F3 New Orleans

Category: Backblasts

  • Here comes the sun…

    Ah yes, summer is almost here?  Ok it’s here.  As YHC walked up to the AO this morning, YHC wondered how his planned beatdown would go with the warm, sticky morning that the PAX were met with.  More on that later…With an introduction and disclaimer the PAX were off.

    Mosey to top of Oak Alley by the track:

    Line up in single line across at beginning of Oak Alley for warm-up.  All exercises into Q yells Halt

    • Walking Soldiers aka Kim Jong Un’s or Il’s aka Supreme Leaders
    • High Knees
    • Butt Kicks
    • Carioca Right then Left

    Circle up for additional warm-up:

    • Forward Arm Circles I/C X20
    • Reverse Arm Circles I/C X20
    • Imperial Walkers I/C X20

    Mosey to Shelter for:

    The Cooper

    • 10 Burpees
    • 10 Squats
    • 10 Merkins
    • Lap around back to shelter

    Reduce by 1 each round until finished.  For those who finish early, continue back up starting at 1.

    Just as we started, here came the sun!  Let’s pump up the heat and humidity.  PAX are not gonna be happy.  Sure enough somewhere around half way or two-thirds through Nip/Tuck started dropping F-bombs.  Other assorted mumblegriping heard as well.  My job is done.

    For those counting, that was 55 Burpees, 55 Squats, 55 Merkins (or 110 if you count the Burpees) and 10 laps (approx. 400 meters each).  This is not counting those fast few that finished and started going back up the ladder.  It was about 30 minutes of continuous beatdown with no rest in 80 degree heat and 90+% humidity.  Well done PAX, well done.

    As a side note, proud of the PAX for the several F3 brothers who ran with Medulla for his final lap.  That’s what Brotherhood is all about PAX.

    Next mosey back to Flag….just kidding!

    Mosey to Lagoon by Bandstand for Over the Hill and Far Away

    • Dips X20 Over the Bandstand and Back (SSH while you wait for Six)
    • Incline Merkins X20 Over the Bandstand and Back (SSH while you wait for Six)
    • Flutter Kicks IC X20 Over the Bandstand and Back (SSH while you wait for Six)

    Mosey Back to Flag

    Count-off, Name-o-rama, Announcements, Intentions and Prayer

    Thanks PAX for the honor of letting me lead! 

  • Back-to-Back Blasts

    Anyone who has posted with me knows that YHC is not much of a talker.  Hell, I can hardly find enough to say for one backblast each week.  And yet here we are.  YHC supposes it is a small price to pay for all the benefits of F3.  And hey, if a bear craps in the woods and no one is around to write a backblast about it, did it really happen?

    Pre-beatdown, with mumble chatter about our aches and pains from the last few days, Einstein noted that as the PAX gets stronger, the ceiling on beatdowns is pushed higher and higher.  It’s both great (hey, we get our money’s worth) and at the same time pretty awful (might not be able to walk like a normal human being the next day).  That got me thinking about Chewy’s request for a more restorative beatdown on the Northshore, which is a great idea.  Today’s beatdown, though, wasn’t going to be so restorative. And with that in mind, YHC gave a disclaimer for the first time in… well, too long.

    Warmorama: Air presses, overhead arm circles, arm circles forward and backward, SSHs, hillbillies, high knees.  All x 20 IC.

    The Thang: First stop, the quarry for some rock work.  Part of YHC’s mission this week was to introduce Cowbell to the various offerings at each AO, and this seemed to be one we hadn’t seen much of lately. 

    • Curls x12 IC
    • Squat-to-Overhead-Press x10 IC
    • Bent over Rows x 12 IC

    Rinse and repeat, swapping the counts. Then we gingerly placed the rocks back just as we had found them (so as not to offend the beautifying efforts of the Covington Garden Club), and we were off to the front of the Justice Center, where the bulk of today’s efforts would take place.

