F3 New Orleans

Author: Rudy

  • IPC Week 3: The Backblast – from Goose

    YHC and Coyote rolled up to The Peltch a little early to measure out how far down the road we’d be running this morning. The atmosphere was thick and muggy, which only confirmed that it would be a painful one. But, having surrendered to it, and knowing we were not going to be grinding through it alone, we found ourselves rejoicing at every car that pulled into the parking lot, as if each additional PAX would somehow divide the pain among more of us.
    6:30 came quick, so we were off to the warmups: the usual with some additional mountain climbers to prep for the many burpees and man-makers to come.

    Moseyed with the blocks down the road to the area in the grass off the road exactly 200 meters from the gate. The playlist was a thing of beauty, if I may say so, and the timing of the songs couldn’t have been better (like “Livin’ on a Prayer” coming up at exactly “halfway there”), and Anker performed well. The inspiration of the music added to the inspiration of doing this for a fellow PAX who had lost his wife (accentuated by the heart-wrenching video shared on our GroupMe of the surprise candlelight vigil that his region arranged for him). The exercises were as follows:
    5 Rounds of:
    -20 overhead coupon presses
    -20 burpees
    -20 coupon curls
    -20 V-ups
    -20 goblet squats
    -13 man-makers (burpee with coupon)
    -400 meter run (to the gate and back) with an extra 400m run at the end of the 5th round
    This added up to 571 total reps, the number of days his wife fought pancreatic cancer before passing away.

    YHC didn’t expect that any of us would finish, especially with the longer warmup and the time it took to mosey with the blocks to the beatdown area. So, as we could no longer delay the inevitable, Michael Jackson kicked us off with “Bad”, and like pushing off from the top of a scary waterslide, there was no turning back. The experience of 20 burpees and 13 man-makers was as life-sucking as expected, and YHC found that the decision to just keep going without measuring what was left in the tank had to be made many, many times.

    YHC was buoyed by Montana, Cardinal, and Lil Cuz’s never quit attitude as well as the long-term tenacity of Enron and Yankee Joe. Coyote seemed to be enjoying himself, as usual, his mind in his happy place as he distractedly did what might resemble curls, presses, etc. After three rounds, YHC checked the watch and saw there were about 20 minutes left, and after some fatigue math, figured it might actually be possible to finish close to 7:30 if I pushed, though that wasn’t a very attractive option. Yankee and Enron weren’t far behind, so I knew the decision to finish at all cost wouldn’t just affect me. But, whatever song came on at the time reminded me why we were doing this, so if pride wouldn’t get me across the finish line, a suffering brother would.

    The 7:30 alarm went off, giving all who were on a tight schedule a reason to stop. YHC had four man-makers and 800m to go, so the decision to finish was an easy one. Yankee Joe wasn’t far behind, but it was the decision by the rest of the PAX, especially Montana, to accompany YHC on the final 800m run that was inspiring and greatly appreciated. Enron provided the push for the final sprint, and then we all collapsed like dead bodies scattered on a battlefield. The oxygen that seemed to have been in short supply up to that point tasted as sweet as food to a starving man, and we gulped it hungrily and gratefully.
    Slow moseyed to the flag with blocks on shoulders, COT, and Yank prayed us out.

    Mumblechatter afterward revolved around the unprecedented bio data, which was collected by what is still a variety of devices. This one was definitely a memory maker. YHC is extremely grateful for the men out there today and their willingness to dig deep, which is what it takes to forge true and lasting brotherhood. Honored to be joined with this crew in the trenches!
    SYITG,
    Goose

  • IPC Week 3 – Mrs. Burns – from Akbar

    Saturday, what a great day. YHC hasn’t really thought about it lately, but it’s true. As Wicket told me after Coffeeteria – On Saturdays I get to go to F3, wear my gym shorts all day, play with friends, don’t have to do school, and eat donuts and pancakes. That’s good, and so was the beatdown.

    YHC and Wicket arrived early to set up, seeing Pik and Speedy for the pre-thang 2miler. Circle up for the flag just in time to hear loud crying – Hammer brought Machete out for a beatdown. Machete cried pretty much the whole time, until we started the warmup. The cadence call was like a lullaby for the young man.

