Tag: Quincy

  • Royal Huddleston Burpee, and other esoterica – from Sandbar

    Before YHC achieved 49 for a second time in December, he led the PAX on a 110 burpee challenge with some levee fun thrown in at the Birdcage. Not wanting to be redundant YHC did some digging on the Burpee we have all grown to love, and found out we are doing it wrong. Royal Huddleston Burpee Sr. was a physiologist who invented (arguably) one of the most effective exercises of all time in 1939 for his PhD thesis in Applied Physiology at Columbia Teacher’s College. The burpee is a squat thrust with a stand in between repetitions. Anything added – pushup (merkin) or a jump – is a modification of the original.

    In pouring rain the PAX ran to Wolfpack and did some warmups of SSH, Windmills, Grass Grabbers, Toy Soldiers, Hillbillies and Imperial Walkers. Then the PAX proceeded through various elements of military physical fitness tests.

    1. The first test – 50 burpees OYO

    The exercise was popularized when the United States Armed Services made it one of the ways used to assess the fitness level of recruits when the US entered World War II.[3] Although the original test was not designed to be performed at high volume, the Army used the burpee to test how many times it can be performed by a soldier in 20 seconds[3] – 8 burpees in 20 seconds is considered poor, 10 is fair, 13 or more excellent. The Army also considered that a soldier fit enough for the rigor of war should be able to perform 40 or 50 burpees non-stop in an easy rhythm.

    Then Pax paired up, one to exercise, one to count.

    2. Second Test – Army Physical Fitness Test – 2 minutes pushups.
    3. 2 minutes situps.
    4. Pax then ran sprints of about 200 yards for an element of the Bar Or test of the IDF. a Sprinting in a straight line 150 meters then turning and sprinting back another 150 meters. Regular infantry must complete it under 50 seconds.

    PAX then moseyed through even heavier rain to the ROTC pullup bars to complete that element of the Army Ranger test. Ranger Test – For soldiers attending the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) (to join the 75th Ranger Regiment) a special Ranger Fitness Test is conducted for all age groups, which is separate from the Army Physical Fitness Test. The test is pass/fail and involves push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups, and a five-mile run. Push-ups and sit-ups are to be performed within 2 minutes. Pax also completed another element of Bar Or test – the dips. Below is the entire Bar Or in case some PAX would like to challenge themselves.

    “Bar Or” – The official IDF fitness test
    1) Pull – Ups (palms facing out) – Regular infantry are required to do at least 7 with a 7 kilo weighted vest.

    2) Dips – Regular infantry are required to complete at least 11. (without weighted vest)

    3) Trap Bar Jump Squats – 7 reps of 60 kilo

    4) Sprints – 300 meter sprint ( usually performed after the 3 kilometer run) Sprinting in a straight line 150 meters then turning and sprinting back another 150 meters. Regular infantry must complet it under 50 seconds.

    5) 3000 meter run (1.86 miles) – Regular infantry must complete it under 15:33 minutes in basic training and under 14:30 in advanced training.

    Back to flag, COT.

  • Mutual Admiration Society – from Quincy

    Uptown tundra at 50° could not keep 10 men away from the delights of the Gloom! We started our warmup completing Side Straddle Hops, Peter Parkers, Windmills, Grass Grabbers. We jogged to the statue of John James Audubon to impress him with arm circles at the insistence of Seeman, both counting up and counting down to show the famous bird man what the birdcage brothers can do. We continued Mathlete style doing Crazy 8’s in the parking lot with 10 Burpees, 20 Merkins, 40 Bonnie Blairs; counting down by subtracting 1 Burpee, 2 Merkins and 4 BB’s a round, Angie’s List said it looked good on paper, and I was proud to lead you nowhere while running in circles. Kong pointed out we were not going to finish my master plan on time as we did a few LBC’s, Russian Twists between sets, we ended with the 5/10/20 set.
    Appreciate all of you for posting!
    Double appreciate all those who were able to give blood yesterday: 54 donations at Children’s, the goal was 40!

  • The People’s Mountain (WPM 2023-06-23 – from Catfish

    Started off with a mosey over to the other side of St. Charles to warm up with:

    • Hip Circles clockwise x 5 (in cadence)
    • Hip Circles counterclockwise x 5 (in cadence)
    • Abe Vigodas x 10 (in cadence)
    • Grass Grabbers x 10 (in cadence)
    • Wacky Jacks x 20 (in cadence)
    • 8-Counts x 10 (in cadence)

    Moseyed to the base of the mountain for a backwards run up the ramp to the 3rd level. All PAX grabbed some wall space to hold a People’s Chair, and while here PAX did Overhead Claps x x20 (in cadence). Got off the wall and went right into Low Slow Squats x 20 (in cadence).

