F3 New Orleans

Tag: Flaming Lips

  • 12 Days of Christmas – Sunnyside

    More 2.0s than Dads gathered at UrbanSouth Brewery for the annual Christmas beatdown and fest. Quick disclaimer and we were off up Market St. Some ambitious 2.0s had to be full-stopped before racing across Religious St. in the dark. A few motorists were surprised by the pack the of seemingly feral children that were leading a group of wheezing middle aged men, winding through the dark streets between the warehouses.

    We arrived at Annunciation Square and circled up. Quick 20 SSH in cadence to warm us up. Then the began the days, using the 2.0s as coupons where possible. YHC lucked out with a 2.0 under 25lbs. For PAX without a 2.0, they borrowed from others with several to spare. Modifications were offered if 2.0s were uncooperative.

    1. Partridge in a Pear Tree – squat thrust 2.0 up to the shoulder; or a burpee
    2. V-Ups
    3. Lords/ladies leaping (2.0s hop over dads in plank)  or Russian Twists
    4. Flutter Kicks 
    5. Dizzy Bears
    6. Dying roaches
    7. Plank Jacks
    8. Freddy Mercurys
    9. Measly Merkins
    10. Baby crunches
    11. Crabs a crawling
    12. Burpees or a (12) Partridge in a Pear Tree. 

    The PAX then went to COT and the naming(!) Lots of creativity and individual expression from the 2.0s. Then a mosey back to Urban South to a feast, a bounce house, sweaty & dirty children, and excellent fellowship. Much good food, but shout out to #bones for the smoked boudin he served up.

  • 5 year CONVERGENCE!

    Well – 5 years later we are still going STRONG! I remember when we started thinking I don’t have time in my life for this group. After a week of beatdowns I knew that we had to commit to growing this group – it had already begun to change my life and they way I interact with people everyday. I know after a nasty 530am beatdown – that I can handle anything the day throws at me. Thanks to all the guys here in NOLA that keep things running so that we can continue to be a group. Thanks to OBT for taking time out of his life to get us going in the GLOOM! Looking forward to 5 more years of F3 in NOLA.

    Today the pre-run started with about 20 PAX for a run down BAYOU ST JOHN. Beautiful weather, cool air and a crisp breeze. We ran 12 min out and 12 min back so that we could arrive in time for the fun.

    KUCH – has a been a great EH’er and a nice addition to F3 NOLA. Kuch started the party off with a WARM UP circle. SSH, Imp Walkers, Arm Circles, Peter Parkers, Merks.

    Then we divided up by 5 count into teams. We did 5 burpees, 5 Lunges, 5 Merkins, 5 Squats, 5 Plank Jacks. Bear Crawl across the lawn. Run back. KUCH did an excellent job getting the teams set quickly

    5 reps. We ran out of time and had to call it after 3 reps. No team won due to the shortened KUCH set. Kuch represented NOLA well – with a pretty gnarly start to a celebratory event.

    2nd set with DURACELL – FROM BATON ROUGE

    Duracell brought out 2 coupons. 40lb cinderblocks. 2 PAX ran to the center and did 3 thrusters. We went two different directions. A slow starter but once the PAX got the hang out this one – this was a solid beatdown. Duracell had to do about 15 exercises in cadence to 20. Exercises ranged from a regular plank, to shoulder taps, to merk variations to squat/lunge variations. The highlight of this section was Mathlete’s 2.0-Bear getting that cinderblock in the right position and up. Duracell represented the RED STICK well.

    THIGHS FROM THE WANK- 3rd quarter. We started with a solid mosey over the to the lawn in by the museum. Upon arrival we see that Thighs has organized with some printed out signs a 15 min beatdown that is going to suck. At each sign there was an exercise- PAX had to complete 20 reps the first time through, 15 reps the 2nd time through. (Possible 3rd time for the fastest pax members). Exercises were:

    1. Bonnie Blaires
    2. Diamond Merks
    3. Reverse Crunches aka Gaspumps
    4. Bobby Hurleys
    5. Merkin Toe Touches (need to incorporate this more in my Qs)
    6. Freddie Mercs

    RUN back to the start line and do this again. Thighs had the teams organized in a way by street names. Due to 75 PAX that didn’t quite workout but Thighs quickly modified and let the teams fall where they were. A good quick call. Thighs demonstrated that there is nothing easy about the WANK. Those guys are tough! Great turnout by the WB.

