Category: Backblasts

  • Maiden Voyage

    Eager to mark our territory with a trail of sweat, 14 PAX, aka privateers, gathered this Monday for a maiden voyage in the uncharted waters of northern 70122, and area deep with nautical history.  This would be a test run to check out the area and also see what interests there may be in establishing a new AO.  As the clock neared 5:30, it was encouraging to see a mix of guys, coming from near and far, that all wanted to be in that number.  Before we set sail, YHC mentioned that this workout would be somewhat of an exploratory mission and perhaps a work-in-progress as we bounced around.  The disclaimer came next followed by the annual recitation of a crude yet useful nugget from the F3 Lexicon that is something we should strive to avoid:  Whiskey Dicking (verb) – “Half stepping through a workout or other event.  More generally, execution of anything without sufficient zeal”…recently updated to read “Tentative execution of a task”.  Basically, try to give it your all and make the most out of the next 45 minutes.  Here’s what we did:

    Quick “capri lap” around the parking lot with a COP in the nearby field for a warmup of IW, Phelps, WM, AC, Toy Soilders, LSS.  

    Then we kept it close for any lost latecomers with a continuation of the warmup, getting in a diamond formation for Burpees x20, Bench/Bleacher Dips x15, Jump Squats x10, Tire Flips x5.  This circuit would hopefully be repeated later on but no dice.  

    From there, we moseyed into the heart of UNO’s campus, with a stop to plank for the six followed by 10 Merkins.  T-claps to Kuch and Gideon who YHC overheard discuss trying to nudge a guy back out in the gloom…#HIM!  We ended the mosey near an area officially named “the lazy river” by Gabrielle which is adjacent to a few tall sets of stairs leading up to the amphitheater hill.  Here we dropped anchor for the first round of Dora, partnering up for 100 crossfit/hand-release Merkins while PAX#2 ran a lap up and down the stairs and hill.  Pull anchor up…

    Northerly mosey to the concrete planters in front of the Alumni Building for the second round of Dora.  T-claps to Holy Grove and others for pushing hard then sweeping the six. Partner up with someone different (swinger style) for Inclined Hip Slappers x200 while PAX#2 run to the top of the levee and back.  Some groans and panting were heard on this one.    

    From here we changed course back towards harbor, stopping in front of The UC for the third round of Dora.  Original plans called for a stair running loop but time was ticking and we had to wing it with LBC x300 (in sets of 50) which PAX#2 held a low squat #ISI.  We had to cut this a tad short and hightail it across the field to the flag.  Shout out to HG and JJ for kicking it in high gear on the final run.  Total distance covered was approx 2.17 miles.  YHC’s goal of scoping out the area was accomplished but the run/plank time squeezed out some of the circuit work.   

    Finished things off with a COT.  Next two workouts in that location (NW corner of Leon C. Simon and Elysian Fields) will be 8/26 and 9/9.  Input and Qs are welcome so please chime in and/or step up.  Hopefully this AO takes off, in turn further growing the footprint of F3 and having a positive impact on more men.  T-claps to Gideon for the nudge and pledge to help get this going.  

    Thanks for the opportunity to lead. 

    Tool 

  • Return of the Green Mile

    19 pax showed up to the Lakefront on Saturday Morning, for a beatdown known as the Green Mile.

    Pre-thang; 2 miles Tanked up, Bushwacker, Barely Legal and a late arriving YHC.

    The thang:

    Warm up: SSH, IW, Mt climbers, Slow skwaats, and dippy birds all IC x 20

    The Green Mile: 1/2 mile from shovel flag to eastern playground with 7 fire hydrants along the way. The pax were instructed to perform 5 merkins and 10 squats at each hydrant on the way down and 10 merkins and 20 squat on the way back. The pax returned to the shovel flag with 30 min to spare, just enough time for a second round. Only this time it was 10 merks/20 squats on the way down and 5 merks/10 squats on the way back.

