F3 New Orleans

Author: Mahatma

  • The Morning After

    15 pax showed up in the gloom, possibly still a bit hung over from a few too many brewskies watching the SB or maybe from the ongoing boycott party with the Who Dat’s one call away from making a run into the big game, again!  Regardless with the disclaimer made it’s time to work….

     We headed out the gate for a quick mosey around the track switching to a Bernie Sanders trot midway around with a bit of bewilderment until it was understood all were supposed to participate.  Then out the gate to the field circling up for a warm up.

    All in cadence x 12 or 20 or 10:

    Squats

    SS Hops  x 10 then after seeing the pax was a bit lethargic, QIC decided to entice focus with a Fracsac special, finish as a group on a silent count or punish work to follow – thanks in part to a “silent whisper of Marlin” the pax got into cadence focus and all stopped on 17

    Grass grabbers

    Peter Parker ( Hokie reminded QIC and FNG was in our midst and Rudy let everyone know he likes to pretend he really is climbing a wall)

    Scorpion kicks

    Arm Circles

    Grab a rock!

    After moseying over to the tree line instructions were given for our 1st task at hand:

    The 7

    Start with 1 front raise (mid waist raise your rock over your head) Then lower rock holding out front run to the center of the field.

    Each time PAX gets to this center point perform 5 squat presses

    Now run with Rock over head to the other side – complete 6 man makers – run back to the center with rock overhead at the center 5 squat presses then run back to the beginning side with rock out front.

    Continue this back and forth effort with numbers flip flopping  exercises and 5 squat presses in the middle until 1 becomes 6 and 6 becomes 1. 

    Now for the early finishers line up behind the starting point – SSH in cadence until 6 was in.

    Grab your rock and mosey to the parking lot – get a partner.

    Line up for some chess press to tricep over head press – 200 to 200

    PAX does chess press while PAX 2 walks post to post performs over head tricep presses – upon return flip flop until 200 of each are completed.

    Now for the early finishers line up behind the starting point – SSH in cadence until 6 was in.

    Return to you rock – for some Mary

    American Hammer x 12

    Gas Pumps with Rock in an upward press position x 12

    Bus Drivers x 12

    Front rock lifts x 10

    Time to return our rocks

    Mosey back to the flag – Rudy reminded me he want his full 45 minutes so with 2 minutes left we completed a ring of fire with a 10 merkin count off.

    Count off and COT

    Our FNG was welcomed and given is F3 name – Vagabond.

    Let us all aspire to inspire before we expire…..  We are all accountable; It’s an honor to lead

  • Stairway to 7

    16 men met in the early morning sweltering humidity known as a typical NOLA morning gloom in July.  QIC was anxious to get back to an F3 regiment after returning from a beach vacation where most exercise was pulling chairs and ice chest to and from the beach….oh and a fair amount of adult beverages!  Thinking most that might show up for his Q would anticipate a block beat down, thought was given during the 4 hour drive home as to how this Muscleship Q would go.  Ah the tree line near NOMA brought back memories of one of the toughest obstacles ever done…..the climb of stair way to heaven (details given during the workout, you had to be there to understand).  So using this as motivation the stair way to 7 was concocted!

    Disclaimer then encouragement that in order to grow one has push beyond one’s comfort zone!

    Mosey around the field, then line up tree alternating legs 7 each front leg lifts, right then left side lung.

    Circle up – all in cadence x 7

    Peter Parkers

    Merkins

    Scorpion kicks left & right leg

    Country crab leg lift to a dip

    Side Straddle Hops

    The journey to the stairway to 7!

    1st Climb UP:

    Line up tree 0

    One double under

    Run to tree 1

    Two Merkins

    Run to tree 2

    Three double unders

    Run to tree 3

    Four Merkins

    Run to tree 4

    Five double unders

    Run to tree 5

    Six Merkins

    Run to tree 6

    7 of each double under / merkins

    All of finish go directly to plank waiting and active recovering until the 6

    30 seconds rest

    1st Climb DOWN – Descending double

    At Tree 6

    7 ea double under / merkins

    Run to tree 5

    6 ea

    Run to tree 4

    5 ea

    Complete the descent until tree 0 reached and 1ea double under / merkin

    1 minute rest

    2nd Climb UP

    Same concept except this time the effort doubles

    Tree 0

    2 Carolina Dry Docks

    BEAR CRAWL between trees.