    First, a quick stop at the benches for lateral jump overs x20 OYO, and Bulgarians x10 IC each leg. Then partner up…

    P1 runs the length of the courtyard, up the stairs, does 15x jump squats, and returns to relieve P2, who is planking in front of a bench, walking his hands up onto the bench and then back down again, repeatedly. There’s probably a name for this or, at the very least better wording to explain it, but YHC can’t take the time to look it up in our exicon.

    After two rounds of that, we did a variation, P1 runs same route, does star jacks x10, while P2 is now walking his feet up to the bench and back down, adding a derkin in each time both feet are up on the bench. R&R.

    A quick 10 count then grab a bench for step ups x15 IC each leg, and freaks x15 IC.

    Next up, suicides across the courtyard for P1, Mahktar N’diayes for P2. Swaparoo. Again the beautifying efforts of Covington were appreciated, as some men opted to save the skin on their forearms and avoided the concrete, using instead the small gardens near each bench.

    And then the finale, P1 up at the top of the stairs holding a people’s chair and doing air presses, P2 bear crawling backwards up the stairs.  (We missed you Maverick.)

    Back to the flag for a quick Mary of 100’s, Crunchy Frogs, and LBC’s x20 IC.

    COT and Einstein Cowbell prayed us out.  Thank you for following my lead today guys, I sincerely appreciate it!

  • I don’t know what this is called, but….

    A great day for a VQ, relatively low humidity, nice breeze, and 3 partners in the un-gloom.

    Opened with some variety, shoulder tag was fun, alternating side shuffles. Abe Vigoda and the Sprinkler got us warmed up. Mosey to the Gazebo with a bonus run around the perimeter. Monkey humpers and Bat Wings to start. Trying to remember to lead a good cadence is always a challenge and not having a good bead on the official names of some exercises (hence the title). TClaps for the assistance of the PAX. Partner workouts Help a Brother up, Big Boy Situps (modified), assisted single leg squats, various Parkour type jaunts, hanging leg lifts, partner sit-ups rotating to touch elbows, Out of the pool, some other spontaneous static hold challenges. Mosey back to the flag for closing, intentions, announcements, BOM. Thank you all for supporting my VQ!

  • VQ AT THE STOMP

    15 strong at The Stomp for a straightforward run for my VQ.  
    The exercise:  run 20 minutes out then 20 minutes in with 10 burpees at the halfway mark.  

    Following a quick explanation that consisted of the entirety of the previous paragraph and the obligatory disclaimer (for the record, I am not a personal trainer nor I am a professional one – thanks, Fracsac) we were off and running.  Thanks to Rev Sox for taking the FNG under his wing and relieving me of my duties to explain the route. 

    Despite the conditions (extreme mugginess) and the midway burpees, all 15 finished strong with 3 minutes to spare.  We stretched then circled for countoff, name-o-rama, intentions then prayer.    

    Three key observations:  
    1. @smooth is still fast; 
    2. given the thick and muggy air conditions, tank top Tuesday participants were at an advantage; 
    3. 10 burpees wreck havoc on pace.

    Thanks to everyone for the encouraging words for my VQ.  It is an honor to be part of the group.  This exercise was not the most complicated or creative to lead, but it was still highly satisfy.  Thanks for the push, @kuch and @craigjcordes.

    The Skinny
    • T-claps to Rev Socks for bringing out Tua.
    • Turns out Tua’s wife went to Alabama so we got the name right (he went to LSU).  
    • Did I already say burpees make running the second half of 20/20 more challenging?

  • Make Grandmothers Great Again

    Without Coconuts or Ringo to provide the kind of steady care that Granny needs, she has been on her last gasps for a few months now.  We won’t go too far with the dying grandmother imagery (because that’s just tasteless), but let’s just say it’s been pretty bad here on Tuesday mornings.  Four men, however, posted on this particularly gloomy morning to provide a little resuscitation.  (Yes, this included Ei on his second consecutive post and third post of the month – don’t worry, Ei, no one’s keeping track.)  And, with the promise of Chewy returning from his triathlon and Cowbell firmly locked in, things should hopefully be looking up this summer for our dear Granny.

