F3 New Orleans

Author: Fracsac

  • Countdown to Grow Ruck

    “Age is an issue of mind over matter.  If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

    – Mark Twain

    7 men of F3 gathered at Okwata at 0530 on a Sunday morning, fired up to get another ruck in before the Growruck event next weekend.  Terabyte asked if his M could shadow, as they have been rucking together over the last few weeks.  There were no objections.  YHC would struggle to get his M up that early, unless there was a flight to an exotic place in the works, and there were no later flights available.  YHC would prefer not to consider the response from his M if he were to ask, “would you like to don a weighted ruck sack and ruck for 2 hours with me and the guys at 0530 on a Sunday morning?”
    Upon arrival at Okwata, YHC and Triple Shift saw the same two individuals outside the same truck, and in the same spot, as last Sunday. YHC would normally take the opportunity to employ an EH, but thought better of it. Like beasts in the wild, they seemed less interested with our presence from the week before. Too bad this will be our last Sunday ruck for a while.
    Ruck sacks on, time to go! Triple Shift was thoughtful enough to bring a coupon along. This is getting real! YHC thought, “in one week from now, our group will be finishing up….or maybe just wishing it was over”
    Roots, Heisenberg, Triple Shift and Bogey gave YHC a run down on what used to be where the new pump station is past the SYC as we made our way to Breakwater Park, where the road was lined with litter. It’s a shame people don’t take more pride in their city and pick up after themselves. Bogey pointed out the incredible yacht owned by Otto Candies. There was plenty of good F2 the whole way.
    There was some discussion along the way about how younger members would help to ease the load of the older guys. With that, YHC took the coupon for a third time, and put the age factor to rest. F3 has prepared us well for this upcoming challenge, and we will be better for doing it.
    After approximately 2 hours and 6.6 miles, the PAX called it a day.
    Count off, nam-o-rama, and a prayer for strength to tackle the Grow Ruck challenge next week.
    Thanks for rucking with me today.

     

  • Get Shorty

    It all started with a simple request on the GroupMe App.  Hawgcycle asked if someone could cover his Q at Okwata, and Shorty quickly, too quickly, volunteered. YHC responded that he would be the back up, but had no worries in regard to Shorty posting. YHC posted just to see what sort of beat down Shorty would bring this day. YHC should have known it was a well thought out plot, a plot to get YHC to post. YHC was trying to rest the hamstring, aka Yoga Butt, but not this day.
    Due to a severe case of fartsacking, the part of Shorty will be played by Chili Palmer….

    Four Okwata die hards posted for an epic beatdown, which YHC thought would be brought by Shorty. Apparently the Cadillac of Minivans was calling, so no Shorty here.

    YHC: Chili, what do you think about Shorty fartsacking?
    Chili: I’m not gonna say anymore than I have to, if that.

    Well, I guess YHC would need to bring it today. It was an incredibly cool and brisk morning at Okwata, and a welcomed change from the humid conditions as of late. Time to get to it! But first, the disclaimer…..and then

    The Thang

    Mosey around the mardi gras fountain, karaoke left, then right. Circle up in front of the fountain for a warm up:

    SSH IC x 31
    IW IC x 15
    Windmills (Abe Vigodas) IC x 10 (gotta stretch that hamstring)

    Mosey back to the fountain for COP 1
    Jack Webb double shots at the barre – some mumble chatter about not seeing that coming…..
    YHC: Chili, you think we should do Jack Webbs at the barre?
    Chili: Look at me.
    YHC: I’m looking at you.
    Chili: No, I want you to look at me the way I’m looking at you.
    YHC: (Awkward)

    The PAX does 1 merkin, followed by double shots (air presses) in the peoples chair against the fountain rail, up to 10 merkins. That’s a total of 55 merkins.

    Mosey to the House of Pain….would the PAX be hit by a stench and a swarm of bugs again? Nope, all clean and ready for action!
    COP 2 – Four stations
    Run up levee, 5 burpees on top, run down other side and back up, 5 burpees on top, return to HOP (Timer)
    Catalina Wine Mixers – AMRAP
    Bobby Hurley’s – AMRAP
    Pull Ups – AMRAP
    One round is all – YHC didn’t think it warranted a repeat….

