F3 New Orleans

Tag: The Muscleship

  • Mahatma Modified

    Oh sure, Mahatma will blame it on being unable to hear the Q, or faulty Q instructions, or the Q just not knowing what the heck he was doing. All of which might be true. But on this glorious morning in City Park, Mahatma Modified.

    06:15: YHC joined Rev-Sox and others at the Peristyle for a round of prayer and stretching Thank you, Rev Sox, for getting this started. What a great way to welcome the morning and get ready for the workout.

    06:25: YHC bolts from the Peristyle to try and get back to MOMA and the Muscleship in time for his Q. Arrives at 6:28:30 to see a group of PAX questioning whether their Q would arrive. As expected, Bogey seemed to be in charge of the muttering and grumbling. Welcome back, Bogey!

    06:30: With a disclaimer, PAX are off – short mosey (WATCH OUT FOR THE CARS) to the Great Lake for a quick warmup watching the sunrise. SSH, Windmills, IW, Grass grabbers. Just enough to get the heart pumping. Then an Indian Run over to the Cinderblocks to get started.

    The Thing

    Grab a cinderblock.

    Round 1: Shoulder Press, Curl, Row x20. Then bear crawl about 30-40 yards, dragging your cinderblock. Some PAX took to throwing the cinderblock. YHC decided that was legal form, as long as PAX did not leave bear crawl form. Much fun had by all, so do the same – and bear crawl back to the starting line.

    Bogey relied on a note from his “doctor” (going by the name “Walleye”) as an excuse to modify his bear crawl.

    Round 2: Shoulder Press, Curl, Row x15. Then duck walk the same distance, again dragging your cinderblock. Again, throwing was deemed acceptable as long as one did not egregiously abandon duck walk stance. Then repeat and return to the starting line.

    Pop Tart’s form is impeccable. All duck-walking-wannabes: take time to watch Pop Tart, and marvel at how his butt can be that close to the grass whilst he walks. Watch and learn and imitate. YHC’s form is, uh, less-good than that.

    Round 3: Shoulder Press, Curl, Row x10. This time crab walk the same distance, again dragging your cinderblock. As YHC started his trek across the field – he saw the sight he never expected to see. Mahatma not following instructions. Instead of dragging, he CARRIED his cinderblock in his lap while crab-walking. Now – that may be just as hard, if not harder. But none-the-less – IT WAS A MODIFICATION.

    Return the cinderblocks. We’ve got more stuff to do.

    More Things

    Quick stop by Tool’s Wall for 2 rounds of Calf-Raise/Monkey Humber combo.

    Quick stop by the Foundry for everyone to get 10 full Pull Ups in. PAX plank while groups went to get their 10 done – using spotter’s as necessary. And for YHC, spotting was definitely necessary (thank you, Mahatma!)

    Indian Run back to the field for a game YHC learned in Houston.

    Ka-Burpee

    Divide into two teams each taking half of a very-imprecisely laid out field (roughly 15 yards across, each half about 30 yards deep). The game:

    PAX from one team crosses the line. Has 30 seconds to tag one member of the other team, then race back across the line to his original side of the field. Upon tagging an opponent, all members of opposing team do 1 burpee, then try to catch the tagger before he crosses back over the line. If the tagger is caught, his team does 5 burpees. If not, the taggee’s team does 5 more burpees.

    Trust me, it makes a bit more sense when you actually play it.

    Cycle through until everyone gets a turn as tagger. Strategies evolved, including Walleye using a Full Takedown maneuver to ensure Tanner would not make it back over the line. Nicely played!

    COT

    Hydrate hydrate hydrate. Then circle up for count-off, announcements (including a definition of CSAUP – Complete Stupid and Utterly Pointless event. Lets get some on the calendar!) Then clone in for a very very sweaty ball of man, and finish with a prayer – as always for YHC, ending with St. Ignatius’ Prayer for Generosity.

    Thank you all for allowing me the opportunity to lead.

