F3 New Orleans

Tag: Russo

  • Bridging the Gap – from Russo

    If you’re of a certain age and have lived in the metro long enough, YHC bets you remember Mr. Bingle. Or McKenzie’s. You were drawn to the K&B purple and shopped with those cheap plastic carts. You “fought the uglies” as you passed the LAS Enterprises billboard heading east on I-10 to Orleans parish. Maybe you were old enough to watch Dr. Morgus and Chopsley on WGNO or were lucky enough to be in the studio audience of Popeye and Pals. If not, YHC hopes you were blessed and was able to see Al’s Christmas lights (or marveled at his toy collection as you passed Causeway Blvd.), or took your life in your own hands by jumping from trampoline to trampoline at the park on Veteran’s blvd, which was not far from the shark at Puglia’s that perseveres to this day. How long can he live out of the water? At least 30 years.

    Just as important, you probably remember Rosenberg’s address. Or how much it cost for Frankie and Johnnie to exclaim “let her have it!”.

    Where’s the point you ask? Some things just stick. Certain memories are etched in our brains and elicit the warm fuzzies. Nostalgia. The good times.

    One of the things that YHC inexplicably remembers was in the 80s and 90s the local car dealerships were in on the taglines and gingles. Price Leblanc leaned into Y’at culture with their “Dahlin’” campaign. I hear Metairie Bank was big into auto loans and ended with a “Beep Beep”. I believe it was Banner Ford that paid millions for a rubber duck to exclaim “Cheap cheap!” But I know for a fact that local celeb (and “most interesting man in Louisiana”) Ronnie Lamarque and his dealerships has a campaign called “Bridging the Gap”, with a catchy little “We’re bridging the gap, ooooooh ooooooh” gingle. For those keeping track, this was after he owned Preakness and Belmont-winning thoroughbred Risen Star, but before his ex-wife took a hit out on him.

    That gingle was running through my head as we sweat in the mid 70s temps and headed in the general direction of a bridge.

    Warmup – all IC, 10x
    – SSHs
    – Toe touches
    – Mummy kicks
    – Air presses
    – Hillbillies
    – Grass grabbers
    – Self love

    Thang

    Mosey to the bridge off Jackson Ave., stopping every block or so for 5 8-count bodybuilders, then adding 10 monkey humpers, and then 15 LMCs, and finally 20 SMCs (1 is 1).

    Once we reached the bridge, it was cross the bridge in varying fashion, with 10 merkins and 10 crunchy frogs after every crossing.

    Crossing the bridge, we did:
    – sprints
    – Bear crawl
    – Lunges (2x)
    – Side shuffles (2x)
    – Carioca

    Mosey back to start, with more 8CBB’s, Monkey Humpers, LMCs and SMCs thrown in, and we arrived back just in time for The COT, Name-o-Rama, and prayer to close us out.

    Excellent conversation today as always. Thanks for joining and reading.

    SYITG

  • Tres for Cinco – from Russo

    72 degrees and noticeably more humid than yesterday to start us off. The Splashpad is beginning to earn its name.

    Fiesta-like atmosphere this morning, with the reuniting of long-lost Steve and Pelican, and a themed beatdown revolving around a certain Mexican celebration. YHC believes both Steve and Pelican were just happy to not have to look at YHC’s mug alone. Cervezas all around!

    Warmup (all IC)
    SSHs
    Self love
    Grass grabbers
    High knees
    Toe touches

    Thang

    Mexican jumping beans
    – hop up the steps of the pilot house (5x)

    T.A.C.O.S.
    – 10 T merkins
    – 10 Absolution
    – 20 Carolina dry docks
    – 20 Outlaws (Circle-Ups)
    – 10 Star Jumps

    Yo Soy DORA (partner would snake the columns in a mosey, because a snake is on the Mexican flag)

    Parte Uno
    – 100 Peter Parker’s (2 is 1)
    – 200 Lunges
    – 300 Flutter kicks

    Parte Dos
    – 50 monkey humpers
    – 100 squats
    – 150 crunches

    Mexican Freak Nastys (15x IC, just to see if Pax knew Spanish above 10)

    Mexican hat dance
    Tabata – 45 seconds of Rocky Balboas, 15 seconds rest (3x)

    Five more TACOS

    Maria
    – 15 IC penguins (which may or may not be the official bird of Mexico)
    – 10x Little Manuel Crunches

    COT, Nombre-o-Rama, and prayer, then we said Adios!

    Mucho fun, mis amigos. Stay thirsty.

