F3 New Orleans

Category: New Orleans

  • Another NOTC 2 Miler in the Books

    Great turnout this year for the NOTC 2 Miler in City Park!  F3 stepped up once again to co-sponsor one of the Summer Series races and we lucked out with good weather and some good F2 to boot.  The F3 tent looked sharp with the signage, flags, flyers, and even a fancy tablecloth…t-claps Gabrielle for the attention to detail!  We managed to get some EH-ing in pre-race and post race, as well as good visibility in general.

    The Race:  Two miles through City Park.  Several PAX put it in high gear while a few others throttled back due to the aftermath of a Murph that morning.  T-claps for those out there with the 2.0’s, including Shorty running with his “shorty” in a stroller.  Lots of F3 regulars running as well as some occasional gloomers.

    The Post-Race festivities:  The F3 tent was hopping with the distribution of Mango Freeze, so graciously donated by the fine folks that make it for Jazz Fest.  Since cute 11&12 yr old girls handing it out seemed way more appetizing than us sweaty dudes, we put a few of our 2.0’s to work.  T-claps to Da Parish for providing the snazzy bottled water to hand out, complements of his insurance business.  The crowds were also treated several other tents serving beer, jambalaya, snacks, and more.  The biceps got plenty loving with lots of 12oz curls.

    The PAX that stuck around till the end were treated to some entertainment from a random, naturally-nawlins character, who is a former Marine and said he might show up in the gloom with us for some PT.

    Thanks to those who contributed to the sponsorship collection.  We have funds left over that will most likely go towards the upcoming F3 Family Picnic on July 21.

    A good time was had by all.  Visit runnotc.org for info on the next three Summer Series races and several other events.

    Tool

     

  • Pushing through

    YHC hadn’t been to the Uptowner for almost three months–not since he banged up his right arm at the end of the Tough Mudder on St. Patty’s Day.  Walleye said it’d take two months or so to start to feel right again–he was right about the “or so” part.  But YHC decided he’d ease back in in the gloom this morning.  So au revoir to Wolfpack Mountain, and into Metry.  As PAX began to gather, YHC learned that HVAC was the Q: perfect: a tough-ass yoga session, but hopefully light on the triceps.  With great (but wholly incorrect) insight, YHC commented that HVAC always runs a lap or two before posting, so he should be here any second.  Tick, tick, tick, tick: no HVAC.  [Summertime can be busy for A/C guys: customers maybe will tolerate a broken heater for a few hours in January, but more than about 10 minutes without A/C in the summer garners no such similar tolerance. T-claps to HVAC and Duct Tape for keeping summers tolerable.]  So when Mahatma recommended a split Q, YHC figured his arm had had enough rest: time to step up for the first part.

    Warm Up:

    • SSHs 25xIC
    • Low, Very Slow Squats (4-count down, 4-count hold, 4-count to up) 24xIC
    • Abe Vagodas 25xIC
    • Merkins 25xIC

    The PAX then grabbed rocks for a favorite Friday routine for YHC:

    • 20 overhead presses
    • 20 squats
    • 20 curls
    • 20 bench presses

    Then rinse and repeat with a 15-count, then again with a 10-count and finally with a f-count.  But before turning the Q over to Mahatma, time for some sitting around.  On the fence:

    • Sit for 30 seconds
    • Curls 20xIC
    • sit for 30 seconds
    • Overhead Presses 20xIC

    Mahatma then took over for some cardio delight.  The PAX divided their rocks into two rows about 10 yards or so apart and then paired up.  Each pair faced each other then side shuffled across to the other row, did a jump squat, side-shuffled back and then concluded with another jump squat–repeat 6 times for a total of 12 jump squats.  After a 30-count countdown, the PAX rinsed and repeated.

    Lining up along one of the rows again, each PAX carried his rock overhead to the other row to do 5 burpees and then returned the first row carrying his rock straight out front a la Frankenstein’s monster for 5 more burpees, and rinsed and repeated–for a total of 20 burpees.

    Then after returning their rocks, the PAX circled up for a final COP:

    • Plank for a minute
    • Crunches from legs extended overhead to legs extended straight (but off the ground) x12 IC
    • alligator pushups (lift hands on the up-extension) x20 IC
    • Dying cockroach (x10IC), straight into flutter kicks (x10IC); rinse and repeat with x10IC, and then a second time with x5IC for a total of 25xIC cockroaches and 25xIC flutter kicks

    Thanks for letting YHC share the Q.  Jingle Vader

  • Bring Sally Up – again

    Humidity is a reality right now.  The constant feeling of sticky sweat – and living in a dog’s mouth.