  • No Fancy names today….

    No fancy name but hopefully a little pain; that was the mantra going into my VQ. 12 Pax braved the heat and humidity of an August morning to get better physically and mentally.  

    Throughout the week leading up to the big event, I went back and forth thinking, “Would the beatdown be tough enough?  Do we need more to fill the time?”   About 20 minutes in after YHC was sucking wind, and judging by the groans coming from the other Pax, those questions were answered.  

    Gave the disclaimer and we did a quick mosey around NOMA before circling up for some warmups in cadence.  

    • SSH x 20
    • Kettle Bell Squats x 20
    • Peter Parkers x 20
    • Shoulder taps x 20 each shoulder
    • Arm circles – 20 forward and 20 backwards 

    From here we lined up in 2 groups and did an Indian Run from NOMA down to the entrance of the park (Carrollton) and back up heading to the Foundry.  

    Once we reached the Foundry the Pax split into groups at 5 stations for a Tabata workout of 45 seconds on, with a 10 second break in between stations.  We completed AMRAP and did 3 rounds of the following:

    • Jump squats
    • Carolina dry docks
    • Single leg jump lunges
    • Pull-ups
    • Dips

    After completing the 3 rounds we moseyed back to the field in front of NOMA, where there were 4 cones spread about 20 yards apart in a square formation.  The Pax formed 4 groups with 3 at each cone.  Moving clockwise, each Pax had to bear crawl to the first cone and wait for all Pax to reach their cone.  While waiting for the 6, Pax were to assume a squat position.  

    Once everyone reached the cone, the Pax did 10 burpees.  Next cone was a crab walk with the same instructions (hold squat waiting for the six and then 10 burpees).  We repeated the same pattern for the remaining 2 cones for a quick 40 burpees after both bear crawls and crab walks. 

    After a short 20 count break, we regrouped lining up with the first tree and did an all- out sprint (40-50 yds).  We repeated this for a total of 4 sprints.  

    With a solid 6 minutes or so remaining, we circled up for some core exercises called out by different Pax.  From memory we did:

    Wife pleasers

    Hey mary? (Probably butchered the actual name)

    Side leg lifts

    Dying Cockroach

    Reverse cork screw? (See above)

    LBC

    Crunchy frogs

    1-2 other core 

    Finally we finished in the CoT for the conclusion with the NOR, announcements, intentions and prayer.  

    With the exception of YHC losing his car key, it was a great first Q, and I appreciate everyone coming out and posting.  Also,  big thanks to everyone for helping me look afterwards for the missing key, albeit without any success.  And lastly, thank you to Thumb War for the ride home.  

    Enjoyed the opportunity to lead and SYITG!


  • The Wrath of Barry

    Jim Cantore scared all of New Orleans when he unexpectedly showed up at the New Orleans Lakefront this week. The F3 Nola Pax were confused, as his appearance at Okwata was on Friday, which was a day late, Okwata workout is Thursday. So several Pax reached out to him on Da Twitter to see if he would join us in City Park for the Mothership, but it wasn’t meant to be.

    7 pax defied the media sensationalism of a hurricane doomsday scenario and showed up expecting a Catfish style beat down, which always leaves us nothing short of spent. But Catfish had to head out of town, and passed the Q to YHC. So, as the clock struck 0630, time for a brief disclaimer, in the cool breezy dry conditions, and mosey to the Great Lawn. During the warmup, the 3 pax from the Muscleship joined us for a United City Park beat down, bringing us to 10. Jim Cantore wishes he had shown up!

    Warmup
    SSH IC x 31
    Imperial Walkers IC x 20
    grass grabbers IC x 10
    Abe Vigodas IC x 10
    Arm Circles IC x 20
    Peter Parker IC x 20
    mountain climber IC x 20
    Parker Peter IC x 20

    Mosey to the first tree on the great lawn for a Catfish classic.
    But first, 10 Burpees OYO just to get the attention of the pax.
    Starting at first tree, bear crawl two trees, complete 10 merkins.
    Crabwalk two trees and complete 10 merkins.
    Bear crawl two trees and complete 10 merkins, followed by 10 burpees.
    Mosey back to street in front of the peristyle.

