F3 New Orleans

Category: Backblasts

  • In the Dark at City Park

    We arrived at the Foundry in the pitch black, and soon realized the street lights were out. A true morning gloom! Oh well. The show must go on. The usual disclaimer, with an additional message of safety in the dark, of course, and off we go.

    First COP:
    SSH x 25 IC
    IW x 20 IC
    Plank jacks x 20 IC
    Low slow squats x 20 IC
    Arm circles x 10 forward, 10 backward IC
    Windmills x 10 IC
    Mountain climbers x 20 IC

    Next a little run, with route 66 down Roosevelt Mall with Dips.
    5 dips at 1st park bench, increase 1 dip per bench, ending at 17.

    Circle up for COP #2 with legs:
    Squats x 20 IC
    Lunges x 20 IC
    Jump squats x 10 IC

    Then we moseyed to the baby Foundry for some circuits.
    1. 10 burpees had the count
    2. Body rows
    3. WWII sit ups
    4. Pull ups
    (2 rounds total)

    On to the fence at Tad Gormley.
    Calf raises x 20 IC
    Derkins x 10 IC
    Calf raises x 20 IC
    Derkins x 10 IC

    Then BLIMPS at the baseball field, starting at the 1st base line, running to 2nd base and back in between.
    5 Burpees
    10 Lunges
    15 Imperial Walkers
    20 Merkins
    25 Plank Jacks
    30 Squats

    Finally, some Mary in the outfield.
    Flutter kicks x 20 IC
    LBC x 20 IC
    Hello dolly x 20 IC
    Dying cockroach x 20 IC
    American hammer x 20 IC
    Crunchy frog x 10 IC

    Run back to the flag for Count off, Name-o-rama, intentions, and a prayer as the sun came up.
    Thanks for letting me lead!

    Walleye

  • The Three Mountains

    A record large group of PAX (28!) gathered at the AO in the refreshingly cool morning gloom.

    YHC bumbled the disclaimer,  and we set off on a mosey across St. Charles, toward the traditional Wolfpack mountain.

    At the base of Wolfpack, the PAX divided into two groups for parallel Indian runs to the top.  Pax kept a swift pace and YHC noted the 4 FNGs hitting the afterburners on the upslope switchbacks. Who were these guys?

    Quick summit and we headed down the stairs to West Rd (the alley behind and under Wolfpack). On West Rd. the PAX did prisoner run, followed by karoake run left and right up to Freret st. The PAX reassembled for another mosey up McAllister to the Tulane quad.

    Warm up COP

    SSH x20 IC, 5 burpees OYO, Imperial Walkers x20, 10 merks OYO, Peter Parkers x20 IC, 5 burpees OYO

    Mosey on up McAllister past Aron Residences (former address of YHC-much water under that bridge) to the 2nd mountain. The PAX lined up for a parallel Indian run again.  YHC noted the trespassing signs forbid biking, skateboarding and rollerblading, but no mention of running.  We press on with haste. At the top the lead PAX did LBCs until the arrival of the 6. Mid – LBC, El Wire philosophically mused (as he is apt to do), what is the name of this mountain? YHC suggested “sugar mountain” in honor of the former Sugar Bowl that formerly stood on the very spot. However, on the decline mosey through the stairwell some PAX noted that near the gloomy bottom, a trespasser, probably wearing roller blades, had left a pile of human stain in a corner.  In honor of that discovery, YHC posits “Sugar Loaf” as the appropriate name for the mountain.

    At the bottom, PAX assembled for a mosey back down McAlister to pullup bars between ROTC and the law school. Immediately, plans were trashed however, as the good folk who maintain and improve the campus had replaced the grassy berm and retaining wall with a bike parking lot. Nonetheless the PAX divided into 6 groups between the ribbon racks and rotated between pullups, plankjacks, burpees, merkins, low slow squats, and something else YHC can’t remember.  Pullups had the count of 7.

    Mosey to the last mountain.  Also unnamed.  The other garage on the other campus.  Again, 2 parallel Indian runs to the top. Down the stairs and slow mosey to the flag.

    COP, countoff and name-o-rama.  The 4 speedster FNGs were EHd were Walleye’s ortho bros.  Promptly named by the PAX – eh, B, Gooooooooooal, and Windowlicker – it all made sense at the time!

    Thanks for the opportunity.

  • Get er done

    With the Q awakening to the illumination of a text from a fellow F3 Brother letting him know he had to rescind the hard commit previously given at the Scramble.. YHC began his journey to the Cove in hopes that the other soft commit of a might from Waterpik the previous day would not come to fruition. Well as we know from past experience the accountability of another F3 Brother always challenges this man to just “Get er done!”

