F3 New Orleans

Tag: Smooth

  • Take Me Out To The Ballgame

    YHC was honored to perform my VQ at The Foundry today. Thankfully rain has held off for several days as I was concerned about possibly ruining the grass for the exercises I had planned. I had been bouncing some ideas around in my head and reviewed the entire Exicon to get some good ideas. Despite their absence from the Lakeview Clown Car today, Tclaps to Kuch (sickness) and YaMomAnEm (out of town) for providing suggestions, guidance, and allowing me to bounce ideas off of them. The remaining members of the LCC, Half Nelson and Abacus, happily joined along for what was hopefully going to be an entertaining workout.

    15 PAX gathered in the gloom today at the usual spot in Roosevelt Mall and after what could’ve been the shortest disclaimer I recall we mosey’d over to the track.

    THE WARM UP – all in cadence

    • SSH x 27
    • Windmills x 9
    • Peter Parkers x 9
    • Parker Peters x 9
    • Wife pleasers x 9
    • Left single leg wife pleasers x 9
    • Right single leg wife pleasers x 9

    Next we performed a “Cleveland Indians” run. Due to the size of the PAX (thankfully it was an even number) I opted to split into 2 groups as we ran towards NOMA then promptly continued the loop and headed back towards Falcon Field. Along the way the running group I was a part of realized the other group had dwindled from the initial 8 members down to 5. Some comments were made as we realized we were not following the motto of “No Man Left Behind.” Those PAX members who had already reached Falcon Field promptly decided to sweep the 6 and complete the run.

    Thanks to the Exicon I was able to determine what would be meat of our workout today. Since I am a baseball lover I thought “Field of Dreams” would be a great way to include a little bit of everything. After splitting inot 4 teams of 4 men instructions were spelled out.

    • Home plate group perform 18 burpees and would be our counter.
    • While group at home plate performed burpees, first base group performed squats, second base group performed merkins, and third base group performed LBCs. All of these groups would perform AMRAP.
    • Once home plate group completed 18 burpees they would “Chicago Cub” crawl to first base. At that time first base group would “Chicago Cub” crawl to second base, etc. until all 4 groups had completed all 4 stations.

    After a small amount of confusion on when to crawl, the PAX quickly understood the rules of the exercise upon my second attempt and completed without incident and most importantly without injury.

    After a 20 count from War Eagle we moved on to a timed team competition. PAX was again split into 2 groups. Group 1 lined up at home plate to run the bases. The first participant would take off and upon reaching second base would yell for the next runner to go until all members had hit all 4 bases. While Group 1 ran, Group 2 headed to left field for some walking lunges until Group 1 had finished. We then swapped and while Group 2 ran the bases Group 1 performed an exercise which looked like more LBCs. I realized afterwards I did not actually instruct this group on what to do while Group 2 ran the bases so they thankfully took it upon themselves to lead each other.

    Finish times:

    • Group 1: 1 min, 32 sec
    • Group 2: 1 min, 23 sec

    Since Group 1 had lost in admirable fashion they performed a penalty run along the warning track with a stop in center field for 9 burpees. Group 2 headed to the left field line for some celebratory Nolan Ryan’s. 9 reps on each side were performed in cadence followed by a plank and wait until Group 1 returned. Cowbell requested group to plank on elbows so his request was granted.

    With the PAX whole again we completed the workout at Falcon Field with 27 “Los Angeles” Sweat Angels. Mosey back to flag (or at least where flag typically is located.)

    COT – countarama, namearama, intentions both spoken and unspoken, and prayers of thanks.

    Thanks to everyone for allowing me to Q today and try something out at the baseball field I had been wanting to mix in. Now that I have my VQ under my belt I look forward to future Q’s.

  • Time Flies When You’re Having Fun, But I’ll Be Back To Finish What I Started!

    YHC hasn’t been to the NOLA Foundry since the start of the Popeyes AO.  Smartly, Amnesty volunteered me to Q so I can give back to one of the AOs that helped me get started in F3.  It was nice to see PAX YHC hasn’t seen in a while and a good reminder of all the NOLA Foundry has to offer.  Consider hitting an AO you haven’t been to in a while or ever!

