)
- Low Slow Squats.
- Per NOLA.com in February 2018, there are 40 marching groups too. YHC doesn’t fact-check, just reports.
- Cross-fit Merkins
- Who remembers Mardi Gras 40 years ago? That’s right – the 1979 Police Strike!
- Peter Parkers
- Bacchus 40 years ago? Ron Howard.
- Bacchus XL? The one, the only Hulk Hogan
- Bacchus this year? 40 year old Jensen Ackles.
- Box Cutters
- Who’s playing Endymion? 40 year old Flo Rida.
- Lionel Ritchie – hit the charts with Sail On 40 years ago
- Lunges
- One Krewe turns 40 this year. No one could guess it. And YHC was not surprised: Krewe of Bilge from Eden Isles.
- Plank Walks
- Did you know…. (apparently JV did, as he tried to correct YHC): King of Comus and King of Carnival (not King of Rex…) meet at 40 minutes past 9:00 on Mardi Gras night.
- Mountain Climbers
- LBC
Mosey back to the flag – which was leaning with the wind, but still standing. Thanks to Cowbell for his constant encouragement for all the PAX to keep after it; keep pushing up the levee. Nice work M-Bop! Remember, the workouts get easier, because you get stronger! Great to have you out with us.
Fast trip through announcements (RRR), intentions and prayers. Then fast mosey back to cars to start the long process of thawing toes. Thanks everyone for letting me lead.