    Everyone arrived and we started out with warm ups x 10 IC, except for 1 exercise that was x9IC. SSH, arm circles front/back, imperial walkers, hillbillies, high knees, butt Kicks, self-love, toe touches, and grass grabbers.

    Grab blocks, head to the tree/start line and instructions were given.

    Week 3 was called Mrs. Burns, doing 571 reps to honor Kathleen Walzer and her fight with pancreatic cancer for 571 days.

    5 Rounds + one extra 400m run at the end. 571 reps for time

    20 Overhead Presses

    20 Burpees

    20 Curls

    20 V Ups

    20 Goblet Squats

    13 Manmakers

    400m run

    Grundy, Tank, and Steve were out of the gate fast. Wicket did some stuff, then put on my shades and decided to DJ for a while – then got back to work. This was brutal. The workout pretty much took everything out of you making the run harder. So instead of making up time on the run, it was more recovery. Halfway through a guy joined us that was unrecognizable, and I thought we may have another Fly By EH. But it turned out to be Gronk who we haven’t seen in a couple of years. Great to have you back man.

    T Claps to the top unofficial finishers, meaning the guys sitting on the wall while everyone else was still working hard. Grundy, Tanked Up, Steve, and Hammer

    Time called, with a short rest in the grass. A brief glimpse of Jose 10k holding Hammers legs over the seawall. YHC figured Machete had dropped a baby toy in the water. Hammer waded in the murky water to retrieve only his hat. Which is much better than dropping a toy.

    Head back to the flag just in time for Count and Nameorama.

    YHC closed us out with this prayer – which was said each day the Kathleen Welzer had pancreatic cancer:

    “Lord, we thank you for this day. A day we get to choose. We get to choose between darkness or light. Today, we choose light. Amen”

    Coffeeteria at Book and the Bean:

    Great work today guys, way to push hard and get it done. 1 more week and IPC is in the books.

    SYITG – Akbar

  • Just the Three of Us… – from Fast Tax

    Three PAX avoided the IPC madness for a day, choosing to venture forth to the Goldmine. YHC did not have a clue how many would heed the call, so a little over-preparation was necessary. Unfortunately, my plans largely anticipated at least four. Alas, that was not the case (thanks @Rudy) as some appeared to have slept in today. No matter, with a comfortable wind in our face, and YHC’s big bag of stuff, we endeavored to make it entertaining at least.

    Warmups were a sprinkle of Fast Tax favorites: Hairy Rockettes, Toy Soldiers, Mountain Goats, Nancy Kerrigans, and Manatees. Sufficiently warmed, it was time to see what YHC had in the bag…

    First item out of the bag was……drum roll……a balloon.

    Introducing a new Fast Tax creation; we’re calling it Plank Floaters (credit to Bogey and PVC for naming ideas).

    Plank Floaters begins with one PAX holding a balloon while the remaining PAX, in a plank position, create a circle around him. PAX count off (remembering their number) and the game begins with the PAX in the center calling out a number as he hits the balloon into the air. The PAX whose number is called must jump up and hit the balloon back up, before it touches the ground, while calling out another number. Meanwhile, after each PAX hits the balloon, they sprint to the spot around the circle just left open by the PAX they just called. If the balloon hits the ground or pops, all PAX do five burpees and then play resumes.

    YHC must note here that Plank Floaters was designed for a larger group and not a lot of wind. Nonetheless, we modified with no plank and the three of us just roving in and out keeping it in the air (windy). But, one person can’t touch it twice in a row. This mod made it a lot more aerobic since we had to essentially chase the balloon while avoiding obstacles and each other. By the end of the exercise, we had done 80 burpees.

    Putting away the last balloon, b/c YHC popped three of them, we reached in the bag for the next item – a disc…Disc Burpee anyone?

    Forming a triangle, the disc was thrown(?) from one PAX to the next, with PAX taking one step back for every rotation around the triangle. If you dropped or missed a disc that was catchable, you had 2 burpees. Conversely, if you overthrew or underthrew, you had 2 burpees. By the end, Bogie was the clear winner, having the fewest burpees, while YHC and PVC likely made it to the 100 burpee mark for the day.