    So the intent of today’s workout was not to… take it easy, per se… but after Shooter’s brutal whipping yesterday at the Marsh, a lighter load might not be such a bad thing.  So we started with… 

    Warmorama: Abe Vigodas x10 IC, good mornings x10 IC, arm circles… at this point Ei interrupted to note that this was actually exactly how Shooter began yesterday’s beatdown. 

    Exactly?

    Oh well. On to reverse arm circles x20 IC, seal jacks x20 IC, and we’re off on a mosey to the tunnel.

    The Thang:

    First up, a set of 11’s:  starting at the base of the tunnel with x1 burpee, backpedal up the largest hill in Mandeville and, with no Wacker in sight to complain, perform Sister Mary K’s x10 IC.  With such a light crowd we did the 11’s together, and there was more chatter about The Dawn Wall (where we discovered that Cowbell was also a huge fan and had read the book), until the lack of moving air and burpees finally set in.

    Mosey back toward the trailhead with a quick stop at the benches for Freak Nasties, x10 IC.  

    Onward, with Cowbell showing off his athleticism with a few cow-gongs, and then we were at the amphitheater stage for some Rochamburpees.  Partners were Zoo and Ei, Cowbell and YHC.  Chillcut plank, rock-paper-scissors, winner takes the merkins and loser takes the burpees.  Count starts at 1 and play was up to 10.  Losing in the beginning is pretty inconsequential, but a loss on the final two is just brutal.  YHC was not sure what was going on with Zoo and Ei, as it looked like Ei was just laying on the ground watching Zoo do a bunch of burpees. Maybe he’s just that good at rock-paper-scissors?

    Finally, back at the flag for a simple Mary of flutter kicks, x40 IC.

    COT and Zoo prayed us out.  Thank you guys for posting in this ideal weather, and giving me the opportunity to lead.  SYITG.

  • First at the Marsh for ole EiEi Oh? Literally/Figuratively

    YHC arrived at the Marsh to the sights of an unfamiliar truck.. As I exited, so did one EiEi now that’s a pleasant surprise but certainly a welcomed one.. Then the likes of another arrival not seen in sometime with Pelican pulling in as Steve and Bushwacker make there way to center court.. Of course the Marsh would not be complete without the pillar of Monday posts Water Pik rolling in right on time.. We circle up at center court to warmup for our “Marsh 500” on this heavy humid Gloom.. Not sure of the track temperatures but most of the PAX would soon be cooling things down with much perspiration as we embark down Lamarque street..

    Warmup

    15 IC Toe Touches

    10 IC Good Mornings

    15 IC Windmills

    10 IC Arm circles forward/reverse

    15 IC SSH

    Thang

    Assembled on Lamarque for the first bit of instruction. Simple Mosey to the first cross street for our 1st of only 5 exercises.. 20 8 count body builders OYO, as the YHC knew that he would not be able to maintain an accurate count as we progressed down Lamarque. Corner 2 20 8 count body builders, 25 Merkins. Moseyed on to our next block 20 8 count body builders, 25 Merkins, 34 Squats. By this point Q was beginning to wonder what possessed him to elect 8 count body builders as one of the exercises, but then Bushwhacker noticed the Ragnar t-shirt YHC was wearing which states “It’s not crazy if we all are doing it!” On to the fourth corner for 20 8 count body builders, 25 Merkins, 33 Squats, 50 Plank Jacks.. Arrived on the 5th corner at Lakeshore and Lamarque for completion. 20 8 count body builders, 25 Merkins, 33 Squats, 50 Plank Jacks and 100 LBCs.. By this point the objective of the PAX is to just complete in whatever order necessary or as we like to say modify to your abilities… PAX began some mumble chatter of a possible Uber pickup, which made the YHC feel as though he had delivered a quality product for a great price… “Marsh 500” complete 5 corners, 5 exercises and 500 Total reps.. Moseyed our 1/2 mile return to the court arriving with 2 mins to spare for a chill cut Plank followed by 10 IC J-lows..

