F3 New Orleans

Author: Tool

  • Earn That King Cake

    After several nights of great parade weather with many of the PAX riding and/or reveling, YHC was figuring we’d have a light turnout at The Mothership.  Fortunately, a dozen die-hards mustered up the courage and energy to post for what would be a slight twist on our normal Saturday workouts.  T-claps to Pace Car from F3 Houston for joining us.  It was Mardi Gras weekend and lots going on near City Park with prep for Endymion so the plan called for some running up and down the parade route.  With my co-Q having to back out last minute, all eyes were on YHC to bring a king cake burning beatdown. After briefing the PAX on what would be in store, we circled up under the Peristyle for a warmup COP:

    • SSH X30
    • Arm Circle X30
    • IPW X20
    • Low Slow Squat X20
    • Low Country Crab (or Crab Cakes?) x20
    • Mardi Gras Mambo Plank…back by popular demand (hold high plank while Mardi Gras Mambo is played.  A plank jack for every “Mambo” in the song and a merkin for each “New Orleans”.  Total count was a 2+ minute plank with about a dozen merkins and two dozen plank jacks)

    After getting the juices flowing and in the carnival spirit, we moseyed over near City Park Ave and stopped for a Sudden Change of 10 Burpees.  From there, we made our way to Orleans Ave with plans to reconvene past the red light at Carrollton.  The PAX gradually spaced apart into a few groups that allowed the fast guys to go fast and the almost fast guys to run at a comfortable pace.  Lots of other runners going up and down the route along with plenty of early morning parade goers, some of which offered us beads and beer.  After planking to wait for the Six, YHC handed the mic over to Mr. Awesome for a round of:

    • Jack Webs – One Merkin, two air presses,….up to 10 Merkins and 20 Shoulder Presses.      

    Short trot down Carrollton and ducked off on the Lafitte Greenway for an impromptu DJ style COP consisting of:

    • High Post/Ledge Hip Slappers x10
    • Russian Twist x20
    • Freddie Merc x20
    • Slow Dying Cockroach x20
    • Nolan Ryan x10L, x10R
    • Box Cutters x20

    Run back to previous spot on neutral ground for another COP.  Since the co-Q didn’t make it, YHC offered up the next five minutes to someone else.  T-claps to Triple Shift for leading the following:

    • Anti-Pullup (?) routine with Superman Pulls (?)x1 followed by Air Press x2 all the way up to x10&x20.  Some mumble chatter about how awkward this may look to all of the nearby onlookers…like some strange ritual.  It brought the burn.   

    Catch our breath and head back down the parade route on Orleans Ave and plank by the floats on Marconi….about 1/2 mile.  Regroup for a jog past the floats to the nearby field for:

    • Bearpees – 4 count Bear Crawl followed by 1 Burpee.  Ascending count up to 40ct Bear Crawl and 10 Burpees.  These were not easy but the PAX dug deep and made it happen.  

    With two minutes left, time to head back to the flag with a quick detour on the Great Lawn for another sudden change of 10 Burpees.

    Total distance covered was 2.5 miles.  T-claps to the guys for hopping in to help lead the COP’s and fill in for Amensty who was unable to make it.  Solid COT and prayed for those in need as well as a safe Mardi Gras.

     

    Thanks for giving me the chance to lead.  Happy Mardi Gras to all!

    Tool

    Side Note:  The intersection (Carrollton&Orleans) near where we did two COP’s is just feet from where the very bad car accident occurred later that night during the parade.  Let’s make an extra effort to ensure that we we don’t let anyone we know get behind the wheel while intoxicated.  Prayers to all of those injured that night.

     

     

     

     

  • Switching From Whiskey to Water

    A dozen of F3’s finest posted in the cool gloom of City Park to get our usual Wednesday fix.  With the Tough Mudder a month out, YHC figured we should start to hone in on prep for that and push ourselves to achieve Herculean greatness.  After scouring the interwebs for some TM training videos, it became apparent that most of normal go-to exercises should prepare us well.  YHC asked to PAX to give it 100%, use good form, and try to refrain from cheating ourselves by slacking during an exercise.  Then YHC reminded the crew about a little something excerpted from the F3 Lexicon that we should try to avoid:  WHISKEY-DICKING (verb)-“Half stepping through a Workout or other Event. More generally, execution of anything without sufficient Zeal.”   Enough with the chatter, time to get the heart rate up.  Disclaimer and mosey down Roosevelt Mall for the Pre-Thang:

    • SSH x30
    • Arm Circle X20
    • Windmill X20
    • Plank Roll/Rotation x20
    • Pickle Pounder x20
    • Burpees X10 OYO

    Mosey to the nearby field and line up for some fun.  The well manicured grass provided a pleasant surface to get down low for some Tough Mudder prep:

    • Bear Crawl to the base of the hill (40+ yds away?)
    • Crab Walk back
    • Low Crawl to the base of the hill
    • Lunge Walk back
    • Low Crawl to the top of the hill
    • Plank and wait

    Short trot over to the foundry for 3 rounds of good form PIMPS, feather hat optional:

    • Pull Ups x5 (lagniappe encouraged)  
    • IPW x10 
    • Merkins x15
    • Plank Jacks x20
    • Squats x25

    Culminated our time at the foundry by striving to improve grip strength with a 1 minute dead hang.  It was a long minute since YHC failed to position his watch accordingly.

    Mosey back to the top of the hill for one last bear crawl to our starting point near the virtual cone/bag that blew away.  Circle up for some DJ style Mary:

    • Russian Twist x25 (Tool)
    • Penguins x20 (Cowbell)
    • Slooooowwww Dying Cockroach x20 ….these brought the burn (Kimchi)
    • Crunchy Frog x15 ….ouch!!!  (Shorty)
    • LBC x30 (Boogie) 

    Time was ticking so back to the flag for COT.  Welcome FNG Savory and t-claps to Wallaye for the EH.  YHC reminded the PAX that it’s up to us to make ourselves stronger, healthier, better men.  Some things in life we can control and others we can’t.  YHC also pointed out that there’s a difference between modifying and exercise and “whiskey-dicking.”  Modifying means you can’t do something and whiskey-dicking means you don’t want to do something.  Food for thought.  Wrapped up with a prayer for those in need closed out by a clip for the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

    Thanks for letting me lead.

    Tool

     

     

  • Push It Real Good

    “Push it, push it real good”  -Salt-N-Pepa

    Eight men of the F3 Nola PAX can now have that extra slice of king cake this week.  Why, you ask?  Cause we “pushed it real good” this morning during our usual Tuesday running workout.  YHC was on the lineup to lead and wanted to encourage the PAX to kick things up a notch from what can otherwise be an easy workout to slack on.  Before takeoff, YHC informed the PAX we’d run the usual Bayou St. John route and asked for three things:

    1. Make a mental note of where you anticipated turning around.
    2. Take that spot and add 2,3, or 4 blocks to it in an effort to push yourself more than you normally would.
    3. Quick pre-run warmup of 6 burpess cause we need something to tie the “610 Stomp” name to our Tuesday workout (a hint was given that the other 10 would be called for post-run)

    We were off in a mosey greeted by cool and crisp air perfect for running.  The PAX staggered a bit and met at the end.  Sweat was prevalent so we must have done something right.  Sealed the deal with 10 Burpees.

    T-Claps to Kimchi who ran 5 miles this am which is his all time distance record.  It was good chatting with you while running.  T-claps to the other PAX for pushing hard.

    COT included some long winded Amnesty-like announcements from YHC and others followed by a prayer.

    Thanks for letting me lead.

    Tool

  • King’s Day Tabata

    Mother nature spared us what could have been a nasty morning.  YHC had been eyeing up the forecast for a few days and was planning for a cold and rainy workout, possibly solo.  Despite the testosterone themed F3 motto “rain or shine”, YHC planned to spend as little time in the 40 something degree rain and soggy grass and relocate the main beatdown in the nearby shelter.   Much to our surprise, we only had to bear the brunt of chilly midst.  YHC walked up to the rock pile with -1 minutes to spare and after a quick disclaimer, we were circled up for a quick Warmup before relocating:

    SSH x30, Arm Circles x20, Windmill x20, Imperial Walker x20, Mountain Climber x20