    Moseyed around, then backwards up the next incline to the 4th level. All PAX grabbed some wall space to hold a People’s Chair, and while here PAX did Seal Claps x 20 (in cadence). Got off the wall and went right into Monkey Humpers x 20 (in cadence).

    Moseyed around, then backwards up the next incline to the 5th level. All PAX grabbed some wall space to hold a People’s Chair, and while here PAX did Moroccan Night Clubs x 20 (in cadence). Got off the wall and went right into Donkey Kicks x 20 (in cadence).

    Moseyed around, then backwards up the next incline to the 6th level. All PAX grabbed some wall space to hold a People’s Chair, and while here PAX did Air Presses x 20 (in cadence). Got off the wall and went right into Bobby Hurleys x 20 (in cadence).

    Moseyed around, then backwards up the next incline to the top level. All PAX grabbed some wall space to hold a People’s Chair, and while here PAX did Arm Circles x 20 (in cadence). Got off the wall and went right into Alternating Lunges x 20 (in cadence).

    Moseyed over to the end of the parking lot, got a 20-count rest in, then put feet up on the wall to touch the upper body with Derkins x 20 (in cadence).

    Moseyed down the stairs to visit Touchdown Jesus for a round of 7s. PAX started with burpees on one end, then bear crawled to the other for Dr. Ws. Got about halfway through, then circled back up for a 90-second single leg balance hold (holding knee of the raised leg as high to the chest as possible), one 90-second hold for each leg.

    Moseyed back to flag for CoT.

  • Wolf Pack Mountain – Burpee Palooza Ring of Fire – from Willie

    The PAX gathered for 530AM sharp at the WPM meeting spot on St. Charles Ave, where I announced the standard disclaimer. I also had my Bluetooth speaker and playlist at the ready. The rules are pretty simple for my music. Any PAX can skip a song, but it will trigger a 10 burpee penalty for the whole group, and there are no back-to-back skips…sorry Catfish:(). O’Douls had the honor of shuffling the songs, and it landed on “The Children will Listen” by Barbara Streisand…. The entire PAX declared a skip, and we did 10 burpees out of the gate!
    We moseyed over to the base on WPM to warm up with the following exercises all in cadence:
    SSHx20, Imperial Walkersx20, Hillbilliesx20, Self lovex20, Grass Grabbersx10, Arm Circles F/Bx10

    Once the warmups were complete, the PAX ran up the mountain stopping at each level for a Ring of Fire. All inclines were run up backwards.
    Monkey Humpers 20 total, next PAX starts at 10. Hold Al Gore while you wait.
    Couch skipped with 5 seconds left of the “Humpty Dance” – PAX did 10 Burpees.
    Low slow Squats 20 total, next PAX starts at 10. Hold Al Gore while you wait.
    Douille skipped “It’s Raining Men” – PAX did 10 Burpees.
    LBCs 20 total next PAX starts at 10. Hold a hip bridge (wife pleaser) while you wait.
    Merkins 20 total next PAX starts at 10. Hold plank while you wait.
    Mountain Climbers 20 total next PAX starts at 10. Hold plank while you wait.

    Once at the top of the mountain, I had a surprise for the PAX. Instead of a traditional ring of fire, we had Burpee Palooza Ring of Fire. Each PAX was singled out to name the artist of the current song. We did 3 burpees as a group as the new song played. Once the burpees were done, the PAX next up in the ring of fire had to name the artist of the song, if he missed it, another 5 burpees ensued, if he got it correct, we did 10 Squats. We made it through 7 of the 21 PAX in the ring before heading back to the flag. Let’s just say we did a lot of burpees, and I will leave it right there.

    Here is a list of the songs that were played in the Burpee Palooza Ring of Fire:
    Get Ready – DJ Jubilee
    Da’ Dip – Freak Nasty
    Shake it off – Taylor Swift
    For Those About to Rock – ACDC
    What a Fool Believes – Doobie Brothers
    Let’s Dance – David Bowie
    What Does the Fox Say? – Ylvis

    We made it back to the flag right on time and closed out with the COT. It’s always an honor to lead this group of great men. Already looking forward to next time!

