Category: New Orleans

  • My Friend aNDy – from Rudy

    YHC brought his friend, aNDy, and a playlist out to Swolefest to start the week off right

    16 PAX circled up in the gloom. That was a bit more than YHC had expected, so I went digging under LCM to find a “friend” for aNDy: the “Block-and-a-half” that the Swolefest guys seem to either Love or Hate (depends on who you ask).

    Quick warmup with some stretching, SSH, IW, and Peter Parkers. Then we’ll get jiggy with it…

    The Thang:

    First, introduce our two friends. Mall Cop and Cracklin’ generously volunteered to be guinea pigs. They were instructed to lift our friends above their heads (no elbow locking!). Now the PAX were informed that those two coupons were not to come below eye level for the rest of the workout, or there would be burpees. So Mall Cop and Cracklin’ continued to hold them up high while YHC slowly explained the rest of the workout.

    First, lets start the playlist:

    Amnesty: I hope this one was a bit more acceptable than the last one (though 80s classic rock only made one appearance via INXS).

    Tabata workout. 10 exercises. 45 seconds on, 15 seconds rest/transition. Repeat 3 times. Alternate arm (thrusters, curls, rows, merkins, dips) with core/legs (situps, LBT, Flutter Kicks, Lunges, Step Ups). PAX better pay attention to the two in the center and make sure they aren’t drooping. If they are – get out there and take the coupon and keep it up in the air. Or Burpees.

    Lets Go. Mall Cop and Cracklin’ were already ready for relief by the time YHC finished explaining.

    Belloq and Triple engaged in a series of “I can do better than that” with the coupons. One arm. One finger. Whatever. Baywatch took immense joy proudly holding aNDy way up high. Kuch and PopTart were unshakeable as they just stood there saying “what, is this supposed to be hard?” Saban, as usual, had his way with the Irish block. I never did like that guy. I think I heard Pothole saying “Who the heck is this guy?” Nice to meet you too! YHC, on the other hand), struggled and needed a rescue from War Eagle to save the day.

    Much to my surprise – the PAX quickly figured out that the best way to handle this was to actively step up to relieve the coupon holders, rather than waiting for the holders to cry out for help. Nicely done – each tabata break, half the circle was rushing forward to take another turn at holding.

    Tabata done, circle up for an Al Gore/Monkey Humper ring of fire (2x) while the PAX kept the coupons up high, refusing to fall for the Rudy trick of waiting for them to drop the coupon prematurely. At last, nearing the end – Rudy (HONESTLY) called it, and the coupons were gently placed on the ground.

    NICE WORK – NO PENALTY BURPEES. So 10 Burpees OYO anyway.

    Thumb War, Walleye, Backed Up took us home with last round of Marys (Box Cutters, Freddie Mercury and J Los).

    Finished with our COT. Plenty of announcements- they are in email and mumble chatter. Plenty of intentions (especially for sick PAX and relatives). Then War Eagle took us home, asking God to guide, inspire and lead us forward into the week.

  • Your Krewe is Always Backing you Up! – from Sea Man

    Ahab had his whale! But he was alone! Today we had a krewe show up to avenge our friends death to the man eating jaguar shark of Lake Ponchetrain! Today 15 brave, strapping, and strong men jumped into the water to avenge our lost pax! A 4x increase over last week!

    We searched for the man eater at all levels and went up and down the ladder!
    Laps of 25M, 50M, 75M, 100M, 75M, 50M, and 25M. Between each lap the pax did Squats and Flutter kicks of increasing reps.

    After an arduous search we spent some time with a lap of Shuffle Board (10lbs weight moved only underwater to and fro 50m)

    With time left we proceeded to end the. morning with Ring of Fire. Two 10lbs weights moving around the circle in opposite directions, 10 reps each arm. Once complete Pax continued to tread water passing the medicine ball around.

    One FNG called Sheep’s Head!

    As sight Q I think all future FNG’s at Zissou should be named after fish.

  • 5 Years Of Brotherhood, Bonding and Burpees – from Belloq

    I woke up at 4:20 to a very special day. Eagerly got ready and made the 21-minute drive from the Lakefront to Audubon Park where I have only been to the The Birdcage once to celebrate our 6 Year Convergence last year. How appropriate that I celebrate the start of my 5th year where F3 NOLA truly planted it’s flag and grew? To my delight, I saw both Reluctant Yankee (site Q) and King Kong (Q last time I was at this AO) in the gloom so my confidence in help if needed was growing as I was beginning the disclaimer promptly at 5:29.