    Mosey to the corner of Lakeshore and Canal – COP 3 – Four Corners
    Corner 1 – 10 x Catalina Wine Mixers IC
    Run across levee to second corner
    Corner 2 – 10 x Bobby Hurley’s (not IC but together)
    Run to third corner
    Corner 3 – 10 x Merkins IC (4 count) – 20 total
    Run across levee to fourth corner
    Corner 4 – 10 x Lunges IC (4 count)
    Return to first corner…
    BLIMPS (Use same corners methodology) Welcome Da Parish! Riding that bike back and forth across the levee like a machine!
    Corner 1 – 5 x Burpees IC (Actually 8 count body builders)
    Run across levee to second corner
    Corner 2 – 10 x Lunges IC (4 count)
    Run to third corner
    Corner 3 – 15 x IW IC
    Run across levee to fourth corner
    Corner 4 – 20 x Merkins IC (4 count) – 40 total
    Return to first corner
    Corner 1 – 25 x Plank Jacks IC (4 count)
    Run across levee to second corner
    Corner 2 – 30 squats IC (4 count)
    Run back to first corner for…
    Mary – all IC
    WW 2 Situps x 15
    Flutter kicks x 15
    Hello Dolly x 15
    Freddie Mercury x 15
    Box Cutters x 15
    Tin Snips x 15

    Return to the VSF with one minute to spare…..so plank until 0615

    Count off, nam-o-rama, announcements, intentions, and a closing prayer to the Sky Q.

    Moleskin
    The PAX did a total of 115 merkins, 20 in one set, 40 in another set, and 55 cumulative in the Jack Webbs.

    The Summer Series 2 mile run on June 7th is right around the corner. Please consider donating to support the cause, as F3 is a sponsor. It’s a great event for the whole family. Even if you can’t donate, please come out and join us!
    The Grow Ruck for June 10th is still on! Everyone is doing it! If you haven’t signed up, get on it!
    Torq is promoting awareness on Facebook to draw attention to F3. Check it out on GroupMe, or facebook. Ask Torq for more info.

    YHC: Well Chili, you thought of a title for this beat down yet?
    Chili: How about “Get Shorty”?
    YHC: Well Said!

  • Okwata and the DMD

    YHC arrived at Okwata wondering which dedicated PAX would show up. YHC was excited when 7 hardcore Okwata junkies emerged from their vehicles to join their QIC in the gloom. The mystery ghost vehicle referenced by Rudy last week was back on the scene. No time to investigate, as 0530 beckons us to begin. Welcome JV, just in time for the disclaimer, and then mosey around the fountain. Mumble chatter about the pretty lights illuminating from the fountain…..karaoke right, high knees, karaoke left…….circle up for warm up:

    SSH IC x 31
    IW IC x 15
    Windmills IC x 10 (YHC is hampered by a hamstring thang…..gotta stretch it out)

    Mosey to the fountain for an Okwata favorite…..Double shots with Jack Webb at the bar

    1 merkin followed by 2 air presses in the peoples chair position against the bar
    Continue until the PAX completes 10 merkins and 20 air presses

    Mosey to the House of Pain……..
    Upon arrival at the HOP, YHC is overcome by crawfish shell stench and massive clouds of flying critters…..change of plans…..continue mosey to the corner of Lakeshore Drive and Canal…..Dirty Mac Deuce is back at Okwata!

    DMD is comprised of 4 sets of 3 exercises done to 12 count reps. There is one chest exercise, one leg exercise, and one core exercise. After each set of 3, the PAX runs a lap. The lap at Okwata would be the figure 8. However, this is Okwata! Our lap would be an Indian Run!