  • In Honor of Old Yankee – from Hawgcycle

    I asked Chat GPT to right the backblast as a song in the style of Yankee Doodle Dandy. Enjoy.

    (Verse 1)
    Hawgcycle led us up the hill, in honor of old Yankee,
    To Wolfpack Mountain, with a thrill, we joined his workout frenzy.
    With 27 Pax, we gathered there, for a celebration so grand,
    For our friend Yankee, beyond compare, we formed a mighty band.

    (Chorus)
    Hawgcycle led us up the hill, in honor of old Yankee,
    We did his favorite workouts still, to make him feel quite cranky.
    We exercised with all our might, to celebrate his birthday right,
    Hawgcycle led us up the hill, in honor of old Yankee.

    (Verse 2)
    We started with a 4x4x48, just as Yankee desired,
    Four burpees every four, no time to grow tired.
    Side Straddle Hop, a challenging feat, to end in perfect sync,
    Angie’s List struggled with the beat, but we laughed, not a blink.

    (Chorus)
    Hawgcycle led us up the hill, in honor of old Yankee,
    We did his favorite workouts still, to make him feel quite cranky.
    We exercised with all our might, to celebrate his birthday right,
    Hawgcycle led us up the hill, in honor of old Yankee.

    (Verse 3)
    Imperial Scott Walkers, we marched with pride,
    Bill Buckners, oh, the Red Sox’s ride.
    Climbing mountains, reaching peaks, conquering what we dared,
    For Yankee’s tribute, strong and sleek, his spirit in the air.

    (Chorus)
    Hawgcycle led us up the hill, in honor of old Yankee,
    We did his favorite workouts still, to make him feel quite cranky.
    We exercised with all our might, to celebrate his birthday right,
    Hawgcycle led us up the hill, in honor of old Yankee.

    (Verse 4)
    A Dirty McDuece, exercises galore, we pushed our limits high,
    Merkins, LBCs, and so much more, reaching for the sky.
    Running laps, up stairs and ramps, the energy burning bright,
    Hawgcycle’s tribute, like a champ, a challenging delight.

    (Chorus)
    Hawgcycle led us up the hill, in honor of old Yankee,
    We did his favorite workouts still, to make him feel quite cranky.
    We exercised with all our might, to celebrate his birthday right,
    Hawgcycle led us up the hill, in honor of old Yankee.

    (Verse 5)
    Levee to the Chevy, a backwards race, we faced it with a grin,
    Bobby Hurleys, partners switch their place, determination from within.
    To the flag we ran, spirits held high, eight-count body builders soared,
    Yankee’s honor reaching the sky, our bond forevermore.

    (Chorus)
    Hawgcycle led us up the hill, in honor of old Yankee,
    We did his favorite workouts still, to make him feel quite cranky.
    We exercised with all our might, to celebrate his birthday right,
    Hawgcycle led us up the hill, in honor of old Yankee.

    (Verse 6)
    Yankee Aggressor, Southern Gentlemen’s pride, we gave it all we had,
    With four burpees, side by side, laughter filled the squad.
    In unity, we stood so tall, with gratitude in our heart,
    For Hawgcycle and Yankee’s call, a friendship to never depart.

    Chorus)
    Hawgcycle led us up the hill, in honor of old Yankee,
    We did his favorite workouts still, to make him feel quite cranky.
    We exercised with all our might, to celebrate his birthday right,
    Hawgcycle led us up the hill, in honor of old Yankee.

  • My cadence is PURE. Angie is Rotten inside. – from Reluctant Yankee

    Much afternoon debate on the cadence. After I made the PAX repeat their SSH until they followed my cadence this gloom – this afternoon the handheld devil box has been full of chatter about the call of cadence. Fun times.

    Humid gloom.
    24 pax including 1 FNG gathered for a TubeSteak led beatdown but TubeSteak is in Hawaii with the Navy this week so I volunteered to cover for him.
    disclaimer.
    Ran to the FIELD by AUDUBON ZOO.
    COP 1: SSH x until everyone got in cadence. Imp Scott Walkers Merks Mtn Climbers Roaches
    Ran to the Birdwatcher Statue
    Explained the Dirty MacDeuce
    Then we ran a long lap to Magazine St and back.
    COP 2: Slow Squats, Merks, Dying Bugs. Flutters x 12
    Long lap.
    COP 3: Lunges, Shoulder Taps, Hip Dips both sides x 12
    Long lap.
    COP 4: Bobby Hurleys, Staggered Merks, Lil Baby Obliques both sides x 12
    ***Angie’s list full of hot air – let it fly today – so bad I almost barfed. Thats AL.
    Long lap.
    COP 5: Monkey Humpers, Plank Jacks, Freddie Merks, and Low Country Crab
    Ran to soccer field for more CORE.
    Russian Twist, LBC, Scissor Kicks, Plank Walk and JLOS. x 20

    Ran back to FLAG. Southern Gentleman, Yankee Agressor, Nolan Ryans both sides

    CLOSED WITH A CIRCLE OF TRUST.