    STEVE FROM THE NORTHSHORE- FINISHED OFF The PAX back on the great lawn. Each pax got a partner.

    You had to do your partners age in burpees, your partners weight in LBCS, and your partners months in F3 in Freddies.

    Steve had a few minutes left so he finished with some Peter parkers, and some American Hammer.

    After a 75 PAX NAME O RAMA, NUMBERRAMA – Hokey POkey finished us off with an awesome prayer!

    After the whole beatdown we gathered at Cafe Du Monde for a 5 year celebration party. Tclaps to Rudy, Tool and Gabrielle for making that happen. There were eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, biscuits, beignets and plenty of coffee!

    Thanks to our awesome Qs! IT is NOT easy to Q 75 PAX!

    So blessed to be a part of this group- cheers to 5 more years of F3 NOLA!

  • 9/11 Stair Climb #2

    The first known 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb event occurred on September 11, 2003 during “Operation Enduring Freedom” in Parwan Province, Afghanistan. Albuquerque Fire Department Lieutenant Charles Cogburn scaled a two story building 55 times wearing body armor, a helmet and an M-4.  Lt Cogburn returned home and on the following September 11th (2004) the climb was brought back to Albuquerque and given the title Albuquerque Firefighters Memorial Stair Climb. Firefighters from Engine 5 and Engine 2 were dispatched at 8:46am (the time the initial dispatch of FDNY units occured) to the Bank of Albuquerque Building in downtown Albuquerque. The building is 22 stories tall and it was climbed 5 times. 

    We like many others gathered to recognize the first responders of 9/11/2001 – we were 9 days late but it was the closest date open for a Q.

    In order to complete the task at hand – one had to climb 7 flights of stairs 16 times. (112 flights) The original firefighters had to climb 110 flights. Imagine they had their gear on and they never got rest as they climbed down the 7 flights of stairs. Last year I couldn’t finish I was at 11.3. This year I finished with time to spare.

    Gabrielle, King Kong, WIllie Catfish and Hokey Pokey inspired with their rucks. Special tclaps to Hokey for adding a 40 lb weight vest. Very impressive. Tclaps to Gabrielle for thinking to bring the door stops – the improved airflow was a huge game changer. I had nightmares about the smell and humidity from the climb last year as I went to bed.

    Most of the PAX finished the climb this year. Tclaps to all of the finishers.

    As we climbed I asked the PAX to reflect on being men who would rush to danger to help, instead of seeking their own comfort in a tough situation.

    Thanks for allowing me to lead.

  • Sweatin’….

    I have been to many F3 workouts over the past 21 months, all of which have been great in their own way. But this time I was hoping to do something a little different. At a sales meeting earlier this year, my company had an 80’s themed party that my division elected to dress in 80’s workout era clothing. After a short parooze on Amazon, I came across a Richard Simmons costume, complete with a balding headpiece. I just could not pass it up, especially for under $15! The costume was a hit at the work party, even though Richard dropped a rather husky girl while attempting a dip on the dancefloor. In all fairness to Richard, the dip was unexpected, the healthy young lady was caught up in the moment, and who could blame her.  Still glassy eyed, my immediate thought the next morning was, “I need to Q a workout as Richard Simmons!” so I looked at the Q schedule, and saw I was up at WPM for September 6th. I strategically planned the walk up to the PAX right as the clock struck 5:30AM, announced my disclaimer as impersonating a professional trainer, but really not one, and we moseyed in front of Tulane University for a warm up to the classic sound of the Macarena. All exercises were done in cadence, which fell right into the beat of the music.