    Set #1
    Merkins x 12 IC
    Jump Squats x 12 IC
    Big Boy (WW2) Situps x 12 IC

    Indian Run a figure 8 lap

    Set #2
    Shoulder Taps x 12 IC
    Lunges x 12 IC
    Big Boy (WW2) Situps x 12 IC

    Indian Run a figure 8 lap

    Set #3
    Catalina Wine Mixer x 12 IC
    Monkey Humpers x 12 IC
    Big Boy (WW2) Situps x 12 IC

    Indian Run a figure 8 lap

    Set #4
    Floyd Mayweathers x 12 IC
    Quick lunges (or whatever their called) x 12 IC
    Big Boy (WW2) Situps x 12 IC

    Indian Run a figure 8 lap – YHC’s hamstring made the last lap a bit slower…..

    Mosey back to the VSF for….

    Round of Mary – all IC
    LBC x 15
    Flutter Kicks x 15
    Real Freddie Mercury x 15
    Dr. W’s x ???? (YHC completely butchered the count from the get go….maybe 10 total….gotta work on that one)
    Tin Snips x 15

    COT
    Count off, Name-O-Rama, announcements, intentions, and closed with a prayer to the Sky Q.

    Thanks for joining me at Okwata, and for allowing me to lead.

  • Run ‘n Ruck ‘n Fun 610 Stomp #90

    YHC has been preoccupied for the last few weeks, and was thrilled to take on the lead at the 610 Stomp on this fine day.  What makes this day great you ask?  Well, the answer is obvious…..

    YHC arrived in the gloom before all others, wondering who might show.  Would a flag arrive this fine morning?  Spoiler Alert – No Flag this fine day….VSF it is then…..

    Three hard core and committed PAX came with rucksacks in tow, but all are welcomed at the 610 Stomp.  After a quick disclaimer, YHC gave instructions.  All runners go, and be back for 0605.  Ruckers drop your rucksacks and take a run to P.G.T. Beauregard and return to the VSF.  Which PAX did what?  Next time come and see…..
    There would be no dry PAX this day!

    Upon arrival back at the VSF, the ruckers donned their rucks and did some power rucking on the track.  All PAX came came together at 0605 at the track for:

    Merkins IC- 4 count  x 15
    Mumble chatter about the PAX thinking it was going to be 47….
    Da Parish suggested we go with 16….great idea!
    WW II Sit Ups IC – 4 count x 16
    Flutter kicks IC x 16
    Real Freddie Mercury IC x 16
    Hello Dolly IC x 16
    Box Cutters IC x 16
    Tin Snips IC x 16

    Return to the VSF – exactly 47 minutes after we started. Coincidence? YHC thinks not….
    Count off, name-o-rama, announcements, intentions, and final prayer.

    Thanks for joining me this fine morning, and for allowing me to lead.

    Ruckers ran 1.6 miles and power rucked 1.4 miles. The runners all did right around 4 miles. Great job to all the PAX at the 610 Stomp!

    Moleskin

    YHC has been preoccupied the last few weeks. However, YHC will once again keep an eye out for lacking backblasts…….I give the PAX my word!

  • This is Okwata!

    “Do, or do not.  There is no try.”

    Yoda

    No shovel flag to converge around, yet five men still arrive in the gloom for a beat down, yes they do. Are the cool days of spring gone, hmmm? Humid mornings say so, but wait and see, yes? 0530 is upon us, so YHC gives a brief disclaimer, yes he does, and then it’s time to mosey…….

    Around the fountain, the men of F3 mosey, and circle up on the grass, they do, for a warm up.

    SSH IC x 31
    IW IC x 15
    Arm Circles IC x 20 (10 forward, 10 back)

    COP#1
    Return to the fountain, these men go, to meet Jack Webb at the bar, where double shots await them.
    1 merkin, followed by 2 air presses in the peoples chair position on the railing around the fountain.
    2 merkins………… 4 air presses……….
    3 merkins………… 6 air presses……….
    4 merkins………….8 air presses……….
    5 merkins………….10 air presses………
    6 merkins………….12 air presses………
    7 merkins………….14 air presses………
    8 merkins………….16 air presses………
    9 merkins………….18 air presses………
    10 merkins…………20 air presses………

    Exit Yoda….

