F3 New Orleans

Category: Backblasts

  • What are the Knotters Doing? – from Charmin

    Warm-Up:
    The PAX gathered under the celestial canopy, eager for what awaited them in this divine workout. The QIC, filled with the spirit of fitness, kicked off the morning with a rousing pre-workout count-off that included Mambi coming in hot!

    The Thang:
    As the PAX embraced the Gloom, they embarked on a celestial journey of rucking and running and an apparently religious KnOT, fueled by the spirit of fellowship and sweat. While the Runners and Ruckers did their tasks, Scantron, inspired by some heavenly wisdom, led the knotters through a Catholic-inspired workout that left everyone questioning whether their abs had just received a blessing or a beating.

    The workout included:

    Hail Mary Half Mile:
    KnOTers circled the AO, reciting Hail Mary prayers with every step. The divine combination of cardio and prayer left the PAX feeling both uplifted and breathless.

    Confessional Crawl:
    The PAX, crawled through the sacred space, confessing their sins to the gloom above. Each confession was accompanied by a set of merkins, absolving the PAX of their earthly burdens.

    Rosary Ruck:
    PAX formed a circle, each carrying a symbolic “rosary” ruck, and took turns leading prayers while others performed lunges or squats. The beads might have been imaginary, but the burn was very real.

    Penance Plank Parade:
    The knotters formed a line, holding a plank position while confessing their workout sins. Each PAX member had to perform a penance exercise chosen by the brother to their left. It was a true test of strength, both physical and spiritual.

    Cooldown:
    After enduring the divine wrath of Scantron’s creative workout, the PAX cooled down with stretches and reflections on the spiritual journey they had just undertaken. The knotters finally rejoined the runners and ruckers and YHC closed the session with a prayer of gratitude for the strength to face the Gloom together.

    COT:
    The Circle of Trust echoed with words of encouragement, gratitude, and perhaps a few groans of sore muscles. The knotters lifted each other up, thankful for the fellowship forged in the crucible of the workout. As the sun began to pierce through the morning mist, the PAX departed, ready to face the day with the divine soreness that only an F3 workout can provide.

  • Let’s try this again!! Both sidewalks and BB!! – from Shooter

    Well, my first BB was pretty good, then I got to the end to submit and it simply disappeared..
    So, for the condensed version, which will not give the first its due..
    Variation of cadence counts Mummy kicks, SSH, Abe Vogodas, Good mornings, Seal jacks, Toe Touches and Ring of Fire 🔥 Al Gore hold with 2 rounds of each PAX completing 2 jump squats.

    A little over 4 miles and returned right on time..

    Count, announce/intensions, and appreciate the respected Akbar for the close in prayer..

    Until the next Gloom 👍🏼👊🏼✌🏼!!!

  • Run, and let Die – from Honeysuckle

    On a chilly morning, YHC plus 14 or 15 HIMs convened at the Lion’s Den to raise the temperature of Thibodaux a few degrees. After a pre-beatdown site survey of the greater Warren J Harang Jr Municipal Auditorium area, YHC determined that most of the grassy area was too wet due to the previous day’s precipitation, which partially put a damper on some of the plans. At this point, a gravel road and an Aldi were willed into existence so that the beatdown could commence.

    Warmarama: SSH, Windmills, Arm Circles (F/R), Mountain Climbers, High Knees, Butt Kicks, Toy Soldiers, Willie Mays Hayes

    Don’t tell Goose, but it is indeed true that opportunities for on-the-clock stretching can be found in the Warmarama if one looks.

    Mosey to the playground

    The Thang:

    YHC explained that there is no point in trying to follow an America’s Best beatdown; no amount of creativity could compare. In fact, YHC was dealt a Paradox, YJ, Goose, Goose, America’s Best hand to follow, so why even bother. So to help out with the lack of detailed planning, the specifics of today would be a little random. The beatdown was based on a random waypoint concept, where six locations around the area were chosen as the waypoints. At each waypoint, some exercises would be done. The choice of which waypoint to go to would be determined by the roll of an allegedly fair die. The waypoints and exercises were as follows

    1: Lion statue (50 Moroccan Night Clubs 2:1)
    2: Gravel road near stop sign (50 Apollo Ohnos 2:1)
    3: Gravel road near exercise equipment (30 tempo squats)
    4: Gravel road near gate (25 LBCs + 25 Big boy situps)
    5: Playground (30 Derkins)
    6: Aldi parking lot near the broken glass (15 burpees)

    Transport between waypoints would be a faster-than-a-mosey run, except if a 1 is rolled in which case there would be a hard run to the Lion statue area. Another rule that did not need to be enacted today was that if the same number were rolled twice in a row, PAX do 10 burpees and roll again.