    Tree 1

    4 Carolina Dry Docks

    Then

    6, 8, 10, 12, 14

    Again once finish hold a plank and wait with active recovery.  30 secs rest

    2nd Climb Down

    Same concept except this time add plank jacks after Dry Docks

    At Tree 6

    14 ea Dry Docks /  Plank Jacks

    Run, Mosey or Slow Mosey between trees

    12 ea

    same

    10 ea

    Complete the descent until tree 0 reached and 2ea Dry Docks / Plank Jacks completed

    3rd Climb Up

    Partner up

    At Tree 0

    Pax 1 sits with arms extended out in a cross; Pax 2 performs a Merkin then jumps over one arm of Pax 1 and completes another Merkin.

    Pax 2 and Pax 1 flap jack the movement.

    NOW Pax 2 on the ground flips to extend legs for Pax 1 to grab in order to wheelbarrow to Tree 1.

    At tree 1 Pax 2 remains on the ground, extends arms Pax 1 will do the Merkin/Jump over 2 times. Then flap jack the movement.  This time Pax 1 will be the wheelbarrow to tree 2.

    This continues to tree 6 with the Merkin/jump over rising to 7 each side.

    Once complete mosey to get water.

    Final Climb 7 min AMRAP: (2) 3 min with a 1 min rest in between

    7 squat jumps

    7 incline merkins

    7 decline merkins

    Run across the short width of the field and back

    repeat

    Circle Up for Mary:

    2 min plank – start at low plank 30sec – rise to high plank 15sec then in cadence 7 opposite hand to foot touches, transition back to low plank

    1 min rest

    Rinse and repeat.

    Then in cadence 7 scoops, 7 flutter kicks, 7 V Ups

    Head to the flag……wait 1 minute: 7 Burpees OYO

    DONE!

    COT – Life is a bless and we know not the day or time.  Reflection of the 4 young girls (3 recent LSU graduates) that were tragically killed in a helicopter crash over the Holiday week.  Stay focused to be appreciative, open to forgive as well as being forgiven.  God Bless!

  • Rumble with the MotherShip Marauders

    What a blessing to be standing in the early morning Summertime bright gloom for a Saturday MuscleShip adventure through the park. 7 Pax gathered a short disclaimer of self awareness of safety and effort was given and the fun began.

    Mosey to the baby foundry – along our route we picked up Grimace so QIC was happy with an even number for partner workouts planned. We circle up for a quick warm up:

    Slow toe touches with a hold at the bottom x 10

    Slow right leg lunch with a hold x 5 – repeat left leg x 5

    SSH x 20

    Michael Phelps x 10

    Peter Parkers x 15

    Partner up – Pax moved over to the pull up bars – idea was every Pax was to complete 10 dead hang pull ups with a spot from their partner. QIC noticed at the recent Murph, most (including the QIC) would resort to short-arming pullups especially as we got tired.  Using a spot helps work on form, confidence and strength.  After the 1st set each, PAX would do 20 LBCs or WWII sit ups, then repeat.

    Mosey over to the block pile (QIC came prepared, dropping off cones prior to meeting at AO), we only had 8 and there was a plan to use the tires (that have surprisingly be left untouched by City Park staff). As the MuscleShip Pax was focused on getting our gear in place and the “workout” task ahead, who should arrive but a group of unruly marauders of the Mothership, asserting claim to all the blocks and open space for themselves.  They attempted to intimidate the smaller Pax of 8 yet, QIC felt confident in our ability to out perform even the loudest chirping Cotter from their group.  Most had a hard time staying focused on their workout as they watched in awe of the sweat generating effort the MuscleShip Pax of 8.

    The Thang on Display –

    Two groups of partners (4 Pax) – 2 large tires.

    One Pax on his back leg pressing the tire while the partner stood in the tire adding extra weight. This did take some balance and coordination – lagniappe to the work.

    Each Pax did 50 leg presses and 25 chest press – flip flop.