    Now that the PAX are awake and warmed up, it was time to get down to business. Mosey to the levee, near the house of pain. Time for some Jacob’s Ladder:

    COP#2
    Run up the mountain, stop for 1 burpee on top, run down the other side
    Repeat this Surge up and down the mountain, stopping for an ascending burpee at the top until reaching 10. If any PAX complete the ladder before the other PAX, continue running up and down until all PAX are complete. (55 Burpees).

    Move to the house of pain for the next set.

    COP#3
    Pull-ups AMRAP
    Step Ups AMRAP
    Catalina wine mixers AMRAP
    Jump Squats AMRAP
    Run up the mountain, stop for 5 plank jacks, run down the other side, and come back up and over the mountain back to the house of pain (timer).
    The PAX saw a Tool hanging on one of the pull up bars, and there was much enthusiasm……wonder who left the pull up assist band here?
    After one evolution, YHC called out rinse and repeat…..there was some mumble chatter….this is Okwata! We’re not the JV team!
    After the second evolution, rinse and repeat again……total of three rounds.

    COP#4 – Mary
    YHC once knew a man that called everyone “Bubba” and this was always confusing. YHC has digressed, so back to the task…..
    WW2 Sit ups IC (4 count) x 25
    Flutter Kicks IC x 15
    Hello Dolly IC x 15
    LBC IC x 15
    Box Cutter IC x 15
    Tin Snips IC x 15

    Mosey back to the VSF for the count off, name-o-rama, announce-a-rama, intentions, BOM and a prayer to the Sky Q.

    Moleskin
    This is the third Q in a row for YHC at Okwata, and Surge has been the constant. T-Claps for the continued commitment. Okwata welcomed Bubba back from his time away, where he was supporting the fitness of his M.  YHC thought it had been a couple weeks, turns out it was six weeks.  Time flies when one chooses the DRP.

    Tool is Q’ing the Mothership this Saturday in celebration of his two year F3 Event.  You won’t want to miss it!

    SYITG!

  • CCC10K

    The Crescent City Classic was upon us again, signaling a farewell to the cooler days of spring.  Several PAX decided to join the thousands of runners and walkers on the 6.2 mile course that led from the Super Dome to City Park.  Although the runners in the PAX posted some outstanding times, none came close to the winner.  The official winning time was 27 minutes and 52 seconds, which equates to approximately 13.4 MPH.  To put this into context, the average speed of a mountain biker is said to come in at 13 to 15 MPH.  YHC considered EH’ing this amazingly fast Kiwi runner, but YHC failed to catch up to him.

    There was some great F2 enjoyed by the PAX at the after party, where men of F3 cheered as loud as possible for Da Parish and his crew at the costume contest.  T-Claps on coming in Third!

    T-Claps to Hawgcycle for posting to the Mothership, running to the Super Dome, and running the 10K!  It appears Hawgcycle has raised the bar once again!  Well done!

    Members of the PAX always push each other to better, and this is what keeps YHC returning for more.

    SYITG!

  • Okwata Welcomes DirtyMacDeuce

    “Don’t try to be perfect, just try to be better than you were yesterday.”

    Anonymous

    The correspondence that was sent out at the beginning of the week showed no Q for Okwata.  YHC checked his schedule, identified there was no urgency for an early appearance at work, and signed up to Q.  YHC gave the PAX the gift of Burp Back Mountain last week, while still incorporating elements of the April challenge.  Would YHC become predictable, or would something new be brought to the levee?  YHC indicated to the PAX through Group Me that the ever so athletic Dirty Mac Deuce just might make an appearance this week at Okwata.  Three men joined YHC to stand up to DMD!  Throw in some elements of the April Challenge, and we have what we can proudly call a downpainment on improvement!

    But first, the Disclaimer……..and then….

    The Thang

    Mosey to the House of Pain.  A mosey around the fountain would be predictable, and YHC is anything but predictable this day!  Circle up outside the House of Pain for a Warm Up:

    SSH x 31 IC – cause 31 is my thang…
    IW x 15 IC

    Enough warm up, we have business to get to…..

