F3 New Orleans

Tag: Hawgcycle

  • Immune Boost

    Four F3 Nola pax checked in at 0530 this morning for a virtual Q. Hopefully others will find the time to do it later.

    The Thang

    • Imperial Walkers x 19 (IC)
    • Merkins x 19 (1 is 1)
    • Mahktar N’Diaye x 19 (IC)
    • Up-Downs x 19 (1 is 1)
    • Nolan Ryans x 19 (IC)
    • EMOM (10 burpees EMOM for 9 minutes)

    Do the above set 3 times.

    NMM

    • Total of 270 burpees and 57 Up-Downs, which are pretty much burpees without the tiny little hop most of us do at the end.
    • It was rough, but I felt better knowing a few other guys were doing it with me at the same time, albeit from different locations.
    • I tried to post a Video Backblast on GroupMe, but I froze the app.  I thought a Video BB would be appropriate for a Virtual workout, but GroupMe sucks for posting large files, or at least it does on my phone.
    • I got caught before my 50th burpee in the 3rd set, so death by burpees does happen.  I took an extra minute break and then got caught before my 70th burpee.  Twice dead.
    • This took me 50 minutes.
    • This was very reminiscent of losing a bet to Da Parish, except I didn’t have to wear those horrible colors while I was doing it. 
    • The ISI is up for March and Beyond.  Find the link I posted in Mumblechatter if you want to join.
    • Some guys are kicking around a Meal Support Plan to help our local medical community and some our F3 brothers in the restaurant industry.  There is a link to join the discussion posted yesterday in Mumblechatter.

  • Sloppy Seconds Ain’t My Style

    Today is March 2nd, which means we’re nearing the end of the (sometimes) cold season here in New Orleans. For those of you keeping track, and I’m sure you all are, my attendance has been spotty over the past several months in what can only be described as F3 hibernation. I loathe below-50 degree weather and do my best to avoid it, especially if its also been raining. I know many people hate the humidity here, but I’ll take the heat any day.

    Now, given the Calvinist nature of the Q assignment, we (usually) don’t select our own Q-ings, but are predestined according to the (presumed) foreknowledge of the AO site coordinator. And as such, I’ve only “reported for duty” on days when the temperature was 50+, unless I was predestined for Q-ing in the cold (see 11/13/2019). But it seems that Rock City AO coordinator Mahatma, in his grace and mercy, saw fit to elect me to Q on March second, a day that had no cold and no sloppy ground – really a perfect weather day.

    So it began with warm-up exercises in the traditional Rock City warm-up area. It was the usual bag of tricks:

    SSH

    Abe Vigodas

    Imperial Walkers

    Grass Grabbers

    Peter Parkers

    Arm Circles

    All @ 26 each. There appeared to be some great letdown among the PAX that 26 had no significance other than having an equal number of forward and backward arm circles. Sorry for those that thought that I might be honoring P.J. Williams or celebrating my 26th birthday…

    Next up we gathered our rocks and headed to the football field, where we paced 10 yards for every exercise, from the goal line, in reps of 15, in cadence:

    Curls

    Tricep Extension

    Merkins

    Chest Press

    Shoulder Press

    We then partnered up for a dash from the 50 yard line to the goal line and back, while the alternating partner worked to complete the following:

    Burpees x 50

    World War II Sit-Ups x 100

    Squats x 150

    Flutter Kicks x 200

    Rows x 300

    Finally, we reversed our 10 yards/reps of 15/in cadence to the original goal line, finishing with just enough time to return our rocks and circle up. I have to say, given my F3 hibernation as of late, I’m definitely not in the same shape I was in November. So much so, that I was fading badly on the last set of tricep extensions and apparently lost the ability to count. Fortunately, Mahatma stepped in and picked up my slack continuing the cadence. It reminded me of that scene in Casino when Joe Pesci is all coked out near the end of the film, and he starts to beat a guy to death, but then doesn’t have the stamina to finish, so one of his henchmen takes over to finish the beatdown. Only without the coke. Or murder.

    In closing, we had no announcements, only prayers for those in our F3 community and those connected to it, giving thanks and glory to God.