    Cooldown: SSH, IW, Mt climbers, Slow skwaats, and dippy birds all IC x 20

    It seems that the pax has some superhumans among them: with Zoolander only weeks out of surgery for a lower leg fracture, leading the front of the pax…unreal. And Tanked-up despite finding a 7th gear to end the workout up front, well done guys.

  • Rock City Rocks

    YHC hasn’t been at Rock City for few months because of the launch of Sweaty Bells, which is a Sunday workout with kettle bells. Willie and YHC had thought of bringing their kettle bells to a Rock City workout one day but could only imagine the mumble chatter from a PAX named Rudy. Because it’s been awhile since the last Rock City, YHC was super excited to have an opportunity to Q again for the 2nd time at this AO. YHC is very happy to see many new faces just in few months. F3 Nola is definitely growing at a great pace, which leads to a FNG, later named Scam Newton, EH’ed by Marlin. At 5:30 am, YHC gave his standard disclaimer…. and off the PAX.

    Everyone grabbed a rock and headed to the middle of the football field. Rudy apparently is not strong enough to do that because he’s so used to warming up first before the PAX pick up the rocks. But Rudy somehow managed to suck it up and do what the Q said.

    Warm-ups

    Because there are so many new PAX who have never Q’ed before, YHC took this opportunity to invite Baloo to help with the warm up exercises:

    SSHs x 30 IC

    Windmills x 10 IC

    Arm Circles and Seal Claps x 15 IC

    Hill Billies x 20 IC

    Mountain Climbers x 15 IC

    Round 1

    Picked a partner for the entire workout. Everyone lined up at the 40 yard line of the football field. While one PAX lunge walked toward the field goal post, the other PAX ran backwards to the field goal post then ran back towards his partner. Flap jack until the team crosses the end zone. Once in the end zone, each PAX did 10 burpees each. However, while one PAX was doing the burpees, the other PAX was in Goblet Squat position with the rock until his partner finished with his burpees and then flap jack.

    Round 2Broken up Dora

    Starting from the end zone….

    Dora Part 1 – finished 80 thrusters as a team. While one PAX was doing the thrusters, the other PAX ran out to the 40 yard line and did 10 curls and moseyed back to the PAX. Flap jack until 80 thrusters were completed by the team.

    Dora Part 2 – finished 200 LBCs with the rock as a team. While one PAX was doing LBC’s, the other PAX ran to the 40 yard line and did 10 chest presses and moseyed back to his partner. Flap jack until 200 LBCs were completed by the team.

    Dora Part 3 – finished 300 shoulder taps as a team. While one PAX was doing shoulder taps, the other PAX ran to the 40 yard line and did 20 Rocky Balboa’s on the rock and moseyed back to his partner. Flap jack until 300 shoulder taps were finished.

    Round 3 – Sprint Relay Race

    Starting from the end zone, one PAX sprinted to the 40 yard line and did 5 manmakers and sprinted back and tagged his partner. The partner did the same thing. Rinse and repeat until finishing a total of 4 rounds as a team so that each PAX did 10 manmakers.

    After the sprint, the PAX did some active stretching with “open gates” and “zombie walk” to stretch those legs and hamstrings. Mumble chatter again from Rudy saying that we should have done these stretches at the beginning of the workout and not at the end. YHC believes Rudy is just getting anxieties because college football season is almost here. And he knows how crappy the losing Irish is going to be this season. Ouch!!!

    Brought our rocks back to the pile and moseyed back to the flag. YHC didn’t managed the time correctly and ended the workout at 6:17 a.m.

    COT

    Count-a-Rama – 24 PAX, Name-a- Rama, announcements, and intentions. One FNG named Scam Newton because he is an Auburn alumnus. Once again, thank you for the opportunity to lead. SYITG

    King Kong

    Willie, King Kong, Gabrielle, and Jingle Vader managed to meet up for coffee at PJs on Magazine Street after their respective beatdown. Today was also the inaugural beatdown on UNO campus lead by Tool. During coffee, YHC found out there were 14 PAX at the newly launched AO and 17 PAX at the Skinny. There was a total of 55 PAX on the Southshore participated a workout today. Great way to start off the week!!!