    SSHx20

    Imperial Walkers x 20

    Arm Circles x 10

    Backwards AC x 10

    After a jaunt to the little mountain Richard determined there was too much traffic there, so an audible was called, and the PAX proceeded to the big mountain where we formed 3 lines for an Indian Run, but not just any old Indian Run. This time we ran prisoner style while flashing our best jazz hands. We stopped on the 5th floor to partner up for some DORA 123.  Exercises were done with various Queen songs in the background (Bicycle Race of course). While partner one was exercising, partner 2 was running up the stairs to the 7th floor, then back down the ramp, and tagging into the exercise picking up where partner one left off this continued until all exercises were complete. 

    Merkins x 100

    Bobby Hurley’s x 200

    Freddie Mercury’s x 300,  1=1

    Once complete the PAX made its way down to the benches for a quick round of the following all in cadence:

    Dips x 20

    Incline Merkins x 20

    The PAX then gathered in front of touchdown Jesus for a round of Mary all while listening to one of Richard’s favorite songs, ”Believe” by Cher. All exercises were done in cadence:

    Penguins x 20

    LBCs x 20

    American Hammer (Douille style) x 20

    Angie’s List pointed out that there was still a little time left on the clock, so the PAX knocked out 10 Herpes on their own. 

    We then circled up around the flag, counted off, had nameorama, intentions, announcements and a closing prayer.  It is always an honor to lead this group of men! I hope everyone who attended the workout enjoyed the little change of pace, as you never know when Richard will pop up again! 

  • Four play Fore

    There were no holes-in-one, but this is two backblasts-in-one…

    FIRST: Typical turnout at Wolfpack Mountain with a sub-krewe of ruckers showing up for their training. Those compact packs easily outweigh a fully stocked golf bag. Serious respect.

    Quick warm-up with SSH, mountain climbers, grass grabbers, and then mosey to WPM. YHC intended for all the golf participants to captain a team in order to earn mulligans during the tournament later that morning. Alas, only FracSac and yours truly emerged so we divided in half.

    Bulk of the workout was ascending WPM with stops every level for 5 burpees, 10 merkins, and 20 air squats. Team FracSac prevailed and we regathered at the top for a round of Mary. Walking lounges across the top level, down the stairs to the benches for dips, and hustle back to the flag. Plank to failure rounded things out.

    SECOND: Four of us played golf. It was a blast.

    These guys played golf.
    (l-r: Babyface, FracSac, Quiche, Nine Lives)

    Although turnout was lighter than expected, we still managed to have a great time. Quiche had to peel off shortly after the turn, I had to bail on 16 (s-l-o-w), but by all reports Babyface and FracSac finished out the 18 and crowned themselves inaugural co-champions.

    Despite the low numbers, we learned a lot about the timing and format so be on the lookout for future golf details. We’re thinking next time will be in the late fall in City Park on a Saturday. More to come on that front…

    SYITG,

    Nine Lives

  • Holy Grove….on three!!

    Wolfpack Mountan…First Wolfpack Q in a while. YHC intended to make it memorable with the goal of 5 “mountains” (in NOLA-below-sea-level parlance). If the mountain will not come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain.

    WARMUP

    Standard disclaimer this morning plus a reminder to sweep the six for this running workout. The Pax then moseyed onto Tulane campus, through Gibson Quad to Johnson quad for a warmup. 20 SSH IC, followed by 20 Grass grabbers IC, followed by stretching on each leg. After we finish the warmup, we mosey to the base of the 1st mountain.

    THE THANG

    The first mountain may have been an F3 virgin ascent. The PAX circled the Mary and Sam Isreal Science building to an imposing exterior staircase of 4 levels and 8 flights. PAX counted off into 4 groups for spacing and start with 5 burpees OYO. Then the first group begins the ascent while the other 3 groups start 10 merks, 15 Low-Slow Squats and 20 Carolina Drydocks. Each group ascends in turn while the early groups complete the other exercises.