    Grab a med/med-large rock, start shoulder pressing and/or curling the rock while briskly walking 100yds away to the shelter.  The predictable mumble chatter from Hawg spewed out about deviating from the 50ft perimeter of the rock pile but YHC wanted to make sure the PAX stayed dry and could focus on form.  Once there, grab a bench/table for several rounds exercises using a Tabata timer.  Most Tabata workouts have 20 second intervals of high intensity exercises followed by 10 second rest periods.  YHC thought this would be best to keep the PAX on course as opposed to attempting 45 minutes of a winded cadence count.  The plan was to focus on core and arms for three reasons; 1) king cake season is upon us so waistlines need taming, 2) had to take it easy on the legs since several PAX are running the 9K Jackson Day race on Sun, 3) YHC has a slightly tweaked ankle and hoping to avoid hobbling home.  Out came the smartphone for a series of 4 minute Tabata songs courtesy of YouTube, providing for (8)20sec intervals of each.  The PAX was treated to hip hop, Irish music, metal, and more, all with built in start-stop timers (links posted below if curious).  Here’s how it went:

    Tabata Rounds (4 minutes ea):

    1) Wide Grip Mountain Climbers

    2) Rock Curls

    3) Hand to Knee Mountain Climber

    4) Rock Row

    5) Side to Side Mountain Climbers (these sucked…very little MC)

    6) Dip (4 rounds), Russian Twist (4 rounds)

    7) Cross Crunch, aka Pretzel (alternating sides)

    Time was up so round 8 was a no go.

    Grab rock and start pressing and/or curling back to the pile.  This had YHC’s shoulders beat and hoping the others got their money’s worth too.

    Quick COT and prayer for those in need.

    Glad to see the iffy weather forecast didn’t scare off the real men, only the millennials.

    Thanks for the chance to lead this morning.

    Tool

     

    Moleskin:  I’ve seen Kimchi’s name spelled 5 different ways….not sure whish is correct

    Moleskin #2:  Jan 6th is King’s Day, the official start of Mardi Gras season and also the point at which it’s kosher to eat King Cake.   http://www.mardigrasparadeschedule.com/kingcakes/

    Tabata Appendix:   Search “Top Dog Fitness Tabata” in YouTube and several songs come up.  YHC tried pasting links but the video gets embedded in the backblast.

     

  • 610 Stomp #71

    Damp air with upper 60’s temp was on tap for the weekly F3 run/cardio showdown.  Not the worst running conditions but not the best either.  As the PAX arrived we were pleased to see an FNG courtesy of Triple Shift.  Also, our trusty four-legged sidekick, Puddles, joined in to keep us on pace.   After determining that the assigned Q was not present (due to communication snafu), we quickly decided that a mosey along the usual Bayou St. John route would be plan.  Many of us “were not feeling it” that day (maybe the muggy air?) so total distance varied with PAX around 3-4 miles.  T-claps to Rudy and Amnesty for keeping our FNG company.  T-claps to those who knocked out some Mary at the end in lieu of planking.  This has become an added bonus to some of the stomp workouts.  Solid COP to cap off the morning.

    Moleskin:  As I type in the #71 on this title, I realize just how many workouts F3 has held in the past few years.  It’s impressive that many of us have stayed on a consistent routine to strengthen our bodies and minds.  T-claps to the PAX for pushing each other and YHC looks forward for many more workouts to come.

    Tool

     

  • Rock Out With Your Block Out

    Despite being the middle of December, the PAX was met with a summer-like temperature and long sleeves were nowhere to be found.  Many Saturday regulars trickled in along with a few new faces including Einstein from the Northshore and two FNGs courtesy of Triple Shift.  The PAX started with a dozen but quickly grew to 15 when a few not-so-punctual guys rolled in hot.  This was YHC’s first Saturday Q in five months so several ideas had been brewing which were narrowed down to another cinder block showdown.  After the disclaimer, we were off in a mosey to the Great Lawn for the Warmup, all in cadence:

    SSH x30, Windmill x20, Arm Circle x20, Peter Parker x20, Plank Jack x20, Low Country Crab (or Crab Cakes?) x20

    Mosey over to the field across from the Big Foundry where YHC had his truck positioned with a pallet of cinder blocks.  This block party would be limited to the half sized variety (18lbs) since inventory was low on the full sizes blocks.  The smaller blocks allowed a different mix of exercises which meant YHC was new to some of these.  Each PAX grabbed a block and circled up for the following:

    COP #1:

    Elf on the Shelf R-L x20

    Squat Block Swing x20

    Merkin w/RH on block x20

    Elf on the Shelf L-R x20

    Squat Block Swing x20

    Merkin w/LH on block x20

    Going by the soreness in YHC back as he types this, the demostrated form could have used some improvement.  Sorry for any tweaked muscles cause by this.