    Waterpik jumped out excited talking about the Pels playoff 3-0 run. Quickly inspired the YHC who had previously been talking to himself  in the car about all the reasons not to get out and run should he not have rolled up and how he would return  to the sack and do it later. HaHa NOT!!  As we all know that usually never comes to pass. So hugh thanks to the Pik for showing and getting this QIC out of the stinking thinking. We journeyed our routine path completing our 6.2 with an avg pace of 8:35 which was improvement from last weeks 8:44. Upon completion we both agreed it felt slower but when there is great mumble chatter with another brother the time just seems to pass. We hit our six for the ISI challenge and wrapped up our beatdown.

    Count, COD and the Pik prayed us out into the Gloom!!

    Thank you for holding me accountable Waterpik and appreciate the chatter!!!

     

  • Conquering H8! One Small Act at a Time

    It’s standard convention to end with the Naked-Man Moleskin, but I’m going to stick the important stuff up front.

    NMM

    I’ve learned a couple of things this week from our F3 brothers about how to have impact.  You don’t have to make big waves to have impact, it can result from small acts, but consistency is paramount.

    Triple Shift – If you recently joined F3, you may 1) be surprised to hear that Triple Shift is #Respected among our group and 2) think he is a genetic freak of nature (#AsianAging).  Those of us that were there with Triple in the beginning (and also there when he disappeared for a year and a half) know that he is an average Joe Schmo like the rest of us.  He conqured H8! because he became committed to changing his fitness level a year and a half ago.  When he first tried the H8! he completed 4 and 3/4 laps.  That would have made him the six today, lapped by just about everyone.  So, in a year and a half, he has increased his fitness level by approximately 70% in regards to this test.  Think about that.  That’s impressive results in that amount of time.  How did he do it?  Well, he eats right and he posted over two hundred times last year.  He made changes and he stuck to them.  Consistency works and the results can be dramatic.  So if you aren’t where you want to be, and few of us are, make some small changes to your diet and start posting more.  If you can’t post more then start working harder when you post.  Results will come if you are consistent.  Triple Shift is proof.

    Jingle Vader – I must also say, I was thoroughly impressed with what JV accomplished today.  Another example of the progress consistency creates.  He may have not #ConqueredH8!, but 7 and a half laps is no joke.  That puts him right there with Bubba on that very first H8!  I think he will soon join Rudy and Triple as the President of that uber-exclusive club of respected H8!ers.

    But here is the real lesson I have learned from JV.  On Tuesday I posted in San Antonio. The Q was Madonna, who planted the first flag in San Antonio five years ago  Some of you may remember Madonna from when he posted with us at the Stomp.  When he found out that I was from NOLA he got excited and said that he always tells people this story about new Orleans:  When he posted at the Stomp, he got a ride to and from the AO.  The person that brought him back to his hotel had a clean towel and bottle of water waiting for him when he got in the car.  He was blown away by the hospitality and continues to tell that story anytime anyone talks about New Orleans.  He didn’t provide any names, but I am certain JV is the man that gave Madonna a ride back to his hotel (I think Yankee gave him a ride to the Stomp).  A fairly small gesture in the grand scheme of things, and knowing JV, he probably hasn’t given much thought to it since.  He consistently does that type of thing.  It’s just who he is.  Regardless, it has obviously made a huge impression on Madonna.  Madonna is the leader of F3 San Antonio and, from all accounts, really well respected in that community.  Who knows how much impact this one gesture has made on others as he continues to use it as a lesson in generosity.

    We are all fortunate to be a part of this.  I’m constantly learning from the men around me and being pushed to accelerate and impact the world around me.  Just a couple of lessons I learned this week from a couple of High Impact Men.

    Event:  4th Running of the H8!

    Conditions: 67 degrees and calm

    Field: 10 F3 Nola Pax

    Post your results in the comments below to have a record of your progress.

    The Thang

    Each lap consists of running south to the top of the levee, crossing canal (bear crawling the neutral ground), running south to the bottom of the levee, cross canal and run north to the top of the levee, cross canal (bear crawling the neutral ground), running north down the levee and back across canal to the starting point.  At the starting point you do a descending burp and merk pyramid starting at 8 (bupee with 8 merkins, burpee with 7 merkins, …..burpee with 1 merkin)

    At the end of the 2nd lap the burp and merk pyramid starts at 7, etc.

