F3 New Orleans

Tag: 40

  • Its 40, not 400

    A few weeks ago, YHC saw a backblast referencing a “traditional Okwata workout” that involved the levee and some exercises. As the children’s game of telephone illustrates, as word gets passed from one PAX to another, sometimes the message gets tweaked as it gets passed along. And looking at the calendar, YHC realized it had been exactly 1 full year since some brave okwata souls (looking at you JV, FracSac, mmmBop and Surge) survived a freezing cold day for the last (and 6th) running of the 40. A whole new troupe of PAX has arrived since then and had never had the pleasure of listening to me babble aimlessly while running back and forth and back and forth over the levee. So – lets do it!

    Quick disclaimer (actually, upon reflection – I think I forgot the disclaimer), then off. Breadsticks, speaking on behalf of all of Lakeview, pleaded to steer clear of the grass and the ants. YHC, speaking on behalf of YHC, thought for a minute and led the PAX to the grass, ants and levee. (Fortunately – I think the ants were sleeping).

    Circle up for SSH, IW, and some stretching to get warmed up. Then explain the background and premise. Background – inspired by U2 “40” which YHC still claims is the best closing song for a concert ever. The PAX, led by Kuch, wondered who this “U2” was, and claim never to have heard such a song. Kids today. But – we’re going over the levee 40 times. 10 exercises, each in 4 sets – going over the levee between each set. 40 trips over the levee, 40 exercise sets.

    And the best part – YHC gets to throw in 40 Facts and Figures. And to clarify for Ya Mom’n’Dem: YHC does not vouch for the accuracy of any said facts and figures. All have been googled, and located on at least one website. So there’s that.

    Today’s 10 exercises:

    Irish Jackasses: Thanks, Screw Top, for a nice new addition! These really suck when combined with running over a levee. Maybe next time, ST ought to show up.

    Cross Fit Merkins: Or Clap merkins, for those (Shuffles) who thing Cross Fit is for sissies.

    Big Boy Situps: Jingle Vader notices that YHC was doing these in the downhill direction on the first set. Noted, and corrected.

    Bobby Hurleys (Or Squat Jumps for those who don’t know who Bobby Hurley is, which apparently is most of the LVCC)

    Low Country Crabs: If only Yankee ever made it to Okwata

    Shuffles, a 20 count por favor

    Box Cutters: YHC kept plenty of distance from Triple Shift. That’s a longer story for yet another day. Jingle Vader plays the role of Triple Shift (again) in critiquing the shape of YHC’s boxes.

    Imperial Squat Walker: PAX stage a revolt, so YHC caves and lowers the count from 10 IC to 5 IC (10 Squats) out of fear. Still plenty of squats to burn the calves

    Catalina Wine Mixers: Way out in front, YHC saw Holy Grove and Triple Shift absolutely killing it. YHC was happy to be able to stay in front of Shorty, though. Maybe if Shorty showed up a little more regularly.

    American Hammer: Shorty and Surge thankful to get one useful fact for the day, as we talked about Hulk Hogan vs Iron Sheik (HH was Bacchus 40)

    8 Count Body Builders: JV chooses this exercise to round out the day.

    Finish at 6:14. Sheetrock does his best SOGO impression and finds a pothole on the run back to the flag – but keeps his balance and lives to fight another day. 5 Burpees OYO

    Circle up at the end. RRR coming soon, find a team and get signed up. Run. Run. Run. Prayers offered – we remember all of those intentions then finish with Psalm 40 (the inspiration behind the inspiration)

    Thanks for letting me lead, and until the next 40!

  • 40 – a.k.a. The Rudy Special

    With all the new NOLA PAX members that have taken the Daily Red Pill and joined our ranks, there are so many great workouts they have missed since the inception of F3 NOLA. One of my favorites at Okwata is the 40! Thank you, Rudy! Other epic beatdowns such as the H8 and Elevens with Burpees at Okwata are always crowd pleasers. Since the Army Corps of Engineers raised the height of the lake levee, this AO is like no other in the city. As a side note, you can also thank Mayor Cantrell and former Mayor Landrieu for keeping the grass well manicured over the years.