    Indian run to the Foundry.

    Stations at the Foundry
    5 Stations, 2 pax per station.
    Station 1 – Big Boi Sit-ups AMRAP
    Station 2 – Pull-ups AMRAP
    Station 3 – Ski jump the snake AMRAP
    Station 4 – Merkins AMRAP
    Station 5 – Run to the Bike Track, complete 12 Burpees and run back – Timer

    Divide Pax in two squads, 5 in each squad. Squad 1 completes 20 Merkins IC while Squad 2 holds a 90 degrees flexed arm hang. Flap Jack.
    Rinse and Repeat for a total of 2 full rounds.

    Mosey to the bike track and count off 1,2,1,2 etc. Line up in two columns for Bataan Death March. YHC indicated this was a race. Last man in the column drops off for 3 Burpees and sprints to the front. Continue for a full mile around the bike trail.
    YHC isn’t sure which column finished first, as all gave their best. With that said, we’re all winners for being there! #HIMS

    Complete 2 more rounds of 10 merkins and 90 degrees flexed arm hangs.

    Mosey to the fountain/pond in front of NOMA and hand off the Q to Bongo for a Muscleship finale.

    Dips IC x 20
    Low slow squats IC x 20
    Right leg step ups IC x 15
    Left Leg Step ups IC x 15
    Incline merkins IC x 20
    Low plank for 1 minute
    Decline merkins IC x 20
    LBC’s IC x 30
    *Note – YHC May have it a bit out of order, but that’s pretty much what happened, leaving us all spent.

    COT
    Count off, name-o-Rama, announcements, intentions, and closed with a prayer. During the COT is when Barry decided to show, which drenched the Pax.

    Good times followed the beat down with Coffeteria at Cafe Navarre. Jim Cantore would be jealous if he knew…..his loss!

    Thanks for posting with me today and for allowing me to be a part of such a great group.

    SYITG





  • Stairway to 7

    16 men met in the early morning sweltering humidity known as a typical NOLA morning gloom in July.  QIC was anxious to get back to an F3 regiment after returning from a beach vacation where most exercise was pulling chairs and ice chest to and from the beach….oh and a fair amount of adult beverages!  Thinking most that might show up for his Q would anticipate a block beat down, thought was given during the 4 hour drive home as to how this Muscleship Q would go.  Ah the tree line near NOMA brought back memories of one of the toughest obstacles ever done…..the climb of stair way to heaven (details given during the workout, you had to be there to understand).  So using this as motivation the stair way to 7 was concocted!

    Disclaimer then encouragement that in order to grow one has push beyond one’s comfort zone!

    Mosey around the field, then line up tree alternating legs 7 each front leg lifts, right then left side lung.

    Circle up – all in cadence x 7

    Peter Parkers

    Merkins

    Scorpion kicks left & right leg

    Country crab leg lift to a dip

    Side Straddle Hops

    The journey to the stairway to 7!

    1st Climb UP:

    Line up tree 0

    One double under

    Run to tree 1

    Two Merkins

    Run to tree 2

    Three double unders

    Run to tree 3

    Four Merkins

    Run to tree 4

    Five double unders

    Run to tree 5

    Six Merkins

    Run to tree 6

    7 of each double under / merkins

    All of finish go directly to plank waiting and active recovering until the 6

    30 seconds rest

    1st Climb DOWN – Descending double

    At Tree 6

    7 ea double under / merkins

    Run to tree 5

    6 ea

    Run to tree 4

    5 ea

    Complete the descent until tree 0 reached and 1ea double under / merkin

    1 minute rest

    2nd Climb UP

    Same concept except this time the effort doubles

    Tree 0

    2 Carolina Dry Docks

    BEAR CRAWL between trees.