    The other group of 4 –

    Pax 1 farmer carry blocks from one end of cones to the next, while Pax 2 does Squat Press – as Pax 1 is on his way back switch to prisoner overhead squat press.

    Flip Flop

    Now All 4 Pax lined up at cones did one push up on the block – 2 Over Head Lunge – 2 push ups with 4 Over Head Lunge – 3 push ups with 6 Over Head Lunge until reaching the other end of cones, RUN back with block over head. Rinse and Repeat.

    Finally – block around the trunk – PAX partners standing back to back pass the block x 10 each direction.

    FLIP FLOP with the PAX on the Tires.

    NOTE: MotherShip Marauders midway through seeing this beatdown effort couldn’t “stand” around any longer so they quietly returned their blocks and moseyed off to “Merryland”……to be seen again later at coffeteria!   Great stories of workout beatdowns were shared along with “catfishing” tales.

    MuscleShip Pax returned out gear (blocks and tires) yet still had something left in the tank…..so behind the pace of GreenScreen we headed back to the Museum fountain.

    20 incline merkins followed by 7 in unison inchworm burpees.

    Mosey over to the tree field for some core:

    1 minute low plank

    1 minute of scoops

    1 minute of flutter kicks

    1 minute of high plank

    1 minute of stretching

    The mission was accomplished!

    COT – After namorama and prayer of thanks giving – the PAX broke for the day!

    I’m grateful to have the opportunity to lead as well as the camaraderie that comes with being an F3 brother. We hold a bond of accountability – even when meeting up with (or at times being) Marauders!

  • Creating Some Steam

    After traveling for 2 weeks hitting AOs in Houston and Phoenix, I was looking forward to being back with my local brothers. After Saturday’s beat down, QIC was reviewing the sign up sheet and saw a need…..so on this balmy morning of gloom it’s time to create some steam!

    After disclaimer given – mosey off to warm up! Pax ran to the block pile each Pax grabbed two then headed to field and circled up:

    • Toe Touch and Hold 3 count x 10
    • Side lung left and right x 10
    • Peter Parkers x 10
    • Scorpion Kicks Right and Left x 10
    • With Block Overhead Press x 20
    • With Block Low Slow Toe Hoover hold 10 count x 10

    Pax separated into 4 groups then each group headed to starting point form a line; one arm bear crawl block drag across the field Left Arm Out then Right Arm Back – Aprox 4 yards each way.

    Next Same Groups lined up for relay – Pax 1 farmer carry 2 blocks across the field while Pax 2 bear crawled behind, Pax 3 farmer carry while Pax 4 bear crawled – swap rolls on the way back.

    Next relay same groups (now with penalty incurred by last place team) Pax 1&2 on one side Pax 3&4 on the other.  Pax 1 ran with block overhead to other end of field while all other Pax overhead pressed blocks, Pax 3 ran the opposite direction while others in group continued to press, then Pax 2 ran, then pax 4.  All ran with block overhead and others in group pressing.

    Next relay same run across the field – this time all in group curling

    Next relay same run across the field – this time all chest pressing

    Now groups 1&2 combined (group of 8) with 3&4 combined (group of 9) – one block each group with passed via Indian Plank across the field approx. 80 yards – team 1&2 losing team 5 burpees.

    Same teams switch sides – this time it was a photo finish – but team 1&2 redeemed themselves with 3&4 doing 7 burpees and 3 to 1&2 for the oh so close win!

    Return our blocks – Mosey back to the flag – 1 minute stretch!

    COT – F3 is a true brotherhood in that our spirit is carried over to all states and cities and I’m grateful to the ability to workout on the road.  It was nice to have Redeye from The Woodlands TX join us for the beatdown as I’ve gotten many with their group while on the road. 

    Thanks for the opportunity to lead!    

