Tag: Hokie Pokey

  • Respect at The Great Lawn

    Something has been going on in the last couple months that just doesn’t seem right.  I haven’t had proper care for much longer than that, but at least I have good company every week, that is until sometime mid-March.  You see, there is this awesome group of Men that make me feel like I have purpose.  They don’t just sit on me or leave trash all over me.  They really care.  Not like that so called “groundskeeper” that doesn’t know anything about grass.  I’m only about 10 years old, so I’m still trying to figure things out.    

    I’m sorry, let me introduce myself!  I’m the Great Lawn, and I was shown some serious Respect this last Saturday, 16 May.  It’s been rare to see these fine Men gather here as of late, except for F3 Fest, which was a total blast by the way!  That guy Tool really knows how to throw a party….

    The one they call Fracsac gave a disclaimer, had the men count off and remember the numbers, and then brought all 12 Men to my domain Saturday morning in what he referred to as a Phase 1 celebration.  I guess that means F3 is back, which is awesome.  I missed these Men.  Well most of them anyways.  I try not to play favorites, but have you met that Rudy guy?  But I digress……

    There was a warmup:

    • SSH IC x 50 – wait a minute….Why more than 31?  I’m confused
    • IW x 20 IC
    • GG IC x 10
    • AC IC x 20
    • PP IC x 20

    Then they moseyed to one side of me for the first Routine:

    Blimps – Starting on one side, do an exercise, run to the other side of me, do the next exercise, then run back.  You get it, right?

    • Burpees x 10
    • Lunges x 10
    • IW x 15
    • ‘mericans x 20
    • Plank Jacks x 25
    • Squats x 30

    Then he had then split up by even and odd numbers, using the count off from the disclaimer.  It was a real disaster, but so was the Routine:

    Start at each corner…..it was so bad, we’ll just say they did Burpees x 10, and 8 count body builders IC x 10.  Probably something else too, but we just need to get past this one.  I thought this Q was educated……

    Mosey back to one of the corners for next Awesome Routine:

    DirtyMacDeuce!

    Round 1

    • ‘mericans x 12
    • Squats x 12
    • Bigboi situps x 12
    • Run a lap around me

    Round 2

    • Shoulder Taps x 12
    • LBC’s x 12
    • Lunges x 12
    • Run a lap around me

    Round 3

    • Floyd Mayweathers x 12
    • Bonnie Blairs x 12
    • Freddie Mercury x 12
    • Run a lap

    Round 4

    • Cataline wine mixers x 12
    • Jump squats x 12
    • LBT’s x 12
    • Run a lap

    The next Routine was a test of mental fortitude:

    Spoiler alert, it didn’t go well

    The Q would ask for 2 numbers from the pax.  One was for the number of SSH IC, the other was for SSH in silence, ending in unison with the Q.  A failure would result in a penalty.

    After 4 rounds of 10 penalty burpees, the Q called it.  But on the bright side, the Pax got to do 40 more burpees!  Good times!

    Finished with some Mary.

    Ended with a COT

    I overheard some new Respect from the Pax, apparently the one they call Fracsac turned 50!  Wow, how did that happen?

    That must have been a real downer to turn 50 during a pandemic.  As it turns out, that guy had a pretty awesome day.  After enjoying some coffeteria at the re-opened Café Navarre, several of the Pax surprised him with a drive by birthday and visit!  What an awesome organization F3 is!  I wish I could get up and join them.  Maybe someone will put some good grass on me……

    SYITG

    Coffeteria at Cafe Navarre
    Birthday Drive By
    Birthday Ride By
    Awesome F2 Surprise
  • Last Mothership Before COVID-19 Changes Everything

    Back in January, I have already heard about the Coronavirus because of my family living in Hong Kong. My father, who is still currently stuck in Hong Kong due to the travel restriction, had informed me how bad this thing is and how many people had already died in China. I knew it was somewhat serious, but I never expect it to be THIS bad where it will affect everyone of us for a very long time. Particularly, I remember my parents were in Hong Kong when SARs broke out in 2003. Because Hong Kong did a great job containing SARs, I never thought a similar highly contagious respiratory infection would hit us all the way to NOLA.