    The goal is to complete 8 laps in 40 minutes.  According to MapMyRun, each loop is approximately 0.4 miles.  Therefore, to conquer the H8! you will have to do the following in 40 minutes:

    • Run over 3 Miles of Hills
    • 550 Yards of Bear Crawls
    • 36 Burpees
    • 120 Merkins

    We did AMRAP and then moseyed back to the flag.

    Lagniappe Moleskin

    • 50% success rate is our best so far.  Remember we were at 0% just a year and a half ago.
    • T-claps to our new H8!ers Walleye, Mahatma, and Triple Shift.
    • T-claps to Rudy on the 3-peat.
    • T-claps to Mahatma for crushing the H8!  Really glad to have you as a part of this thing.  You are pushing us all to get better, and get better we will.

     

  • Homeless Hop or How Shooter Stole the Scramble…Almost

    Arriving in da gloom to find the Northshore Core anxiously awaiting the chance to activate their wonder twins powers, YHC was still contemplating whether or not to break out the toys. Not much time to ruminate on that possibility because, as seasoned PAX do, Waterpik and The Pelican pulled up simultaneously with no more time to spare. About to break the mumble chatter and get things going, YHC was precluded by the thief-in-the-night (or darkened dawn),  Shooter, who tried to oust today’s leadership from he was was listed on the schedule. Ok, we get it. This is YOUR AO, yeesh talk about a control freak! Proper order was quickly restored in the humblest of fashions and the warm-o-rama was under way.

    20xs each IC:

    SSH

    High Knees

    Butt Kicks

    Toe Touches

    On the 5K we went, passing as we always do in front of City Hall on our way to the streets. This guy always contemplates whether to run through or around the tax-payer demanded gazebo in the middle of the sidewalk in front of da mayor’s office, but today the decision was not mine to make. The openings were blocked with bikes and  what looked like a parachute was spread over the circular floor. To alleviate any remaining doubts, as we jogged by we heard muffled barking emanating from under said parachute. Honestly, I felt bad – we probably scared the sh!+ out of whoever was under there.

    The mosey continued on with an abrupt stop for 20 merkins at Monroe before proceeding to the loop and then sunset point. It was here that Steve and YHC noticed the infuriatingly hapless boxes of popeye’s on the ground in the parking area…20 or so feet from a garbage can! Upon returning from the pier’s terminus, we stopped for 25 LBCs and picked up the aforementioned refuse… and of course the challenge was on. Each man made it their mission to find some litter they could grab and pitch, with Shooter going for bonus points after being called out for a blatant missed beer can.

    With 10 minutes for Mary, it was play time! I brought out The Beatdown Blocks! The Dice of DOOM! To all but Steve, this new form of torture was a welcome surprise. First introduced on the rainy Saturday morning the week before the convergence, these black and gold gambling devices have one block of exercises (merkins, putins, jump squats, SSH, burpees, and “WILD Q”) and one block with rep counts (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and the dreaded 50). The Pelican started us off with 5 merkins before Shooter once again moved to steal the show by rolling 50 burpees! In an attempt to repect the time QIC feebly tried to cut us off at 25, but Steve gallantly sacrificed his roll in order that we may complete the torture we were due. With little left in the tank, we were releived to see Waterpik roll a mild 15 Putins, and YHC roll 5 “WILD Q” for which I chose pull ups. We then circled up and closed out F3 style…with Shooter trying one last time to display his larcenous tendencies by attempting to usurp the closing prayer from a beleaguered Pelican, who took us out with appreciation in our hearts.

    I can understand why Shooter wanted to lead so badly today, because it is a  humbling honor to lead you guys in our time of fruitful brotherhood!

    LAGNIAPPE:

    ISI is always better with your homies, and today’s ISI challenge was no exception. With 2 minutes of Heel Pulses, sometimes one can do nothing but laugh;)

  • Stairways and Tunnels of Fun

    The Scene:  The Colosseum

    Conditions: Early. Cool. Breezy. Gloom.

    Welcome

    Disclaimer

    Warm-a-Rama:

    Worms still had the flag held hostage, so we met where we felt the flag would be.  It was early and cool, so we got warm by doing the following:

    • Capri Lap – a little mosey. We ran to a little hill near Perkins Road. There was actual light here.
    • SSH – 20x
    • Butt Kicks – 20x
    • High Knees – 15x
    • Al Gores – 10X.
    • Merkins – 10x
    • Bobby Hurleys – 10x
    • Burpees – 5

    The Thang: 

    Perkins Road was a little loud, so we ran over to another little spot under a tree. With no light. While there, we found the sand volleyball court. It was tempting, but we stuck to the script (maybe next time).