    WARMUP

    After my disclainer, we do a quick mosey around the Mardi Gras fountain with side shuffles, high knees and butt kicks and head over to the levee. The space between the sidewalk and the bottom of the levee is very spongelike and lumpy so watch your step.

    THE THANG

    As I give the instructions, I hear some groans from the veterans and get some puzzled looks from the newcomers as they process the task ahead of them. It’s pretty simple. Run up and over the levee 40 times and perform 10 exercises 40 times. The sequence of the beatdown is as follows:

    Burpees, Plank Jacks – 10 sec break

    Side Lunges, Catalina Wine Mixers – 20 sec break

    Supermans (Red Sun/Yellow Sun), Shoulder Taps – 30 sec break

    Reverse Crunches, Bonnie Blairs – 40 sec break

    Merkins, WW2 Situps / Wife Pleasers

    It’s 6:13am and we head back to the Freedom Hammer

    COUNTOFF, NAMERAMA AND COT

    Honored to lead all the HIM (High Impact Men) today and grateful for your friendship, camaraderie, and accountability. Prayers for those fighting cancer and those who have lost loved ones! Lord help us be the leaders we were destined to be for our wives, children, and community!

  • 40 Days ’til Mardi Gras

    January 24th, 2019. Only 40 days until March 5th – Mardi Gras! And what better way to celebrate than a traditional Okwata 40?!? Even better, its a blustery sub-forty degree day at the Lakefront (YHC’s car said 37 degrees – but that didn’t account for the gales). Good Times!

    8 hearty PAX braved the chill. Some, like YHC, were bundled in full winter (aka “Marlin”) gear. Smooth managed to have his entire face covered, while DaParish seemed to be sporting some fancy earmuffs. Then, of course, there was JV wearing his tank top and calling the rest of us a bunch of cowards. Disclaimer issued – including warnings to try and keep warm – and we were off.

    Due to yesterday’s rain, and with Surge’s strong urging, YHC modified the 40 in an effort to keep our shoes dry. PAX moseyed down to Canal Street and over the levee, seeking shelter from the wind. Instead of over-and-back, we would instead just do up-and-down, always staying on the sheltered side of the levee. Other than that, its a traditional 40: 10 exercises, each done in 4 sets (40 sets!). In between each set, up-and-down the levee (40 trips up the levee!). Each set is 10 reps (40 reps!). When PAX finishes his set for one exercise, keep repping or plank until the 6. No rest until everyone’s done. The exercises (and some 40-themed Mardi Gras trivia that helped keep the PAX entertained…..):

    • Burpees first, of course.
    • Penguins. 2nd Modification: lets do the reps at the top of the levee rather than the bottom. Sure its windy up there. But its a heck of a lot dryer.
      • Did you know there are 40 parades in February (from Chewbacca through Muses)
    • Low Slow Squats.
      • Per NOLA.com in February 2018, there are 40 marching groups too. YHC doesn’t fact-check, just reports.
    • Cross-fit Merkins
      • Who remembers Mardi Gras 40 years ago? That’s right – the 1979 Police Strike!
    • Peter Parkers
      • Bacchus 40 years ago? Ron Howard.
      • Bacchus XL? The one, the only Hulk Hogan
      • Bacchus this year? 40 year old Jensen Ackles.
    • Box Cutters
      • Who’s playing Endymion? 40 year old Flo Rida.
      • Lionel Ritchie – hit the charts with Sail On 40 years ago
    • Lunges
      • One Krewe turns 40 this year. No one could guess it. And YHC was not surprised: Krewe of Bilge from Eden Isles.
    • Plank Walks
      • Did you know…. (apparently JV did, as he tried to correct YHC): King of Comus and King of Carnival (not King of Rex…) meet at 40 minutes past 9:00 on Mardi Gras night.
    • Mountain Climbers
    • LBC

    Mosey back to the flag – which was leaning with the wind, but still standing. Thanks to Cowbell for his constant encouragement for all the PAX to keep after it; keep pushing up the levee. Nice work M-Bop! Remember, the workouts get easier, because you get stronger! Great to have you out with us.