    Before City and Statewide stay-at-home mandate, we get a chance for one last Saturday beatdown. 20 PAX showed up on a beautiful morning. I gave my standard disclaimer and off we went!

    We started off with a lap around the great lawn and back to the Peristyle for our warmups in cadence:

    SSHs x 20

    Forward & Backward Arm Circles x 10 each

    Windmills x 10

    Grassgrabber x 10

    Hill Billies x 20

    Peter Parker x 15

    Mountain Climbers x 15

    Parker Peter x 15

    Part 1

    Picked a column at the Peristyle. In plank position, each Pax did hands on the wall x 20. Then did 20 right leg step ups. Then back to a column and did another 20 hands on the wall in plank position. Then back to the bench to finish with 20 left leg step ups.

    Part 2

    Walked across the street to the Great Lawn. We were using palm trees on the right as our markers. At the first tree, we started off with 1 lunge (Two is One). At the second tree, we did 2 lunges (Two is One), at the third tree, ….. all the way to the eighth tree. Then sprinted back to the very first tree and planked / waited for the Six. Then we added another layer of exercise. At the first tree, we started off with 1 lunge (Two is One) and 1 big boy sit-up. At the second tree, we did 2 lunges (Two is one) and 2 big boy sit-ups. At the third tree…. all the way to the eighth tree then sprinted back to the beginning and waited for the Six again. Final layer of exercise we added on was everyone’s favorite: burpees. At the first tree, we did 1 lunge, 1 big boy sit-up, and 1 burpee….. all the way to the eighth tree again. So in total, each PAX ponied up 108 lunges (2 is 1), 72 big boy sit-ups, and 36 burpees.

    Part 3

    We moseyed to the fountain in front of NOMA. We picked a partner and did DORA 1, 2, 3. The exercises were 100 leg raises, 200 inclined merkins, and 300 LBCs. While one pax was doing the exercise, the other partner was burpee broad-jumping towards NOMA on the flat surface and bunny hopped on the steps. Then ran back to flapjack with the partner.

    We ran back to the flag for COT. We went overtime by a minute or so. At every COT, I always mention how grateful I am able to do this with the PAX on a regular basis. F3 is a big part of my life. I do this 4 to 5 times a week. I enjoy the F2 part the most. We had our last Cafe Navarre breakfast together. Now, I still workout with few PAX in a smaller group and keeping our social distance. I’ve been running into other smaller F3 groups here and there in the gloom. I cannot wait till we can all get back together with 30 plus PAX at the WPM, Mothership, Rock City, The Skinny, Chamber of Horrors, 610 Stomps, Tsunami, The Birdcage, Foundry, Popeyes, Okwata, Stiffler’s Mom, Master Melvin, Wally Run, Uptowner, Sweaty Bells, and Renaissance. Until then, stay safe!

    King Kong

  • Dirty Dozen for Rock City with no Rocks for BLIMPSS

    The weather was perfect at 64* for 12 men to gather in the gloom during this time of uncertainty to push each other and to control what was in our control.

    Safety does matter!

    As we started to gather we immediately moved towards the football field to give us extra social distance rather than gathering in the confines of the fence, With an opening disclaimer about the Q not knowing if the virus can linger on rocks and therefore no rocks would be used today we took a nice 400 m mosey around the track before meeting in the middle of the football field along some cones that made their way to the field around 5:10 this AM

    EMOM’s of BLIMPSS … with no breaks

    The Q announced as we lined up midfield the BLIMPS would be done with each exercise lasting for one minute and immediately leading into the next exercise without any breaks between the EMOM (to eliminate any confusion on last week’s debate on EMOM’s and breaks). One minute of Burpees, one minute of Lunges, one minute Imperial walkers, one minute of Merkins, one minute of Plank jacks, one minute of Squats and then one minute of Suicides (utilizing the cones).