    SYITG

  • Good to be back!! – from Shooter

    The gloom was perfect, slight breeze with very mild conditions. These conditions are obviously short lived here in SE LA, so YHC certainly tries to enjoy the lighter sweat angel days before the treacherous humidity and heat return.. 6 other PAX decided to join in as well and the mixture was close to balanced with Ruckers, runners and joggers… Thanks to Hammer for slowing down and pacing with YHC at a 9:30 as the other runners in Steve, Bushwacker and Zoolander clocked in around 8:50… PAX did learn this morning that the Ruckers apparently take detours, which is obvious why they always seem to show up right at 6 when the Mary or follow the leader as of late is done and over 🤫🤫, however today was a little different as Akbar and Russo returned a little early..

    Warmup
    10IC Self love, Windmills, Arm circles, Imperial squat walkers, toe touches, scorpion kicks and a little stretch.

    Thang
    Standard route with an extra loop for runners and a partial entry and turn around for Hammer and I.. Returned and completed some Mary of 15IC Right elbow to left knee, F/J, LBCs, Superman’s and 15 OYO WW1 sit-ups and Big Boy sit-ups.

    Count, announce and COT

    Glad to be back in the Gloom and until the next 👍🏼👊🏼✌🏼!!!

  • Return of the Pax – from Russo

    With all due respect to Mark Morrison, and unbeknownst to me when YHC arrived, today was a day of returns. A Return of the Mack (Pax) at Granny’s. First up: a tanned, rested, and ready Shooter, full of fish, beer, and sangria (but no ice cream), as even the pull of a Mediterranean cruise is nothing compared to the friendly confines of Grandma’s House.

    Next up: Akbar, making a return from the valley of temporary single parenthood, where he had to be both hunter/gatherer for his brood and bedtime story teller, among his other numerous tasks at Casa Landshark It’s a Trap!

    Then, in an appearance that stunned YHC: a vigilant Cowbell! And at 5:14!! He either sensed his ears burning from the pax wondering how/where he’s been, or he knew it was JV’s turn to Q.

    Finally, it was the return of Bushwhacker, hobbling from weekend activities where sacrifices were made to the water gods. With this now a 2-week streak of posts, Bushwhacker is dangerously close to something that could be considered a Granny’s regular, but we all know there is no such thing.

    With the pax confirmed, off we went in 57 degree weather, infirmities and all.

    Warmup – all IC, 10x to 15x
    – Sealjacks
    – Toe touches
    – High knees
    – Cherry pickers
    – Hillbillies
    – Grass grabbers
    – Butt kicks

    Thang

    YHC passed the newly refurbished bridge on the trace, close to Jackson Ave., on Sunday, so a mosey to the bridge was in order (the tunnel needs a break), stopping every block or so for 5 8-count bodybuilders, then adding 10 monkey humpers, and then 15 LMCs.

    Once we reached the bridge, it was cross the bridge in varying fashion, with 10 merkins and 10 crunchy frogs after every crossing.

    Crossing the bridge, we did:
    – sprints (2x)
    – Bear crawl
    – Lunges
    – Side shuffles (2x)
    – Back pedal (2x)
    – Murder bunnies

    Mosey back to start, with more 8CBB’s thrown in, and we arrived back for a one minute plank.

    The usual COT, Name-o-Rama, and prayer closed us out.

    Gents, I know at least a couple of you were dealing with injuries, so much respect to you for joining us. You could have chosen to sit it out, but your fellowship was much appreciated.

    SYITG

  • Return of the Pax – from Russo

    With all due respect to Mark Morrison, and unbeknownst to me when YHC arrived, today was a day of returns. A Return of the Mack (Pax) at Granny’s. First up: a tanned, rested, and ready Shooter, full of fish, beer, and sangria (but no ice cream), as even the pull of a Mediterranean cruise is nothing compared to the friendly confines of Grandma’s House.

    Next up: Akbar, making a return from the valley of temporary single parenthood, where he had to be both hunter/gatherer for his brood and bedtime story teller, among his other numerous tasks at Casa Landshark It’s a Trap!

    Then, in an appearance that stunned YHC: a vigilant Cowbell! And at 5:14!! He either sensed his ears burning from the pax wondering how/where he’s been, or he knew it was JV’s turn to Q.

    Finally, it was the return of Bushwhacker, hobbling from weekend activities where sacrifices were made to the water gods. With this now a 2-week streak of posts, Bushwhacker is dangerously close to something that could be considered a Granny’s regular, but we all know there is no such thing.

    With the pax confirmed, off we went in 57 degree weather, infirmities and all.