    My standard disclaimer expanded to tell the PAX why today was special…Biegnet’s (Matthew Joubert’s) 17th birthday, start of his Senior Year at Jesuit and my 5-Year Manniversary. The looks from the PAX was telling that many didn’t know who this foreigner was and wondered if I was going to talk the rest of the work out so we began…

    Moseyed to the field across Magazine.

    As I could see the confused faces of most of the PAX as they were still wondering who the hell was this guy, who allowed him to Q and how have they not met me if I have been around for 5 years. I decided to introduce myself by asking the PAX to circle up on me.

    Warm-up
    8-Count Body Builders IC X 20 (I could tell I would be popular from this choice moving forward)
    Arm circles front and back IC X16
    Seal claps IC X 20
    Overhead presses IC X 20
    Overhead arm claps IC x20
    Moroccan nightclub IC X 16 (dancing was allowed and welcomed)

    Initially my plan was to honor Shorty’s workout which had 16 reps but I screwed up the whole process because for the first time ever in the history of F3…8-count arm circles were performed.

    I then walked over to complete the circle for our final warm-up
    Low slow squats IC X 20

    The Thang

    Ring of fire Merkins/Plank switching to Monkey Humpers/Al Gore X 3 Rounds

    PAX became talkative so I threw in 10 Burpees

    Ring of fire Catalina Wine Mixers/Plank and Bonnie Blairs/Al Gores X 1 Round

    Merkincides
    10 Merkins, sprint to first tree, return to start for 10 Merkins, sprint to second tree, rinse and repeat to 5 trees out.

    PAX was less talkative so we did 10 burpees as a reward.

    Traditional Belloq Core Routine: (Borrowed from Jeff Cavalier)
    Halos Clockwise 30s
    Halos Counterclockwise 30s
    Reverse Corkscrew 60s
    Dynamic Plank 60s
    Chainsaw 60s
    Slow, controlled Big Boy Situps 60s

    Cool down

    Slow 8-count bodybuilders x 5 IC
    Stretch to sky with hands in air breathing deeply.
    Really, Really Slow Abe Vigodas IC X 5
    Touch toes

    Mosey back to the flag

    COT
    15 PAX
    Intentions for children, families and everyone dealing with going back to school. Giving strength to F3 Brothers in need of a friend(s) to lean on if they need support.

    A special thanks to Rudy for gifting me the greatest F3 name ever, Jingle Vader, Cowbell, Shorty, Bubba and Douille for being there for my initiation into the F3 brotherhood.

    “Btw, worst FNG naming process was held in the gloom today. Took over 10 min. Seems like none of us were on topic at all.” -Shorty’s BB 8/11/2016

    To start year 6, I’ll be back at Okawata for my Manniversary. Consider this an early invite. SYITG

  • Gimme the Usual – from Rudy

    Gathering around the flag early. RevSox emerges from the gloom and emits a quite audible groan when he learns YHC is the Q. Thanks for that vote of confidence! The 8 PAX are muttering about how the esteemed Site Q seems to never appear anymore. But lo-and-behold, just as YHC starts the disclaimer, Mahatma appears! Great to see you brother!

    Today for the disclaimer: YHC has been thinking about and praying for his sister lately. She and her daughter are having a very challenging summer. So today, YHC asked all of the PAX to think of someone they know who is struggling – physically, emotionally, mentally, whatever. Offer the workout for them today. Offer our pains and struggles in the gloom as a way of trying to relieve their struggles. And use thoughts of their struggles to keep pushing us forward. So with a silent prayer for my sister – we were off to the rocks.

    Grab a rock, and lets head to the field. (The Tree field, not the football field, as Hand Grenada needed some clarifications).

    Circle up. Because Hand Grenada asked, we’ll start with 2 burpees OYO. Go. OK, now the warm up. Usual stuff – SSH, IC, Peter Parkers. Then some Glute Bridges – pinch some diamonds and really really activate them glutes.

    Then line up. Its the Rudy Special. Or Rudy Standard. Or “No, not this again.” Or “Rudy is just a one-trick pony”. Whatever.