    The Q then had Rev Sox give us a 20 count and we moseyed back to the track.

    Another 400m mosey followed by BLIMPSS round 2 – One minute of Burpees, one minute of Lunges (Backwards lunges this time), one minute Imperial walkers, one minute of Merkins, one minute Plank (not plank jacks), one minute of Squats and then one minute of Suicides (utilizing the cones) ~ This time we did the suicides in reverse at request of Mahatma.

    Back to the track for another 400 m mosey and then round 3 of BLIMPSS repeating round 2 with the lunges going from midfield of the football field to the end zone.

    Mahatma gave us a 20 count as we made our way to the end zone area of the track for our last rendition of BLIMPS. This time we only moseyed about 100 m and then did 19 of each (BLIMPS) then another 100 m. It was noted as folks were planking for the 6, one could see steam rising from our backs.

    We then gathered at a safe distance for countarama, nameorama, announcements, intentions and closing prayer.

    Walleye lets us know about the young attorney from St. Ann’s who was misdiagnosed with the flu and is now in EJ ICU with COVID-19.

    We closed with prayers and lifted up all those brothers dealing with adversity, injury, cash flow changes, health issues, families with health issues, life changes from COVID 19 and encouraged each other to recognize COVID 19 is real and to exercise prudent precautions to protect each other and our families.

    Be safe my brothers! Thank you for pushing this 60 year old man to be better!

  • No touch NOLA is back

    OK so I started today wanting to build a workout in honor of Roots – who began our WPM AO. It was our 3rd workout and it continues to be a fan favorite. We welcomed back Amnesty who posted hoping to be led by Roots but got stuck with me. We also welcomed a FNG from Oregon – a law school buddy of Moana who we names Quarantine. No touching on the beatdown – so its like the old days for us.

    Beatdown got straight to work at the MTN.

    Did a circle with SSH, Imp Walker Squats, Dying Roaches and Mtn Climbers x 20IC

    Then we ran to the base of the MTN.

    At the base: there was a chalk instruction for each floor in mulitples of 13 for Friday the 13th.

    26 Lunges – 2nd, 39 plank jacks, – 3rd floor 52 monkey humpers, – 4th floor

    We did 13 hand release merks at the top of each ramp

    At the 4th floor we did some wall sits, some wall climbs (dirty dates or something) and then some wall walk ups

    Back to the ramps and we did 26 – shoulder taps and 39 – Russian Twist, and 52 – Monkey Humpers. More wall sits at the top. We also did 20 Flutter KIX in cadence.

    At the top of the MTN – we went back down the stairs and ran up LIL WPM.

    Here we had 4 exercises: LBCs, LBTs , Freddies, and Bird Dogs.

    One partner did exercise while the other went down the stairs and back up.

    Ran back to Audubon Park via the benches – at the benches we did dips x 30 OYO.

    Then we ran back to the FLAG. Arrived at 615am. Done.

    COVID – 19 prep starts after this beatdown.

  • 610 Stomp for Kuch 40th & Hokie’s 2 year anniversary

    The Thang ~ Part 1

    Run for 6 minutes ~ Stop for 10 pushups… Run 2nd 6 minutes ~ Stop for 10 pushups~~~ Turn around and repeat on way back to practice track ~~ 40 pushups for Kuch’s 40th birthday but he was in the office working early for a big deposition so he didn’t even know.

    The Thang ~ Part 2

    Run hard 100m, Jog 300 meters… stop and do 10 push ups ~ Run 200, jog 200, 10 more push ups… run 300, jog 100, 10 more push ups… run 400 and do 10 more push ups…. ~~ that’s 40 pushups for Kuch’s 40th birthday but he was in the office working early for a big deposition so he didn’t even know.