    Fast trip through announcements (RRR), intentions and prayers. Then fast mosey back to cars to start the long process of thawing toes. Thanks everyone for letting me lead.

  • AT40 – August, 1978

    At last!!!  Cooler weather!  It may not last long, but Thursday AM offered a glorious respite from the usual August heat and humidity.  What more could one ask for – the chance to start the day with the Okwata levee, watching the sunrise over the lake, with an actually refreshing breeze in our faces.

    YHC was running dangerously late.  Apparently, the new, louder (this one goes to 11) bluetooth speaker recently acquired for mornings like this was re-purposed and sent with 2.0 to Notre Dame.  That left me scrambling to find the backup – the teeny tiny not-quite-loud-enough fallback speaker.  Sorry guys.  That’s gonna make it harder for you to appreciate today’s theme.

    But first: a disclaimer (for the veteran crew).  Then off to the levee.  Quick warmup of SSH x20 (with a brief pause waiting for JV to decide to start).

    The Thang: 40

    Today’s theme for the 40: American Top 40 list from August 26th, 1978 (40 years ago).  Lots of good treasures on that list!  https://top40weekly.com/1978/08/26/us-top-40-singles-week-ending-26th-august-1978

    For those not familiar with the 40 (see “Smooth”):

    • 10 Exercises
    • Each exercise done in 4 sets (hence 40 sets)
    • Each set is 10 reps (hence 40 reps per exercise)
    • Each set on opposite side of the levee (hence 40 trips over the levee)

    Exercise 1: Burpees!  Lets get this started.  Done to the music of the biggest drop of the week (a whopping 50 places – from 33 to 83): Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty

    Exercise 2: Boxcutters.  Biggest riser of the week: Paradise by the Dashboard Light (up to #42, won’t make its debut till next week though)

    Exercise 3: Lunges (make sure your knee touches the grass).  At spot #36: Dont Look Back by Boston (also – very fond memories for YHC: the very first album I ever bought.  Still remember the trip with my Dad to K-Mart to buy it.)

    Exercise 4: Crossfit Merks.  At spot #27: Hollywood Nights by Bob Seger

    Exercise 5: 8 Count Body Builders (these took a lot longer than anticipated).  At spot #24: Two Tickets to Paradise by Eddie Money.  There are some classics in the 20-30 range of this particular AT40!

    Break while Frac gave us 20 count.

    Exercise 6: Dying Cockroaches.  At spot #14: Copacabana from Barry Manilow.  Now we are entering “This is definitely the 70s” territory of the countdown.

    Exercise 7: Copperhead Squats.  At #11, a classic one-hit wonder: I Want to Kiss You All Over by Exile.

    Exercise 8: Plank Walks.  Now we are into the top 10.  At #5 – Hot Blooded by Foreigner.

    Exercise 9: Squat Jumps.  Nothing like throwing these in after 32 trips over the levee….  At #3 – Miss You by the Stones

    Exercise 10: LBC.  Running short on time.  Push through gang…  At #1: Grease by Franky Valli!

    Finish up with Count-off, Name-o-Rama.  Announcements and Intentions.  Prayers to use the gift of today wisely, and bless those suffering with cancer.

    Thanks for the chance to lead, and see you all at WPM tomorrow!

  • The 40, Part 4

    Its Okwata Time. That means its Levee time. 40 times.

    11 PAX gathered around the shovel flag this morning in the dark gloom. Alas, no glorious sunrise over the waters of Okwata. The PAX will have to wait several weeks for the morning light to appear during the workouts again. Until then, just gloomy gloom. The PAX welcomed the visitor – Schottenheimer from Cleveland. Thanks for coming out to join us!