    WARMUP

    After giving the disclaimer, YHC led the PAX in what was considered an unorthodox direction.  Some of the PAX were confused with the change, but the concerns were quickly quelled as we moseyed a short distance for the following warm up IC: SSH x 21, IW x 20, Arm Circles x 20 (10 each direction), Grass Grabbers x 20, Plank Jacks x 20, and Abe Vigodas x 10.

    The Thang

    The PAX were divided by 1s and 2s on either side of the Roosevelt Mall for a Route 66 (War Eagle would be proud!). PAX 1 to the left for incline merkins adding one at each bench and PAX 2 to the right for dips using the same counting scheme, for a total of 12. Plank and wait at the end, then switch sides. Once each PAX had their turn on either side with both exercise, rinse and repeat using LSS and step-ups, but the step-ups were cut back to ten so the opposing PAX didn’t have wait too long.

    Being my second Q ever, I did not estimate time correctly and had what would amount to another beat down that was going to go unused. Not a problem, I will return to finish what I started! With approximately seven minutes to kill, we did the following Mary IC: Tin Snips x 20, LBCs x 25, Dying Cockroaches x 20, Peguins x 20 (as a reprieve to silence some of the mumbling), and J-Lo’s x 20 (in honor of Amnesty who has been down and out with a nasty lung infection). Returned the PAX to the flag exactly at 0615. I noted Smooth wasn’t winded nor sweating, so the mumbling about the Mary was unfounded and attempts were made to make Cowbell take the fall for the mumbling, but we know better!

    After a quick reminder from the PAX on the proper order to end a beat down (another attempt to be unorthodox), COUNTOFF, NAMERAMA, and COT. Prayers for the sick, injured, struggling, and private intentions, as well as gratitude for this group of men who work hard and motivate each other.

    Once again, it was an honor to lead and I’m thankful for your willingness to follow. I’ll be back soon as a PAX and to finish the beat down.

    12 strong at the NOLA Foundry

  • Hamilton v Burr

    As many New Orleanians might be aware, Hamilton has been playing at The Saenger for a 3 week run. As many F3ians might be aware, Da Parish and Rudy have a thing for musicals. So of course, the Hamilton workout was an obvious combination. And a plot was hatched – only publicized to those PAX that were In The Room Where It Happened….. So Hamilton and Burr signed up to Q the Mothership and Muscleship.

    6:29am, PAX loitering around both flags wondering who was stepping forward to claim the Q. Especially loud grumbling at the Mothership flag from Jingle Vader, who repeatedly expressed his dislike for all things in Pop Culture.

    6:30am, Rudy at Mothership and Parish at Muscleship give the disclaimers to PAX (most of whom seemed to be saying “Yeah, I figured.”). And both PAX took off to meet at the flag standing by a large box in the field in front of the museum.

    And what was in the box? No – this isn’t a Brad Pitt “What’s in the Box?” scene. Instead, it was the exercise gear for the Qs…

    And all the PAX grumbled and groaned, but still circled up in one large combined workout circle.

    The Warmup – Qs alternating exercise callouts

    • 16 SSH (Hamilton was 16 on arrival to US)
    • 7 Burpees OYO as we begin spelling out Burr
    • 21 Imperial Walkers (Hamilton was 21 when he became aide to Washington
    • Up/Downs to Burr’s cadence
    • 30 Peter Parkers (Hamilton was 30 at the Constitutional Convention
    • Rocky Balboas to more of Burr cadence

    Then (thanks to Mahatma’s good advice), PAX numbered off. 1s go with Hamilton (Rudy), 2s go with Burr (Parish). The Q vs Q Showdown begins…

    Burr – Round 1

    Dora 1-2-3 to Aaron Burr, Sir & My Shot. Pax 1 will perform the exercise while Pax 2 Burr Crawls to the 2nd tree & back.