    For the overachievers ~ There was a part 3

    Run 800, 10 push ups… run 1200, 10 pushups, run 1600, 10 push ups, run 200 with 10 more pushups

  • Catfish Semi-Challenge (Mothership 2020-03-07)

    Nice chilly spring Mothership with 18 PAX in attendance: iHeart, Hokie Pokie, Tool, Angie’s List, Landing Strip, Jingle Vader, Triple Shift, Gabrielle, Willie, Squeal, Douille, King Kong, Two Yutes, Beignet, Belloq, Blowout, War Eagle, Catfish (Q).

    Started at the peristyle with Abe Vigoda, Grass Grabbers, and Side Straddle Hop. On to our faces with Peter Parkers, Plank Jacks, Parker Peters, and Mountain climbers. Finished out the warmup with some 8-count bodybuilders.

    Moved to the Great Lawn and partnered up for B.O.M.V.S. (combined 50 burpees, 100 overhead claps, 150 merkins, 200 V-ups, and 250 squats). Once completed, moved to the southeast end of the lawn for some Mary while waiting for the six (got in some LBCs and dying roaches).

    After a quick 10 count and a quick side straddle hop, moved to the base (south end) of the field, then did a quick throwback round to September 2019 Iron PAX Challenge – hop a tree length, 10 burpees, 10 bonnie blairs, 10 big boy situps, rinse and repeat 3x. Did plank jacks waiting for the six.

    Once we got to the end, split into two circles for some rings of fire. First ring was monkey humpers (2 rounds, hold the position between rounds), next ring was al gore position with bonnie blairs.

    After the rings, moved on to one of the Q’s personal favorites – Jack Webb. Got up to 13 today, not too shabby.

    Returned to the peristyle for calf raises and 8-counts to finish up.

    Great day, great workout. Thanks to all what participated!

  • Oh, I’m the Q??? … and what is an EMOM?

    On Tuesday, I received a call from Boo Boo asking me about the upcoming Q I was leading at Popeye’s and letting me know he was on IR and unable to run and asking about the plan.

    I let Boo Boo know I would commit to little to know running and looked forward to seeing him.

    Let’s stretch

    At the age of 60, I really appreciate a good stretch both before and after our workouts.

    Downward Stretch SLOWLY and GENTLY extend the stretch with each exhale.

    Abe Vigoda x10, Grass Grabbers x10, Imperial Walkers x10, Arm Circles with Thumbs up x5 small, x5 medium and x5 large, Arm Circles with Thumbs down x5 small, x5 medium and x5 large, closed out with some lunge stretching looking over our back shoulder.

    The Thang ~ 3 Segments

    The Q came bearing gifts… 20# Ruck Plate, 30# Ruck Plate and 40# weighted vest

    1st segment ~ Pax 1 is the timer with a lap around the water (approx 400 meters), Pax 2 30# Curls, Pax 3 40# calf raises, Pax 4 Bear crawls low and slow keeping shins & back parallel to the ground, Pax 5 Sit ups with 20# plate on chest…. Rotate so each person got each of the 5 stations.

    2nd segment ~ Pax 1 is the timer with a lap around the water (approx 400 meters), Pax 2 30# Overhead presses, Pax 3 40# step ups , Pax 4 Reverse Lunges, Pax 5 Forward Lunges with 20# plate overhead…. Rotate so each person got each of the 5 stations.

    3rd Segment ~ EMOM Hokie Style!!! Some of the Pax told the Q they believe EMOM is one minute of exercise followed by one minute of rest. This Q stated there is plenty of time to rest when your dead 😉 Instead our EMOM was one exercise after another after another after another switching every minute…. Push ups, Lunges, More Push Ups, Bobby Hurley’s, Plyometric Push ups (accelerate on the up and get hands off the ground… clap if you can), Plank, Nolan Ryan’s R, Squats, Nolan Ryan’s L, Chair position

    The Cool Down

    More stretching for 5 minutes

    COT

    We lifted up prayer requests and gratitude. We are grateful for F3!