    Warmup – all IC, 10x to 15x
    – Sealjacks
    – Toe touches
    – High knees
    – Cherry pickers
    – Hillbillies
    – Grass grabbers
    – Butt kicks

    Thang

    YHC passed the newly refurbished bridge on the trace, close to Jackson Ave., on Sunday, so a mosey to the bridge was in order (the tunnel needs a break), stopping every block or so for 5 8-count bodybuilders, then adding 10 monkey humpers, and then 15 LMCs.

    Once we reached the bridge, it was cross the bridge in varying fashion, with 10 merkins and 10 crunchy frogs after every crossing.

    Crossing the bridge, we did:
    – sprints (2x)
    – Bear crawl
    – Lunges
    – Side shuffles (2x)
    – Back pedal (2x)
    – Murder bunnies

    Mosey back to start, with more 8CBB’s thrown in, and we arrived back for a one minute plank.

    The usual COT, Name-o-Rama, and prayer closed us out.

    Gents, I know at least a couple of you were dealing with injuries, so much respect to you for joining us. You could have chosen to sit it out, but your fellowship was much appreciated.

    SYITG

  • Ta-Battle! OR Hog’s Breath’s Eye Glasses Match His Birthday Suit – from Bushwacker

    The idea was there, but planning and fleshing out said idea was left ‘til last minute. Assuming the best case scenario, QIC anticipated 7 PAX. Hog’s Breath was a HC because of a meeting, Russo was an HC because, well, it’s Russo. The rest? Eh. Anyhoo, the appropriate fleshing out involved a plethora of coupons and so it went…

    WARMORAMA

    Several exercises that provided dynamic stretching of muscles necessary to perform scheduled primary exercises of the planned beatdown were carried out, all IC x10.

    THANG

    Q set up ( with welcomed help from the TWO F3 brothers present) 6 stations to revolve around during a fun-filled Tabata, including Stretch Band for Curls, Jump Rope, Tire Flip, Battle Rope, 45lb Plate for Prisoner Carry, plus stairs. 20 minutes in, Hog’s Breath arrived like a nitrogen based explosive, hitting the ropes like he was propelling a Higgins boat in a storming by of the beaches of Pontachartrain! He claimed to be going over a presentation (possibly in just his reading glasses and socks?) when he realized the time and bolted. Meanwhile, YHC had an eclectic running playlist providing motivation, entertainment, and confusion? La la la la la di da

    MARY

    A series of exercises providing a physiological strain to core muscles were performed IC.

    You guys don’t know what you’re missing at Grandmother’s House. On site and in the area are opportunities for challenging and enjoyable beatdowns. It’s geographically well-located and long-standing. It just needs more HIM to make it worth the effort the few regulars put in, and for down-rangers to post. We all love this thing we have, our thing (la cosa nostra;) The more consistently we feed it the stronger it will grow. YHC’s time is dwindling, but F3 will always be my medicine!

    Humble thanks!

  • Old Reliable(s) – from Russo

    The beat up pair of sneakers you cut the grass in. The Dinner Party episode of the Office. The Lollapalooza ‘94 tee shirt with the hole under the arm. The first Karate Kid. 80s rock from Def Leppard. Anything by Led Zeppelin. Some things are just comfortable, reliable, and make you feel like all is right in the world.

    In my corner of the F3 Northshore world, reliable means a Splashpad Q, Pelican, an ongoing “feud” with the A1C that defines ISI, and weather that is continuing to turn more humid and getting close to “hot”. The weather that turns me into Jackson Pollock, where sweat beads down almost immediately and paints a dotted abstract picture on the ground when it falls. Art!

    Add in the reliable Deck of Death as a base, and one has all the makings of a classic beatdown.

    Warmup
    – SSHs
    – Grass grabbers
    – Cherry pickers
    – Self love
    – Arm circles
    – Seal jacks

    Thang

    Quick mosey of the block, directly into the deck of death. Rep count and exercise was based on suit and number. Deck was split into four groups below.

    Between groups we slalomed the columns or ran the block.

    Hearts – wide merkins
    Diamonds – Peter Parker’s
    Spades – 8 count body builders
    Clubs – merkins

    Hearts – burpees
    Diamonds – lunges (2 is 1)
    Spades – Monkey humpers
    Clubs – Big boy sit-ups

    Hearts – ballerina squats
    Diamonds – SMCs
    Spades – imperial squat walkers
    Clubs – Star jumps

    Hearts – leg raises
    Diamonds – V ups
    Spades – Gas pumps
    Clubs – Crunchy frogs

    Mary: 15 IC freak nastys and another brief mosey.