    Tree 1

    4 Carolina Dry Docks

    Then

    6, 8, 10, 12, 14

    Again once finish hold a plank and wait with active recovery.  30 secs rest

    2nd Climb Down

    Same concept except this time add plank jacks after Dry Docks

    At Tree 6

    14 ea Dry Docks /  Plank Jacks

    Run, Mosey or Slow Mosey between trees

    12 ea

    same

    10 ea

    Complete the descent until tree 0 reached and 2ea Dry Docks / Plank Jacks completed

    3rd Climb Up

    Partner up

    At Tree 0

    Pax 1 sits with arms extended out in a cross; Pax 2 performs a Merkin then jumps over one arm of Pax 1 and completes another Merkin.

    Pax 2 and Pax 1 flap jack the movement.

    NOW Pax 2 on the ground flips to extend legs for Pax 1 to grab in order to wheelbarrow to Tree 1.

    At tree 1 Pax 2 remains on the ground, extends arms Pax 1 will do the Merkin/Jump over 2 times. Then flap jack the movement.  This time Pax 1 will be the wheelbarrow to tree 2.

    This continues to tree 6 with the Merkin/jump over rising to 7 each side.

    Once complete mosey to get water.

    Final Climb 7 min AMRAP: (2) 3 min with a 1 min rest in between

    7 squat jumps

    7 incline merkins

    7 decline merkins

    Run across the short width of the field and back

    repeat

    Circle Up for Mary:

    2 min plank – start at low plank 30sec – rise to high plank 15sec then in cadence 7 opposite hand to foot touches, transition back to low plank

    1 min rest

    Rinse and repeat.

    Then in cadence 7 scoops, 7 flutter kicks, 7 V Ups

    Head to the flag……wait 1 minute: 7 Burpees OYO

    DONE!

    COT – Life is a bless and we know not the day or time.  Reflection of the 4 young girls (3 recent LSU graduates) that were tragically killed in a helicopter crash over the Holiday week.  Stay focused to be appreciative, open to forgive as well as being forgiven.  God Bless!

  • “Modify only if you need to, not cause you want to”

    “Success isn’t always about ‘greatness’.  It’s about consistency.  Consistent hard work gains success.  Greatness will come.”   -Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson 

    Another fine Saturday at the Muscleship on 6/22.  Fifteen PAX trickled in to start the day off right and get their sweaty fix.  With the Memorial Day Murph a few weeks prior, YHC felt many/all of us could some help improving our pull ups, so that would be our focus of the day….upper body, grip strength, arms, core, back, etc.  Here’s what we did:  

    Warmup in front of NOMA with SSH x20, IWx20, WM x10, Bird Dog x20, Glute Bridge x20, 60 Sec AC (R T-plank AC , LBC, L T-plank AC, Merkins) x15ea

    Mosey toward the Refinery with a pit stop for:  plank, Merkins x10, plank, Merkins x5

    The Refinery – 6 station circuit w/Tabata timer, all out for 40sec, 12 sec rest/rotate       “Modify only if you need to, not cause you want to”         Round 1 – Pullups, Squats, Body Rows, Block Curls, Bench Dips, Glute Bridge aka Wife Pleasers         Round 2 – Rinse and repeat        Break for a breather and some motivational experts compliments of Google and The Rock         Round 3 – Dead Hang, Squats, Dips/Dip Hold, Block Curls, Inc Merkin, Glute Bridge        Round 4 – Rinse and repeat

    Mosey back towards base where we crossed paths with The Muscleship Pax. Made another pit stop on the curb for:  Plank, Plank Jacks, & Merkins

    Next up was a mosey to the edge of the new sculpture garden expansion where we found the finest grass City Park has to offer for: Planking and Bird Dogs 

    Then back to the NOMA lawn for some back and core work:  Indian Bear Crawl,  LBC, Flutter Kicks, IBC, Lunge Walk, Bear Crawls

    COT to seal the deal.  Welcome FNG Snowbird who was EH’d by Gatsby.   