    We named FNG – THIRST-ON

    Peace-RY

  • Another RARE Uptown Backblast – from Reluctant Yankee

    Man…I did NOT want to post when I opened my eyes at 5AM. I rolled over and laid there thinking about it…at 5:18 I was still awake somehow thinking about posting or sleeping. Its funny how even after 8 plus years of this – every gloom – I reluctantly drag my tired body out of bed. I knew there wasn’t a Q signed up. I knew I would need to step up. Pulled in to Birdcage – wheels on fire bc I sped to the workout due to my sleepy hesitation.
    Quick disclaimer while I yelled follow me – no stopping and we were off to the field in front of the ZOO. I noticed Peppa was here. I was happy to see Pep bc he has been out of town a bunch. I saw Quincy who hasn’t been posting regularly and I was happy to see him. I saw Angie’s List who is always talking with El Wire during the first circle of pain and I was happy to see him. As I looked at each PAX I was happy to see all of them. I started making a mental list of who wasn’t there – no Brown Bag, no Seaman, no Sphinxter, no Moana. I made a mental note that if I am happy to see these PAX and disappointed not to see some PAX – there must be others who feel the same way right. I was thinking I need to post more on Monday. 4 posts a week is usually my goal. Lately it has been only 2 a week.
    I never want to post – I never REGRET posting.

    1st CIRCLE OF PAIN: SSH x 20, Imperial Scott walkers x 20, 20 Hand Release Merks and 20 MTN CLIMBERS
    ran to Audubon Statue
    Partnered up for 3 laps with a partner: Lap 1 – Dips Lap 2 Left leg steps Lap 3 Right leg steps
    ran to the FLY – River view.
    Circled up for some Shoulder Taps, Plank Walks, J-Los, and Toe Tappers
    Ran to the Hill.
    Did 20 LBCs ran to midfield of soccer field 10 Hand Release Merks – decrease by 2
    back to Hill 20 LBCs ran back to midfield for 8 HR merks
    same and stopped after 6 HR merks.
    Long run to Labyrinth with Ping Pongs back to collect the 6.
    2 quick exercises at Labyrinth. Decline Should Taps, then 20 Plank Jacks.
    Back to FLAG
    Had to hustle to get there on time.

    I am taking the list of PAX who posted and filling in the calendar until June! You have been signed up.
    I will do my best to send a friendly reminder.
    I will also harass you to write a backblast.
    Thanks for posting. Without you out there in the gloom – I am certain that I would sleep in comfort

  • Gator Fest/ Roll Wave – from Tinkles

    Impromptu Q. I was surprised when I rolled up at 5:30 that the pax wasn’t moving. I made the mistake of asking who was the Q and it was crickets. Off we go.

    Palm circle for warm up.

    Mosey over to HNG for a preview of Gator Fest! The slide looks ready to roll. Rumor that F3 guys get 5 free tickets from Mens Club, look for Willie! We did some 6 to work off the fried twinkies paired with Urban South brew that is yet to come.

    Mosey over to the Tulane Alum house. Don’t think we had a greenie undergrad but perhaps a MBA grad who rolls burritos. Gate was open so we took advantage of the nice yard for ring of fire.

    Mosey to turf field for 4 corner blimps.

    Mosey to garage for Indian run to the top. Beautiful sunrise. Our city looks beautiful from a distance- good to remember sometimes.

    Mosey to Tulane quad. No beer or burgers yet, time for step ups and decline merkins.

    Hustle back to the flag!!

    COT including the return of sweaty ball of man! Accountability and connection!