    • Floyd Mayweather x 100 (2=1) – Hamilton upon meeting Burr advised he had recently punched the bursar of Princton
    • Squats x 200 – Burr advises Hamilton, Laurens, Mulligan & Lafayette that he’d rather sit than stand for the revolution
    • American Hammer x 300 – Hamilton does not throw away his shot and drops his American Hammer on Burr, Lafayette, Laurens & Mulligan

    MerKING Wave/Burr Crawl to You’ll be Back

    • While PlanKING during the song sung by King George, pax will do a MerKING wave (1 merkin performed in a wave around the circle). When the last pax merks, the entire circle will Burr Crawl clockwise 1 rotation. Repeat the MerKING wave with 2 merks, Burr Crawl, etc until song is complete.

    Mary to the song Guns & Ships.

    • Hold out your gun at Yorktown by holding a James Bond for :30 center/left/righ
    • Yorktown would not have been a victory w/out the French ships in the harbor. Hold your Boat/Canoe for :30 and finish out the song.

    Hamilton – Round 1

    Hamiltabata. 8 exercises, 45 seconds high intensity, 15 seconds of rest. To the songs Alexander Hamilton and My Shot

    • Happy Jacks (5 SSH, 2 Squat Jumps)
    • Absolution (8 count plank-position exercise)
    • Merkins
    • Imperial Squat Walkers
    • Lunges
    • T-Merkins
    • Outlaw
    • No Surrender (aka “The Genuflect”, in F3 Nola lexicon)

    20 Count

    To the 2:30 song Aaron Burr: Burpees. OYO. Go. Until the song ends. Yes, grumbly PAX – I mean it. Till the song ends.

    20 Count

    Mosey to the fountain for a version of the Cabinet Battle.

    • PAX 1 planks
    • PAX 2 dips x30 – with feet on PAX 1 back.
    • Flapjack.
    • Flapjack for x20
    • Flapjack for x10

    Interlude

    Both groups met at the lawn, and switched. Now the 2s go with Hamilton and the 1s go with Burr.

    Burr – Round 2

    Take a Break while we mosey to the Foundry

    Time for an amRAP Battle while we hear Cabinet Battle #1

    • 5 Pull ups, 10 Merkins, 15 Squats, Repeat until song is complete (3:35)

    How are you going to Say No To This first American Political Sex Scandal. Hamilton was being extorted by James Reynolds while Hamilton had sex with his wife Maria. The first time it happened Hamilton gave Maria $30. Perform 30 reps (IC) of these 3 Big Sexy Exercises

    • Pickle Pounders
    • Wife Pleasers
    • Monkey Humpers

    Mosey back to the flag…Mr Burr has business to settle with Hamilton. Your Obedient Servant

    Hamilton – Round 2

    Same as Round 1. Equal amounts of grumbling about the burpees. Some members of this group seemed to have an entirely different perspective on the Plank/Dip combo. Rudy suggests the Uptowners pull their minds out of the gutter.

    Rudy does note that this routine was significantly harder the 2nd time around….

    The Duel

    All PAX meet back at the flag for the final 10-Count Duel. Qs alternate calling an exercise, making a ladder.

    • 1 Burpee
    • 2 Squat Jumps (then 1 Burpee)
    • 3 Merkins (then 2 Squat Jumps, then 1 Burpee. You get the idea…)
    • 4 Lunges
    • 5 Country Crabs
    • 6 Dr W
    • 7 X Fit Merkins
    • 8 Box Cutters
    • 9 Turkish Getups
    • 10 Rise Ups – Hold a Squat while Q counts down from 5, squat Jump, immediately return to Squat.

    And with that, the F3 NOLA Tribute to Hamilton comes to a merciful close. Just a few minutes overtime.

    Countoff and Name-o-rama, welcoming our new FNG Water Boy (named quickly before the uptowners could start suggesting based on Water Boy’s pronounced profession of selling Industrial Hoses).

    Upcoming F1 / F2 this Thursday night at Greenway (6:30) and Wrong Iron (7:00).

    Intentions called out, ask all of us to offer our own prayers for the intentions (spoken and otherwise) for all of our brother PAX. Finally, circle up for our closing prayer. Offer of thanksgiving for the glorious day God has given us, and for the grace of His wisdom to use this gift wisely.

    Rudy and DaParish both thank the PAX for their merciful tolerance of this workout.