    We ran a loop by the golf course.  Then circled up at the bandstand in Audubon.

    SSH x 20, Imp Walker Squats x 20, Mtn Climbers x 20, Dead bugs x 20

    Then we made a plan… 25 rows at the row bars, 25 Russian Twists at the bandstand, 25 dips on the benches and 5-10 pullups at the pull up bars – plank until you get an open spot.   Run one loop to complete and then plank and wait at the bandstand.  I was trying to avoid any push ups after Gabrielle’s push up destruction on Monday.

    Then we circled up for SALLY UP.   Squats to Flower by Moby.

    Then we did Superman to Bow x 1 min    YTWs for back work x 20

    Then we did another loop.  Same deal except we did 25 plank jacks at the bandstand and BLIMPS to wait.

    Then we circled for a FINAL Mary.

    LBC, Peter Parkers, Plank Jacks, Dying Roach, Parker Peters, Flutter, Rosalita, Shoulder Taps, and Bird dogs x 20

    Tried to stay on the core today to give the arms/shoulders some recovery time!

    A pleasure to LEAD.  Thanks for the opportunity.

  • 610 Stomping Grounds

    7 PAX gathered around 2 flags, enjoying the bright morning skies.  “I need some shades” commented Da Parish.

    Wisner bridge remains closed off, though the walkways look like they are nearing completion.  Soon we’ll be able to add that route to the regular routes.  But instead, since Rudy wants some mileage (gearing up for Gnarly Gnutria) – we’ll do the usual Bayou St. John out-and-back route.  Be back at 6:10 for Mary.

    The Thang

    Out and back along Bayou St. John.  Typical June sweat-fest.  Enjoyed a great outbound run with Triple Shift, always a pleasure to feed off of his energy.  Home Schoolers are well served by having such a passionate advocate on their behalf.  Keep Pushing!

    The Finish

    6:10 – finish up with some Mary, everyone join in as they return.

    • Flutter Kick x25
    • Dolly x25
    • Rosalita x25
    • Penguin x25

    Circle up for count-off, name-o-rama, announcements and intentions.  FracSac seemed to casually keep moving to the side of the circle opposite YHC (who, having noticed this behavior, kept casually crossing the circle to stand next to FracSac.  Is it my sweat?)

    Finish off with prayers for guidance and wisdom, to use the glorious gift of Today in service of Your wishes.

     

  • Did I mention the ISI Challenge….

    So as 23 PAX gathered in the short-lived gloom, YHC reminded everyone that this month’s ISI challenge is 10,000 Merkins in one month.  Quite the task as that equates to an average of 333.33 merkins/day for those who are mathematically challenged.  Merkins were promised and as you will soon see,  Merkins were delivered.  After the standard disclaimer, we were off!

    Mosey around entrance to Golf Club and then to front of bandstand for Warm Up:

    • Hillbillies X 20 IC
    • Windmills X 15 IC
    • Imperial Walkers X20
    • Forward Arm Circles X15
    • Reverse Arm Circles X15

    Then short Mosey to Oak Alley for Red Barchetta (went deep in Exicon for this one).  Apparently it’s supposed to get your heart racing like a “Rush song”.

    • Start at 1st light run to last light for 100 SSH
    • Run back to starting point
    • Run to 2nd to last light for 75 Mountain Climbers
    • Run back to starting point
    • Run to 3rd to last light for 50 LBC’s
    • Run back to starting point
    • Run to 4th to last light for 25 merkins
    • Last is 10 Burpees

    I agree the routine got the heart racing, but even though I’m a fan of Red Barchetta, I think this Rush song seems more appropriate:

    Here’s to all you Working Men! Or is it Working #HIM?  BTW, where’s all the merkins?  That’s only 35 including the burpees…

    Next Mosey to Kickball Field for Merkin Ladder.  There they are!!!

    • Start on one side and do 20 merkins sprint to other side and do 19 back to starting point for 18 and so forth until you hit 1. 210 merkins total if you’re counting.  Now we’re cooking…or at least our chests are burning.

    Quite a bit of mumblechatter during this routine.  I even think I heard some comment about t-rex arms that help some of the PAX do push-ups faster… All I got to say is sometimes it’s good to be short…or short-armed.