    Glad to have all you men post this Gloom, especially EIEI. Looking forward to seeing you at other AO’s as well 👊🏻!!

    count, announce, COT

    👏🏻👏🏻 to EIEI for closing us in prayer!!

    Always appreciate the Gloom with you brethren of F3!!

    👍🏻👊🏻✌🏻 til the next Gloom!!

  • Burpee Free Monday, Respecting the Tradition, Edition

    Warm and humid spring morning at the skinny. I picked up the Q from Seaman who picked up the Q from Sabin so I felt obligated to not have the pax do a single burpee in Seaman’s honor.

    We moseyed then circled up for warm up:

    A bit of stretching followed by 15 windmills, 10 forward arm circles and 10 reverse arm circles (I even made the pax count backward in Seaman’s honor)

    Then we lined up for 7’s (froggers and hand realease merkins

    Then we lined up for 6’s (8 count body builders and high knee jump squats)

    Then we lined up for 5’s (Jack Webb’s and groiners)

    Next we ran four corners:

    5 squats

    5 squats, 10 merkins

    5 squats, 10 merkins, 15 plank jacks

    5 squats, 10 merkins, 15 plank jacks, 20 lunges

    Next four corners again:

    10 lbc

    20 lbc

    30 lbc

    40 lbc

    On to mini Dora 123 after partnering up:

    50 v ups

    100 Russian twists

    150 dying cockroach

    Slow mosey to the grass, by the benches, for Mary:

    PAX pick your poison Mary with 10 merkins between each exercise

    Mosey to the flag for 10 Nolan Ryan’s each side and 20 count mission impossible.

    Count off, name-o-rama (with FNG named Pauly D), announcements and prayer.

    Thank you for letting me lead,

    86

  • Base Chase stolen from Tito, and pregame for the Barathon

    Still full from the amazing dinner prepared by 86 at the Harrah’s steakhouse and my ears ringing from the Foo Fighters show that last until 1am. Not sure how it happened but I managed to forget to set my alarm but I just naturally woke up at 5:08am. Plenty of time to get to the AO.

    Tinkles who was also up VERY late split the group and took a crew for the Angry Wave – Hokey Pokey Bad Moon, 86 Gatsby Chips and some others went their way.

    My phone had no charge so no special jammy fanny. Damn it!

    OG warmup on the Loyola lawn: SSH x 20, Hillbilly x 20, Mtn Climber x 20, Peter Parkers x 20, Roaches x 20

    Then we ran to the top of WPM x 25 plank jacks on one side and 10 hand release merks. Ping Pong back to the 6.

    At the top we got a partner and did a quick lap one floor down

    FLIP FLOP x LC CRabs, Monkey humpers, Freddies, and Fire hydrants

    So that was four more laps

    Then down to the benchs for some dips and some bulgarian split lunges IC

    Finally was a base chase challenge. Team one vs Team two. Team two won so team one had to pay up 10 burpees.

    Things don’t always go as you plan – but we got it done. A messy am and Q but it was a pleasure to lead. I am missing some PAX – leave me a message below and I will add you so that you can get credit for attendance!

  • Waxing Angie’s List

    Beautiful AM at the FLY. Started with a debate about the launch point for the beatdown. Riverview vs the Hill. For now the Hill wins but I see Angie’s point. The riverview is nice.

    We circled up. I allowed for quite a bit of Mumblechatter today because I really wanted to focus on form and discuss form variations as we start this new AO with Kettlebells.

    We started with some warmup around the body, under the legs and hand tosses.

    Then we did a circuit x 3

    8 Halos IC
    10 Goblet Squats IC, 8 Overhead Presses IC each side, 15 Swings OYO, 8 Bend over Rows IC each side, and 10 Lunge Each Side IC
    Each lap of the circuit we got faster

    Tclaps to Triple Shift for really teaching us about our form options and variations.

    There were some definite gawkers driving by us – and they were looking. Perhaps at Angie List’s hairy arms? Lots discussion of waxing Angie or Angie checking out Triple Shift.