    We have the honor to be your obedient servants….A dot Ham….A dot Burr.

  • 34 year Old Virgin

    Last Thursday at Okwata Rudy being Rudy suggested I sign up to Q.  At first, I said to myself “not going to happen” then over the course of the day I decided to look up the Q sheet just to see when the next Q spot was open- thinking it would be about 5-8 weeks out. Not the case, there was an opening the next week (today). I decided to rip the band aide off and pop my Q cherry and sign-up for my VQ. 

    18 PAX met out on the banks of Okwata with 15 mph winds whipping a nice cool 50 degrees through our bodies. Considering this is the 2nd official day of spring I hope the cold weather is past us. The 20 degree weather swings from 5:30am to Noon is getting old.  

    We started off with a Mosey to the grass by Landry’s for warm-ups. Probably one of the only time’s you’ll ever hear the restaurant Landry’s come out of my mouth.  The warm ups consisted of:

    25 – SSH IC
    15 – Should Taps IC
    15 – Arm Circles Front IC
    15 – Arm Circle Reverse IC
    15 – Plank Jacks IC
    15 – Peter Parkers IC
    15 – Mountain Climbers IC

    In full disclosure the above workouts above were “the plan” not sure what the final counts were. Never realized how hard it was to count when the Q. Much respect for my past Q’s.  Also, a lot of mumble chatter about having to get back to your feet for arm circles and then back down again for plank jacks might have to incorporate more of this in future Q’s since everyone enjoyed it so much.

    My novice and out of breath warm-up Counting self, decided a 30 second count down was a good idea – After some grumbling – Kuch quickly counted to 10 (thanks for the help!) and we then proceeded to split into 2 groups for an Indian Run back to the Hill. At the Hill we partnered up for a little “bern”. One partner did a Bernie Sanders up the Hill and run back down (then switch) until the below exercises were complete.

    50 – Burpees
    100 – Merkins
    200 – Monkey Humpers
    300 – LBC

    Now that our legs were nice and “berning” we crossed the street to complete running to the street light and post up for 5 merkin’s X 3 lights. The goal was to hit 3 street lights that were a decent length from each other, however I didn’t realize there were two sets of street lights one’s on the left and one’s on the right. My intentions were the left (the distance one’s) however we improvised and completed the exercise. We circled up for Mary where we did:

    20 Flutter Kicks IC
    10 Turtle Crunchs IC
    10 Hello Dolly IC
    10 Big Boy Sit Ups OYO

    Again, this was “the plan” not sure what the final counts were as I was once again out of breath from counting. Definitely need to work on that for next time!

    With 3 mins to Spare we Moseyed back to the Flag where Mahatma suggested a little ring of Fire. 6:15am came and we circled up. 18 PAX were at the AO. We welcomed a new FNG “The Greek”.  Congrats to Two Yutes on making 10 years of marriage!

    It was an honor to lead this group.  

  • Sticking to the Classics

    YHC and Ya Mom n’dem learned Monday morning as they rode in the Lakeview clown car home from Rock City that Abacus would not be able to Q the Stomp today. Instead of throwing it out to the Mumblechatter in search of a Q, an idea was born: why not do everyone a solid and bring the burpees back? Who wouldn’t appreciate our generosity?

    And so, after a brief yet rambling disclaimer, 16 men set out to do the 610 Stomp our forefathers had envisioned when they created this workout many years ago: 6 minute run, 10 burpees; 3x on the way out, then turn and do it 3 times on the way back. Ya Mom n’Dem kept the time while YHC jsut tried to keep up. The Pax managed anywhere from about 4-5 miles (and however far Smooth ran) in 40+ minutes with 60 burpees thrown in for fun. Definitely a solid Tuesday.

    We closed it out with IC LBC’sx20 and IC crab cakes x15, and then 5 Turkish getups OYO. Everyone made it back to the flag in time, and we welcomed back Woz, who had a strong showing back from several months laid up with an injury. We prayed for those dealing with cancer in our F3 family and extended F3 family.