    *The title of this post was a line uttered by Danny Zuko (John Travolta) in the movie Grease referring to…well, not muddy fields or March 2nd.

  • I once was lost, but now am Found(ry)

    I once was lost, but now am Found(ry). This statement technically makes no sense, but I liked the way it sounded so I decided to use it as the name for the Backblast. With that being said, here’s how things went down:

    WarmUp:

    • Jog to Noma, then we did:
    • Side straddle hops – 15 in cadence
    • Mountain climbers – 15 in cadence
    • Concrete Grabbers – 15 in cadence
    • Windmills – 15 in cadence
    • Self love

    The Thang:

    • Jog to Peristyle, then we did:
    • Merkins – 30 in cadence
    • LBC’s – 30 in cadence
    • Low slow squats – 30 in cadence
    • Calf raises – 30 in cadence
    • Dips – 30 in cadence
    • Jog back to flag, then we did:
    • Rocky Balboas – 30 in cadence
    • Plankjacks – 30 in cadence
    • Floyd Mayweathers – 30 in cadence
    • Burpees – 10 on your own

    After that, we did some static stretching, count-off, name-o-rama, announcements & intentions. Thanks for the opportunity to lead, fellas. I always enjoy it!

  • Me and Jim

    Conditions

    Heavy Rain, 58 F, Feels like 58 F, Humidity 96%, Wind 15 mph from NW

    The Thang

    0515

    Me:  Good morning Jim.

    Cantore:  What are those? I thought we were running.

    Me:  Kuch calls them my Mandals.  They are a pair of overpriced flip flops with a fatal design flaw.  I duct taped them, so we should be good this morning.  What is that you are wearing?

    Cantore: Gortex…HERE WE ARE ON THE FRONT PORCH OF CRAIG PARTEN, KNOWN TO HIS F3 BROTHERS AS HAWGCYCLE.

    Me:  Why are you yelling?  You’re going to wake my kid.

    Cantore: CAN’T HELP IT.  I’M EXCITED.  EVERY THURSDAY THE HEARTIEST SOULS IN THE NEW ORLEANS REGION MEET AT PONTIFF PARK, RAIN OR SHINE, FOR WHAT THEY CALL THE WALLY RUN.  IT’S A 4+ MILE JOG THROUGH THE AFFLUENT SUBURBAN STREETS OF THE OM.

    Me: Let’s go before you wake the neighborhood.

    0525

    Cantore:  THE RAIN IS REALLY COMING DOWN.  THIS IS CERTAINLY A MULTI CELL CLUSTER AND WE ARE BEING POUNDED BY ONE OF THE STRONGER CELLS AT THE MOMENT. 

    Me:  We are a little early and I’d rather not stand around by ourselves in the rain.  Let’s jog round the parking lot then run by the pumps to see if they are on.

    Cantore:  THE PUMPS WILL PROVIDE AN AMAZING CAMERA SHOT.

    Me:  …

    0530

    Cantore:  ARE YOU SURE THIS IS WHERE EVERYONE MEETS?

    Me:  This is it.  I expected to see everyone running out of their cars to meet us, but I don’t see any cars. 

    Cantore:  ARE THEY SKIPPING THE RUN BECAUSE OF THIS MODERATE MULTI CELL CLUSTER THAT IS MOVING THROUGH THE AREA?

    Me:  No.  No way.  Not these guys.  These guys can handle a little rain.  It’s got to be something else.  Boo Boo has to go in early to work sometimes.  Hobbs has a trial going on, so he probably had to head to work early.  It’s possible the rapture happened, that would explain Rev Sox and War Eagle not being here.  Pai Gow obviously has an addiction to Asian games of chance, so he might be at the Treasure Chest. Last time I saw Triple Shift he was Tuesday at City Park. He was talking to SFx about home schooling, vaccinations, and proper squat form…there is a chance he still there.  Tua’s wife just had twins, so I he’ll be out for the next 18 years. Fracsac randomly moves to the Westbank every now and then.  I fully expect Jingle Vader is sporting a tank top at Okwata as we speak. Two Yutes has some issues when it comes to dirt, so I’m guessing the debris in the rainwater might keep him away.

    Flashback to Monday at work.