    Always great to lead and always great to grind through another F3 workout.  Sorry for the delayed backblast. 

    Tool 

  • Rumble with the MotherShip Marauders

    What a blessing to be standing in the early morning Summertime bright gloom for a Saturday MuscleShip adventure through the park. 7 Pax gathered a short disclaimer of self awareness of safety and effort was given and the fun began.

    Mosey to the baby foundry – along our route we picked up Grimace so QIC was happy with an even number for partner workouts planned. We circle up for a quick warm up:

    Slow toe touches with a hold at the bottom x 10

    Slow right leg lunch with a hold x 5 – repeat left leg x 5

    SSH x 20

    Michael Phelps x 10

    Peter Parkers x 15

    Partner up – Pax moved over to the pull up bars – idea was every Pax was to complete 10 dead hang pull ups with a spot from their partner. QIC noticed at the recent Murph, most (including the QIC) would resort to short-arming pullups especially as we got tired.  Using a spot helps work on form, confidence and strength.  After the 1st set each, PAX would do 20 LBCs or WWII sit ups, then repeat.

    Mosey over to the block pile (QIC came prepared, dropping off cones prior to meeting at AO), we only had 8 and there was a plan to use the tires (that have surprisingly be left untouched by City Park staff). As the MuscleShip Pax was focused on getting our gear in place and the “workout” task ahead, who should arrive but a group of unruly marauders of the Mothership, asserting claim to all the blocks and open space for themselves.  They attempted to intimidate the smaller Pax of 8 yet, QIC felt confident in our ability to out perform even the loudest chirping Cotter from their group.  Most had a hard time staying focused on their workout as they watched in awe of the sweat generating effort the MuscleShip Pax of 8.

    The Thang on Display –

    Two groups of partners (4 Pax) – 2 large tires.

    One Pax on his back leg pressing the tire while the partner stood in the tire adding extra weight. This did take some balance and coordination – lagniappe to the work.

    Each Pax did 50 leg presses and 25 chest press – flip flop.

    The other group of 4 –

    Pax 1 farmer carry blocks from one end of cones to the next, while Pax 2 does Squat Press – as Pax 1 is on his way back switch to prisoner overhead squat press.

    Flip Flop

    Now All 4 Pax lined up at cones did one push up on the block – 2 Over Head Lunge – 2 push ups with 4 Over Head Lunge – 3 push ups with 6 Over Head Lunge until reaching the other end of cones, RUN back with block over head. Rinse and Repeat.

    Finally – block around the trunk – PAX partners standing back to back pass the block x 10 each direction.

    FLIP FLOP with the PAX on the Tires.

    NOTE: MotherShip Marauders midway through seeing this beatdown effort couldn’t “stand” around any longer so they quietly returned their blocks and moseyed off to “Merryland”……to be seen again later at coffeteria!   Great stories of workout beatdowns were shared along with “catfishing” tales.

    MuscleShip Pax returned out gear (blocks and tires) yet still had something left in the tank…..so behind the pace of GreenScreen we headed back to the Museum fountain.

    20 incline merkins followed by 7 in unison inchworm burpees.

    Mosey over to the tree field for some core:

    1 minute low plank

    1 minute of scoops

    1 minute of flutter kicks

    1 minute of high plank

    1 minute of stretching

    The mission was accomplished!

    COT – After namorama and prayer of thanks giving – the PAX broke for the day!

    I’m grateful to have the opportunity to lead as well as the camaraderie that comes with being an F3 brother. We hold a bond of accountability – even when meeting up with (or at times being) Marauders!

  • 21’s at the Muscleship

    YHC saw the previous week that the Mucsleship did not have a Q and took the opportunity Q his first visit to the Muscleship.  Quick disclaimer was given and warm up.

