Category: New Orleans

  • Stations of The Cross – from Hokie

    YHC signed up for “Good Friday” with the intent of attempting to focus on the Stations of the Cross.

    As I am not as creative as Rudy, I just created a beatdown with 14 stops for reflection.

    Warm-o-rama welcomed folks with special attention to Good Friday and asking the Pax to PUSH themselves through discomfort while also paying attention to DO NOT HURT YOURSELF as I brought heavy stuff for us to utilize.

    “Tools” incorporated today:
    Dual 5 gallon buckets filled with sand for Farmers Carries
    Single 5 gallon bucket for rifle carries
    Approximately 100# sand bag (My Go Ruck 80# sandbag overstuffed) to carry across the shoulders while focusing on His carrying the cross
    Two different 50″ sand bags for shoulder presses and bench presses

    The THANG
    8 Pax were stationed at 8 stations with the “timer” being the 100# Sandbag “CROSS Carry”

    1. Farmers carry with two 50# sand buckets
    2. T-Merkins
    3. TIMER ~ 100# Sandbag CROSS CARRY
    4. Lunges
    5. 50# Sandbag Bucket Rifle Carry
    6. Step ups
    7. Shoulder presses with 50# sand bag
    8. Chest presses with 50# sand bag

    Rotation from 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-1….

    After each round we stopped to reflect on a Station of the Cross….

    oh, i almost forgot… and do burpees!!!

    Most rounds were 10 burpees, except when Jesus was nailed to the cross and when He died, we did 15.

    I am honored to have the opportunity to lead and can only hope those in attendance found it spiritually rewarding

  • Taking it to the Track! – from Charmin

    For the first day in a week, the gate to the track and field was open. That being said, the ruckers intentionally took a path across the track to get out to the neighborhood, whereas the runners took their usual path out but could be seen taking advantage of the track towards the end of their run.

    Overall it was a good time to be out in the Gloom.

    COT focused on desiring to embrace the Cross, to unite our sufferings with those of Christ and realizing that part of life is suffering, but also being able to see through it to the Resurrection.

  • You Don’t Got This, Bro – from Goose

    As six PAX gathered at the Lion’s Den, and Smooth revealed his beastly self, which was straining against the turqoise spandex of the Euro-tank, YHC was putting the last second finishing touches on a Holy Thursday themed beatdown.

    We started with a warmup of the usuals after which Paradox, with much pomp and circumstance, formally shared his conclusion (after much research) that high knees and butt kicks usually go together. Thank you, Paradox, for your contribution to the scientific F3 community.

    We moseyed to the basketball courts where YHC meticulously set up cones 20 meters (not feet, not yards) apart while Paradox meticulously connected YHC’s phone to JBL. We would be completing a bleep test, wherein an app gives beeps at intervals a few seconds apart, and those intervals get shorter and shorter as time goes by. At each beep, those being tested have to run the 20 meters from one cone line to the next before the next beep is sounded. At the next beep, they run back. If you can’t reach the cones before the next beep, you’re out and have to plank up off to the side.
    The focus this morning was on not leaving your brother to suffer alone–that was the challenge given. F3 is all about shared suffering, so don’t let the guy next to you down by leaving him to suffer alone. This worked surprisingly well as all PAX blew through the previous performances at Schreiver Park. Once the first and then second guy dropped, though, it was like dominos. Cardinal and Lil’ Cuz showed some serious tenacity, though, by holding strong for multiple laps after that initial wave had crashed. Ultimately, though, everyone eventually called it quits, which gave YHC the chance to unpack some Holy Thursday content:

    When Jesus told is apostles that they’d all abandon him, they thought they wouldn’t, that they could hang, especially Peter who swore to stay with him to the end. None of them knew their limitations like God did. And, when he asked Peter, James, and John to stay awake and watch and pray with him, they couldn’t, even after multiple chances were given. They were weak, and they all ran away, and Peter even denied him, not once, but three times. God didn’t call them and entrust his mission to them because they were strong and brave, but because of what He could do through them. But, they had to experience their limitations first before they could learn to rely on His mercy and His strength.

    Next, we moseyed back to the front of the civic center and partnered up for a classic Dora 1, 2, 3. This would bring us into the chaotic experience of the apostles running every which way to try to survive–cuz that’s what happens when you try to measure how much you have to offer, or how much more you can take. You end up just trying to survive.
    While Partner 1 chipped away at 100 merkins, 200 squats, and 300 LBC’s, Partner 2 bunny hopped up the stairs during the first 100, nurred up and down during the 200 (pretty chaotic), and ran two steps at a time up and down for the last 300 before coming back and switching with their partner.