    Me:  What’s up Jeff?  Why are you throwing your shoelace in the trash?

    Two Yutes:  It came untied and part of it touched the bathroom floor.  Can’t have that.

    Me: Where’s your belt?

    Two Yutes:  It touched the outside of the urinal. 

    Me: …

    Back to Pontiff

    Me:  There’s Mahatma, but he told me to my face that he hates running with me.  I respect his honesty.  Rudy….hmmmm…I don’t even know where to start.

    Cantore:  SO IT’S JUST US?

    Me:  Yeah, sorry.  We should have gone to Okwata.  They usually have 20-30 guys post there.  I’m sure this morning will be epic.  Do you want to go home?

    Cantore:  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  I LIVE FOR THIS.  LET’S GO.

    0537

    Cantore: WHAT’S THAT HOOLIGAN DOING?        

    Me:  I think he is just a teacher at Country Day going to work.

    Cantore:  GET BEHIND ME.  IF HE TRIES ANY FUNNY BUSINESS I’LL NINJA KICK HIM.

    Me:  I think we’re fine.

    Cantore:  EXCUSE ME SIR.  WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THIS TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR?

    Country Day Teacher:  I’m heading into work early.  I have to prepare my Chemistry Lab.

    Cantore:  WILL THE SCHOOLS NOT BE CANCELLED TODAY.  THERE IS A MODERATE MULTI CELL CLUSTER THUNDERSTORM IN THE AREA.

    Country Day Teacher:  I certainly hope not.  Today my students are scheduled to turn in their group project.  They will be using tribal African Dance to explain the exothermic reaction produced by mixing Sodium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid.

    (Cantore knees him in the groin and we continue on our way.)

    0545

    Cantore:  LOOK AT THE PLYWOOD ON THAT COFFEE SHOP.  EXCELLENT PREPARATION.  YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN ONE OF THESE SLIGHTLY LESS THAN MODERATE CELLS FROM THE CLUSTER MIGHT MOVE THROUGH. 

    Me:  A car ran into it.  It’s been like that for weeks.

    CANTORE:  THAT’S NOT PREPARATION FOR THIS STORM?

    Me:  Sorry to disappoint.

    0555

    Cantore:  THESE HOUSES ARE HUGE.  WHAT DO ALL OF THESE PEOPLE DO FOR A LIVING?

    Me:  Amass debt, I assume.

    0600

    Cantore:  WHERE ARE WE GOING? THIS IS NOT ON THE MAP YOU GAVE ME.

    Me:  Some extra distance.  I’m calling it the Lagniappe Loop.

    Cantore:  WHAT’S LAGNIAPPE?

    Me:  I don’t know.  I hear people say it a lot.  I like alliteration.

    0610

    Cantore:  ARE YOUR NIPPLES ON FIRE?!?

    Me:  Yes.

    0620

    Cantore:  I THOUGHT THIS ENDED AT 6:15.

    Me:  Normally, but this is Run Ranger Run and some kid on the Northshore has been running continuously for the last 5 days.  We have to catch him. 

    0630

    Cantore:  IT WAS A PLEASURE RUNNING WITH THE MEN….ER, ONE MAN OF F3 NEW ORLEANS THIS MORNING.  REPORTING FROM GROUND ZERO OF THE MODERATE MULTI CELL CLUSTER STORM WE HAVE UNECCESARILY NAMED WALLY, THIS IS JIM CANTORE SIGNING OFF.

    Me:  Bye Jim.

  • The Wis

    The Wis

    Conditions

    Overcast, 63 F, Feels like 63 F, Humidity 90%, Wind 8 mph from the South

    The Thang

    27 Pax tried a new route today, crossed the Cabrini Bridge and then went over and back on the Wisner overpass.  We ended up on the back side of the track and ran laps for the 6.  Distance ended up being about 3.5 to get to the track.

    NMM

    • T-claps to the Ruckers that got started at 4 am and got in close to 8 miles – Hokie, Gideon, and Thumbwar
    • Good to see SFx this morning.  He also rucked.  Will rucking become a thing in NOLA? 
    • I like that this route involves the Wisner Bridge, but it’s a little short.  Maybe next time we do it we will add another small loop that involves the Bridge a second time. 