    At 5:30, YHC pronounced the disclaimer and so we began.

    First, Mosey 10 yards to the flag (from all the way across the sidewalk). Circle up for warmup, sprinkled with mumble chatter.

    • SSH x25
    • Abe Vigoda x10
    • IW x25

    Then off to the base of the Levee.

    By now, the PAX know the drill.  10 exercises.  4 Sets of each exercise.  10 reps per set.  Back and forth over the Levee for each set.  That equals (do the math….) 40 trips over the levee.

    1. Cross Fit Merkins: Oh, the grass is cold.  And wet.
    2. Box Cutters: Out-Up-In-Down half the time, Up-Out-Down-In the other half.  Shorty finally realizes there’s a difference.
    3. 4-Count Lunges: Triple Shift appears to have mixed signals and went for the 20 reps of 4 count lunges.
    4. Derkins: a new wrinkle – stop half-way down the levee for the exercise.  Slip and Slide trying to stop
    5. Dying Cockroach: Frac rightly points out that Roaches crawl, forcing a clarification from YHC that we were doing the Dying variety.  On our backs.
    6. Bobby Hurley: OK, YHC certainly felt this when running up the hill.
    7. Irkins: stop half-way up the levee for the exercise.
    8. Monkey Humpers: I thought the Bobby Hurley burned….
    9. Hello Dolly: I think that just maybe I saw Mahatma break a sweat.
    10. Burpees: The crowning glory, as Tool was lamenting the lack of burpees in the workout.

    Finished up at 6:08.  We are getting better at this.  That meant we had time for more!  Quadrophelia!  Up to the top of the levee, so we can run forwards-down and backwards-up (i.e., always look to the lake) for 4 minutes.

    Back to the flag with a minute to spare.  Time for LBC x40.

    Finish up with Count-off and Name-o-rama.  Intentions, then close with prayers.  Psalm 40, a song of praise.

    I waited patiently for the Lord;
        he turned to me and heard my cry.
    He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
        out of the mud and mire;
    he set my feet on a rock
        and gave me a firm place to stand.
    He put a new song in my mouth,
        a hymn of praise to our God.
    Many will see and fear the Lord
        and put their trust in him.

    Thanks for letting me lead!

  • The 40 – Again

    In preparation for tonight’s U2 The Joshua Tree concert, YHC decided he’d don his Edge hat, grab his music (Thanks Bogey for the louder-than-mine speaker!), and put together a U2 playlist.  And what better way to celebrate than with the workout first inspired by U2’s anthem: “40”.  That’s right, the 40 is back, and better than ever.  So after the disclaimer, 10 PAX set off.

    First, lets climb our One Tree Hill: the levee (yeah, I know it doesn’t have any trees – but its the best I got).  SSH x30, as its the 30th anniversary tour.  Then we start the 40.  You should all know the drill: 10 exercises.  Each exercise in 4 sets.  Each set is 10 reps.  Cross the levee in between each set.  When all is said and done, up and over the levee 40 times.  And that 40th time is a REAL TREAT.

    For the U2 theme, YHC selected 10 of his favorite U2 songs for each exercise

    I Will Follow: Imperial Walkers.  First song from the first album, Boy, in 1980.  Written as an ode to Bono’s Mom.

    Gloria: Giraffes.  From October in 1981.  “Gloria in te domine, Gloria exultate” – Glory to you, Lord.  At this point, much mumble chatter about how most of the PAX has been listening to U2 longer than Cowbell has been alive.  #Hate

    Sunday Bloody Sunday: Box Cutters.  From War in 1983.  The song actually preaches respect and tolerance when faced with hate, and is not a song celebrating rebellion and resistance.