    COP #2:

    Pair up in a line for:

    PAX #1 grab both blocks and lunge walk while farmer’s carrying the blocks to the designated palmetto tree aka “Arecaceae” or whatever the Yale guy said (50yds away?), crank out 10 burpees, and farmer’s carry back (no lunge).  PAX#2 run to foundry, crank out 10 pullups, and run back.  Flip flop, plank and wait for the six.

    Repeat circuit for round 2 with farmer’s carry (no lunge) with block lift there and back with 10 burpees in the middle.  Flip flop with run and pullups.  The forearms were feeling it at this point.

    COP#3:

    Circle up for:

    All PAX shoulder press block while one person drops for a burpee going around counting up to 45 (15 PAX, 3 rounds totaling 45 burpees).  This had some shoulders screaming.

    Repeat circle with block curls and burpees counting up to 45.  T-claps to Bubba for pushing hard and displaying a very intense game face.

    COP#4 w/Mary:

    Russian Twists w/block x20 IC

    Flutter Kick (holding block 6″ above sternum) x20 IC

    Cockroach Crunch Block Press Supreme x20 IC

    Wife Pleasers w/ feet on block x20 IC

    Hello Dolly (w/ block 6″ up) x20 IC + x5 for surprise lagniappe

     

    Mosey over to the the Museum ledge with a few minutes left for COP #5:

    Dips x20 IC, Box Jumps x10 OYO, Dips x10 IC

    Mosey back to the flag where we knocked out an abbreviated version of the plank routine known as “The Rotisserie Chicken” (compliments of Marlin).  Finished one minute in to overtime.

    Note that Hawg pulled a LIFO (Last In, First Out) and ducked out….guess he wasn’t up for any small talk that morning.

    Solid COP including a rather thorough naming process for the two FNGs.  YHC thanked the PAX for keeping me on track the past six months as my son w/special needs was away from home and our family went through a whirlwind of events.  The morning workouts are a good form of therapy for such things and helped YHC stay healthy both mentally and physically.  Thanks for the prayer intentions throughout that time.  My son is now back home and doing better.  Also prayed for Mason, those battling cancer, and the many less fortunate children not just locally but throughout the world.  T-claps to the guys who stuck around for some F2 coffee and our favorite waiter Mike.

    Thanks for letting me lead and sorry again for any sore muscles.

    Tool

     

     

     

  • Stomp #67 – Change Up

    A modest PAX of 4 posted on Tuesday for the usual run/cardio fix.  An iffy forecast may have scared some of the fair weather fans away but we were greeted with dry conditions.  No one signed up for this week so YHC, being the site Q, decided to try a few variations of previous workouts.  The “standard” Bayou St. John route is always enjoyable but YHC thought we could use a change of scenery.  After the disclaimer, we were off in an Indian Run past the museum, then picking up the pace a notch down Lelong Ave and back to the track making for 1.5 miles total.  Quick breather at the edge of the track while YHC got the PAX on board for part B:  Goal of 10 laps on the track OYO, starting the first lap with 10 Burpees and descending down on each lap….always adding up to 11…which is something YHC realized halfway through.  T-claps to Rudy for pushing hard and making all ten laps.  T-claps to the rest of the PAX for getting near the goal.  T-claps to the SUNO track team that was practicing out there and making hurdle jumping look easy.  Time was ticking so mosey back to the virtual flag where we sealed the deal with 10 more Burpees.  Total distance for the morning was 3-4 miles and 55-65 Burpees.  Ended with a COT and prayer.

    The turnout on Tuesdays have been spotty.  Hopefully we can think of ways to keep it fresh and appealing…whether it be through straight up runs or other running/cardio variations or new routes or???  YHC asks the PAX to put their thinking caps on and sign up on the Q list.

    Tool

     

     

     

  • Pimps and Zombies

    Five of F3’s finest posted for the usual Wednesday sweatfest in City Park.  Apparently many of the ruckers are still recovering…or just being lazy…or doing Zumba…or???  After the disclaimer and the usual Shorty fartsacking ridicule, our modest PAX moseyed down Roosevelt Mall and peeled off in the field for:

    SSH x50 IC

    Burpees x10 OYO

    Bear Crawl to the hill (60-70yds?)

    This had the PAX awake and ready to roll.

    Next up, mosey to the Foundry for some PIMPS:

    P – Pull Ups x5  (t-claps to Cowbell for the extra credit)

    I – Imperial Walkers x10

    M – Merkins x15

    P – Plank Jacks x20

    S – Squats x25

    Rinse and repeat twice for a total of 3 rounds.