    So, now that we understood a little better the fruitlessness of trying to measure what we have to offer, we turned our attention to what Jesus wants to offer. We gathered at the lion for the song “Remembrance” by Matt Maher. Imperial Walkers for the duration (legs got pretty darn heavy) and burpees on remember/remembrance and worship.

    3 minutes of Mary, and COT with some solid prayer intentions. Smooth needed the help of two men to remove the Euro-tank, and he lobbed the sweaty mess at Lil’ Cuz. Looking forward to seeing it on you Saturday, Cuz!

    SYITG,
    Goose

  • Afternoon Delight – 4-5-2023 – from Almonaster

    To the Levee!

    PAX:

    – Strings
    – Bulleseye
    – Doublefudge
    – Big Willie
    – Almonaster

    Warmup:

    SSH – 20 IC
    Arm Circles -10 IC
    Reverse Arm Circles – 10 IC
    Imperial Walkers – 10 IC
    Balance on 1 foot for 10 seconds – Each Foot
    The Morpheus – 10 IC
    Grass Grabbers – 10 IC
    Windmills – 10 IC
    Mountain Climbers – 10 IC

    The Thang:

    We went to the Levee to take in the sites at the River.

    11’s
    – Start at the bottom with one Merkin and at the top with 10 Wife Pleasers. Inverse each way until opposite, making for 55 reps of each. We lunge walked up the levee and ran down each time.

    Mosey atop the levee, down the road, and over to the Statue.

    Dora’s
    – Team up with a partner and mosey around the Stop Sign.
    – 50 Squats
    – 75 Dips
    – 200 LBC’s

    Mary
    – Flutter Kicks – 20 IC
    – Douillies – 20 IC

    Back to Flag

    Birthdays
    Anniversaries
    Announcements
    Intentions
    Prayer

    Thanks for the opportunity to lead!

  • My cadence is PURE. Angie is Rotten inside. – from Reluctant Yankee

    Much afternoon debate on the cadence. After I made the PAX repeat their SSH until they followed my cadence this gloom – this afternoon the handheld devil box has been full of chatter about the call of cadence. Fun times.

    Humid gloom.
    24 pax including 1 FNG gathered for a TubeSteak led beatdown but TubeSteak is in Hawaii with the Navy this week so I volunteered to cover for him.
    disclaimer.
    Ran to the FIELD by AUDUBON ZOO.
    COP 1: SSH x until everyone got in cadence. Imp Scott Walkers Merks Mtn Climbers Roaches
    Ran to the Birdwatcher Statue
    Explained the Dirty MacDeuce
    Then we ran a long lap to Magazine St and back.
    COP 2: Slow Squats, Merks, Dying Bugs. Flutters x 12
    Long lap.
    COP 3: Lunges, Shoulder Taps, Hip Dips both sides x 12
    Long lap.
    COP 4: Bobby Hurleys, Staggered Merks, Lil Baby Obliques both sides x 12
    ***Angie’s list full of hot air – let it fly today – so bad I almost barfed. Thats AL.
    Long lap.
    COP 5: Monkey Humpers, Plank Jacks, Freddie Merks, and Low Country Crab
    Ran to soccer field for more CORE.
    Russian Twist, LBC, Scissor Kicks, Plank Walk and JLOS. x 20

    Ran back to FLAG. Southern Gentleman, Yankee Agressor, Nolan Ryans both sides

    CLOSED WITH A CIRCLE OF TRUST.

    We named FNG – THIRST-ON

    Peace-RY

  • Parade of Pavilions – from Pool Boy

    The Architect and I decided on a combo Q. We bounced some ideas off each other and picked El Diablo
    With near perfect weather, 13 pax were ready to Cease the day.
    Mosey to the rock pile

    Warmorama
    Side Straddle Hops
    Grass Grabbers
    Arm Circles
    Peter Parker’s
    Toy Soldiers

    Round 1 – Grab a rock and Mosey to first pavilion by dog park
    15 step ups each leg
    20 dips
    25 curls with rock

    Round 2 – Indian Walk to pavilion #2 by gym while rifle carrying rock. 3 burpess along the way
    15 step ups each leg
    20 dips
    25 curls with rock
    5 burpees

    Round 3 – Mosey to pavilion #3 by kids playground
    3x 10 Rock squats
    3X 20 American Hammers
    3x 30 Rows

    Round 4 – Mosey to pavilion #4 by track
    3x 10 rock presses
    3x 20 Big Boy Situps
    3x 10 merkins

    The clock struck 6:10. Head back to rock pile and then horses back to stable.
    The Architect prayed us out. Thanks for allowing us the combo Q!!