  • RC was “Peachless”

    No doubt it was a LONG fun weekend for many PAX – especially those working the Hogs for the Cause BBQ fund raiser. All we can assume is that after “BARKING” for team Deswine Intervention – Peaches was canned! Monday was cold and with the PAX restless realizing Peaches was a no show, I figured it was time to get moving. We moseyed to our normal RC warm up spot. Disclaimer was given for the group as this was going to be a PAX lead beatdown. Mahatma (initial QIC) set to ground rules, ALL would be called out to lead. The warm up began:

    All in cadence 15 – 30 

    • SSH – Mahatma 
    • Hill Billy Cow Bell
    • King Kong
    • WindMills Baby Face
    • Grass Grabers Madula
    • Arm Circles Screw Top

    Grab a Rock – Mosey to the open field

    Pax lined up for a 7

    KK called out ManMakers then run 25 yards for Bobby Hurley 

    RugaRu – Partner Dora – 50 cross over Merkins, 100 Curls, 150 Squats – While pax 1 starts exerciser, pax 2 runs 25 yards and back – switch and keep building toward the #.  

    Mosey back toward the rock pile BUT there was still time for a Ring of PAX where one by one each Pax lead an effort.   Memory loss- If you’ve read to this point feel free to update or send a shoutout through Mumblechatter and I’ll update. 

    Return Rocks – Mosey back to flag.

    COT – After count off and Name O Rama – Pax named and welcomed Swisher-Sweets.   Intentions and Prayers of Thanks.

    Honestly this is F3 at it’s roots – Men leading Men.  Great effort by all. 

  • It’s all about Grip strength

    After the long Mardi Gras season, I think everyone in NOLA is a bit off their game the day after Fat Tuesday….but 5 PAX strong showed up on a cold Ash Wednesday to kick start our morning. Answering the call to fill in for Hawg I showed up with only a minimal plan in mind….we weren’t going to get wet!

    Warm – mosey to the covered pavilion circle up and get the blood flowing.

    • 10 Greg Louganis 
    • 10 low slow squat
    • 10 side lung
    • 20 SSH
    • 10 ea leg scorpion kick 
    • 10 

    Move over to the railing 10 each leg step ups

    Mosey to the center of the park area, circle up for push up ring of fire x 5 then mosey along the running path, stopped at street crossing 5 burpees on your own.  Mosey to the outdoor gym near W. Napoleon.  QIC has been reading the Iron Sharpens Iron chatter and this month Triple Shift has made an emphasis of “grip strength” by performing a Flexed Arm Hang – we started with a 1 minute effort; taking a 1 minute rest then 4 30 sec hangs with 20-30 sec reset in between.  A lot tougher than it may sound, so if you haven’t made an effort to grip the bar yet…..get some!

    Then…While at the gym we broke up into 5 stations – 5 low hang pull ups was the timer, incline merkins, box jumps, dips and elevated leg lifts (again this was harder than it looked).

    Mosey up the running track to the edge of the lake – lined up for some core work: 20 flutter kicks, 10 scoops, 20 more elevated flutter kicks on elbows.

    Mosey back towards the gym, lined up on the side of the track, line of jump squats x 5 x 5.  Rev Sox helped move this along.

    Mosey back towards the start….Oh QIC decided Indian run was best but didn’t communicate completely……It got worked out, last man did 3 push ups then ran to the front and so on.

    Stopped at parking lot, found some measuring points (parking spaces) lunged to one side of parking area performed 10 merkins, bear crawled back did 5 burpees.

    Mosey again – stopped at light poles (3 were in a row before crossing the bridge to the starting point) 10 merkins, 10 jump squats, 10 Catalina Wine Mixers.

    Mosey again – well to the bottom of the bridge – lunged walk up and over.

    Meet at the edge of the lake – another push up ring of fire except this time it was a catch me if you can around the outer parameter of the pavilion.  Kuch put up a good push which got everyone else behind him motivated. 

    Mosey to the starting point – 2 minutes of plank.

    COT – We push our selves to improve both physically and spiritually as solid men that lead.  I’m blessed to have been given the chance to be in a position today to be a part of the Popeyes PAX….Thanks. 

  • Tire Flipping at The MuscleShip RV1

    1st Shot at Qing the newest AO – I showed up early to drop off the “tire” and set up the cynderblock playground then ran to the fountain to get things kicked off. 

    Disclaimer – mousy to the “long way” to the playground – with the muscle flag stand, exactly 1/2 mile.  Circle up for a quick warmup.  All in cadence:

    SSH x 20

    Scorpion Kicks 10 x each leg

    Shoulder Taps x 12

    Everyone grab a block – mousy over to edge of the field and line up.