    Towards the end of the circuit we saw a group of 20-30 bodies off in the gloomy field running our way.  All we could make out were dark silhouettes which made for an intriguing sci-fi like experience.  After determining it wasn’t a zombie invasion and it wasn’t the latecomers showing up tardy, we watched them circle up for some PT in cadence.  T-claps to whatever group it was out there….military we presume.

    Wrapped up at the foundry pull up bars with a 1 minute hang for lagniappe.

    Head to NOMA and gather up around the oval sculpture pond for a hybrid ledge circuit.  This was something new so YHC warned the PAX it would be a work in progress and expect changes on the fly.  PAX line up an arm length apart, all PAX crank out specified exercise while last guy “Indian” runs around the outer curb of the pond and re-positions on the far end of where he started.  This was tricky to explain to the PAX and even trickier to type out in this BB but it seemed to work ok.  We determined 3 (or 4?) laps was a good timer for each round then switch exercises.  Here’s how it went:

    Round 1 – Dips

    Round 2 – R Side Step w/Knee Up

    Round 3 – Hip Slappers

    Round 4 – L Side Step w/Knee Up

    Round 5 – Knee Ins

    Round 6 – Dips

    Round 7 – R Side Step w/Knee Up

    Round 8 – Hip Slappers

    Time was ticking and groans were prevalent so we called it there.  YHC just realized he failed to balance off the legs with L side steps.  To be continued.

    Indian Run back to the flag with one minute high plank to seal the deal at 6:15.

    Nothing earth shattering this am, just another solid showing by the crew.  T-claps to Duct Tape for becoming a “regular” with continued posts and also t-claps for pushing hard through the Indian Run.  Topped off the morning with a great COT and sweaty ball of man.

    Tool

     

     

     

  • Math Teacher Needed at The Uptowner

    The men of F3 were treated to perfect conditions this morning in Pontiff Park.  Despite many regulars resting up for tonight’s GoRuck, we still had six gloomers converge near the rock pile for the usual no-run Friday beatdown.  After exchanging the usual pleasantries and questioning Hawg’s sanity for posting, we circled up for the warmup:

    SSH x30 IC

    Arm Circles X20 IC

    Shoulder Taps x20 IC

    Plank Jacks x20 IC

    Squats x20 IC

    Windmills x20 IC

    Hill Billies x20 IC

     

    Grab two rocks (one “good form” rock and one “manly” rock) and re-position the circle in an acorn/gravel free zone of the field for:

    Imperial Rock Walkers R X20 IC 

    Large Rock Curls x20 IC

    Imperial Rock Walkers L x20 IC

    Large Rock Curls x20 IC

    Imperial Rock Walkers R x15 IC

    Small Rock One Hand Curls RH x15 IC

    Imperial Rock Walkers L x15 IC

    Small Rock One Hand Curls LH x15 IC

     

    Quick breather and tighten the circle for a circuit of exercises with a cumulative group count:

    Plank/Merkin Circle – 120 count (all PAX hold high plank position while first person completes a Merkin starting the count on 1 up to specified number)

    Rock Crunch Press Circle – 120 count (all PAX hold cockroach/crunch position with feet up while first person completes a crunch with rock press to shoestrings starting the count on 1 up to specified number)

    Plank/Merkin Circle – 90 count

    Rock Crunch Press – 90 count

    Plank Merkin Circle – 60 count

    Rock Crunch – 60 count

    The counts on some of these were slightly botched, which stemmed from the unorthodox math taught to those from the state directly north of Louisiana…no names mentioned.  Lots of mumble chatter and engagement from the group made for an entertaining circuit.

    Cool down with a bear crawl to the tree line (40-50yds?) and crab walk back.

    Circle back up for:

    Rock Burpee/Shoulder Press – 30 count (all PAX grab rock of choice and crank out shoulder presses while first PAX starts with one rock burpee going all the way around until 30)

    Up Downs (football drill, no rock needed) – 30 count (all PAX run in place, aka “chop feet”, while first person drops down, chest to ground, pop up with count of 1 and so on around the circle)

    Rock Burpee/ Shoulder Press – 30 Count

    Rocks back to rock pile as time expired.