    Warm-Up

    Smurf Jacks x 21

    Imperial Walkers x 21 (the PAX quickly saw a theme but were incorrect YHC did not hit the black jack tables the night before)

    Seal Jacks x 21

    Grass Grabbers x 21

    Wind Mills x 21

    21’s – I had seen this in a back blast from Fracsac not long ago and saw it at the top of the exercise list on the F3 website.  SSH were the exercise of choice and this a more of a mental test than physical test.  YHC would count in cadence to 5 and then the PAX would have to count in their head and stop right at 21.  If the PAX stopped before or after YHC there would be a penalty.  To my surprise our attempt at this was a success and no penalty was levied.

    Bear Crawl Ring of Fire

    PAX remained circled up and bear crawled in a circle until YHC said stop and then YHC did 10 merkins while the PAX planked and once each PAX completed 10 merkins the bear crawled continued.  Two rounds was enough to get the juices flowing.

    Thang 1

    Dirty McDuce

    Round 1

    Derkins x 12

    Right Leg Step Ups x 12

    Dying Cockroach x 12

    Lap around the museum

    Round 2

    Shoulder Taps x12

    Left Leg Step Ups x 12

    Russian Twists x 12

    Lap around the museum (during which YHC was advised by Frac that there should have been a penalty on the 21’s as Screw Top finished after YHC, turns out my back was to Screw Top and missed him finishing late.  We will tests the group one the 21’s again later).

    Round 3

    Irkins x 12

    Squats x 12

    Freddie Mercuries x 12

    Lap around the museum

    Round 4

    Floyd Mayweahter’s x 12

    Box Jumps x 12

    Hello Dolly x12

    Lap around the museum

    Thang 2

    Good ole Route 66

    1 Burpee at tree one and lunge walk to tree two

    2 Burpee’s at tree two and lunge walk to tree three

    And repeat until we hit tree 11 for 11 Burpee’s

    Now that everyone’s was gas tank was approaching empty YHC decided to once again test the mental strength of the group and we revisited the 21 exercise.  This time keeping a close eye on Screw Top who was clearly focused on the task at hand but could not match YHC cadence.  I will take the blame for that but alas this time a penalty of 10 Burpee’s was levied to the group.

    Thang 3

    Hurricane Hoedown

    This consist of 7 rounds of 4 variations on flutter kicks with each round reducing the count by 1.

    Each round we did the following flutter kicks: hands raised, hands out in front, on your elbows and then standard flutter kick.

    The PAX assisted YHC with someone taking a round.

    Last of the exercise was two rounds of merkin ring of fire with each PAX doing 10 merkins and planking while the others completed their merkins.

    With a little time on the clock YHC thought it would be a good idea to do some stretching when Kenna Brah volunteered to lead the stretching.  We will spare the details but it will be a long time before YHC entrusts Kenna Brah to close out the workout with some “good stretches.” 

    COT

    Count O Rama, Name O Rama, announcements, intentions and prayer.  As always it is an honor to lead and workout with the F3 brotherhood.  SYITG.

  • Get out of bed sleepy head!

    Whenever I sign up to Q or when someone signs me up to Q (Fracsac, Hawgcycle, Tool, et. al., there is always a nervous energy that starts to build up until the morning of the beatdown. I’m not exactly sure what causes that. Maybe its leading the PAX, maybe its the unspoken expectations of a great workout, maybe its the work that will be required, or maybe its the bean burrito I ate the night before. Well, whatever it is, the date on the calendar doesn’t move no matter what happens the day before. I can’t let my F3 brothers down!

    DISCLAIMER AND WARM UP

    Arrive at the virtual flag in front of NOMA, give the disclaimer and then take off to the coupon pile by Tad Gormley. Man, that is far! Maybe we can move the AO to the baby foundry to be more centrally located to the coupons, but I digress. We arrive at the coupon pile and break the pax up into groups of three (3). 2 pax members grab one coupon each and the other pax member grabs two coupons as we head to the field next to Roosevelt mall. Circle up for a warmup of 20 SSH, 20 Hacky Sacks, 20 High Knees and 20 Butt Kicks, and 20 J-Lows all IC.