    After the circuit we did 6 min of Mary

    Low Country Crab – Me, Big Boi Pleasers – TShift, Russian Twist – ILUman Angie – LBCs Jingle – Dying Roach Willie – Penguins, King Kong – Hello Dolly

    Then we closed with a circle of trust.

    I am excited about this AO – I hope it takes off!

  • The Birth of the Renaissance

    Last week was technically supposed to be the official launch of the new Sunday AO, but Mother Nature prevented anyone beyond YHC from actually posting. With fair weather and high humidity, 6 men, including 1 FNG, met near NOMA to celebrate the actual official launch of the new AO. No kettle bells here, just a good old fashioned beat down was expected, as was promised on Mumble Chatter. YHC rolled in sort of hot, with only 3 minutes to spare. With the clock striking 0630, it was time for the disclaimer, and then a short mosey to the grass near the tree line for…..

    Warmup
    SSH IC x 31
    IW IC x 20
    Abe Vigodas IC x 10
    Grass Grabbers IC x 15
    Arm Circles IC x 20
    Peter Parker IC x 20
    Mountain Climbers IC x 20
    Parker Peter IC x 20

    Thang 1
    Instructions were simple….
    Line up at first tree, bear crawl to the next tree and complete 5 Burpees
    Lunge Walk to next tree, and complete 5 Burpees
    Bear crawl to next tree, and complete 5 Burpees
    Lunge walk to next tree, and complete 5 Burpees
    Sprint back to first tree
    YHC was leading the way, and sprinted back to the first tree, with Tool right behind. Once back at the tree, Tool informs YHC that we may have skipped a part. Yes, we did. YHC did not follow his own instructions and left off the second lunge walk. Of course all Pax followed suit, as the Q is always right. However, once back at the tree line, we completed the lunge walk with 5 burpees to the first tree, and sprinted back. All was right in the world once again.

    Thang 2
    Bataan Death March on Lelong Drive
    Form a column for an Indian Run with the last man dropping for 3 Burpees then sprinting to the front of the column.
    Each Pax had the pleasure of doing it once with a regular Indian Run to finish at the museum.

    Thang 3
    Dora 1..2..3
    Partner up
    100 Burpees, 200 Squats, 300 LBC’s
    Cumulative exercise where Pax 1 starts and Pax 2 runs a lap around NOMA, then flap jack until complete.

    Thang 4
    Shock and Awe
    Some mumblechatter initially, but it didn’t last long
    SSH IC x 5
    10 Burpees OYO
    SSH IC x 5
    9 Burpees OYO
    ……..
    SSH IC x 5
    2 Burpees OYO
    SSH IC x 5
    At this point, most pax know what comes next. However YHC had a surprise. Instead of the anticipated 10 Burpees at the bottom of the ladder, YHC did a sudden change and incorporated another favorite exercise….
    Catalina Wine Mixers IC x 10 (6 count) – It’s a real crowd pleaser.

    With 3 minutes remaining, a few stretches to assist in the cool down.

    COT
    Count off, Name-o-rama, name the FNG, Announcements, and closed it out with a prayer.

    NMM

    It took the Pax a long time to name the FNG. He’s going to work for Monster Energy Drinks, but we were drawing a blank, so Metry it became, as he lives there, and we don’t have one yet. If you don’t like it, too bad. You should have posted……

    With the time it took to name the FNG, YHC decided we would let the name for the AO marinate in our heads, and any good options could be submitted on Mumble chatter. Since we want something to do with the museum, YHC came up with The Renaissance, or just Renaissance. Unless there is serious opposition to this proposal, it shall stand. The Renaissance was primarily a time of the revival of Classical learning and wisdom after a long period of cultural decline and stagnation. Sounds like a cure for Sad Clown Syndrome to me……it lends to the DRP.

    Whenever YHC needs to bring a good beat down, burpees seem to do the trick. They are the perfect full body exercise.

    With 3 Q’s in the last 4 days, YHC did not see 1 Shovel Flag…….just sayin’

    Thanks for helping me launch the new AO. Somebody needs to step up and take the Q for next week.

    SYITG