    Reassemble for the mosey to the 2nd mountain, dubbed “Sugar Loaf” in the 4/20/18 beatdown. Some of the PAX were on a double-plus mosey up Mcalister, and while sucking wind, YHC noted Holy Grove pacing Catfish and Gspot at the front. Filed for further reference. Sweep the six and reassemble for an Indian Run up Sugar Loaf. Back down the stairs and YHC held the first 10 arrivers for some lagniappe, while the rest of the PAX headed down Calhoun to Mountain #3 – the Loyola Rec Garage [Little Wolfpack?]. The 10 did 10 burpees OYO, then set off again on a hot pace to catch the PAX. Holy Grove breezing by -noted. Two Lines and Indian Run up Little Wolfpack, then down the stairs and off to Big Wolfpack – Mountain #4. T-claps to the PAX that led some Mary while we swept the Six. Reassemble for our third Indian Run. As we gained altitude and lost oxygen, the lines of the PAX thinned out, until we reached the top, gulping air. A twenty count, then down the stairs.

    4 minutes left.

    YHC decided to go for the 5th mountain, which we’ll call “Edelweiss” for now. At the stairs on the back of the Loyola music building, YHC offered a modification if any PAX wanted to head back to the flag. It did not appear any PAX followed that option and instead charged up the last mountain, and a quick descent.

    YHC again noted some of the PAX (looking at you, Holy Grove!) headed to the flag as if the devil himself were behind them. 4 miles in 45 minutes 17 seconds, plus warm-up, some lagniappe and Elevation!

    COUNTOFF, NAMERAMA, COT

    Back at the flag, PAX circled for a breathless countoff and name-0-rama. After the announcements and before the prayer, the PAX noted Holy Grove, weaving about in a daze of football glory, with one fist in the air, mumble-shouting something that sounded like “F3/ClevelandRocks/I have no Pants?!! [not sure] ON THREE!!!” Apparently Holy Grove doesn’t speak “modify.” TClaps and thanks to quick thinking by Triple Shift and Drs Walleye and Tinkles to help our brother to the ground before injury could be added to injury. Much splashed merlot followed, and then a visit by EMS and a trip to the ER. Tclaps again to Walleye, Tinkles, Sea Man, Jadaveon, Catfish, Frac Sac and several others who got water and ice and stayed with Holy Grove. Thoughts and prayers – gents.

    Which brings YHC to this point. It is good we push ourselves and each other, embracing the challenge. But we also must be mindful of one another and pay attention. Sweeping the Six is important. Making sure all the PAX are hacking is important. We are blessed with many medical professionals in our PAX. Maybe an F2 with some CPR training would be a good thing. We can’t make each other stronger if we are not here.

  • It’s about that time for….

    A disclaimer? No, that’s just what we have to do at the beginning of these beatdowns.  So, with a disclaimer, we are off!

    Mosey to lawn in front of Loyola for warm up with a little help from my friends!

    • Alternating Open Gates IC X20
    • Imperial Walkers with help from Gideon IC X20
    • Kim Jong Uns aka Supreme Leaders IC X20’s
    • Low Slow Squats with help from Thumb Wars IC X20
    • Olivia Newton John’s IC X20 (brought these PAX-pleasers from the Fly Q)

    Nice job Triple Shift for suggesting Co-Q’s to newish PAX to help them get acclimated to leading.  I think it will pay off. 

    Mosey to bottom of Mountain for:

    Here it is…It’s been awhile…Yes it’s time for…Indian Run to top of Mountain!  PAX form 3 lines and up we go!  Can’t remember last time we did this at WPM.  6 floors, Incline run with sprints, 80 plus degrees with Heat Index in the 90’s.  We got this PAX!  Let’s GO!

    Ok.  That was tough. 

    At top, partner up for B.O.M.B.S. All below counts are cumulative.  PAX one runs down top ramp and back to top running backwards while PAX two completes exercises.  Flapjack till reps are complete.

    • 50 Burpees
    • 100 OH Press in People’s Chair
    • 150 Merkins
    • 200 Big Boy Sit-Ups  (had to modify these to 150 because they were taking some time)
    • 250 Squats (modified these to 200)

    Got some comments on mumblechatter about butt-burn from the Big Boy Sit-Ups.  I call that Character Building!  My job is done.

    Down stairs and mosey to Bench’s for:

    • Bulgarian Split Squats L IC X15
    • Dips IC X20
    • Bulgarian Split Squats R IC X15

    Time is running short.  Mosey back to flag for count-off, name-o-rama, intentions and prayer.