    This month I’ve tried to focus on appreciating each moment of each day, and making a concerted effort not to waste it. The basic concept is that if you do only what you have to do and what you really want to do, you will have more time to focus on those things, as opposed to procrastinating, playing on social media, or engaging in other non-productive/non-enjoyable habits we form. And so, we reminded ourselves to take advantage of today, but to also be thankful that we are able to – and to never take that for granted, because none of us is guaranteed anymore than this moment.

    Meanwhile, I’m thankful for the privilege to lead this group. – Kuch

  • We’re up all night to get War Eagle a little culture

    [5:25 AM, City Park, on a wet gray morning]

    War Eagle: What is that thingamabob in your hand, Kuch?

    Kuch: That’s a bluetooth speaker. It plays music.

    War Eagle: Where I’m from, dancing is outlawed and the only music allowed is people singing Sweet Home Alabama.

    Thus, it became clear to YHC that some music would be important to War Eagle’s continuing New Orleans education. So after a quick disclaimer, off we set to find a dry spot to warm up and moseyed up Roosevelt Mall to an intersection. Only the day before, I’d been humiliated around this very spot as I attempted to sprint to the finish ahead of Cowbell and Hawg at the Stomp, only to have them “jog” right by me. Cowbell was a little late today and did not reach the mosey spot until after we had already warmed up, so I will call it even.

    Warm-up – all x20 or so

    • Arm Circles
    • Hill Billies
    • Windwills
    • Parker Peter
    • Some hip stretches
    • Mosey back down Roosevelt Mall to the far side of the track for the workout

    First Tune of the Day – Tubthumping by Chumbawamba

    • “I get knocked down, but I get up again” = burpee
    • Everything else = SSH

    We started getting a little sloppy on the SSH, so we did some in cadence. When we finished, one lap around the outside of the track to maximize those RRR miles.

    Second Tune of the Day – Get Lucky by Daft Punk

    • “We’re up all night to get Lucky” = airsquat
    • Everything else = Al Gore

    Again we got a little sloppy, and there was a bit of mumblechatter about whether YHC had thought this one through all the way. Instead of acknowledging that this might actually have been a pretty terrible idea, penalty burpees were handed out. When War Eagle critiqued YHC’s form on the penalty burpees, more penalty burpees were issued. Mumblechatter died down a bit after that. Another lap around the track, and T-claps to Cowbell, Smooth, War Eagle, & YaMom & Dem who took it upon themselves to sweep the six each time. I have been the six, and I know what it feels like to have people push you. Knowing you are not out there by yourself while everyone else moves on is a big deal, so kudos guys.

    Third Tune of the Day – Flower (the Sally song) by Moby

    Only one thing to do here, and that’s up and down merkins holding it at the top and bottom. Another lap around the outside with some more sweeping from the fast crew.

    Fourth Tune of the Day – Proud Mary

    What else would you do to Proud Mary other than some Mary? So we got down on the wet ground and alternated 10 lbc’s and 10 flutter kicks IC, one after the next, till the song ended.

    Out of tunes to play, we Indian ran back down the track to the exit, where we moseyed to the flag for a minute or two of planking. Next time, we will get to Thunderstruck…

    As always, thanks for letting me lead. It’s a privilege. F3 has stripped me of my excuses, and forced me to accept being uncomfortable. When we started RRR 4 weeks ago, I didn’t think I could run more than 2 days in a row, I thought I needed more sleep, thought my knee needed more rest and my shin splints and my back would keep me from ever running any real distance again and so on. As we close in on the end of this challenge, I know that I have vastly exceeded what I thought I was capable of just a month ago. For that, I can only thank all of you who set a constant example of hard work, dedication and consistency. SYITG – Kuch

  • The Power of Negativity or the Commitment to Accelerate

    In the last US Olympic Marathon Trials (2016) there were 108 finishers.  Only 3 men ran negative splits.  All three finished on the podium.

    The Thing:  Run along Bayou St. John for 20 minutes, turn around and return in less than 20 minutes.  AKA a Negative Split. Then plank and wait.