    House of Pain

    Enter the House of Pain, comprised of four stations:

    Run over the levee, complete 5 Burpees, and run back (timer)
    Pull – ups AMRAP – YHC brought a pull up assist band, allowing all to embrace the pull up!
    Dips – AMRAP
    Squats – AMRAP

    Okwata gave the PAX the gift of cool weather on the south side of the levee. It actually felt like at least 5 degrees cooler. It felt so good, a rinse and repeat was in order!

    DirtyMacDeuce

    Mosey to the corner of Lakeshore Drive and Canal, which is where Hawgcycle introduced the H8. But instead of the H8, this is where the PAX met DMD.  Would the PAX be intimidated?  Negative! We are men of F3!
    DMD is comprised of 4 sets of 3 exercises done to 12 count reps.  There is one chest exercise, one leg exercise, and one core exercise.  After each set of 3, the PAX runs a lap.  The lap at Okwata would be the figure 8 from the H8.  In staying with the theme of unpredictability, YHC made the lap an Indian Run!

    Set #1
    Merkins x 12 IC
    Jump Squats x 12 IC
    Big Boy (WW2) Situps x 12 IC

    Indian Run a figure 8 lap

    Set #2
    Catalina Wine Mixer x 12 IC
    Lunges x 12 IC
    Big Boy (WW2) Situps x 12 IC

    Indian Run a figure 8 lap

    Set #3
    Burpees x 12 OYO
    Monkey Humpers x 12 IC
    Big Boy (WW2) Situps x 12 IC

    Indian Run a figure 8 lap

    Set #4
    Merkins x 12 IC – Mumble Chatter that the PAX only did 12 Merkins in first set, so YHC doubled down and delivered 24 total in set #4
    Plank Jacks x 12
    Big Boy (WW2) Situps x 12 IC

    Indian Run a figure 8 lap

    Mosey back to the VSF for….

    Round of Mary
    Big Boy (WW2) Situps x 12 IC
    Flutter Kicks x 12
    Hello Dolly x 12
    Real Freddie Mercury x 12
    Tin Snips x 12

    COT
    Count off, Name-O-Rama, announcements, intentions, and closed with a prayer to the Sky Q.

    Moleskin
    Heisenberg is Q’ing a Grow Ruck F2 tonight at the corner of St Charles and First.
    Avenue Pub is in the plans…
    The CCC10K is this weekend, and several F3 men will be in attendance. Due to the time of the event, YHC will be unable to post at the Mothership, although you know he would if he could!
    YHC would never push this hard while working out alone. Okwata is a great AO, and YHC thanks the dedicated men of F3 for posting!

     

  • Okwata – Beyond Limits

    If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.

    Bruce Lee

    YHC arrived at the VSF at 0525, and there were no eager men of F3 anywhere in sight. To be honest, YHC’s heart sank a bit, as this may be that day when it would be a PAX of one. Where were the regulars, like Surge and Kim Chi and JV? Through the gusts of wind, YHC saw cars approaching. One, then and another, and so on. There were 2 men, then 3, then 7 upon Triple Shift and Yo-Yo’s arrival! Tinkles visit to Okwata, along with the regulars showing up, gave YHC great joy. Hawgcycles arrival made 8, and it was time to go beyond our limits, it was 0530……

    But first, the Disclaimer, and then….

    The Thang

    On your six!
    WW2 Situps IC x 15 – these are the 2 per four count, but still count as 15. Breaking plateaus…..

    Mosey to the fountain, knee highs as we mosey around it, followed by karaoke one way and the other.
    Circle up on the grass on the lake side of the fountain for a warm up:

    SSH IC x 31 – cause 31 is my thang
    Hill Billy’s x 15 IC
    Arm Circles x 10 front, x 10 back. YHC tried to hold back the excitement of what was to come next…but the hints began to drop….
    How about we all go to the bar, maybe for a drink? No, we’re men of F3! We’ll have a double!