    THE THANG

    Line up in groups of three facing the sidewalk of Roosevelt Mall and perform the following exercises.

    PAX 1 (Timer) – Farmers carry two coupons to the sidewalk and back (25 yards). PAX 2 – Burpee broad jump three (3) times out and three (3) times back. PAX 3 – Thrusters with coupon. 2 rounds

    PAX 1 (Timer) – Farmers carry two coupons to the sidewalk and back (25 yards). PAX 2 – Lunge walk with coupon overhead five (5) times out and five times (5) back. PAX 3 – WW2 situps with coupon. 2 rounds

    PAX 1 (Timer) – Farmers carry two coupons to the sidewalk and back (25 yards). PAX 2 – Side lunge with coupon five (5) times out and five times (5) back. PAX 3 – Sundial – plank walk in a circle with feet on a coupon. 2 rounds

    THANG TWO (2)

    Absolution x 10 IC, Angle Grinder x 10 IC and A.L.A.R.M. (Shoulder press, lunge, LBC, run to the sidewalk and back, and mountain climbers all with a coupon.

    Put the coupons back, headed back to the virtual flag and was incensed that the Mothership crew was tresspassing and, of course, mumblechatter ensued :-). With a few minutes left, we do some mobility to cool down.

    COUNTOFF, NAMERAMA and CIRCLE OF TRUST

    So honored to lead such a great group of men. Prayed for Rudy’s father, for the safety of Amanda Eller (she is the niece of my mentor and is the missing woman in Hawaii) and that we would positively impact others by being involved and virtuous.

  • Adapt, Improvise, Overcome!

    YHC had a different title in mind for the beatdown today, but God had other plans. YHC arrived at the Muscleship AO ten minutes early in real gloom, rain and lightening. Catfish was already in place and doing somersaults in the rain. Then Bogey appeared out of the gloom. At this point, there was no turning back. The Muscleship flag was planted as a total of ten PAX arrived, including Pace Car from Houston, ready to conquer the day. YHC is not creative, but made a feeble attempt to be creative with an animal themed workout to satisfy Kuch’s recent fascination with animal exercises; however, Abacus quickly pointed out a obvious missed opportunity for a Star Wars theme being May 4th (May the Fourth be With You)! Again, creativity is not YHC’s area of strength.

    Warm-up

    As leaders we have the responsibility of the safety of those we lead. With lightening in the area, an open field, and a shovel flag built out of metal pipe, YHC made the decision to adapt the planned beatdown to avoid the lightening. A short mosey was made to the overhang at the entrance of NOMA for a warmup IC, as follows x 25: SSH, Hill Billies, Arm circles (x 10 each direction), Grass Grabbers, Plank Jacks, Abe Vigodas (x15).

    The Thang

    We moseyed to a nearby pavilion for the amended beatdown and were greeted with music and booths for the Daiquiri Run, where the pre-race prep involved libations and cigarettes. There was mumble chatter about registering for the race to exude dominance over the smoker division, but the PAX chose a wet, semi-animal themed beatdown. We opted for the neighboring play area, which provided little shelter from the rain or the lightening, but it’s what we had. As an added bonus, we were treated to an unexpected test of mental toughness by having to dodge garbage strewn throughout the play area. An immune builder technique for the PAX and the children of NOLA.

    In lieu of an animal theme suicide routine, the PAX performed alligator merkins, dragon walks, frog hops, and bear crawls at the distance of two support poles per exercise.

    Next, the PAX paired off for DORA 1-2-3 consisting of 100 crunchy frogs, 200 incline merkins, and 300 LSS. A 363 routine of merkins and LSS was completed, with some confusion over the Q’s cadence. Tclaps to the PAX for staying with it.

    Then some Mary consisting of the following x 20: side lunges, tin snips, LBCs, penguins, and Freddy Mercury.