  • Smoked Stack

    Conditions

    Mostly cloudy, 67 F, Feels like 68F, Humidity 100%, Wind 6 mph from SSE

    Warm-up

    Imperial Walkers x 30; Peter Parkers x 20; Windmills x 10; Moroccan Nightclub x 40 Hold it…. Forward Arm Circles x 10 Hold it…..Backerds Arm Circles x 10

    The Thang

    Bear Crawl to the 6th tree and hang a right, bear crawling to the cone (total of 100 yards or so).  Then recovery walk to the cone (down a level) and crab walk across (40ish yards), drop a level and side lunge left, drop a level and side lunge right, drop a level and crab walk backwards, drop a level and crawl bear back to the start. 

    Stack – use coupons for squats, shoulder presses and curls

    • 10 eight count body builders
    • 10 eight count body builders, 20 squats
    • 10 body builders, 20 squats, 30 shoulder presses
    • 10 body builders, 20 squats, 30 shoulder presses, 40 curls
    • 10 body builders, 20 squats, 30 shoulder presses, 40 curls, 50 dying cockroaches

    Unstack

    • 50 dying cockroaches, 40 curls, 30 shoulder presses, 20 squats, 10 body builders
    • 40 curls, 30 shoulder presses, 20 squats, 10 body builders
    • 30 shoulder presses, 20 squats 10 body builders
    • 20 squats, 10 merkins
    • 10 merkins

    NMM

    • The crowd seemed pleased with the Moroccan night clubs followed by the arm circles
    • I’ve never asked for as many count downs as I did today.  I had to have asked Tool and Kenner Brah to countdown from 20 or 10 at least 15 times.  I was toast.
    • Thanks to Tool for keeping the energy up and pushing us to get down the mountain.  We had to take the ski lift down by swapping the body builders for merkins.
    • Kenner Brah, never one to shy away from making things awkward at the end of a workout, came through again by quoting Ed Sheeran lyrics as we started the COT.
    • COT got much better from there.  I had a really neat experience where for some reason, I felt compelled to pray for a young man from our church who recently got a job at Acropolis on Feret.  I’m rooting for this kid that he will stick with this job and get some good life experience.  Not sure why I felt compelled to share this with the guys but as soon as I did, Kenner Brah asked me his name.  He knows the kid and will soon be in-laws with the woman that owns Acropolis and give this kid his opportunity.  I walked away knowing that God is very much in control of this situation. 

  • The Loop

    Conditions

    Overcast, 66 F, Feels like 67 F, Humidty 97%, Wind 5mph from SSE

    The Thang

    Run the two mile loop around Lafreniere stopping for occasional Circles of Pain

    • COP 1 – SSH x 20; Imperial Walkers x 20; Copperhead Squats x 20; Peter Parkers x 20; Windmills x 10
    • COP 2 – Bear Crawl 150 yards.  Turn around, 40 lunges, Forward Crabwalk as far as you can, Bear Crawl what’s left of the 150 yards back to the start.
    • COP 3 – Outdoor Gym.  Bernie Sanders (L-hang on the rings as long as you can).  Do 10 squats, then dead hang as long as you can.  10 more squats. 
    • COP 4 – Little Baby Crunches x 20
    • Along the way we stopped to do 10 Merkins in cadence as we waited for the 6.  Did 4 sets.

    NMM

    • After the bear crawls War Eagle let it be known that he believes I come up with my Qs on the drive to the AO.  Seemed like an insult.  I assured him nothing could be farther from the truth. 
    • Upon hearing that we were going to run the two mile lap, Hokie peeled off to work out solo at the outdoor gym.  He’s been dealing with knee pain and just received a cortisone shot.
    • I had a tough time coming up with a plan for this Q.  On the drive to the AO was when it hit me, let’s try to complete the loop.  Once I heard about Hokie’s cortisone shot, I should have modified my plan, but I didn’t.  That was a Q fail on my part.  It bothered me for the rest of the workout.
    • Luckily, things worked out.  The Disclaimer was late and hooked up with Hokie and they worked out together.  Still doesn’t excuse my poor leadership, but I’m glad it worked out.