    11s. Burpees and Big Boy Situps. When you pass the rock (left in the middle): 10 Overhead Presses in one direction, 10 curls in the other. Go.

    War Eagle was off to the races! Whoever he was praying for clearly motivated him to push push push. Needed to throw a few more reps his way just to keep him going while the rest of the PAX finished.

    Next Up: Groups of 3 in the parking lot. PAX1: Start LBC/LBT. PAX2: Start Rows. PAX3: Sprint to the gym door and back. Then rotate. And keep rotating till everyone got 2 of each set in. Pai Gow helpfully pointed out that the Row -> Sprint transition helped emphasize good form for the rows, or your back would really feel it in the sprint. Wise man!

    Rifle carry the rock back to the pile, and mosey back to the flag. YHC had the privilege of having to help a lumbering Triple Shift. When YHC attempted to pick up that rock, he better understood just why TS was lumbering…. That rock was a wee bit heavier than YHC’s rock.

    At the flag, we closed with COT and prayers – specifically remembering again those that we offered the workout for. Thanks for letting me lead!

  • Cowbells on the Mountain – from Rudy

    5:30 am. 80 degrees, and at least 80% humidity. Summer in NOLA. 11 PAX ventured out into these glorious conditions to enjoy a run.

    YHC gave the disclaimer. He clearly indicated that it would be important to watch for potholes. Apparently, some PAX would choose not to listen. But with that, we were off to the base of the mountain (just over 1 mile away).

    YHC and Belloq had an enjoyable run to the mountain, discussing future plans for Beignet. Great kid, great future in front of him. Belloq kept up steady stream of conversation while YHC was focusing on just trying to keep up. Thanks for the push!

    Everyone gathered at the base of the mountain for a new drill I call the “Cowbell”, after the PAX who introduced me to it. 1 Minute sprint up the mountain as far as you can go, followed by 2 minute recovery stroll/mosey back down the mountain. Rinse and repeat 6 times. YHC still hasn’t made it to the start of the fence. That’s the elusive goal… Cracklin didn’t seem to have a problem getting there, nor did Snooze (at least the first 2 or 3 times). Way up ahead, Kuch and El Guapo seemed to have no problems reaching at least that far. Nice work!

    After everyone got 6 sprints, time to mosey back to the flag. And 10 of the 11 managed to make it back. One PAX forgot the disclaimer and was waylaid by a pothole on Wisner. Be well Snooze!

    COT back at the flag. Prayers for kids, parents and teachers as we all struggle to navigate through a new school year and the challenges this will present. May we all try to reflect God in our words and actions. Thanks for joining me!

  • A very non traditional FNG, Edward – from Waterpik

    It was the last lap around the block that things began to get really strange at the milestone marsh. YHC was just trying to kill off the last 10 minutes of the workout when when A man ran out with a sweat shirt and jeans And joined us as we jogged past his house. His name was Edward. YHC just assumed he would run for a block or so Them head back from whence he came. Boy was That wrong. Edward proceeded to do the exercises with us at each corner and stayed for mary. The problem was that Edward didn’t speak any English. And he seemed off (intoxicated?) as he started to clown around.

    By the time the beatdown was over, there would be no name O Rama for this FNG. I think the pax was just happy to get rid of him.

  • 60th B’day for Kenna Brah – Movie’ themed w/60 sprinkled in – from Kenna Brah

    Big thanks to the F3 posse for showing up for my b’day Q. Much appreciation and great coffeteria for 17 Pax.
    Warmup –
    Tropic Thunder (Clap) – Seal and Overhead Claps – 30+30=60
    Billy Jack – One Tin Soldier – 60
    Star Wars – Imperial Walker – 60
    ———————————————-
    Get Coupons – Go to Lake Side
    Cinderella Man (Up/One/Two Echo 1+) – WWII Situp Right/Left Cross/uppercut – 30+30=60
    Matrix -(UP/Down count) Bridge hold 5 sec * 12, then Left/Right Plank Holds 12 sec each 5x
    Blades of Glory (OYO) – Bonnie Blairs – 5 sets of 12 with Rocky Run up Levee 12 SSH Repeat to other side
    Tenent (OYO) – Run up Levee backwards, 12 reverse Crunch on other side. 5x
    (Coupon)
    Lion King (pairs on timer)- Hold Simba (Coupon) – 12 Sec each, pass to partner while partner does Mission Impossible 5X
    Deliverance – Make seated circle pass coupons left or right like paddling a canoe 1 round min
    Finish w Something about Mary’s.
    That’s a wrap on a beautiful day with great men.