    Next, the PAX formed a circle and executed a Ring of Fire using burpees and LSS, x5 each.

    The PAX moseyed back to the flag just in time for the lightening and rain to stop. With two minutes left, the PAX completed monkey humpers x 20 and smurf jacks x 15.

    COT: Count off, name-o-rama, announcements, intentions and a prayer. Tclaps to the PAX for showing up on a truly gloomy Saturday; staying with it through less than ideal conditions; and helping me adapt, improvise, and overcome. It’s truly an honor to be part of such a great group of men and even more of an honor to be given an opportunity to lead them.

  • 21 – Blackjack Baby!

    So I googled “blackjack quotes” and the following was the first one that appeared.

    “I like to play Blackjack. I am not addicted to gambling. I am addicted to sitting in a semi circle. ” Modify as needed – “I like the count-off and name-o-rama and intentions. I am not addicted to F3. I am addicted to the COT and standing in a circle.”

    The Lakeview clown car pulled up to the front of the museum with just a few minutes to spare this morning. After a quick disclaimer, the PAX moseyed for a warm-up run around the Museum and settled back on the grass in front of the lake for warm-ups as follows:

    SSH x 21, Windmills x 21, Peter Parkers x 21, Nolan Ryan x 21 (R & L), Merkins x 21 (this was input from youngest son last night when planning Q) and finish warm-up with some self love for one minute.

    Thang 1 – searched the F3 lexicon last night and stumbled across the “Blackjack” – we moseyed back to the area by the Muscleship flag, look up and see the Mothership PAX approaching/crossing the railroad tracks – like a scene from West Side Story, Romeo & Juliet, or possibly Revenge of the Nerds, a battle seemed imminent. Some mumblechatter ensued between the PAX and the Mothership PAX proceed to greet us with monkey humpers, but the Muscleship PAX cannot be distracted and remained focused on the beatdown and the F3 task at hand. Blackjacks – similar to 11’s, but better – ie. 21’s. Start with one Merkin, run three trees, then 20 LBC’s. Continue 21’s until 20 merkins and 1 LBC. The PAX powered through the end for the last 20 merkins. Apologies to Chips for not providing clearer instructions to the PAX. You may have done a few more LBC’s but your abs will be thanking you tomorrow.

    Thang 2 – continuing with the “21” theme we moseyed to the neutral ground in front of NOMA and lined up in single file line facing the museum for some 21’s. SSH x 5 in cadence. SSH 6-21 done in silence and PAX to stop at 21. Abacus, the Q, lost count and did one too many. No penalty burpees.

    Thang 3 – son Joel suggested toe-taps, aka Rocky Balboa’s. So the PAX did 100 Rocky Balboa’s on neutral ground by NOMA. 20 second rest then another 100 Rocky Balboa’s.

    Thang 4 – sensing the PAX shoulders were still steaming from the 21’s, we altered the Q’s plan and moseyed to the deck in front of the lake by NOMA. Time for some leg work. “Aiken legs” done in succession with no rest – Squats x 21, Lunges x 21, Box jumps/step-ups x 21, and Monkey Humpers x 21. 20 count recovery. Rinse and repeat a second time. The Q did not want the legs to miss out on the work-out.

    Thang 5 – short mosey back to the flag for the “Bear Crawl Ring of Fire” – circle up near flag and bear crawl in counter-clockwise motion. Upon direction from Q, stop and do 10 merkins. Resume bear crawl again. 10 additional merkins. Close out the last few minutes with some flutter kicks x 21 and warrior one stretch poses.

    Circle-up for count-off, name-o-rama, announcements, and intentions. Thanks to Kenner-Brah for reminding the 10 PAX of the importance of thankfulness and gratitude. Well said. Weather was perfect this morning, with sunrise over the lake by NOMA, slight breeze. Soon enough we will be working out in the “dog days” of summer. Thankful for the support and opportunity to lead the PAX this morning.