  • Blimping up Wolfpack Mountain

    It was a sticky morning at Wolfpack, there was a bit of milling around and a sense of restlessness amongst the PAX so we started with: 10 burpees, Then mosey to Loyola entrance for: SSH x 25 Windmill x 20 Red bull smurfjacks x 20 Mosey to the base of Wolfpack mountain BLIMPS to the (2 is 1) top, stopping at each end of the garage, repeating when complete with squats, in total: Burpees x10 Lunges x 20×2 Imperial walkers x30x2 Muricans x 20 Plank Jacks x 25 Squats x 30 Mary while we waited for the 6 Then plank to chatarunga runx30x2 Protractor for 2 minutes. Mosey to the benches at bottom of Wolfpack Real Fredy Mercury x 20 Crunchy Frog x 20 Mosey to holy name Stacked foot stagger hand muricans x15x2 American Hammer x 20, then doubletime to 40 Mountain Climbers x 20, the doubletime to 40 and good times were had by all.

  • Low & Slow…and No Burpees!

    Coming in hot for my Q. Arrived at 5:30 on the nose! The PAX seemed to be sweating it out. After the botched disclaimer we were off. (There was some chatter about how I was a not a personal trainer but I was a professional trainer).

    Mosey around parking lot to the front of the stage for:

    SSH x 20

    Windmills x 15

    Arm Circles Forward x 10

    Arm Circles Backward x 10 (with a descending count to welcome Seaman back from vacation

    Hillbillies x 20

    Slow mosey to start of oak alley then: knee highs to first light, butt kicks to second light, bear crawl to third light, crab walk to final light.

    Mosey to the front of the zoo for some low slow dirty mac deuce. After each set of exercises we ran a lap to magazine street and back. Tclaps to G-Spot and El wire who led the way on most of these. Also to Jadeveon and Flaming Lips who blew by me on every lap!

    First Round

    Low Slow Merkin x 12

    Low Slow Squat x 15

    Low Slow Peter Parker x 24

    Second Round

    Low Slow Incline Merkin x 12

    Low Slow Bulgarian Split Lunge x 12 each side

    Low Slow Peter Parker x 24

    Third Round

    Low Slow Decline Merkin x 12

    Low Slow Dips x 20

    Low Slow J-Lo x 24

    Fourth Round

    Low Slow Carolina Dry Docks x 12

    Low Slow Monkey Humpers x 24

    Low Slow Freddy Mercury x 24

    Mosey to the pull up bars. Split up into 4 groups. Ten pullups was the count. Other groups were Plank Jacks, LBC’s, and Shoulder Taps.

    After a time check of 6:11 we stayed where we were and squeezed in some Mary:

    Russian Twist x 20

    Dying Cockroach x 20

    Box Cutters x 20

    Fast as you can (or want to) run back to the flag. Count off & Namorama. Announcements to sign up for Iron Pax challenge. Prayers for Jadeveon’s mom as she deals with the loss of two parents. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to lead!

  • Halfway to 70

    Can’t think of a better way to spend the day after my birthday than getting sweaty with a bunch of dudes.

    I never thought I would feel better at 35 than I did at 25. I owe it all to F3 and all of you guys for giving me a reason to wake up at 5AM and sweat my ass off. Big thanks to everyone that made it out to celebrate my birthday beatdown with me.

    Short jog to the Tulane sign and circled up.

    • 35 SSH
    • 15 Grass grabbers
    • 35 Mountain climbers
    • 15 Peter Parkers

    Mosey’d to the benches:

    • 35 Right leg step-ups
    • 20 Diamond derkins
    • 35 Left leg step-ups
    • 35 Dips
    • 20 Incline Merkins

    Mosey’d to the garage for the crowd favorite Indian Run all the way up.

    Once at the top of the mountain we split into pairs for some Dora. One person ran all the way to the bottom of the stairs and back up the other stairs while the partner did the following:

    • 50 Burpees
    • 100 Jump squats
    • 200 Shoulder taps

    Sang Kumbaya while we watched the sunrise and then mosey’d back to the flag for COT.