    Jack Webb Ordered a Double at the Barre!
    All together…
    1 merkin, followed by a seat against the bar at the fountain for double air presses, aka double shots
    2 x merkin…..4 shots at the bar
    3 x merkin…..6 shots at the bar
    4 x merkin…..8 shots at the bar
    5 x merkin…..10 shots at the bar
    6 x merkin…..12 shots at the bar
    7 x merkin…..14 shots at the bar
    8 x merkin…..16 shots at the bar
    9 x merkin…..18 shots at the bar
    10 x merkin….20 shots at the bar

    Why did YHC type all of them? Because YHC really likes that one. It is a true downPAINment on our journey to break limits!

    10 x WW2 Situps IC

    Is that a mountain? It’s a levee, but close enough!
    Burp Back Mountain! Partner up!
    One PAX does quadraphilia up the mountain, and runs back down, always facing the lake x 3.
    Other PAX does Burpees AMRAP, with the goal of 100 cumulative.
    Once your team finishes, continue the quadraphilia run up and down the mountain until all PAX is complete.

    10 x WW2 Situps IC

    Mosey to the House of Pain!
    4 stations:
    Pull ups AMRAP
    Step Ups AMRAP
    Dips x 20 (timer)
    Jump Squats AMRAP

    Rinse and Repeat x 3 rounds

    10 WW2 Situps IC

    Back to the levee, for more mountain fun!
    Run to the top of the levee and do 1 burpee, and run down to the other side
    Run back up to the top, do 2 burpees, and run to the other side
    Run back up to the top, do 3 burpees, and run to the other side
    Run back up to the top, do 4 burpees, and run to the other side
    Run back up to the top, do 5 burpees, and run to the other side

    Burpees are a great way to test one’s limits, and it’s even a better test when one throws in a levee.

    Back to the VSF

    10 WW2 Situps IC

    Just enough time left for Mary

    Flutter Kicks IC x 15
    Hello Dolly IC x 15
    Real Freddie Mercury’s IC x 15
    Tin Snips x 15
    Dying Cockroach IC (sort of) x 15

    Count off, Name-o-rama, announcement, intentions, and a prayer to the Sky Q for the intentions, and to help us to have an impact upon those needing support this day.
    Okwata never fails to be a challenge, and it’s a great AO to test one’s limits. If any PAX feels a plateau in their life, YHC recommends a post to Okwata to push the limits, and break through that plateau!

    I was honored to lead today!

    Moleskin
    For those in the April Challenge, the PAX completed 55 Merkins, 55 WW2 Situps, and however many pullups the 20 dips x 3 timer allowed.

    Grow Ruck Call with OBT and Robber is tonight.  Check your inbox, twitter feed, facebook, or group me app for details.

    Crescent City Classic is coming up soon.  YHC will be running it, hope to see others there.

  • 610 Stomp #84

    With self-discipline, most anything is possible

    A quote from Ryan Serhant, courtesy of Cowbell

    I did not want to wake up this morning. I did not want to get out of bed. I did not want to work out. I wanted my comforter and I wanted to sleep in and I wanted to put socks on because my feet were cold. But then I remembered I didn’t wake up to be mediocre. I didn’t wake up to put a suit on and pay bills and die. I woke up to take advantage of another day on earth. Another day I have the CHOICE to do whatever I want to do to make myself happy. Another day to dominate. Another day to be thankful. Another day to control my own destiny. Someone once told me that most people are already dead by the time they hit my age – we just don’t bury them until they’re 80 or 90. Well I’m not ready to die yet. So screw this comforter and these warm socks and LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

    There were two flags at the AO when YHC arrived in the gloom, and this just reinforced YHC that signing up to Q was the right move.  There were three men, then four, then seven.  It was 0529 and two more vehicles rapidly approached.  The final two men arrived just as the time hit 0530.  Nine men woke up early and made a choice to take advantage of another day, and to become better.  Mediocrity is not acceptable among these men.  Let the beat down begin…..