  • The Fools of April – from Reluctant Yankee

    1/2 dozen pax posted for a workout meant to spark the metabolism enough to digest the anticipated breaking of fast at Panolas post beatdown. Quite a few pax out of rotation due to Hawgs for the Cause.
    I like to keep things moving so a quick jog over the base of WPM.
    COP 1: SSH, Paul Imperial Walkers, Mtn Climbers and Roaches x 20
    Run up to the 4th floor – plank using the wall for leverage.
    Leg lifts right and left from the captains chair
    COP 2: walking plank using wall x 20, walking plank with legs using wall x 20
    Run to the 6th FLOOR – use the park stop aka curb aka Almonaster knew the name of it
    COP 3: to do MERKS round the clock x 12 facing 12 oclock, 3oclock, 6 oclock, 9 and then finished
    Run to the top of Wolfpack Mtn
    COP 4: Fire hydrants x 20 each leg, bird dogs x 20 each side, Lil baby obliques left and right x 20
    DO A LAP ON THE STAIRWELL – down and then back up
    COP 5: Plank Jacks x 20, Jlos x 20, Shoulder taps x 20 and Freddies mercurys x 20
    DO A LAP ON THE STAIRWELL – down then back up
    COP 6: Nolan Ryans and Hip dips each side x 20, Low Country Crabs
    Back down the stairs to the bench alley
    Here will did a quick 20 dips then a slow cadence 20 dips.
    Back to flag. Glad to get a solid beatdown in with these guys.

  • Blindman’s Dodgeball – from Fast Tax

    17 PAX showed up in the gloom at Rock City.

    Warmups consisted of Abe Vigodas, Grass Grabbers, Toy Soldiers, and Hairy Rockettes

    After “medium” rock selections, we lined up in the gloom for the first event, Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum.
    We lined up and, trying not to hit each other and incur 30 burpees, we threw our rocks as far as we could and broad jumped the remaining distance to the rock. Rinse and repeat until we YHC said stop – about 50 yds.

    Still bearing the brunt of PAX chit-chat and aware that most PAX ignored the suggestion to pick a smooth rock, YHC went with Hairburners. This involved PAX lining up in a plank and then pushing the rock (both hands on the rock) across the ground until we returned to the starting point.

    Rock-Lift Wife Pleasers were next.
    Holding the upward wife pleaser position, PAX overhead lifted their rocks for 20 reps IC, followed by several more reps for PAX chatter (thanks Fracsac).

    With 20 mins remaining, it was time for Blindman’s Dodgeball.
    Using the bottom half of the unlit tennis court, Four PAX were designated throwers and were restricted to the bluish-green area of the court while rest of the PAX had to stay in the red areas. When a PAX got hit, he would step off and one of four exercises (10 Burpees, 10 8 Ct Body Builders, 20 BBS, 10 Pullups), then he would return and take over as a ball thrower. The reps were eventually cut in half to speed things along.

    At 6:15, quick mosey to the flag for COT.
    Coffeteria at PJs followed.
    Thanks for the fellowship!

    SYITG

  • The Emperor’s New Clothes – from Goose

    Before a trip to Goodwill, family and friends will often make a stop by the Dawson house since we have kids of pretty much every size (male and female), so getting a bag of gently used clothes is a relatively frequent occurrence. And, since the decision to utilize the Animal shirt a couple of months ago, YHC doesn’t leave the pile of unwanted clothes destined for the actual thrift store to leave the house without choosing one or two items that might make their way into the F3 Thibodaux structure (or just derail a Q or two).
    For this morning’s Tuesday Tuff beatdown, YHC, the newly crowned King FartSack, chose some form-fitting leggings with a stylish black and gray brushstroke design along with an open concept, black and white striped tank top with knotted straps to highlight the clavicles. A post-beatdown review of this ensemble will be given later in the backblast.

    Warmups of the usual followed by a bumper mosey, then Paradox revealed that he firmly resolved to keep the aquamarine Euro tank top well lodged within the structure of F3 Thibodaux by taking off his jacket. He was wearing said tank top and had stenciled both the front and back with his/Enron’s overactive F3 stencil. I felt known, appreciated, and no longer alone on this weird journey. Bug spray was needed for all the exposed flesh.

    The first Thang was two laps around the track:
    1. Bear crawl across in front of the stage, side shuffle up to the other end, bear crawl across back toward the parking lot, and side shuffle back to start.
    2. Same, but carioca instead of side shuffle.
    (YHC remained in front so the PAX might appreciate the functionality of the leggings.)

    After stopping for a needed 10-count, we moseyed to the start of Rich Man’s Loop for a classic Fartlek–jog three light posts, sprint one. Smooth, again, showed the fruits of posting multiple times a week and the wisdom learned from the Northshore legends over the weekend. (And, FYI: sprinting with just leggings was awesome–like the ancient Olympics, but without the thigh friction.)