    Bad: You know what’s really bad?  That’s right: Burpees.  The song performed at Live Aid that really launched U2 to US stardom.  Fun Fact, for those that remember live aid: the rest of the band had NO IDEA what happened to Bono while he was off stage pulling girls out of the crowd.  They were on stage just playing the riff over and over, and apparently starting to look at each other wondering what to do next.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDNGlc_ypps

    Red Hill Mining Town: Chilcutts.  From 1987’s the Joshua Tree.  YHC’s head is sweating something fierce, so the Edge Hat finally has to go.  Though its probably coming back for the concert tonight, much to my M’s chagrin.

    Half Way.  Triple Shift, give us 20

    Sweetest Thing: Peter-Parker-Peters  B-side of Where the Streets Have No Name, from The Joshua Tree.  Apology song to Bono’s wife for missing her birthday while recording.

    All I Want Is You: Crossfit Murkins.  From Rattle and Hum in 1989.  We have now entered the era where Cowbell was alive.  We have also entered Grumpy Jingle Vader territory.  “All of this music sounds the same” he grumbles up and down the levee.

    DJ Rudy having Phone Problems.  JV gives us a 20 count

    One: Lunges (needed some leg work….)  From Achtung Baby in 1991.  Relevant calls for unity even while acknowledging our differences “One life, but we’re not the same.  We get to carry each other, carry each other”

    Walk On: LBCs 2000 All that I Can’t Leave Behind.  Torque chimes in “Finally some decent workout music”.  Jingle Vader grumbles that its still all sounds the same.  Tool asks when U2 became popular.  Bogey sings something or other.

    Original of the Species: Squat Jumps (because my quad’s really needed a little extra work by this time).  2004 How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.  Apropos for YHC, as today is his daughter’s 21st birthday.  This song written for The Edge’s daughter, about the challenges for raising girls and resisting the pressures they face.  I don’t know how Triple Shift was able to run up the levee that fast by the end.  Nice work!

    ======

    Mosey back down the mountain to the Destrahan flag (thanks Torque!).

    Circle up for Count-off, Name-o-rama and prayers.  Remember FracSac’s father and aunt-in-law, for those recovering from hurricanes and floods.  YHC asks for guidance in learning how to live life better, in ways that serve God, and our family, friends and brethren.

  • Revenge of the 40

    Glorious morning on the lakefront, summer humidity is starting to make its presence known.  Pulled in alongside the parked and running cars holding other PAX just waiting to get started.  Yup, that’s Shorty’s car.  And Cowbell.  And ….. Um, no driver in that one.  No PAX either.  Just a ghost car, idling and waiting for godot, I guess.  YHC happy to return to the site of his last real F3 workout 7 weeks ago.  But then who appears next in the gloom but The Culprit.  YHC stared (perhaps glared) at Triple Shift, and covered up his pinky in instinctive defense mode.

    Quick disclaimer as JV told us time was a-wastin’.  And then we were off.

    Jacks COP: Mosey towards the levee to start off with some Jacks

    • SSH x25
    • Seal Jacks x25
    • Smurf Jacks (aka Cowbells) x20
    • Plank Jacks x25
    • 1:00 Elbow Plank

    40: 40 times over the levee.  10 exercises, each done in 4 sets of 10 reps.  Over the levee for set 1.  Back over for set 2.  Back over for set 3.  Back over for set 4.  After set 4, continue the exercise until the 6 finishes.

    • Lunges
    • Box Cutters
    • XFit Muricans
    • Mountain Climbers
    • Bobby Hurleys (coupled with the levee climbs, these sucked)

    Half way.  Break for 30 count from Cowbell, then a 1:00 Elbow Plank.  Then continue…

    • Russian Twists
    • Muricans
    • Low Slow Squats
    • Peter Parkers
    • Dr. W (YHC was gassed, and my form stunk.  Triple Shift showed up every one as he maintained that pristine form through the end)

    6:15 on the nose, so back to the VSF for count-off, name-o-rama, and close with a prayer.