  • Stomp #207 – Good Morning Burpees

    The Tuesday crowd at the Stomp has exploded recently. YHC saw an opportunity to take the Q and bring a little something extra to the AO. Since everyone loves Burpees, YHC knew that incorporating them in a way not done before would be received with joy! YHC was not disappointed!

    24 Pax posted to improve their running ability, and their endurance. But first a brief disclaimer, and a very quick warmup:

    Grass Grabbers IC x 10 followed by Arm Circles IC x 20

    Instructions were simple. Run as a group down the traditional Bayou St John route. Every time the Pax came across a person or group of people, we would call out “Good Morning!” If we received a “Good Morning” back, all did 5 Burpees. If no “Good Morning” was received, then 10 Burpees was coming our way. If the Pax attempted to prod for them to say it, the penalty was 15 Burpees.

    How many Burpees completed? There were approximately 10 stops for 5 Burpees and only 1 stop for 10 Burpees. The Pax covered around 4 miles, and many folks on the streets of NOLA were greeted with a kind gesture.

    Good Times had by all.

    COT for Count off, name-o-rama, announcements and intentions.

    Thanks for posting with me today, and for allowing me to be a part of such a great organization!

    SYITG!

  • Roots

    When planning today’s beatdown, YHC decided it might be a good idea to get in touch with our roots. With that in mind, YHC revisited the roots of the Milestone March. Of course Bushwacker, ever the commentator, accurately pointed out that YHC was not around when the roots were planted by Senor Butt Splice et al. at the Milestone Marsh. Who cares? Not me. And off we went into the Gloom.

    Warmup

    SSH, Arm Circles, Squats, Imperial Walkers

    Thang: 1 minute merkins, 1 minute Big boy sit ups, then timed 1 mile run to the seawall and back.

    Mary:

    Flutter kicks, Hello Dollies, 1 minute Plank, Crunchy Frogs.

    I think I may have forgotten some exercises that we did because that BB is awfully short.

  • Blimping up Wolfpack Mountain

    It was a sticky morning at Wolfpack, there was a bit of milling around and a sense of restlessness amongst the PAX so we started with: 10 burpees, Then mosey to Loyola entrance for: SSH x 25 Windmill x 20 Red bull smurfjacks x 20 Mosey to the base of Wolfpack mountain BLIMPS to the (2 is 1) top, stopping at each end of the garage, repeating when complete with squats, in total: Burpees x10 Lunges x 20×2 Imperial walkers x30x2 Muricans x 20 Plank Jacks x 25 Squats x 30 Mary while we waited for the 6 Then plank to chatarunga runx30x2 Protractor for 2 minutes. Mosey to the benches at bottom of Wolfpack Real Fredy Mercury x 20 Crunchy Frog x 20 Mosey to holy name Stacked foot stagger hand muricans x15x2 American Hammer x 20, then doubletime to 40 Mountain Climbers x 20, the doubletime to 40 and good times were had by all.
  • No Fancy names today….

    No fancy name but hopefully a little pain; that was the mantra going into my VQ. 12 Pax braved the heat and humidity of an August morning to get better physically and mentally.  

    Throughout the week leading up to the big event, I went back and forth thinking, “Would the beatdown be tough enough?  Do we need more to fill the time?”   About 20 minutes in after YHC was sucking wind, and judging by the groans coming from the other Pax, those questions were answered.  

    Gave the disclaimer and we did a quick mosey around NOMA before circling up for some warmups in cadence.  

    • SSH x 20
    • Kettle Bell Squats x 20
    • Peter Parkers x 20
    • Shoulder taps x 20 each shoulder
    • Arm circles – 20 forward and 20 backwards 

    From here we lined up in 2 groups and did an Indian Run from NOMA down to the entrance of the park (Carrollton) and back up heading to the Foundry.  