    1st Effort – Bear crawl out 30 yards with block –  perform 10 merkins – Bear crawl back with block – 5 man makers

    2nd Effort – Kong out 30 yards with block – perform 10 merkins – Kong back with block – 5 man makers 

    Count off 1,2,3

    Group 1 – tunnel block slide – pull the block under yourself passing it to next pax get up run to the end waiting for the block to be slide down – continue to mark and head back to the start.

    Group 2 – over under with the block – out and back to the mark

    Group 3 – 10 curls – 10 squat press – 10 man makers – continue until both group 1 and 2 complete their journey

    Rinse and Repeat

    Group 1 – Timer – Indian style tire flip, jump through then go to the back of the line. Challenge apprx 40 yards.

    Group 2 – Sledgehammer tire slam. 100 count each Pax does 10 reps while the rest of the group does alternating block step overs. If rep count reached then each Pax does 5…..

    Group 3 – block squats, deep block merkins, alternating block merkins, overhead block press

    Rotate through all 3 stations.

    Before returning blocks – 2 sets of arms in cadence curls x 20 with 10 secs rest then overhead tricep press x 20

    Roll tire back to QIC truck – Tool recommended Pax should run around the tire while rolling to the truck – challenge complete.

    Indian Run back with the Muscle Flag stand in hand leading the charge.

    4 minutes of Mary finish with 3 burpees.

    COT – Count off, Name O, Intentions, Prayer of Thanksgiving.

  • We’ll Never Finish in 45 Min….Yep it took 47

    I’ve been talking about it for some time now and had it loaded in my truck; the tractor tire was armor-alled and ready to roll……yet the levee was calling.

    Quick disclaimer and a challenge to push yourself to the limit before giving in. Mosey around the fountain to circle up for the warm up.

    All in cadence:

    Low Slow Squats x 10

    Leg swing left x 12 then right x 12

    SSH x 20

    Scorpion kicks x 10

    Shoulder taps x 15

    Pax moseyed up the levee – Q gave instructions – Indian run, disperse – Repeater 

    – once Pax gets to the front of the line he yells out his choice of an exercise movement then yells disperse – ALL pax runs to either side of levee and performs the  movement x 3.  Each time the next Pax runs to the front and gives the next exercise movement the Pax runs down to either side of the levee and performs the movement x 3 THEN runs up and over to repeat the 1st.  Each time a Pax gives a new movement all other movements are then repeated after running up and over the levee.   Regardless on how you count it…..we ran a lot of levees! 2.8 miles up and over

    This was on the boarder line of insane….and there was a lot of “chirping” by the those normally expected yet every pax pushed through and completed the task.  

    No time to spare mosey to the flags!

     COT

    Count off – Name O Roma – FGN made his presence known with a LOT more details so fittingly we came up with TMI!  He’s a welcome addition to our PAX and will be pushed by Hokie Pokey to make the Uptowner. 

    QIC was no doubt disappointed NOT having time to roll out the tire but none the less proud of the brothers on hand that pushed through!

    It’s a blessing and honor to lead!

  • The Skinny – Challenge to Change

    I feel one of the core foundations of F3 is based in this mindset;”Challenge to Change”!  If you read nothing more, I want to encourage you to step up and sign up to Q a work out with the mindset of at least 1 per month!

    Due the “long” drive from Metry and a blocked road, the Q rolled in hot….dropping keys walking into the circle to give a disclaimer; essentially work out at your own risk!  The “push yourself but don’t hurt yourself notation was given BUT with the following thought….don’t sell yourself short on working hard just because something is uncomfortable.

    Q had pax break up into 2 groups – Mosey to the levee.  Crossing the tracks into the muck the F3 mindset of “embracing the suck” was thrown out.