    COT, Name-o-Rama, and prayer closed us out. Reliable words that I’ve copied and pasted numerous times.

    In all seriousness, one of the most reliable things for me is to know there’s a group of men that will often meet to push each other hard, grumble about it constantly, hurt or ache for a bit, and then get up early to do it all again. Unless your Steve or TruCoat, we do it without a smile on our face while we’re in the midst of it. But there are reasons we do it, and for me, one of those is so that I can be more reliable, dependable, a strength to those around me, most importantly my family. I don’t always hit that mark, but that remains the goal, and without this group, that task is more difficult.

    Our church had a men’s dinner and short service after, and one of the notes our speaker reminded us of is that we are defined and shaped by the company we keep, and where we spend our time, talents, and money. Think limit the negative influences, accentuate the positive ones.

    That’s why I post, to surround myself with a group of like-minded individuals who have each other’s best interests. Well, that and because I am afraid Slackbot will come after me and not open the pod-bat bay doors should I ever need it.

    SYITG

  • One and Done – from Russo

    Mid 60s this morning at the Pad. I suspected Pelican was out (injured with a steel chair to the head by the nefarious A1C posse), so the “Leader of one” as Zoo noted last week was a Leader of None, flying solo this week.

    Warmup
    Nothing formal or IC, just a lot of stretching and moaning and groaning loosening up the muscles and making sure I could still touch my toes.

    Thang
    Tabata:
    – 1 minute each with bricks, 20 seconds rest, with some moseying through the columns or around the block after each of the four rounds

    Round 1
    – Modified 8 count body builders (swap the plank jack for an arm curl)
    – side to sides
    – Overhead claps
    – Nutcrackers
    – Hallelujah squats

    Round 2
    – Tricep extensions
    – Arm curls
    – Air presses
    – Side to side squats
    – Arm circles
    – Milk maids

    Rinse and repeat rounds 1 and 2 for 3 and 4.

    Quick prayer before heading back to start a Friday.

    Reminder that the Zoorich Classic is this weekend and for my money it is one of the highlights of the F3 Northshore calendar.

    Also, if anyone is interested, our church is having their annual Men’s Dinner this upcoming Thursday at 6:30. Reach out if you’re interested in attending.

    SYITG

  • Whose Flag is That Anyway? – from Bushwacker

    YHC FINALLY remembered to bring a truckload of shovel flags from the Fury, and, somehow still went home with 2/3 of them 🤔

    Good temp, succinct warm-orama, great cameo! Let me speak only honest words: QIC was relieved to not see Speedy upon last-second arrival. First “shared run” on new shoes, humidity on the rise again and YHC in less than peak form, you’ll forgive El Wackador if inner jubilation was present. I still love you Speedy.😘

    The consummate odd couple of Severn Ave. decided to ruck off in the direction of Sunset Point whilst the remaining trio ran for just over 4 miles that both broke down my silent resolve to be silent, and had a former Scramble shuffler potentially EH’d to return as maybe ruckless rucker? Good ol’ Garfield ran a little stretch of the lakefront with the crew, aflight such as we were.

    A brief slathering of yoga-esque recovery until the ruckers descended on the flag(s) deep in the throws of discourse.

    Count/name, Zoorich Classic Saturday – bring frisbees and friends if you’ve got either. Men’s dinner at St Timothy tonight @6:30 hit up Russo if interested in going. JV prayed us out.

    Many thanks, gents!

  • Old Faithful on a Friday – from Russo

    Pleasant morning that was a little breezier than it has been. Hammer took the opportunity to cheat on the A1C with Jose out, and YHC is glad he did.

    Warmup
    – SSHs
    – Toe touches
    – Self love
    – High knees
    – Grass grabbers

    Thang

    Quick mosey of the block, directly into the deck of death. Rep count and exercise was based on suit and number. Deck was split into four groups below. First flip: Ace of Spades, 15 8 count body builders Huzzah!

    Between groups we slalomed the columns and continued on our efforts to solve all of the world’s problems.

    Hearts – wide merkins
    Diamonds – Peter Parker’s
    Spades – 8 count body builders
    Clubs – merkins

    Hearts – burpees
    Diamonds – lunges (2 is 1)
    Spades – Monkey humpers
    Clubs – Big boy sit-ups

    Hearts – ballerina squats
    Diamonds – SMCs
    Spades – imperial squat walkers
    Clubs – Star jumps

    Hearts – leg raises
    Diamonds – V ups
    Spades – Gas pumps
    Clubs – Crunchy frogs

    COT, Name-o-Rama, and prayer closed us out.

    SYITG