  • Renaissance 5… or was that 6

    Warm up

    As the sun rose on a glorious morning after the completion of Run Ranger Run, we started with easy stretching as about 1/2 the group was out late last night with the final RRR run and sushi. Our stretching included legs together and leaning over SLOWLY, extended our stretch with each exhale, followed by Abe Vigoda x10, Grass Grabbers x10, Imperial Walkers x10, Arm Circles x10 forward and then x10 backward, and finally a lunge stretch.

    The Thang

    FracSac, Belloq, Catfish, Tool and yours truly started with a slow jaunt around NOMA followed by

    50 Burpess, then another loop around NOMA.

    100 push ups, then another loop around NOMA.

    150 Lunges, then another loop around only 1/2 around NOMA… stop in the back for…. incoming Pauly D …. and …

    200 squats followed with 5 MINUTES of Sunday Mornings (10 air presses while in people’s chair position, 5 donkey kicks up NOMA wall, then one balls to the wall and press = a Sunday Morning) now rinse and repeat for 5 minutes

    The Cool down Stretch

    We returned to the flag and did 5 minutes of stretching lead by Belloq.

    COT

    We closed lifting up our injured F3 brothers and those battling cancer and other illnesses along with announcements including read your F3 e-mail 😉

    Coffeetria

    100% attendance of the original 5. Pauly D stayed in City Park to get the rest of his Sunday morning exercise completed.

  • 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. 
  • The Morning After

    15 pax showed up in the gloom, possibly still a bit hung over from a few too many brewskies watching the SB or maybe from the ongoing boycott party with the Who Dat’s one call away from making a run into the big game, again!  Regardless with the disclaimer made it’s time to work….

     We headed out the gate for a quick mosey around the track switching to a Bernie Sanders trot midway around with a bit of bewilderment until it was understood all were supposed to participate.  Then out the gate to the field circling up for a warm up.

    All in cadence x 12 or 20 or 10:

    Squats

    SS Hops  x 10 then after seeing the pax was a bit lethargic, QIC decided to entice focus with a Fracsac special, finish as a group on a silent count or punish work to follow – thanks in part to a “silent whisper of Marlin” the pax got into cadence focus and all stopped on 17

    Grass grabbers

    Peter Parker ( Hokie reminded QIC and FNG was in our midst and Rudy let everyone know he likes to pretend he really is climbing a wall)

    Scorpion kicks

    Arm Circles

    Grab a rock!

    After moseying over to the tree line instructions were given for our 1st task at hand:

    The 7

    Start with 1 front raise (mid waist raise your rock over your head) Then lower rock holding out front run to the center of the field.

    Each time PAX gets to this center point perform 5 squat presses

    Now run with Rock over head to the other side – complete 6 man makers – run back to the center with rock overhead at the center 5 squat presses then run back to the beginning side with rock out front.

    Continue this back and forth effort with numbers flip flopping  exercises and 5 squat presses in the middle until 1 becomes 6 and 6 becomes 1. 

    Now for the early finishers line up behind the starting point – SSH in cadence until 6 was in.

    Grab your rock and mosey to the parking lot – get a partner.

    Line up for some chess press to tricep over head press – 200 to 200

    PAX does chess press while PAX 2 walks post to post performs over head tricep presses – upon return flip flop until 200 of each are completed.

    Now for the early finishers line up behind the starting point – SSH in cadence until 6 was in.

    Return to you rock – for some Mary

    American Hammer x 12

    Gas Pumps with Rock in an upward press position x 12

    Bus Drivers x 12

    Front rock lifts x 10

    Time to return our rocks

    Mosey back to the flag – Rudy reminded me he want his full 45 minutes so with 2 minutes left we completed a ring of fire with a 10 merkin count off.

    Count off and COT

    Our FNG was welcomed and given is F3 name – Vagabond.

    Let us all aspire to inspire before we expire…..  We are all accountable; It’s an honor to lead