    IC Flutter Kicks 25 and Tin Snips 10

    Count, Names, Announcements, Intentions, Prayer

    There is debate whether running negative splits leads to faster race times.  I think we can all find joy in having the strength to increase our pace of movement and to ACCELERATE.   We must choose to accelerate every day.  Thanks Triple Shift for helping me make the connection.

    DAILY RED PILL: The Q’s daily Commitment to Accelerate his Fitness, Fellowship and Faith. Abbr: DRP

  • Hokie Pokey does ABC’s

    With Run Ranger Run in full effect, and with the split of the Mother Ship Saturday workout into two Pax’s, Hokie Pokey thought it would be good to get some running in between exercises.

    Warm up started with a run to the railroad tracks and back with folks circling back to the six until we were ready to gather.

    • 10 baby are circles forward
    • 10 baby arm circles backwards
    • 10 big arm circles forward
    • 10 big arm circles backward
    • Right leg lunge forward with clockwise and counter clockwise trunk stretch.
    • Left leg lunge forward with clockwise and counter clockwise trunk stretch.

    Another run to the tracks and back with leaders getting extra running in by circling back to the six.

    1st exercise ~ “A” ~ Ascending testicles with balls to the columns and hold for 1 minute, down for 30 seconds, back up for a 2nd minute, back down for 30 seconds and back up for a 3rd minute… followed by …
    Another run to the tracks and back with leaders getting extra running in by circling back to the six.

    2nd exercise ~ “B” ~ Burpee’s on the law suicide style… 1st tree and back for one burpee; 2nd tree and back for 2 burpee’s; 3rd tree and back for 3 burpee’s… the last, 10th, tree and back for 10 burpee’s. For our fitter men, they could box jump while the rest of the Pax wrapped up. This was followed by …
    Another run to the tracks and back with leaders getting extra running in by circling back to the six.

    3rd exercise ~ “C” ~ Chillcuts (Dancing Style) ~ Elbow planks with right leg up for one minute, then back to rest in the elbow plank position for 30 seconds and left leg up for one minute. This was followed by …
    Another run to the tracks and back with leaders getting extra running in by circling back to the six.

    4th exercise ~ “D” ~ Diamonds ~ Diamond Merkins ~ AMRAP style ~ as many as possible in 60 seconds followed by 30 seconds rest… 5 times … followed by
    Another run to the tracks and back with leaders getting extra running in by circling back to the six.

    5th, and last “exercise” ~ “E” ~ Elevator ~ with 10 squats, 20 jump squats, 30 second Al Gore, 40 Front Lunges and 50 back lunges.

    We mosey’d back to the flag and heard we logged 3.6 miles as we counted off to 25. No FNG’s.

    Thank you for the opportunity to workout with such a great group of guys! I admire you all and appreciate you pushing me!

  • The Dawn of the Single Reverse Indian Run

    With Run Ranger Run in full swing, I thought it would be good to get a few miles in during the beatdown on Thursday morning at Okwata. So without further ado, at 5:30am I issued the disclaimer & we mosey’d to the intersection of Canal Blvd / Lakeshore Drive for the Warmup

    Warmup

    • 20 side straddle hops
    • 15 concrete grabbers
    • 20 plankjacks
    • 15 imperial walkers

    The Thang

    After the warmup, we did a count-off in which each of the 12 PAX was assigned a number; 1-12. The number was relevant because we did a variation of an Indian run called the ‘Single Reverse Indian Run’ (which is a completely made up name) which entailed the PAX running in a circle up & down the paved part of the levee at the intersection of Canal Blvd / Lakeshore Drive. While the group of PAX was doing a traditional Indian Run, each individual member of the PAX would then peel off to take a turn sprosey’ing (running at a speed that falls in between a sprint & a mosey) the same route until they re-connected with the PAX. So PAX 1 would peel off first, and when he got back to the group, PAX 2 would go; and so on until all 12 PAX had a turn. Seeing as how I hadn’t done this before, there were a few hiccups along the way. When it was time for PAX 1 (High Rise) to peel off to do his individual run, he just ran down the levee & then back up to the group; he didn’t run the whole route before returning to the group. So when PAX 2 (Cowbell) began to run, I explained he had to run the whole route before returning to the group. What we soon discovered, though, was that this was a pretty tall order & that we would probably be there all day if we continued in this fashion. So, to his credit, Rudy, suggested that we keep the exercise the same, but have the individual members of the PAX do the individual runs in reverse, so that they would run into the group of PAX doing the traditional Indian Run instead of having to essentially catch up to the group of PAX doing the traditional Indian Run. Rudy then ran to get Cowbell to communicate the change, and after this tweak, most PAX were able to complete their individual lap using the reverse technique. To Smooth’s credit, he did not go in reverse; he completed his individual lap running the same direction as the group (using what some may refer to as the elusive reverse reverse technique).