    Next mosey to shelter for

    • Incline Merkins X15 IC
    • Right Leg Step Ups X15 IC
    • Decline Merkins X15 IC
    • Left Leg Step Ups X 15 IC
    • Merkins X15 OYO

    Next mosey to right outside shelter for

    Mary

    • Flutter Kicks x 15 IC
    • Penguins X 20 IC
    • Tin Snips X 15 IC
    • Nolan Ryans X5 each side OYO

    Mosey to Flag for Count-Off, Name-o-rama, Intentions and Prayer.  PAX, don’t forget about NOTC 2-miler this Wednesday.  Should be some good F2 and recruiting opportunities.

    So, for those counting, that’s 320 merkins to get your ISI Challenge day started.  Keep ‘em coming and Go Team Gabrielle!

    Thanks for letting me lead.

  • Rocks, History and 11

    Lovely Monday morning at Rock City: cool crisp 80 degree air, with 90% humidity.  Great way to start the week.  Pulling up to the park, I see the train on the tracks – is this going to be a repeat of last week?  Momentary panic sets in – but moments later, the gates are going up, and the line of traffic (4 F3 cars, and 2 who wish they could do F3, but instead peeled off towards Airline Hwy) crossed the tracks.

    Circling up, we welcomed back Rev Sox from his mission trip.  I want to hear more about the Rabbi with the gun….  Then the disclaimer, and we were off.

    The Warmup

    • SSH x25
    • Windmill x10
    • IW x25

    Plank-o-rama:

    • PP x25
    • PJ x25
    • PP x25
    • MC x25

    Grab a rock.  Times have changed at Rock City.  Used to be “Grab a rock” was the sole command.  Now the PAX respond with all sorts of questions – “How big of a rock?  Where are we going?  WHAT SHOULD I DO?” YHC responded to the plaintive wailings with the answer “Grab a rock”.

    Mosey to the tree line.

    The Thang

    YHC wanted to mix in a history lesson.  And June 4th had lots to choose from.  But, no good themed exercises jumped to mind.  So YHC was left with merely calling out a few historical tidbits as we went.  June 4th, 1940: The British and French complete the Dunkirk withdrawal.

    11s.  With Rocks.  And Pit Stops.

    Burpees on the starting side.  Low Slow Squats on the other side of the field.  There were some bases in the middle of the field – convenient markers.  Each time we pass the base, rock exercise!  11 Press each time in one direction, 11 Curls each time in the other direction.  Hawg kicked off his flip-flop sandals, and the PAX were off.

    55 Burpees, 55 LSS (con rocca), 110 Presses, 110 Curls. #Tclaps to Mahatma who finished far enough ahead that he went out for one more back-and-forth.  Then plank and hold.  Mambi gives us a 10 count (no, just *count* to 10.  You don’t have to do Merkins)

    As Bogey said afterwards “Well, that was a time killer”.

    The Thang, Part 2

    Partner Up.  Its Merkin Challenge in the ISI, so YHC thought he’d help the PAX along.

    • PAX #1: Merkins
    • PAX #2: Grab a rock, run across the field and back.
    • Flapjack.  And again.  Until time is called.

    June 4th 1989: Solidarity is declared the winner of the first “free” elections in Poland post-Cold War.

    Mosey back to deposit your rock (carry it overhead!)  Then mosey back to the flag

    Mary

    June 4th, 1919: Congress passes the 19th Amendment – sending Women’s Suffrage to the states for voting.

    • Flutter Kick x25

    Then YHC decided to try something new: the Dolly Ladder (I dunno, but I guess this name works).  DONT PUT YOUR FEET ON THE GROUND.

    • Hello Dolly – feet just off the ground, x10
    • 45 degree Dolly – feet at 45 degrees, x10
    • Rosality x10
    • 45 degree Dolly x10
    • Hello Dolly x10

    Circle up for Countoff, Name-o-Rama, Announcements, and close with our prayers.  Today’s Gospel – from Mark: the story of the tenants who tend the land for the vineyard owner, who kill his son when he is sent to collect fees.  While it is easy to see them as evil and cruel when reading, can we see ourselves in them?  Each of us sins against our neighbors.  Help us to see ourselves in those evil tenants, see ourselves when we are less than we can be.  Help us to see where we fail, so we can continue to strive to be better people, better followers of Your Word.

  • Bridge Over Stagnant Waters

    Leading 20+ men on Saturday beat-down is a tall order, so Your Humble Correspondent (YHC) needed to prepare. On the afternoon before the workout, my 9-year-old son and I took I bike ride to City Park to survey any hidden corners typically overlooked during Mothership workouts. Whenever the Pax moseys from the flag to the museum of art, the little hill of a bridge just after Morning Call is a nice little challenge, especially because we don’t have hills in New Orleans. But there’s too much traffic along that road to do a workout on. On my bike, YHC spied those foot bridges over the lagoon behind Morning Call and thought it might be a good spot to try something new. (At least, YHC hasn’t worked out there before.)