    • 30 Al Gores
    • 30 Lunges
    • 30 Merkins
    • 30 LBCs – We all sat on our 6, nervous that we were about to sit on an ant pile. Rumor has it that everyone made it out ok.

    We then moseyed back to normal spot near playground. We did a mix-up version of stairway to 7 (or stairway to hell, as Rocket calls it).  We ran from parking lot to driveway. Once there, did 1 burpee.  Then ran back for 5 Merkins. Ascended to 5 burpees and descended to 1 merkin.  T-Claps to Topanga and Duracell for running at top speed, while talking somehow.

    Finished with a little Tunnel of Love.  After what seemed like 10 minutes, we looked at our progress and it appeared we had only moved about 10 yards. Shoulders were burning.  Definitely feeling the love. So we spaced out our tunnel.  Finished strong.

    It was fun.

    Mary:

    Everyone led a Mary exercise:

    • Fastball – American Hammers – 20 count
    • Dagwood – Leg Lift – 20
    • Shangeaux – Jane Fondas (or “Our Sweet Jane” as Shangeaux called it) – 12x
    • Rocket- Jane Fonda (change over)
    • Topanga – Instead of ABCs, we spelled out Josh Black.
    • Duracell – Bicycles – 20x
    • Big Easy – LBCs – 25x

     

    Count-o-Rama

    Name-o-Rama

    COT / BOM:

    Praise – Duracell’s relative Rebecca is cancer free! She has young children and has been fighting it for some time. Praise God!

    Announcements:

     

     

     

     

  • Stormed the Knoll

    The Scene:  The Knoll

    Conditions: Ominous.

    Welcome

    Disclaimer

    Warm-a-Rama:

    Seeing how the convergence on the North Shore was taking place at the same time, the JV team stayed back and “Stormed the Knoll.”

    • Capri Lap – a little mosey.
    • SSH – 10x
    • Al Gores – 10X.
    • Merkins – 10x
    • Goofball – 10x
    • Burpees – 5

    The Thang: 

    With Tornado warnings out, we thought it would be a good idea to workout together in an open park.  And because we’re men, and this is the USA, we did.  It went like this:

    The PAX moseyed to sundial. Formed circle and performed a little arm and leg circuit.

    • 20 Merkins
    • 12 Freak Nastys
    • 20 Incline Merkins
    • 12 Freak Nastys
    • 20 Derkins
    • 10 Freak Nastys
    • 30 Al Gores
    • 30 Lunges
    • 20 Step-ups
    • 20 Box jumps

    We then went on a little mosey.  But ended back at the sundial (easier access to shelter).

    We then did my favorite.  Partnered up and did Col Trautman.  One partner runs from sundial to pull-up bars and does 5. While the other did AMRAP of the following:

    A – Arms – Freak Nastys

    L – Legs – Al Gores

    A – Abs – LBCs

    M – M workout – Merkins

    P – P workout – Planks

    We then did a couple group exercises. We broke the field into thirds and did the following:

    1. Tunnel of Love – with only 5 PAX, this was a lot of crawling.
    2. Plank Snake – a lot of running.
    3. Bridge of Hate – So this was a new one. We all laid on our backs side by side. One person then laid down (backwards… which is important… like a trust fall) and then gets passed along by the PAX. Like crowd surfing.  Dagwood was first one up. Long story short, this ended quickly and Dagwood may have been violated. We do hope he shows up again and doesn’t press charges.

    Mary:

    With the ominous clouds still a brewing, we did our Marys:

    • LBCs 20x
    • Jane Fondas – 10x each leg
    • Leg Lifts
    • American Hammers

    Count-o-Rama

    Name-o-Rama

    COT / BOM:

    Announcements:

    Coffeeteria:

    We ordered our food and coffee. Shangeaux showed up to fellowship. Then those ominous clouds broke loose. The electricity went out (as a tornado touched down about 2 miles away). The millennial baristas were frazzled. They closed the store and went into the back of store to take cover. But the PAX stayed in the cafe, sipping our coffee, and talking about life.  Shangeaux gave some nice advice on parenting, and also explained to us how he has the best job. Ask him about it. Power came on.  Back to being men, serving our homes and community.

     

     

     

     

  • I Hate Trains

    I left 15 minutes early for F3 at the Birdcage this morning, so I could check out the route for the workout. I was only a few minutes from my destination when suddenly – There was a big train in the road Jock! I hate trains Jock! I hate em! Instead of arriving early to check out our route and get my head ready to Q, I rushed in one minute late to see Yankee running the Pax to the WWI memorial and Jingle Vader getting out of his car. I sprinted down the path to the memorial, flying past Vader, who used the dark side to run in the wrong direction, and I arrived just in time to start the warmup.