  • Where are the MAINE-IACS? – from Reluctant Yankee

    17 PAX answered the CALL to be part of the PACK at Wolfpack MTN
    Ran straight to base of WPM
    At WPM – we started with a warm up COP
    SSH, Imp Walker squats, Roaches, Merks x 20

    Immediately up the stairs to the top of the MTN – and we prepped for a
    DIRTY MACDEUCE
    4 exercises times x 12 – quick
    LAP 1:
    Squats – Wide Merks – Flutter – LBT
    Then we ran a loop down the stairs – and then up the other stairwell
    **Modification was to remove a few floors if you need to
    LAP 2:
    Lunges – JLO – Hello Dolly – Rosalita
    Then we ran the stair loop
    LAP 3:
    Back lunge – Shoulder Taps – Peter Parker – Parker Peter
    Then we ran the stair loop
    LAP 4:
    Side Lunge – Oblique Crunch Right – Oblique Crunch Left – Plank Jacks
    Then ran the loop

    As soon as we got to the top – we ran back down to the benches.
    Dips, Left/Right Power ups x 20, 10- Decline Merks on your own

    Back to the FLAG
    Today is 9/9 but I wanted the guys to think about 9/11 and the stairs – every time we run them I think of men who ran towards danger instead of to personal safety. I prayed for us to men of action in all situations.

    Random mumblechatter:
    Where are the MAINE-IACS? Bunch of PAX on a “retreat” at Douilles house in Maine
    Angie’s List had his total workout coffee clatch- dude does not stop talking unless we do 50 burpees in a row
    El Wire was obsessed with Gump looking like the Villain from Kindergarden Cop
    Quincy made it back out to the GLOOM
    Double Dutch kind enough to join us from OUT OF UPTOWN

  • WAIT…The Mountain Is The Other Way! – from Fast Tax

    It was a brisk morning at Wolfpack Mountain. As YHC walked up to the circle, it was apparent that many of the PAX assembled were stretching out for an anticipated run to the Mountain…little did they know that was not to occur. As the clock ticked toward 5:30 we were joined by 2 FNG’s and welcomed two PAX from out of state: Roadhouse (F3 Omaha) and Chazz (F3 Naperville).

    After disclaimer, we moseyed off into the park, confusion/consternation evident on the face of some of the PAX as the Q clearly was going the wrong way…the mountain was the other way. I could almost hear the thoughts emanating from those in the back, “does he know this is WPM? Should we tell him we usually head the other way?” Nope, not today.
    We moseyed all of about 25 yards and circled up for warmups, which began with the ordinary and then a couple of more creative items thrown in: Abe Vigodas, SSH, Nancy Kerrigans, Hairy Rockettes.

    Warmups completed, we moseyed through the park until YHC found 3 trees suitable for the next event – Bearmuda Triangle. It turns out the event was aptly named since we mysteriously lost a couple of PAX along the way…
    Three trees, ~30yds apart in shape of a triangle. PAX performs one burpee at first tree and bear crawls to 2nd tree, 2 burpees and bear crawls to 3rd tree, 3 burpees and bear crawl back to 1st marker. Rinse and Repeat except 3,6,9 Crab Merkins (which were apparently new to Uptown). Rinse and repeat 9,12,15 Burpees. Add in navigating through the dog crap…Priceless.

    Captain Thor followed, a 1:4 ratio of BBS to American Hammer, performed OYO, increasing by 1:4 each rep, 10 reps. For those who like to avoid math, the total effort was 55 BBS and 220 Amer Hammers.

    Still not facing a mutiny from the dirty hands and lack of running, YHC called out the next exercise, Welsh Dragons.
    While remaining in plank position, PAX bear crawls forward 5 yds, does 1 merkin, 1 plank jack, and tap the BACK of each shoulder 1 time. Repeat adding 1 rep to each exercise each 5 yds – bear crawl forward 5 yds, do 2 merkins, 2 plank jacks, 2 sets of back of shoulder taps… etc. We continued until we got to 10 reps each (50 yds), holding plank for rest of PAX to finish.

    With time to spare, YHC thought Indian Crab Walk, sure, why not…

    We wrapped up the day’s events circled up around the fountain for tricep dips and the manatee, an over-the-back shoulder-leg stretchy thing starting from the superman position. Yes, it looks as funny as it sounds.

    As 6:15 came upon us, we headed back to the virtual flag for COT, welcoming our new FNGs, Prairie Dog and Carpetbagger. Followed by Coffeteria at PJs.
    PS, It wasn’t until later that YHC realized (or was reminded) that PAX were likely hoping to get a lot of running in for RunCajunRun…Sorry.

    Thanks for the fellowship and the chance to lead at WPM!
    SYITG