  • Happy Birthday Saban and Others – from Rudy

    Happy 40th Saban! Since YHC couldn’t attend the Wisner party, he thought he’s bring a little birthday love to another AO. Weather was delightful for an August morning: almost chilly, in fact! 4 PAX took off from the virtual flag to start their Friday right.

    Mosey to the rocks for a quick warmup with some slow stretching (crack – the sound of YHC’s back popping as he tries desperately to loosen up). SSH, Imperial Walkers. Then lets get busy. Grab a rock, and feel free to go big since we aren’t going anywhere.

    The Thang: Deck of Death. We all know the drill.

    Breakout the brand new deck, shuffle, explain

    Hearts: We’ll do some Curls for the Girls celebrating their birthdays today: Ginger Spice (49) and Marissa Miller (43). If you don’t know Marissa, you weren’t getting the SI Swimsuit issue back in the day…
    Spades: Shoulder Presses to recognize some SPorts birthdays. David Robinson (56), Robin von Persie (38 – look him up. RevSox apparently doesn’t recognize Football as a real sport), Mike Greenberg (54)
    Diamonds: Merkins to celebrate the American Glitz of Hollywood. Lucille Ball (RIP, 110) and Leslie Odom Jr (40)
    Clubs: Dr. Ws. Why? Cultural Icons Andy Warhol (RIP, 93) and the World Wide Web (30 – Tim Bernard Lee released the protocols that give birth to WWW in 1991).

    Turned on YHC playlist (which Amnesty proceeded to openly mock. And he was not wrong. It was a bad playlist. YHC will correct for future workouts). RevSox politely asks if we are ever going to work out (as this explanation took a few minutes). Then lets go.

    Lots of early and high Club cards, leading to LOTS of DR Ws early. PopTart seemed not to care as he just kept knocking them out.

    JOKER – Surprise! M. Night Shaylan (51). Lets do 11 burpees (for 11 award nominations for Sixth Sense)

    Finished up. Where was the 2nd Joker? Never appeared. So YHC played a virtual 2nd JOKER! Surprise! Mountain Climber x40 for Saban!

    Brief time for some EMOM 8-cts, then mosey back to the flag for our COT. Thanks for letting me lead! And Happy Birthday to all August 6th celebrants!

    NMM: What else happened on August 6th? Hiroshima. YHC asks first for an end to all wars, that we may learn how to live in peace with those with whom we have differences; and second for wisdom for leaders around the world who are faced with what may be impossible decisions – give the your grace and guidance.

  • Mode of Transportation (MoT) and Coupon fun – from Hokie

    Our mission is to
    plant, grow and serve
    small workout groups for men
    for the invigoration of male community leadership.

    6 Pax (Frac, Triple, Bar Tab, Mambi, Boo Boo and yours truly) enjoyed the beautiful morning with pleasant temps and relatively low humidity.

    Warm ups
    Bulgarian Lunges/Squats
    Arm Circles
    SSH

    The Thang

    Using Cinder Block Coupons ~ Catch me if you can to the end (800 ft).

    PAX 1 does the 20 reps of the exercise with coupon; then farmer carries two coupons to catch PAX 2 who has been doing the MoT (Mode of Transportation); they switch roles; keep alternating roles until they reach the end of the 800′ runway. (From Circle to 1st large Power tower). At end of runway ~ Iron Sharpens Iron dictates 100 LBC’s & then Shoulder Taps til the six

    1. 20 Shoulder presses – MoT (Mode of Transportation) Bear Crawl.
    2. 20 Big Boi Sit-ups – MoT Broad Jump Burpees
    3. 20 Bicep Curl – MoT Double Tap Lunge
    4. 20 Upright Row – MoT Crab Walk.

    Anytime a plane goes overhead, we took “a break” and did 5 Seal Burpees (A Burpee with three merkins) 1st merkin, then right leg spider man, 2nd merkin, left leg spider man, 3rd merkin… followed with a jump 😉

    Upon returning we knocked out 50 chest presses and a little stretch.

    Closed with COT and reminder for Saban’s birthday 7 miler tonight and tomorrow’s 60th Birthday Party Q by Kenner Brah