    SSH – 25

    Hillbillies – 20

    Peter Parkers – 25

    Windmills – 20

    Shoulder taps – 25

    We moseyed back down the path and across Magazine St to East Dr (ensuring that Vader would never find us) and down to the Labyrinth for some park bench work.

    Right leg lifts – 20

    Dips – 20

    Left leg lifts – 20

    We moseyed from the Labyrinth to the Tree of Life where I informed everyone that our workout today was planned at a wedding I officiated under the tree on April 6th.

    Dora needed to make her way to the Tree of Life, and the map told her that she needed to do 100 merkins, 200 jump lunges, and 300 Russian twits to make it to the Tree of Life. We partnered up to complete our journey. One partner ran down the field to the oak at the opposite end while the other knocked out the exercises.

    Arriving at the Tree of Life, I discovered that the tree looked lonely, so we gave it a big hug.  We circled up for a little Global Warming. Everyone started in Al Gore and we did 5 burpees each in a wave. Once that was finished we started over and did 10 burpees this time in honor of absent Q, Hawgcycle.

    We moseyed back toward the flag but stopped just before we got to magazine for a little Mary.

    Flutterkicks – 15

    Penguins – 15

    Big Boy Situps – 15

    Dying Cockroach – 15

    LBCs – 15

    We moseyed back to the flag for the names and the count. I hate that I was a minute late, but the Yankee and the Rev Sox worked together to get us all in the full 45 minute beat down. Thanks for the opportunity to Q. – Rev Sox

  • Strides and Sprints on the Incline

    Great to see Moby finally off IR and posting this morning at The Gipper for our warmup.  By the looks of things, it’ll be no time before he is completely back in action.

    Warmup consisting of toe touches, front to back lunges, imperial walkers, seal jacks, shoulder circles, full/empty can shoulder pulses, windmills, and Merkins…IC more or less 20x for most.  Then a tennis ball warmup exercise.  Bounce your ball and move to catch it as close to the ground as possible.  Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself squating and lunging in all directions, and we did just that for a couple of minutes.

    Mosey to the back of the Justice Center for the W drill.  YHC placed some cones done in a W formation and then the PAX rotated through them via sprints/backpedals, lateral shuffles, and sprints with changes of direction.  Then a round of Peter Parkers before heading over to the roof of the parking garage for the main event.

    Stride down the ramp at 80%, execute a single leg burpee on each leg at the bottom, and then sprint back up the ramp at 100%.  Rinse and repeat for 6 total trips with some 10 counts and Mary thrown in between trips…Parker Peters, shoulder taps, flutter kicks, Hello Dollys, and cross over wife pleasers all 10x IC.

    Recovery walk and then mosey back to The Gipper to close things out.  Straddled a crack in the pavement in the plank position and the walked the hands laterally back and forth over the crack as fast as possible 20x OYO.  Repositioned and repeated this time walking the hands forward and back over the crack as fast as possible 20x OYO.

    Countorama, nameorama, and then Grudy prayed us out.

    Good stuff this morning men.  Thanks for letting me lead.

     

  • Two for Tuesday

    Grandmothers house produced (2) F3 brothers on this Gloom. YHC and the Pelican arrived at the AO ready for a beatdown. Both had posted the previous day at the Marsh with a record setting number and the YHC thinking Grandmas House would possibly replicate the previous days showing Pelican and I lingered and chattered for a few, but with no hot wheels rolling in it was time to get started.. After all we must “respect the time” as some F3 brothers would say..

    warmup

    20IC SJ, 20IC WM, 20IC BK, 20IC Total AC (10 forward/reverse), 20 IC SSH

    Thang

    Moseyed to the tunnel for a series of 75/150/225. Pelican started with the Burpees while the YHC journeyed down and backup picking up the count. Upon completion we jumped into the next count being Merkins 150 and finishing up with leg lunges 225. When finished we Moseyed over to the bus stop  which at this point the YHC heard the map my run of Pelican state 2 miles, so the tunnel gave the PAX an extra mile on the day. At the benches we did 15IC. Jump overs, 15 IC MC, 15IC Leg raises, 15IC FK and completed the ISI 1 min pulses. With 5 min to spare moseyed back to the flag for 15IC Left/Right Nolan Ryan’s and finished with 1 min plank hold..

    2 count (that was tough😬), announcements, COT (not sure about this one 🤔 with two)

    Q prayed us out into the day!

    Appreciate the post Pelican and the opportunity to lead, two is better than one any day my brother!!