    After one of the most complicated Indian Runs ever attempted in 21st century America was completed, we mosey’d down the lakefront to where the potted plants (or what many in the lower 48 refer to as planters) are located near the water. What I learned from my last Q at Okwata is that there are indeed only 10 planters on this part of the lakefront. With this knowledge fresh in mind, our next exercise was to run from the 1st planter to the 10th planter. Once at the 10th planter, the PAX would do 5 derkins, and then we’d run back to the first planter and do 5 irkins. We did this 5 times so that we did a total of 50 combined derkins & irkins.

    Once completed, I took a quick glance at my watch and noticed we had about 10 minutes left, which was plenty enough time for us to mosey back to the paved intersection of Canal Blvd / Lakeshore Drive so that we could do 2 laps of Bernie Sanders up the levee. For this exercise, the PAX would do a Bernie Sanders up the levee (run backwards), and then do a forward run down the levee. Once at the other side, the PAX would then do a Bernie Sanders back up the levee and then a forward run back down the levee. We did this twice, and truth be told, most of the PAX seemed like they were #FeelingTheBurn in a physical sense by the time we were done. Some of the PAX may have also been #FeelingTheBern in a political sense as well, but it wasn’t relevant to the exercise & I am not a mind reader, so who knows.

    After this exercise, time was up. So we mosey’d back to the flag & did the count-off, name-o-rama, announcements & prayer. Turns out we had cranked out a little over 4 miles during the beatdown, which was nice for all the guys tracking for Run Ranger Run. High Rise had also brought out an FNG with him to the Beatdown. It turned out the FNG had wrestled back in high school with Kuch, so he was aptly named “Half Nelson.” Thanks for letting me lead, fellas. I appreciate it & I enjoy it.

  • That Was Super

    Run Ranger Run crunch time ensured that we had a healthy number of Stompers on Tuesday. In order to maximize our time, we ran the traditional route down the bayou, 22:30 out, then turned around and came back. The only rule was that you must have a negative split. We didn’t all achieve the negative split, but we were close. We circled up for COT a minute or two late and gave thanks for the day.

    NMM
    • T-claps to Smooth. He was able to make it just past Earhart. That is the farthest I’ve ever known anyone to make it. 6.5 miles for a just over a 7 minute/mile pace. That’s poster material.
    • T-claps to War Eagle. He has become a runner in the past couple of months. The young buck must have been feeling his oats as we rounded NOMA on the back stretch. Like a horse to the barn he took off as Rudy and El Guapo approached. He was a good 10-15 feet ahead of me and I was not able to close the gap. I was seriously wondering if he was going to beat me to the flag.
    • He didn’t.
    • There was a supermoon in the sky. Problem was that we couldn’t see it. If you haven’t noticed, it will be raining in New Orleans for the next two months.
    • T-claps to Amnesty and Tool who, each nursing their injuries, were willing to get out on their bikes and get some work in. The ride-by heckling was a nice touch.
    • Running in shoes is the worst. How do you all do it? It’s awful. If anyone is headed to Hawaii soon, let me know. I’ll give you $5 to pick me up a pair of Locals slippers from the nearest CVS.
    • Run Ranger Run 10 Member Team Standings as of 1512 hours on 2/20. It’s tight:
      • #5 Okwata (507 miles)
      • #6 Rock City (494 miles)
      • #7 The Birdcage-1 (476 miles)
      • #8 Mothership (470 miles)
      • #10 Northshore (461 miles)
      • #18 HNJ (362 miles)