    The PAX spent a lot of time bouncing around between 4 and 2, so some good core and lower body work was done while getting to know the new gravel road well. Popeye questioned the fairness of the die, but surely the quality control department of Milton Bradley would not let a biased die be packaged as part of a Yahzee set.

    Finally, a 3-5-6-1 sequence was rolled, allowing the PAX to enjoy some change of pace with some squats, derkins, burpees, and Moroccan nightclubs. The visit to 6 also let the PAX get a close look at the Aldi parking lot. Interestingly, neither the gravel road (which appears to be an extension of N 10th street) nor the Aldi parking lot were planned to be a part of today’s beatdown, but as luck would have it, the conditions forced us there and they stole the show. I know Goldilox’s first choice was to give the vest to the gravel road.

    As there was still time left, of course a 4 was rolled so the PAX headed back to the yellow gate to work on their 4 packs. The beatdown would be finished via an administrative decision to hit waypoint 5 for 10 more derkins then sprint to 1. Apparently without the Moroccan nightclubs.

    Goldilox returned the vest to its original owner, Paradox, who as legend has it is thus now obligated to destroy it. If he can.

    Announcements revealed that Paradox has Saturday, followed by Smooth on Monday, and Pope on Tuesday. Also the buzz around Run Cajun Run is noticeably increasing.

    Yankee Joe prayed us out. Dox photoed us out.

    Thank you to the 14 or 15 Pax who showed up this morning. It is always one of the most enjoyable parts of my day to sweat and suffer alongside this group. Tclaps to Maneater and Jackknife for yet another post!

    SYITG,
    Honeysuckle

  • Mostly the Same – from Nip/Tuck

    I went to Stiffler’s Mom this morning. It seems a little like visiting an indigenous tribe that has no contact with the outside world. I am happy to report that the Natives are still happily existing. Today we ran and we talked about Jennifer Coolidge. Not much has changed.

  • Afternoon Delight – 1-03-2024 – from Almonaster

    Iceketball!

    PAX:

    – Couch
    – Shamu
    – Big Willie
    – Stork
    – FCOJ
    – Subprime
    – Wild Turkey
    – Manchovy
    – Almonaster

    Warmup:

    Mosey to the parking lot on River Road.

    Side Straddle Hops – 20
    Arm Circles -10 IC
    Reverse Arm Circles
    Imperial Walkers – 10 IC
    The Morpheus – 10
    Balance on 1 foot for 10 seconds – Each Foot
    Grass Grabbers – 10
    Wind Mills – 10 IC
    Mountain Climbers – 10 IC

    The Thang:

    Mosey’d to Carver Basketball court. We played a pickup game of basketball to get us in the right mindset to cheer on the Green Wave as they took on Rice!

    Back to Flag
    Birthdays
    Anniversaries
    Announcements
    Intentions
    Prayer

    “Coffee” to be held at the Tulane Basketball game. Tipoff at 8pm!

  • The Spirit of Pai Gow – from Charmin

    Mission: To embrace the grind, push each other, and conquer the Knees Over Toes (KOT) challenge with the indomitable spirit of Pai Gow guiding our way.

    The Thang:
    Bolt, Triple Shift, and Macgiver took the lead, demonstrating proper KOT form. Knees over Toes is not just an exercise; it’s a mindset.

    Meanwhile, Charmin, PVC, Frac, and Mahatma hit the pavement, pounding the ground with the spirit of Pai Gow directing their every step. The streets became our battleground, and with each stride, we embraced the challenge ahead.

    The gloom was alive with the sounds of encouragement, banter, and laughter. Mahatma, bundled in a hoodie that seemed to defy the laws of physics, brought his unique blend of humor to the group, lightening the mood even as we pushed ourselves to the limit.

    Charmin, ever the beacon of positivity, kept spirits high with his infectious energy. PVC’s determination was palpable as he ran alongside, pushing the pace. Frac, true to form, cracked jokes and shared stories, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie.

    Triple Shift and Macgiver, leading the KOT charge, inspired us all with their dedication. Bolt, with his unyielding resolve, exemplified the essence of F3 – pushing ourselves beyond our perceived limits.

    COT (Circle of Trust):
    As the PAX gathered in the COT, we reflected on the challenges faced and conquered. The Q reminded us that F3 is not just about the physical, but also about the mental and spiritual growth we experience together. The bonds forged in the gloom are as enduring as the sweat-soaked shirts we left behind.