    Once we reached the Foundry the Pax split into groups at 5 stations for a Tabata workout of 45 seconds on, with a 10 second break in between stations.  We completed AMRAP and did 3 rounds of the following:

    • Jump squats
    • Carolina dry docks
    • Single leg jump lunges
    • Pull-ups
    • Dips

    After completing the 3 rounds we moseyed back to the field in front of NOMA, where there were 4 cones spread about 20 yards apart in a square formation.  The Pax formed 4 groups with 3 at each cone.  Moving clockwise, each Pax had to bear crawl to the first cone and wait for all Pax to reach their cone.  While waiting for the 6, Pax were to assume a squat position.  

    Once everyone reached the cone, the Pax did 10 burpees.  Next cone was a crab walk with the same instructions (hold squat waiting for the six and then 10 burpees).  We repeated the same pattern for the remaining 2 cones for a quick 40 burpees after both bear crawls and crab walks. 

    After a short 20 count break, we regrouped lining up with the first tree and did an all- out sprint (40-50 yds).  We repeated this for a total of 4 sprints.  

    With a solid 6 minutes or so remaining, we circled up for some core exercises called out by different Pax.  From memory we did:

    Wife pleasers

    Hey mary? (Probably butchered the actual name)

    Side leg lifts

    Dying Cockroach

    Reverse cork screw? (See above)

    LBC

    Crunchy frogs

    1-2 other core 

    Finally we finished in the CoT for the conclusion with the NOR, announcements, intentions and prayer.  

    With the exception of YHC losing his car key, it was a great first Q, and I appreciate everyone coming out and posting.  Also,  big thanks to everyone for helping me look afterwards for the missing key, albeit without any success.  And lastly, thank you to Thumb War for the ride home.  

    Enjoyed the opportunity to lead and SYITG!


  • Low & Slow…and No Burpees!

    Coming in hot for my Q. Arrived at 5:30 on the nose! The PAX seemed to be sweating it out. After the botched disclaimer we were off. (There was some chatter about how I was a not a personal trainer but I was a professional trainer).

    Mosey around parking lot to the front of the stage for:

    SSH x 20

    Windmills x 15

    Arm Circles Forward x 10

    Arm Circles Backward x 10 (with a descending count to welcome Seaman back from vacation

    Hillbillies x 20

    Slow mosey to start of oak alley then: knee highs to first light, butt kicks to second light, bear crawl to third light, crab walk to final light.

    Mosey to the front of the zoo for some low slow dirty mac deuce. After each set of exercises we ran a lap to magazine street and back. Tclaps to G-Spot and El wire who led the way on most of these. Also to Jadeveon and Flaming Lips who blew by me on every lap!

    First Round

    Low Slow Merkin x 12

    Low Slow Squat x 15

    Low Slow Peter Parker x 24

    Second Round

    Low Slow Incline Merkin x 12

    Low Slow Bulgarian Split Lunge x 12 each side

    Low Slow Peter Parker x 24

    Third Round

    Low Slow Decline Merkin x 12

    Low Slow Dips x 20

    Low Slow J-Lo x 24

    Fourth Round

    Low Slow Carolina Dry Docks x 12

    Low Slow Monkey Humpers x 24

    Low Slow Freddy Mercury x 24

    Mosey to the pull up bars. Split up into 4 groups. Ten pullups was the count. Other groups were Plank Jacks, LBC’s, and Shoulder Taps.

    After a time check of 6:11 we stayed where we were and squeezed in some Mary:

    Russian Twist x 20

    Dying Cockroach x 20

    Box Cutters x 20

    Fast as you can (or want to) run back to the flag. Count off & Namorama. Announcements to sign up for Iron Pax challenge. Prayers for Jadeveon’s mom as she deals with the loss of two parents. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to lead!

  • Levee Lovin’

    We circled up along the Mighty Mississippi. Two minutes after getting ready with our first COP – a barely clothed couple frantically scampered up the levee and ran to their car. Young love. We were perplexed as to why they chose the rocky side of the levee instead of the very comfortable looking car they arrived in.