    YHC showed up a few minutes before the workout was to begin, and there was already a healthy crowd there. A few stragglers joined in as the PAX moseyed to the Great Lawn. Let’s get started:

    • Arm circles – 10 forward, 10 back
    • Cross-legged windmills – 10
    • Then some stretching – Runners stretch, crouching and holding it for 10, knee circles, legs open with stretch forward, soles touching and stretch forward

     

    Warm ups

    • Hillbillies x20
    • Merkins x20 (maybe too fast a cadence)
    • Jump squats x20
    • Floyd Mayweather x20
    • Peter Parkers x20
    • SSH x20
    • 10 burpees on your own

    To the bridges

    We did a Dora 123 where one partner runs over one bridge and returns over the second with some nice steps to climb up. Taps out and the other partner does the circuit. A combined exercise of:

    • 100 plank jacks
    • 200 toe-touches (from crab-walk position)
    • 300 mountain climbers

    To NOMA

    After a moment of hydration at the museum, we partnered up again at the main fountain.

    One partner bunny-hopped up the stairs, while the other partner did:

    • derkins
    • irkins
    • dips

    …partners switching each time between bunny-hops and the exercises at the fountain. When we were done, rinse and repeat.

    At the trees

    Short mosey to the field with the line of trees in front of NOMA.

    • Lunge walk (length of two trees)
    • 10 burpees on your own
    • Duck walk (length of two trees)
    • 10 burpees on your own

    Mosey back to the Great Lawn

    Time for some Mary

    • Flutter kicks x20
    • American hammer x20
    • Hello Dolly x20
    • Crunchy rolls and crunchy roll step-ups (something from my martial arts practice) – on your own
    • Freddy Mercuries (I think) x 20

    Times up! Back to the flag for name-a-rama where we named two FNGs: Calliope and Mary Lou. (Mary Lou’s leaving town anyway, so a silly name won’t haunt him for long.) Announcements, a prayer, and then some camaraderie at Morning Call.

  • #crowdpleaser

    At 05:30 YHC gave the disclaimer and we were off. A quick mosey over to Touchdown Jesus for the warmup:

    SSH x 51 IC

    Mosey to WPM for an Indian Run to the top. Quick round of Mary:

    LBC’s x 51 IC

    Mosey down one level to the base of the ramp for everyone’s favorite… Bearpees!! That’s right. Work your way back up the ramp via bear crawls and Burpees. 4 count bear crawl followed by 1 burpee, then 8 count bear crawl followed by 2 burpees…. finishing w 40/10. Plank for the six at the top. Not much mumblechattet during this smoke fest.

    We took a breather w some Mary:

    Hello Dolly, Dying Cockroach, LBT, Real Freddie x 21 IC

    Mosey down the stairs to the benches: Dips, LLSU, Incline Merkins, RLSU x 15 IC

    Mosey  back to TD Jesus for Low Slow Squats x 25

    Back to the flag for plankorama and 10 Burpees to seal the deal.

    COT w shoutout by YHC.

    T Claps to the pax for sucking it up!

    Remember to sign up for your chance to Q at this fine AO.

    Let me know if I missed any pax above. A little foggy post workout. Thanks RY for the recap.

    Good Times!

    Roots

     

  • RED Friday – Tommy Mac

    This year the first Friday of the month has been RED Friday at The Uptowner.  I have to give credit to F3 Greenwood.  I stole their idea and sometimes steal their workouts.  Today we celebrated the life and service of Sgt. Thomas MacPherson.  More on him in the NMM.

    Conditions: 81 degrees and 91% Humidity (Heat Index of 89 in the gloom)

    Equipment:  Rocks Ranging from 30 – 50 pounds

    Warm-up:  SSH x 31: IW x 31; Abe Vigodas x 10; Good Mornings x 10; Moroccan Night Club x 31; Self-love x 10; Copperhead Squats x 10

    The Tommy Mac uses 5 different lifts, so we practiced a few with the rocks.  These lifts actually require a barbell, so we made some slight modifications in order to perform them

    • Thrusters – Squat, then press rock above head.
    • Power Snatches – Pick up rock from the ground, lift over head, then throw it back on the ground real manly like.
    • Push Jerks – Shoulder Presses with a rock that’s too heavy to shoulder press.
    • Hang Squat Cleans – Curl the rock, then squat.
    • Overhead Squats – Just keep the rock at chest and squat.  Don’t get crazy.