    Great to be back out at it with the group.  I thought 6 weeks of running would have kept me in good shape, but there’s a big difference between the running and Levee Running.  Looking forward to being back in the saddle again!

  • 40

    Twas sticky and warm at Okwata.  Typical June morning, 10 PAX including YHC set off to better ourselves.

    Inspired by a recent family roadtrip, when The Best Closing Song for a Rock Concert EVER popped up on Spotify, and YHC got to tell stories about his youth to his captive kids in the backseat….

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcTA2Y0pOPA

    (apparently this was a somewhat controversial choice as best ever.  But whatever.  My Q, My Rules).

    Warmup: Disclaimer, then off to the fountain lawn.  A bit disappointed to find such dry and recently cut lawn in front of the fountain.  Where’s the muck and mud, YHC wondered…  SSH x25, then planking for PP x20, MC x20, PP x20.  Then mosey to the Levee for The Thing

    The Thing: 40

    Stare at the behemoth in front of us.  We are going over it 40 times.  10 exercises.  Each exercise in 4 sets.  Each set is 10 reps.  Alternate sides of the levee for each set.  When we’re done, we’ll have done 400 reps, and crossed over the levee 40 times (with YHC throwing in 40-themed facts, trivia and tripe)

    • Exercise 1 – Low Slow Murican: What’s more Murican then a Mickey’s Big Mouth 40 oz Malt Liquor?  Did you know 40s are illegal in Florida?
    • Exercise 2 – Box Cutter: The 40th mayor of New Orleans?  The illustrious (and apparently accomplishment-less) Isaac L Patton
    • Exercise 3 – Low Slow Squat: NFL players with jersey #40 retired?  YHC called out 4 (but there are actually 5) Joe Morrison (WR Giants), Tom Brookshire (DB Eagles), Mike Haynes (CB Patriots), Pat Tillman (S Cardinals) and Gale Sayers (RB Bears)
    • Exercise 4 – Plank Jack: ND National championships in the 40s?  4: 1943, 1947, 1948, 1949
    • Exercise 5 – Diamond Murican: 40th state to join the Union?  South Dakota – also having the smallest capital by Population (Pierre, 14,000 potential pax)
    • Halfway point.  Pause, Bogey gives us 20.  PAX grumbles.
    • Exercise 6 – American Hammer: Did you know “Forty” is the only number with letters in alphabetical order?
    • Exercise 7 – Lunge: American Top 40 All time hits leader?  #1 is easy – Elvis.  PAX proceeds with guesses (good ones: Beatles, Stones, Elton John; Bad ones: Right Said Fred – seriously Mav?).  #2 on the list – Lil Wayne.
    • Exercise 8 – SSH: PAX catches a break, as YHC decides to skip the Burpee’s originally planned for this spot.  How many NCAA seasons with a player averaging 40 PPG?  5 – 3 of which are local hero Pistol Pete.  The others: Frank Selmy and Johnny Neuman.
    • Exercise 9 – Durkins: YHC has run out of facts, having left a few more tidbits on his Weinke in the car.
    • Exercise 10 – Flutter Kicks: PAX seems to be grumbling “Let this End”.  But we plow through

    Mosey (really really slow mosey) back to the Flag.  Seal the deal with 10 Burpee’s OYO.

    Finish with Countoff, Name-o-rama, Announcements and Prayer.  Please continue to remember Cable Guy’s wife, and whole family, and prayer for her health and successful treatment.

    PAX: Thank you for persevering with me through this.  I wasn’t sure we’d make it through all 40 trips, but you inspired me to complete.

    And somehow, I forgot to close with Psalm 40 verses 1:4, which was part of the whole point of the workout.

    I waited patiently for the Lord;
        he turned to me and heard my cry.
    He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
        out of the mud and mire;
    he set my feet on a rock
        and gave me a firm place to stand.
    He put a new song in my mouth,
        a hymn of praise to our God.
    Many will see and fear the Lord
        and put their trust in him.