    COT announcements included Saturday workout led by RY for 6:30 at Peristyle, official FIA launch on Saturday for 7:30 at the Great Lawn, and maybe a few other things that YHC can’t recall.  Prayed for strength and endurance for those taking part in the GoRuck tonight along with those battling cancer, Mason, Brady, and for political tensions to subside in our country.

    Definitely a good way to start the day.  Thanks for letting me take the lead.

    Tool.

     

     

     

     

     

  • DS Awareness Workout

    Four (and a half) Rock City die-hards posted at Pontiff this am to better our bodies and minds.  Light showing….rumor had it some of the regulars opted for the pillow fight at the Skinny.  Rudy wanted to get some miles in for the Jazz half so he beat the PAX out there and was on lap two when we arrived.  T-claps for the dedication and for meeting us at the COT.  YHC’s plan for the am included accommodations for those that opted to bring rucks, which wound up being JV and Amnesty.  After the disclaimer, we were off to the usual warmup area for:

    SSH IC x21

    Windmills IC x21

    Arm Circles IC X21 (7 forward, 7 backward, 7 chinook)

    Crab Cakes IC x21

    Re-position against the fence to hold a people’s chair position for a few minutes while YHC filled the PAX in on the significance of the 21 count warmup.  You see, October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month which happens to be near and dear to YHC since my son, Brady, was born with DS.  YHC proceeded to inform the PAX about the specifics of Trisomy 21 (aka Down Syndrome) and how it impacts individuals born with the genetic disorder.  (The complete rundown is at the bottom of this backblast)

    Meandered to the pull up bars to pair up for 21 pull ups each, with partner assist if needed.  Some split it up in two quick rounds.  After cranking these out, head to the track for a metabolic circuit that was the suggested workout in the Go-ruck training schedule some guys have been following.  Here’s how it went:

    Got heart rate up with Burpees x21 OYO

    Four laps on the track, stopping at each 100 Meter interval for:

    Merkins x21, Lunges x21, Bench Dips x21, Squats x21

    For those from Arkansas, that’s 1 mile of running and 84 of each exercise.  T-claps to the ruckers for the very brisk, mosey-like ruck and making all four laps.  You guys looked whipped.

    Just enough time to hit the pull up bars for 21 more reps w/assist if needed.  T-claps to those who kept their ruck on.  Mosey back to the flag.

    COT included announcements about the upcoming races along with prayer intentions for those in Haiti, flood victims, Mason, Brady, and others.  YHC informed the PAX that he recently learned (thanks to Google) that St. Robert Bellarmine is The Patron Saint of Individuals with Down Syndrome.  YHC read off The Prayer for DS (abbreviated version):
    O Holy St. Robert Bellarmine, we pray for your loving intercession for the needs of those with Down syndrome.May you be at the side of every mother with child, that she will have the faith to overcome worldly thoughts and fears that could distract her from recognizing the precious gift of life growing within her.May you be at the side of the parents, families, friends, teachers, and caregivers that they will have the grace to know the Lord’s merciful hand is guiding them through life’s joys and struggles. May they place their hope and complete trust in Jesus.

    Thanks for letting me lead and convey Down Syndrome awareness in the community.

    Tool

     

    P.S. – The DSAGNO Buddy Walk is this Saturday for 11am at Zephyr Stadium.  Family friendly, lots of good food, live musics, and more.  http://dsagno.org/feature/buddywalk2016/

    P.P.S. – This is the quick rundown of what YHC read during the People’s Chair:

    October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  It gives a chance to not only spread awareness, but celebrate people with Down syndrome and make the community aware of their abilities and accomplishments.  “It’s not about celebrating disabilities, it’s about celebrating abilities.” 

     What are trisomies?

    If a child is born with three #21 chromosomes, rather than the usual pair, then the child would be said to have “trisomy 21.” Trisomy 21 is also known as Down syndrome

    What is Down syndrome?

    Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that involves birth defects, intellectual disabilities, and characteristic facial features. It often involves heart defects, visual and hearing impairments, and other health problems. The severity of all of these problems varies greatly among affected individuals. Down syndrome is one of the most common genetic birth defects, affecting approximately one in about 800 babies. In this country, around 250,000 individuals have Down syndrome. Life expectancy among adults with Down syndrome is about 60 years, though average lifespan varies.

    There is no cure for Down syndrome. Doctors are not certain how to prevent the chromosomal error that causes Down syndrome. To date, there is no reason to believe that a parent could have done anything to cause or prevent the birth of a baby with Down syndrome.