    The last thang was a repeat of the burpee timer from a couple of months ago. While one man did 15 burpees, station 1 did non-stop(ish) monkey humpers, station 2 did merkins, and station 3 did wife pleasers. After all four PAX did burpees, we moved on to round two where station 1 was mountain climbers, station 2 was jump squats, and station three was gas pumps.
    With only four men, this ended about five minutes sooner than expected, so YHC ran to the truck to retrieve the Deck of Death for a round of F3 poker. Enron won the hand with three nines, so we completed the exercises on his five cards (100 flutters, 19 Chuck Norris merkins, 90 second plank, 19 high knees, and another bear crawl across the front of the stage).

    With three minutes remaining for Mary, we burnt out whatever remained in the upper abs with a lot of crunchy frogs, heels to heaven, and slow penguins.

    COT with some solid prayer intentions (especially for a big week for Enron and YJ) and Paradox prayed us out.

    Clothing review:
    Shirt–mix of Richard Simmons, Gene Simmons, and a mime from the 70’s. Only difference from being shirtless was the thin layer of protective cloth during Mary.
    Leggings–high rating on functionality, but as Thibodaux lies neither on the East Coast nor the West Coast, they will find their way back into the bag. (Also, if the shirt front hadn’t been as long as it was, we would have definitely been moving into new territory as an F3 community.)

    SYTIG,
    Goose

  • Dare You to Move – from Paradox

    F3 Thibodaux tradition dictates that the Holy Week beatdowns crank the intensity on a few levels. On Saturday YHC jumped on an empty Q slot , laid a blueprint, and when I took a step back it was …well, we’ll just say it was a little too heavy. I thought “well I’ll just let that simmer and maybe the lightness will find a way.”
    I then talked with Cardinal (our EH specialist) on Sunday who told me about a new potential FNG he knows from the office of parish support.
    “This guy is perfect “ he said. “He checks all the boxes, Lives in the settlement , natural leader, strong faith, tall and used to be athletic. Was actually in the NBA D league until he had 47 kids. Best known for telling guys who fouled out that he would pray for them. His wife says he just needs some friends and a hobby ya know”

    Perfect ! This is just what we need for Monday. So I routed our warmup mosey to his house and we took a 0.8 mile run to start the beatdown , dropped off the F3 Thibodaux FNG brochure and patted our selves on the back . Mission accomplished!

    Just remember that ole saying kids …Hell hath no fury like a Yankee Jeaux scorned !

    Duke!! It’s Holy Week
    Roll the footage !

    Abbreviated warmup so we had time for our mission.

    Thang 1
    Leave Jerusalem-Then Return

    After returning from a successful FNG visit we Moseyed to Richman Loop on the straight away

    Return with our burdens , shoulder them together

    1 Pax lunge walk with ole hickory to a cone about 20 yards apart
    Rest of Pax mosey ahead to next cone to begin an exercise with lunge as timer.

    SSH
    Merkins
    Coupon OHP
    Med Ball Slams

    Solid cardio/muscle mix here and the Temple cleansing slamball is the best therapy on the market.
    We discussed Whoop/F3 partnerships and Enron showed us all proper Ole Hickory lunge form. A bold move with sheriff Form present but no sirens needed today.

    Mosey back to Stage with our burdens for a few songs to get us in the right mind for Holy Week.

    While I’m waiting -John Waller
    Donkey Kicks in waiting
    Plank for rest

    Dare you to move -switch foot
    Step ups
    Incline merkins on Dare

    COT and Enron Prayed Us Out

    Special intentions for the family of the local officer killed in the line of duty.

    NMM

    Roughly 20 months ago I was home from the wellness center telling my M I was once again “done with the gym”
    I couldn’t sit in an air conditioned building on the treadmill another minute watching reruns of Supernatural then do two reps of bench press and head home. I could do the workout DVDs again but that felt stale. Just so much missing . I was really stuck.

    Fast forward to April 3 2023

    At 5:15 this morning I met 4 other men while wearing a women’s small tank top after enlisting another man to also wear women’s clothing so we could run to another man’s house and enshrine him as King FartSack (which is only humorous because he’s our fearless leader and directly or indirectly he EH’d us all and never misses) plant a sign, take selfies and run back and that was a “warmup”!

    All these men I consider brothers who would be there for me or my family at moments notice.
    All this , from one of these men who made a single phone call to share this gift. This small gesture , a phone call and an invite, truly changed the course of my life and
    I’m constantly reminded that we have these opportunities daily. One smile, one invite, one shared story can be the spark for someone’s dwindling fire.
    The task for myself and our pax this week is to lean into the gospels message, let it transform you and let God lead you into those opportunities for connection and service.

    Dare you to move

    SYITG
    PDox