    Warm up: Hot potato, Halo, Figure 8, Around the back 30-45 secs

    Got in plank and passed the bells to the left using on the left arm. Then did it to the right. Did it each direction twice.

    Sealed the deal with 20 Kettle Bell swings

    Then we did rows L and R, curls, and merks L to R x 12

    Got back in plank and passed the bells L and R.

    Then we got on our six and did Russian Twist, L and R press and tricep lifts. x12

    Sealed the deal with 15 Kettle Bell swings

    Lined Up and then did 10 hammer swings and then ran 30 yards and then did 5 burpees (4 rotations)

    Back to our circle and did the plank pull with the kettle bells L and R – full circle

    Then we did chest press, suitcase pick up and put down, side dips and wife pleasers with kettle bell on pelvis (we did this for the people in the park)

    At this moment Angie’s List’s TUGBOAT came by for a closer look

    Then we did 5 Hammer swings

    Then we had a few minutes left for low country crab, and dead bugs!

    I am enjoying this workout – I hope we keep it going.

  • Emergency Free Renaissance

    YHC arrived at the Renaissance AO a solid 2 minutes before kickoff with 4 other Pax eagerly awaiting my arrival. Each Pax was a HIM looking to kick off their Sunday right. As War Eagle pointed out at the Mothership on Saturday, the Q should always carry a phone in case of an emergency. So, YHC zipped the phone in his FlipBelt, gave a brief disclaimer and got right to the warmup:
    SSH IC x 31
    Hillbilly’s IC x 15
    Abe Vigodas IC x around 8 or 9 – Remember that reference to the phone in the FlipBelt? Somehow, Siri thought we had an emergency, and she called 911. YHC heard her speak around #4, but what she said didn’t sink in until around #8. Upon pulling out the phone, YHC saw the 911 call had gone through and hung up. YHC was apparently no match for NO emergency services, as a call came right back. A sincere apology followed, and the call was disregarded. Let’s move on….
    Grass Grabbers IC x 10
    Peter Parkers IC x 20
    Mountain Climbers IC x 20
    Arm Circles IC x 20

    First up, help a brother out. Tanner that is. Line up on tree #1 and do the following, all while looking for the infamous lost Fob lost at the Muscleship:
    Tree #1 to Tree #2 – Bearcrawl followed by 5 Burpees
    Tree #2 to Tree #3 – Lungewalk followed by 5 Burpees
    Tree #3 to Tree #4 – Bearcrawl followed by 5 Burpees
    Tree #4 to Tree #5 – Lungewalk followed by 5 Burpees
    Sprint back to Tree #1
    Spoiler Alert – No luck on the Fob……

    Mosey to the Foundry for Station Set #1
    Split up in two groups, a group of 3 and a group of 2.
    Group 1 – Merkins IC x 20 (timer)
    Group 2 – 90 degrees flexed arm hang
    Flapjack for 3 full sets.

    Mosey to the bike trail for Bataan Death March. An Indian Run where the last man drops for 3 Burpees and then sprints to the front of the column. As the sprinter is passing the new last runner, the new last man drops for 3 Burpees. Continue for a full lap, or about a mile.

    Return to the Foundry for Station Set #2
    Station 1 – Run to Bike Trail, complete 5 Burpees and run back (Timer)
    Station 2 – Dips – AMRAP
    Station 3 – Squats – AMRAP
    Station 4 – 90 Degrees Flex Hang
    Station 5 – Big Boi Situps – AMRAP

    Mosey back to the Flag. With 1:30 remaining, fill it with ISI challenge. Each Pax completed 1:30 of the mobility challenge, the other 2:10 are on you!

    COT
    Count off, Name-o-rama, Announcements, Intentions, closed with a prayer to the Sky Q.

    NMM

    If ever there was an emergency, YHC proved today that he stands at the ready. The summer heat and humidity is really on us, even at 0600 to 0645!

    Coffeteria was great as always. Glad to see the Renaissance AO is getting some love! Thanks for posting with me today, and thanks for allowing me to be a part of F3!

    SYITG