    But first, The Disclaimer….and then

    The Thang

    YHC thought it would be good to incorporate the April challenge into the 610 Stomp, so before we ran, all were instructed to get on their sixes and prepare for WW2 sit ups.
    IC x 15 WW2 (Big Boy) Sit ups – these are the two per four count. Although there are 30 in a 15 count, they only count as 15. Remember, we are here to improve.
    15 merkins OYO

    We ran the regular bayou route, with the following instructions:
    10 x WW2 situps and 10 merkins at the following locations:
    NOMA, Cabrini Bridge, Dumaine St Bridge, and the Cuban guy statue (Jose Marti). Then turn around and run back.
    Stop for 55 dips at the NOMA Fountain.
    We sealed the deal with 15 burpies back at the flag.

    The PAX ended with approximately 4.15 miles, 55 WW2 Situps, 55 Merkins, 55 Dips and 15 Burpees.  Although the dips were an appropriate substitute for the pull ups from the April challenge, Cowbell made it crystal clear that 55 pull ups were still expected of the PAX OYO.  No argument here…..

    We ended the beat down with the COT for the count off, namorama, announcements, intentions, and a final prayer.  We will not be mediocre this day.

    Thanks for letting me lead!

  • 610 Stomp #82 – Chaos

    YHC was the first to arrive in the gloom, standing at the VSF on this warm and humid morning. Before long, other men from F3 began to arrive, but it seemed a bit unsettled. Rudy started counting, but just couldn’t seem to come up with the number he sought. YHC began to think Rudy was losing it, but then YHC’s attention was taken elsewhere. Who was that hiding behind a vehicle? The shadow of a human literally shot out from behind the truck and darted toward the Shovel Flag, seemingly hoping the shadow of the temporary monument would keep him hidden from that which he was attempting to avoid. Is that JV? Have the double nickle symptoms set in early? YHC hears a whisper from the shadow that appears to be JV, and it went like this…”he shot my brother, and I think he’s after me!” No, he will not get you here in the gloom. You are safe here, my friend! Then from out of nowhere came Heisenberg, wearing a TM headband, high fiving and fist bumping all in the gloom. All seemed to be well, until YHC looked over and saw terror in the eyes of Cowbell and Kim Chi as they witnessed Rudy feverishly counting, unable to attain the sum he sought! YHC looked at his iphone, and was thankful the device read 0530. After a brief disclaimer, YHC attempted to bring order to the gloom, but chaos was reigning strong. “Run, just run”, YHC proclaimed to the PAX, “and be back at the track at 0605 for some sprints!” With that, the PAX dispersed, and YHC was uncertain where they ran or if they would return.

    The Thang

    With a new pair of shoes, as the old ones were destroyed on the TM course, YHC glided on the street, taking the usual route. Upon arrival on the Lafitte Greenway, YHC ran until the time was such that it reflected the halfway mark.  Upon turning around, there was no Pax, bringing a certain unease to the mind of YHC.  Have the men of F3 gone mad?  But upon further investigation, while traveling back to the track, YHC came upon JV, who seemed to have overcome his symptoms of paranoia.  Then YHC saw Kim Chi and Heisenberg, and YHC felt all would be well.  But wait, where is Rudy and Cowbell?  Upon arrival at the track at 0604, those of us that made it decided to do a few LBC’s.  Suddenly, and out of nowhere, came Cowbell and Rudy.  We finished the LBC IC x 20, and it was time for sprints.

    YHC explained that the Pax would do sprints on the straightaways and mosey on the curves, twice around the track.  YHC looked to Rudy to see if his confusion lingered.  Rudy was again counting, but was satisfied with the new count, as Tool and Udder had joined us.  YHC almost didn’t recognize Tool without the beacon of hope that had reigned on Saturday.   The Pax completed the 2 laps in high spirits and in great time.  That left time for…

    COP 

    Merkins IC x10
    Freddie Mercury’s IC x 20
    Partner up, Leg throws x 15 each, followed by big boy situps x 10 each

    Return to the Shovel Flag

    COT

    Count off, namorama, announcements, intentions, and closed in prayer.

    Moleskin

    It was great to have Udder from North Carolina join us.  Kim Chi’s streak continues, and JV is a rock!

    Thanks for letting me lead!