    With time running out on our entertaining yet aerobic Friday fun, we headed to COT for Name-o-rama, announcements, intentions, and prayer.

    Thanks for the fellowship!
    SYITG

  • Moseying with Moby – from Jose10k

    Beautiful morning, beautiful sunrise, and perfect weather for a little beatdown. After a quick warmup, Moby and I decided to mosey around down town Covington. We stopped at the Rock Garden for some 30 for 30. Curls, squats, shoulder presses. 15 IC, two rounds. Then to the Gipper for some freak Nastys, leg raises, crunches, jane fondas, and calf raises. Some more moseying with a great history lesson of Covington. Moby has some great historical facts about downtown Covington, the water holes and prostitute homes were quite a lesson. Back to the top after two calf raises on each step. Once up at the top, 4 corners of 20 merkins each. Circled up and did 20 more merkins for an even 100, finished off with 3 minutes of stretches. COT, turkey trot is out there to sign up gentlemen. IPC tomorrow. Moby prayed us out. Thanks for letting me lead again. SYITG

  • Back in Black – from TurboTax

    Good to be back at The Gipper after an extended absence and while YHC actually was wearing a white t-shirt this morning, “Back in White” does not have the same cache’ as “Back in Black.” So there.

    White or black didn’t matter to the substance of the beatdown though. After a warmup of SSHs, shoulder taps, toe touches, Peter Parkers, seal jacks, Parker Peters, and windmills, it was off to Bedrock to kick off the Thang.

    Small boulders were identified and lifted in 90 degrees planes of motion as the PAX either re-habed or pre-habed their shoulders.

    Sufficiently warm, we moseyed to the Justice Center for an animal parade of sorts, Partner 1 performing an exercise (shoulder taps, plank reach throughs, 45 degree lunges, and curtsey squats) while Partner motored about 40 yards and back (bear crawls, reverse bear crawls, ostrich walks, gorilla walks, lateral lunges, crabwalks, and giraffe walks).

    Back to the shovel flag for some Mary with dynamic back and the side planks.

    Countorama, nameorama and then Einstein prayed us out.

    Nice to be back in the PAX. Thanks as always for letting me lead.

  • Stations and Decking – from Fracsac

    11 Pax at El Diablo to get stronger, witness the bat and the wood, and to partake in some COT Coffeteria.

    Warmup with the regular warmup stuff, although many strange looks when moving on without any MNC.

    First up, Stations. There were coupons and a sandbag, a jump rope and a battle rope. There were also two cones. The timer was bear crawl 25 yards, then have LBC station throw the football. A clean catch and we rotate, a dropped pass and we all do 5 burpees. We did a few…..

    After one full rotation, off to giant deck of death!
    Diamonds – 8 count body builders
    Hearts – Big Boi sit-ups
    Spades – Squats
    Clubs – Flutter Kicks

    After a bunch of cards, left enough time for one more round of stations.

    COT

    Coffeteria at the flag.

    NMM

    YHC woke up early to grind some PJs Anniversary Blend beans and brew about 60 ounces of awesome coffee with the French Press! Great opportunity to mingle post beat down!

    Mahatma was key in fixing our battle rope bench.

    Passed the bat around during name-o-rama. The bat is going limp…..?

    SYITG

  • Stupid is is Stupid Does – from Goose

    Armed with his trusty Anker, YHC rolled up to The Stage to a solid crew that included the newly minted Lil’ Cuz and an FNG from Cardinal’s parish in Chackbay (which was somewhat overdue for the king of EH-ing). After a lengthy disclaimer and a warmup of the usual, Anker was fired up, and YHC explained the culture of epic movies back in the day. When a big budget movie came out, everyone saw it dozens of times, quoted it for years, and it defined culture for decades. Though that happens more rarely these days given the glut of video media produced, YHC though it important to dive into one of the greatest epics of the 90’s, Forrest Gump.
    Using highlights from the soundtrack, we took a trip with Tom Hanks through the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, with a different exercise for each song (each played to the end, Paradox) as follows:

    * Hound Dog: Mountain climbers for the duration, 2 Carolina Dry Docks on “hound dog”
    * Walk Right in: Imperial Walker’s for the duration, prisoner squats on “sit right down”
    * Land of 1000 dances: Q calls different core exercises (cuz of all the dances), 100’s on “Na-nas”
    * Blowing in the wind: burpees for the duration, rest on refrain (How many burpees must a man throw down, before he can break for oxygen? The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind…)
    * Fortunate Son: Chinooks for the duration, genuflection on “It ain’t me”
    * California Dreaming: SSH for the duration, Bonnie Blairs on “California dreaming” (2:1–you know, cuz she’s a speed skater…on ice…”on such a winter’s day”)
    * For what it’s worth: side plank, Mission Impossible plank for refrain, then switch sides (elbows in, Montana!)
    * Volunteers of America: bear crawl in a circle, switch to crab walk at “revolution” (once per refrain)
    * Let’s get together: Partner 1, back plank, feet on the back of Partner 2 who’s high planking, switch on refrain
    * Turn Turn Turn: wife pleasers, switch to J-Los on “Turn, Turn, Turn”, then back to wife pleasers, etc. (required some Q tweaking to even it out).

    The Pax enjoyed commentary comparing the lack of creativity in lyrics from the 50’s and early 60’s to Lil’ John’s “Turn Down for What” as well as Lil’ Cuz’s rookie realization that songs used in beatdowns are forever ruined and have to henceforth be removed from all playlists. Thankfully, most of these weren’t on any of his playlists.
    Count-off and name-off, including the naming of the FNG, which required an explanation as to how F3 names work, though Paradox wasn’t there for the standard example, so Enron had to suffice.
    Welcome to the crew, Super Fun! Excellent work, especially in having to approach a group of strange, middle-aged men standing in a circle in the dark and letting another man put his beefy, sweaty legs on your back. Looking forward to seeing you out there Saturday!
    COT and Lil’ Cuz prayed us out.
    Thanks for posting, gents! It’s an honor to be joined by you in the gloom!
    SYITG,
    Goose

  • Return to the Marsh – from Akbar

    YHC was excited to return to the Marsh after missing a couple of weeks due to travel. Looking forward to seeing everyone and the traditional catch up on the weekend mosey to the Lakefront. At 5:13, looked like I would be talking to myself this gloom. At the last minute, Pik came running up and we got to work.

    Warm Up
    SSH, Self-Love, Butt kicks, Imperial Walkers, High Knees, and some other stuff

    Short Mosey to the playground for 3 sets of 10: Australian Pullups and Mountain Climbers

    Mosey to Rips, stopping at each intersection for Merkins and Sumo Squats, tempo style. 12 IC, 8 IC, 5 IC

    11’s at Rips. Plank Jacks and Bobby Hurley’s with a run up the stairs + 20 calf raises each round. Calf raises were cut out halfway to save time and make sure we could walk the rest of the day. Quick Hello from Pik’s M on her morning walk, asking if we were trespassing and we finished up at 5:50

    Mosey back to center court stopping a few times for Merkins and Sumo Squats. Mary was Heels to Heaven and LBC’s.

    Count, Name, and YHC prayed us out.

    Till next Gloom 👊 – Akbar

  • We Only Lost One – from MANCHOVY

    We started simply enough with 24 PAX and a mosey to the field in front of the zoo for a warm-o-rama which included SSH x 20, arm circles forward and backwards x 12 each, Windmills x 15, Peter Parkers and Parker Peters x 15. Then it was over to the Audubon statue for BLIMPS.

    Following the BLIMPS it was over to the levee for 7s with squat jumps at the bottom and Jack Webbs at the top of the levee. Afterwards we planked on the railroad while the PAX on the end did 5 merkins, ran to the end of the line, and re-planked. After two rounds it was back to the statue for right and left leg step ups, dips and a round Mary. We lost one PAX sometime during the above.

    We returned to the flag for count-o-rama with 23 PAX, the name-o-rama and welcomed FNG #Slow Poke .