    Circle Up for warm up: All in Cadence

    SSH x 16

    Toe touch down 3 count up rep count

    Side lung x 16

    Windmill x 16

    1st Initiative x 2

    • 5 squat jumps
    • Sprint up the levee
    • Walk down the otherside
    • 5 Switch Leg Jump Lunges
    • Sprint up the levee
    • Repeat

    45 sec plank

    2nd Initiative x 2

    • 5 Merkins with double climber (both feet to chest)
    • Sprint up the levee
    • Walk down the other side
    • Repeat 5 Merkin/Double climber
    • Sprint up the levee
    • Walk-down
    • Repeat

    45 Sec Plank

    3rd Initiative – 6 – 1 to

    • Start with 1 Burpee
    • Bearcrawl Up the levee
    • On top of the levee 5 PlankJacks
    • Run Down Backside
    • 5 Shoulder Press
    • Quadrafilla (run backwards up the levee)
    • On top of the levee 5 PlankJacks
    • Run Down Frontside
    • Repeat starting with 2 Burpees, 3 Burpees, 4, then 5

    4th Initiative – Partner Up x 4 (each Pax flip flops activity)

    • Partner plank taps x 5
    • Pax 1 holds feet of Pax 2 who wheelbarrows up the levee
    • Both Pax completes 3 Jump Squats
    • Run down the levee
    • Repeat until both have wheelbarrows up  2 times

    5th Initiative – Accountability EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute)

    • Q set the timer 5 running minutes
    • 5 Decline Merkins
    • Run up and over levee
    • 5 Prisoner opposite leg up downs
    • Run up and over levee
    • Any time remaining on the minute is rest – Start again 2nd minute

    Q stopped the Pax at 4 minutes as we only had 5 minutes to return

    Q formed Pax into 2 columns (“lines” per Mariah) for an Indian run back to the flag.

    30 secs and few Pax behind – 3 Purpees then down to a plank hold until the 6 arrived.

    Count off – Name O – Announcements – Intentions

    Prayer – Take nothing for granted – give thanks as well as give service to others.  Open your heart to giving and receiving forgiveness.

    Challenge yourself to lead – sign up to Q – if you need help there are plenty among your F3 brothers who would eagerly provide support and recommendations.

    Thank you Yankee for staying to help put the Pax name list together.

    On top of the levee 5 PlankJacks

    Run Down Frontside

    Repeat starting with 2 Burpees, 3 Burpees, 4, then 5

  • Sprinting the Canal St Mountain

    Warm Up

    All in cadence x 15 except where noted

    Single leg swings

    Side lunges

    Front Lung with elbow touch the ground – hold for 5 count – introduced by Tool at Foundry

    Scorpion kicks

    Star Plank – hold for 30 count

    One leg lung jumps – this would need practice to be effective.

    1st – Thang – Catch me if you can – run around the fountain

    Pax lined up – Shoulder Press to 20 – Each Pax would count their rep out loud, once reaching 10 the Pax to their left would start, 1st Pax reaching 20  would sprint around the fountain with the next pax once reaching his 20 in chase this continued until all Pax completed 20 reps and attempted to catch the pax ahead of them.

    Rinse and repeat except 20 jump squats

    Mosey to the Canal St. Mountain

    Pax split into 2 groups of 4 –

    1st effort sprint to the top of Canal St Mnt. – do 10 Merkins walk back down same side- 10 more merkins

    2nd effort sprint to the top of Canal St. Mnt – 10 Merkins walk down back side 10 more merkins

    3rd effort sprint up and over to starting point. 10 Merkins

    Mosey midway back – introduce new effort – All PAX got into a high plank then did a double under (both feet forward) into a jump squat (legs spreading apart like a jumping jack), transition down to a low plank with a double Peter Parker back to a high plank x 5

    Mosey to levee – EMOM – 1-5 start with decline merkin x 1 – run up and over the other side there perform Prison up down (hands over head dropping to alternating knees) x 5 run up and over now decline merkins x 2 up and over then Prisoner Up down x 4 continue until the # are reversed.   Key is PAX only got as much rest they earned completing the task in 1 minute before having to start again.

    Mosey to flag for some Mary

    All 25 x 4 count – Between each effort PAX would transition into high plank for 30 sec count

    LBC

    Crunch with heel touch

    Crunch with legs straight up touching toes (similar to DC)

    Crunch while reaching hands between legs

    Straight leg scoops over head

    Circle Up – Count Off – Name O – Prayer of Thanks giving