    We closed with a prayer of gratitude, acknowledging the strength we find in each other and the privilege of being part of a brotherhood like no other.

    As the sun began to rise, we departed with tired bodies, uplifted spirits, and a sense of accomplishment. Until next time, under the watchful eye of Pai Gow, we’ll continue to sharpen each other and thrive in the challenges that lie ahead.

    Aye!

  • Blocks make a beatdown Better! – from Shooter

    New Year and new goals in mind, YHC checked the Q sheet on Tuesday and felt the need to deposit a down payment to get the year started off right.. With so many blanks on the sheet I felt an opportunity to get included on the PAX Milner report that Jose10k and Russo seem to own. Whether by choice or just being the HIMs they displayed in 2023, YHC filled in 3 slots with hopes that other PAX will do the same and fill the Q sheet. Also, keep in mind the opportunity to take over an AO for awhile, we welcome changes, as Fracsac previously put out there.. It is a small commitment that your brethren will appreciate and it creates an excitement seeing new HIMs taking charge..

    With 💯 of rain in the forecast, YHC did not anticipate a large showing but certainly did not expect a Jose10k sighting as he previously mentioned he will do cold but he doesn’t do wet cold.. His words, “seeing a Mandevillian on the Q sheet, I had to post!” Very flattering Jose10k, but I know your deep desires and the top spot on PAX Milner. Appreciate you still though..

    Warmup
    25 SSH
    15 Toe Touches
    25 Cherry Pickers
    15 Torso twists
    25 Grass grabbers
    15 Hillbillies
    25 Imperial walkers

    Thang
    Ring of Fire 🔥 with Blocks
    Shoulder press 5 count with 5 silent full extension hold between 5x around.
    5 Burpees
    Kettle swings 5 count with 5 silent squat hold between 5x around.
    5 Burpees
    Chest press 10 count 10 silent hold at the top between 5x around.
    5 Burpees
    Squats 5 count 5 silent hold Al Gore at the bottom between 5x around.
    Elf on the shelf 5 left 5 right Al Gore hold 5x around.
    Crunches 5 count 5 silent hold at the top 5x around..
    Returned the coupons and finished with Mary.
    Flutter kicks 25 IC
    Heels to Heaven 10 OYO
    Penguins 25 IC
    10 Leg raises OYO
    100 💯s OYO

    Appreciate the post gentlemen and great work!!

    Fletch and Einstein you inspire with your grit and hard work 👊🏼💪🏼!!

    Count, reminder of the Wacker camping trip to come on the 27th, RCR signup by the 18th and the Crazy Ivan (TBD?).

    Intentions and prayers for Freon’s wife and the unfortunate loss of a past student (Felicia) 21 taught by Jose 10k..

    Always great to start a Gloom with you Gents!!

    Until the next Gloom 👍🏼👊🏼✌🏼!!

  • Start From Where You’re At – from Goose

    Six committed PAX started 2024 the best way possible, by posting at The Stage to face unknown suffering with anticipation and a desire to grow. YHC was excited to enter into the new year with such a solid group of brothers, but also dreading what was on the docket for the morning.

    Warmups were the usual, full 20-count all around to work through the soreness from Saturday’s 12 Days of Something. Then, to work through that initial cardio wake-up burn, we did a set of 11’s: merkins and jump squats, carioca both ways. These proved to be quite the wake-up burn, to say the least. The merkins and jump squats were very much the break. Popeye settled into his steady groove, guffawing at the sprint pace that Tap and Pope started with. Cardinal and Cuz took the Popeye approach in order to save some steam for later, but this one lasted about five minutes longer than anyone hoped, and there was very little steam to be had.

    Two ten-counts later, YHC took advantage of the opportunity for a new year’s pep speech to get the heart back to a sustainable pace. The gist was this: no matter how lofty the goal or courageous the journey, we all have to start somewhere, and that somewhere usually isn’t too pretty. Most of us focus on how awesome the destination will be, but once the reality of where we currently are and the difficulty of the grinding journey toward growth comes crashing in, many let the waves of discouragement wash them into a numb, disconnected state of sedentary survival. But, not this crew. Not today. Not this year. We would embrace the limitations and weaknesses that still linger within, see them for what they are, and push them hard. Real hard. It would be uncomfortable. Real uncomfortable.

