F3 New Orleans

Tag: Mahatma

  • FracDay at The View

    The View (not YHC’s favorite name) is a great AO with lots of potential. YHC aimed to change things up a bit, and actually planned a beat down the night before. 4 eager men awaited the Q to begin, so with 5 of us ready, a disclaimer was given, and we moseyed to a warmup spot doing high knees, butt kicks and Carioca.
    Warmup:

    SSH IC x 31
IW IC x 15
Abe Vigodas IC x 10
GG IC x 10
AC IC x 20
PP IC x 20
MC IC x 20
MP IC x 10

    Jack Webb

    ‘merican x 1 followed by 2 air presses
’merican x 2 followed by 4 air presses
.......
’merican x 10 followed by 20 air presses

    Mosey to the bench and picnic table for Stations

    Station 1 - ‘mericans 
Station 2 - squats 
Station 3 - derkins on picnic table
Station 4 - step ups on bench
Station 5 - Run to levee, bear crawl up, 5 burpees, run back down (timer)
Rinse and Repeat
    Head to the shore to grab a rock.  

Curls x 10
Rows x 10
Elf on the shelf x 10 Right 
Elf on the shelf x 10 Left
Squat thrust OH press x 10
OH x 10
Return the rocks

    Circle up for Mary:

    Flutter kicks x 20
LBC x 20
Tin Snips x 10
Freddie Mercury x 20
Crunchy Frog x 10

    Mosey back to VSF for 1 minute plank.

    COT

    Count off, name-o-rama, announcements, intentions and closing prayer.

    Thanks for posting with me today and pushing me to be better.

    SYITG

  • Enjoying the View

    4 men arrived at 5:20am on the levee (well Mahatma and YHC arrived at 5:20) in the early morning gloom. While waiting for the best view in greater New Orleans, they banded together but remained physically distant for a Q-less beatdown. It was Round Robin all around with each of the 4 men taking their turns.

    The Warm-up

    SSH – 20

    Shoulder taps – 20

    Peter Parkers – 20

    Imperial Squat Walkers – 15

    Windmill – 15

    Michael Phelps – 15

    Grass grabbers – 15

    The Thang

    Each of the 4 pax members led a section of the workout. YHC has little confidence that every workout will be recorded with perfect accuracy, but that will make this no different from the standard backblast.

    The Mahatma

    Start at the top of the levee on the concrete pad with 15 merkins, run down to the beginning of the bridge for 15 air squats, run across the bridge for 15 lunge steps, continue running to the next concrete ramp and do 15 merkins on the top of the levee. Run back down the ramp and back to the starting point on the other side of the bridge.

    Mahatma asked the Pax to estimate the time it will take to complete. YHC guessed 6 minutes. Kenner Brah guessed 5 minutes. It took 9:20 as it was about one mile of running. (Who knew it was that far?)

    The RevSox

    15 dips at the walls on the top of the levee. Run down the levee to the paved space on the other side of the bike path and do 15 plank jacks. Repeat with 10 reps of each and then repeat again 5 reps of each.

    The Mambi

    Run backwards up the levee and do 15 squat jumps at the top, run down the ramp and do 15 Carolina Dry Docks. Run back up the levee and down to the bottom on the other side for 15 LBCs. Bear crawl back up to the top and run back down to the starting point. Two Rounds

    The Kenner Brah

    This was the oddest and most mentally engaging exercise YHC has ever done at an F3. The Pax moseyed to the edge of the lake and climbed on the rocks. The Pax then goat hopped (Kenner Brah’s terminology) down the rocks for about 1,000 feet while praying no one was going to sprain an ankle or worse. Thankfully there were no injuries as we hopped from wet rock to wet rock by the lake.

    We sprinted back to the starting point as YHC edged out Mahatma on the run (history is written by the winners baby!)

    Mary

    20 O Dollies

    14 Hello Dollies

    20 – Wife Pleasers

    20 – Penguins

    Stretching led my Mahatma

    Some weird backward picnic table plank led by Kenner Brah

    The End

    Count off, Name-O-Rama, Announcements, Intentions, and Prayer (all with proper social distancing)

    -Rev Sox

  • 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!

  • 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

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Was it you, BooBoo?

    It was just like old times as seven PAX gathered to celebrate my F3 Anniversary. As some of you know, my first workout was last February on the coldest day of 2019. Today, we were greeted by 41 degree (and dropping) temperatures, but fortunately for us it was also wet – @mahatma made sure to point out the hoarfrost once the sun started to come out. I said a quick “Thank You” to whoever signed me up to Q (sideways glance at @boo-boo).

    Disclaimers and a warm up – side straddle hop, “A?” Pagodas (slow windmills), arm circles, and grass grabbers. Then it was a grab your rock and head to the hill sort of day.

    Out of consideration for the PAX, I went over the hill to check on the moisture and – uh oh – wet AND my calves cramp. It will be modifications for me. We decide it’s not TOO wet, so we begin our 11’s. First round is curls for girls, up and over the hill, merkins, and back again. I decided against making the men do sit ups in the wet grass, so for the second round of 11s we do squat presses, climb the hill and back, then big boy sit ups on the track. This takes less time than I anticipated so we finish off the lifting with 30 rows, then it’s back to the rockpile.

    @hand-grenada does the math for us: 11’s gives you 55 reps of both exercises (or some other high number).

    We finish with Mary’s, but not before cameo appearances by random joggers named @revsox and @rudy (congrats on the 100 miles!). Everyone gets to call a workout today. LBCs, dying cockroach (GET YOUR LEGS UP!), crunchy frog, v-hold, russian twist (or american hammers), gas pumps, and penguins.

    Name-O-Rama, circle of trust, I thank F3Nola for helping me to grow, then it’s off to a hot shower. In the end, thank you for pushing me to Q, BooBoo!