  • Crazy 8s

    Conditions

    Mostly cloudy, 65 F, Feels like 66 F, Humidity 93%, Wind 8 MPH from ESE.

    Warm-up

    Imperial Walkers x 31; Shoulder Taps x 31; Arm Circles: Forward x 16, Backerds x 15; Windmills x 10

    The Thang

    Grab your favorite rock and circle up for the duration.  Crazy 8s with a Deck of Death.

    • Hearts – Ground ‘n Pound con roca.  Reps = card value (2-14)
    • Spades – Squat Thrust con roca.  Reps = card value (2-14)
    • Diamonds – Curl to Press con roca.  Reps = card value (2-14)
    • Clubs – Core Exercise on the card sin roca. Reps = card value + 10 for numbers; 25 for face cards, 50 for the ace
    • Jokers – Repeat the last exercise
    • 8s – Do 8 eight count body builders each time an 8 is drawn

    NMM

    • Apparently I walked in hot and late.  Thought I had perfect timing to coolly stroll in at 0530 and give the disclaimer flag in hand, but the mumblechatter revealed that it was 0531.
    • War Eagle continues to be a non-conformist with his rock selection.  In spite of all of his peers selecting the traditional Pontiff drainage rocks, he continues to use a man-made cinder block.  Will War Eagle’s non-conformity lead to amazing success like Bill Bradley’s granny shot free throws, or will he always be viewed as a nut job like the guy that works out barefoot with F3 Nola?  Only time will tell. 
    • Mahatma taught us all an important life principle today.  Mahatma had a misshapen rock that was not easy to handle for some of the exercises.  After a round where some of the Pax traded rocks, Mahatma ended up with Frac’s rock.  Those of you that have posted at Rock City or The Uptowner may be familiar with this beast of a rock.  It appears to be a nice oblong shape that would be easy to handle, but once you start with it, you learn that one side weighs about 35 pounds and the other side weighs 15.  Remember kids, whatever your struggles are in life, there’s always someone else out there that has it harder than you. 
    • I suggest we start naming rocks.  I imagine that the aforementioned rock did not take kindly to our talk about its one-sided girth.  I can hear it protesting “It’s not a toomah!” like Governor Arnold in Kindergarten cop.  Therefore this rock shall henceforth be known as Schwarzenegger. 
    • Strava had my total mileage today at 0.18 miles.  That’s a successful Uptowner in my book. 
  • First Stomp of 2020

    First Stomp of 2020

    22 men came out in the darkened gloom to kick off 2020 with the 610 Stomp. No better way to start the year than a good run with your 22 best friends.

    The Thang

    YHC started with the basic disclaimer and gave the instructions for the morning run. Run out to the Wisner Bridge. Celebrate our run to the bridge with 10 celebration burpees. Run and back and forth over the bridge until the Q calls the time. Celebrate the end of the bridge runs with 10 more celebration burpees and run back to the flag.

    Important lesson learned this morning: Don’t follow Shuffles. Shuffles will go the long way. Shuffles can run faster than you, so take the short way to arrive at the same time as Shuffles.

    The Pax followed Shuffles the long way to the bridge and completed the 10 burpees at the base of the bridge. The pax proceeded to run back and forth over the 610 until YHC rounded everyone up to do 10 more burpees at 6:05. The pax ran back to the flag for the end.

    The Conclusion

    Count-off, Name-O-Rama, and one FNG. The Pax was off their game with name suggestions outside of Hawg who wanted to name the FNG something Canadian since the FNG was from Detroit. YHC went with Crazy Cat Guy. I hope he returns.

    Thank you for the opportunity to lead. May we all lead and push one another throughout 2020.

  • Hawgcycle’s Running New Year’s Eve

    The Thang

    Run as far as you can in 22:30 and then turn around and come back. The goal was to try and run farther than you ever have at the Stomp. Some accomplished that. Shuffles, who doesn’t have a watch, ran to where he always does, the other side of the bridge, and turned around. A few saw the top of the bridge for the first time. Kuch garnered 18 achievements on Strava. YHC earned one.

    Another year in the books. Here’s to continued acceleration in 2020.