    No one was prepared to do it, and no one was really in a good state to do it, including YHC, but we would run a mile as fast as we could and time it to get a solid baseline, an authentic hard-stare at where we are right now. We had all stayed up later than we should have and ate and drank more junk than we should have, and our legs and hearts were still burning form the 11’s, but life is demanding, you know? And, it doesn’t wait for you to be ready. So, everyone on the line: get set, go!

    Pope stayed with YHC (actually a few steps ahead) because he didn’t have a watch, and the rest embarked on 6-9 minutes of lonely maximum effort. It was truly impressive to watch each man roll in knowing that he didn’t have to do it, but he did. Here’s the numbers:
    * Cardinal: 8:40
    * Tap: 8:14
    * Cuz: 8:04
    * Popeye: 7:47
    * Goose: 6:32
    * Pope: 6:30

    After this, we gathered for a few Rings of Fire to burn the muscles out a bit and give the lungs a much needed break. Learned this one from Fracsac a couple of weeks ago:
    1. hold plank, one man does 5 merkins counting out loud, then the PAX to the left picks it up and does 5 out loud while the first does those next five silently. So, each PAX does 10 in a round, overlapping on 5.
    2. Same system, but holding Al Gore and doing Monkey Humpers (lots of great comments that I can’t remember here).
    3. Same system, but holding 6 inches (tee-hee) and doing Leg Raises

    We had 8 minutes left for a solid Mary, which consisted of: wife pleasers, static wife pleasers, Little Manny Crunches, high, slow flutter kicks, Nolan Ryans, and two minutes of reverse plank.

    COT and Tap prayed us out.

    Super grateful for the effort of these men to post early on Jan. 1 and then to push so hard against felt limitations. So proud to be a part of this crew!

    SYITG,
    Goose

  • I’m only here for PaxMiner – from Russo

    Cool mid 30s this morning at Granny’s, where a Pax of 3 continued making 2024 better than 2023.

    Warmup (all IC, 10x – 20x)
    -Seal jacks
    -hillbillies
    -Arm circles
    -torso twists
    -self love
    -Toe touches
    -high knees

    Thang
    Pax knocked out the Deck of Death (exercise and count based on value and suit of the card turned over from a standard deck of playing cards). YHC likes to split the deck into 4 groups to vary up the exercises, with some moseying between rounds.

    Round 1 at the benches
    Hearts – Freak Nastys
    Diamonds – step ups
    Clubs – BSSs
    Spades – Leg Raises

    Round 2 at the stage
    Hearts – SMCs
    Diamonds – Merkins
    Clubs – monkey humpers
    Spades – gas pumps

    Round 3 at the bus stop
    Hearts – shoulder tap plank jacks
    Diamonds – donkey kicks
    Clubs – star jumps
    Spades – crunchy frogs

    Round 4 at home
    Hearts – Groiners
    Diamonds – jump squats
    Clubs – Lunges (2 is 1)
    Spades – big boy sit-ups

    Mary
    3 calf raises up the pilot house

    All 20x IC
    -Flutter kicks
    -LMCs
    -Wife pleasers

    COT, Name-o-Rama, announcements, and prayer closed us out. January 27 is ‘Whacker’s camping trip, Crazy Ivan is coming up, the Nightmare after Christmas is TBD, and we continue to pray for Freon and his family.

    SYITG

  • New Years Day – from Akbar

    Chilly start to the new year, 6 HIM showed to get right this New Years Day gloom.

    Speedy went on a run while the rest of us got started with SSH, Hillbillies, IW, Self Love, Grass Grabbers, and some other stuff.

    Thang(s)

    Started out with a quarter Murph at the playground, then headed down to the Lakefront stopping at every other intersection for some exercises to get warmed up.

    Wall: Dirkins, Freak Nasties, Bulgarian Split Squats IC x 10

    Lunge Walk to Rips

    7’s of Rocky Balboa’s and Calf Raises running Rips stairs

    Head back to the Flag with Red Barchetta to each intersection. Sprint/100 SSH. Sprint 75 Mountain Climbers. Run – yes, sprinting got old – 50 Squats. Run 25 Merkins

    Mary – 45 seconds of LBC’s

    Count, Name, and YHC prayed us out and headed to Waffle House where Grundy joined us for F2

    Announcements: Run Cajun Run sign up is live, get your teams together. Nightmare After Christmas tentative 3rd week of January – check Slack. Krazy Ivan in January, and Bushwhackers camping trip Jan 27th?

    Pleasure to start my year our right with you guys. Here’s to a productive New Year

    SYITG,

    Akbar