    The Thang

    • 12 Burpees
    • 12 Thrusters
    • 12 Burpees
    • 12 Power Snatches
    • 12 Burpees
    • 12 Hang Squat Cleans
    • 12 Burpees
    • 12 Overhead Squats

    We went AMRAP.  I believe everyone completed 2 rounds in 28 minutes, some started a 3rd before time was up.

    NMM

    Today’s workout was in honor of Thomas MacPherson.  Sgt. Thomas R. MacPherson, 26, was killed in action on October 12, 2012 by enemy forces during a heavy firefight while conducting combat operations in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. He was leading an assault against an enemy position when he was mortally wounded by small arms fire.

    MacPherson was a team leader assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. He previously served one deployment to Iraq and this was his fourth deployment to Afghanistan.

    The “Tommy Mac” Hero WOD was created by elite-level coach Rudy Nielsen of CrossFit Outlaw (Alexandria, VA, USA), who first posted the workout on his “The Outlaw Way” blog as the workout of the day for October 27, 2012. The post included the following quote from Tommy’s former Platoon Leader:

    “The whole thing with Tommy is that he embodies everything that’s right about Ranger Battalion. He held the position of Ranger Team Leader which is literally the tip of the spear. He was the consummate, quiet professional—he expected absolutely zero recognition for what he did. He loved his job because he was a born protector. He was perfectly content to carry out his life’s work under the cover of darkness, with his and his comrades’ actions to remain forever under the cloak of shadows. He died doing what he loved; protecting all of us. What stood out about Tommy the most was his maturity beyond his years. I believe it was the fact that he was the older brother of younger siblings, but like another Sgt. said “Tommy wasn’t one of those guys who joined the Army and grew into a man. He joined as a man and grew others.” He left behind his beautiful wife wife, Claudia MacPherson, and their son, Brayden.”

    Lagniappe

    • It was great to be joined by 3 actual Uptowners at The Uptowner.  I believe that is equal to the number of Uptowners that have posted in the past year.  If Uptowners ever outnumber the World at the Uptowner, we may consider a name change.  These Uptowners handled themselves admirably.  Tools always said an Uptowner would never suvive the Uptowner, but these three proved him wrong.  I hypothesize that since they are relatively new to F3, they have not been sufficiently softened by the tickle fights that occur at the Skinny.  Let’s get Douille or Yankee out here and see what happens then.
    • It was agreed by all that the rock exercises were the best part of this workout.  #BurpeeLoveHate
    • No Mahatma today, so I believe it was Tool that took home the prize of WOD crusher.
    • Pay attention to what Abacus wears.  He gets it.
    • I did my best Cowbell impersonation and wore flip-flops to the workout.  Difference is that I worked out instead of drinking an umbrellaed libation and looking on.  Baby steps.  (If Shorty is reading this, this is where he says “I think you mean Cowbell steps.”)
    • 2 Rounds = 120 burpees which we all did correctly and can count toward the June ISI challenge of 10,000 merkins.

     

     

     

     

     

  • The Forgotten Q – Uugh Oohh Spaghetti Ohhh

    So this Wednesday morning yours truly was running just a minute late and joined the PAX in mid-mosey to the track for some warm-ups.  The first conversation with Frac-Sac went something like this.

    Abacus:   Good morning Fracsac.

    Fracsac:    Hey Nice of you to join us Abacus – this is your Q this morning.

    Abacus:   Great,  this is the first I am hearing of this.   (Lesson learned to check the Q schedule more frequently).

     

    Fracsac led the PAX through warm-ups near the track.    Warm-ups included SSH, Imperial Walkers,  arm circles, and a few other well placed warm up exercises.

    Fracsac led the next exercise on the track – Run one lap of the track doing exercise at each corner including the following:  Merkins, Burpees, Cataline wine mixers, and squats.

    Abacus took over from here and led the mosey to the grassy area near the new Children’s Museum under construction.    Circle up for three minutes of “Suck” – 7 SSH, 7 Merkins, and 7 squats, AMRAP in three minutes.    Then a few minutes of Mary including flutter kicks, hello dolly, dying cockroach, and penguin.

    Mosey to the Foundry for workout on the equipment.  Pair up and we were able to do twice through the following exercises.   10 Burpees – was the timer.     AMRAP – pull-ups, step-ups, squats, incline or decline merkins (dealer’s choice), and dips.

    Mosey back to the flag just in time for count-off, name – o – rama, announcements, and special intentions.

    Thanks to Fracsac for the Co-Q.   Lesson has been learned to check the Q schedule.    Thanks to all for the opportunity to lead.

    Abacus