F3 New Orleans

Tag: Rev Sox

  • Typical, Humid, Summer 610 Stomp Morning

    What is also becoming typical on Tuesdays is the large PAX and participation we continue to see and grow through F3.  This is despite even adding a Monday morning running workout.  This is a good thing.

    The workout was very simple:

    15 minutes out and back,  traditional route via Bayou St John.

    Then directly to the track for 10 minutes of running the straights,  jog

    curves.

    Then some stretching exercises, LBCs,  and a “slant” hold for that last 5 minutes.  Some folks haven’t stretched since high school.

    Count off, Nam-a-rama, Announcements, COT.

    Always a privilege to lead with such a great large group of like minded individuals.

    From San Jose, CA see you in the gloom and on the radio,

    Bongo

     

  • Mosey to the Chickens

    QHC thought it was a joke when RY posted that QHC was to be Q at Popeye’s this morning.  QHC had been there only twice, and pretty sure that at least once he got there only by accident.  With a sly smile across Rev Sox’s face, no PAX was fessing up.  So with a disclaimer, the PAX were off.

    Warm Up:

    • Side Straddle Hops 20xIC
    • Low Slow Squats 20xIC
    • Imperial Walkers 20xIC
    • Mountain Climbers 20xIC
    • Merkins 20xIC

    With the roosters crowing away and time to mosey, QHC announced that the PAX should mosey to the chickens.  QHC didn’t see any chickens, but lots of geese, which smell like hell.  Get past them ASAP!, and continue to the Popeye Foundry.

    At the foundry, a round of fun.  The PAX divided up five routines: PAX One did 15 burpees as the timer, PAX Two pullups, PAX Three box jumps, PAX Four pirouettes/twirl-girls (jump up and try to get a 360 twirl), and PAX five hanging dips.  Rotate around.  Then rinse and repeat but with just 10 burpees as the timer.  Because it was so much fun, rinse and repeat with a mere 5 burpees as the timer.

    Slow mosey to the adjacent field for a round of Elevens–moseying between two trees, at one end doing merkins from 10 down to 1 and at the other end doing jump squats from 1 up to 10.  QHC was getting tired, so Rev Sox did a stellar countdown from 20 with a few fractions in between.

    Mosey back to the warmup spot in the grass for some Mary:

    • LBCs 20xIC (last five fooled the PAX because QHC slowed the cadence down so everyone else stopped for a round or two)
    • Flutter Kicks 20xIC
    • Penguins 20xIC
    • Russian Twists 20xIC
    • Dying Cockroaches 20xIC

    Mosey back to the flag for QHC’s surprise: today’s Iron Challenge Iron special: a full, feet-flat-on-the-ground, balls and butt just an inch or so off the ground, stretch-your-spine squat for a full 2:20.

    And it was time.  Count Off, Name-O-Rama, Announcements (such as they were, all PAX professing to have signed up for F3 Greenwood’s Iron Challenge), and a COT thanking our Sky Q for his infinite gifts.  JV

  • Jane Fonda would be rolling in her…..

    In light of a new, one-day special AO (thanks Family Picnic!) at the Fly on a bright, muggy Saturday morning, YHC decided to bring some newish warm-up exercises to the table.  What would the PAX think?  We shall soon see…

    Mosey to soccer field for Warm-Up:

    Line up in straight line

    • March with following exercises
      • Alternating Open Gates till Q yells halt
      • Alternating Close Gates till Q yells halt
      • Kim Jong Uns till Q yells halt
      • Butt-Kicks till Q yells halt
      • High Knees till Q yells halt

    Just to keep it interesting, YHC challenged the PAX to all start at the same time and to all stop immediately when YHC yelled halt!  Penalty for non-compliance, 5 burpees!  Nice work PAX for making it through almost all exercises, thanks Rudy, with only one penalty of 5 burpees.  Definitely got the PAX focused for the really fun warm-ups.  Circle up for:

    • Hillibillie’s IC X20
    • Self Love IC X20

    Now to what I’m gonna call Double-Barrel Jane Fonda warmups!

    • Side Leg Raises (the original Jane Fonda’s) Right Leg IC X 20
    • Side Leg Raises Left Leg IC X20

    T-claps to Jingle Vader for literally getting his foot past his head on this one.  Does he even have an IT Band?  Watch those eyes PAX.  Some things can’t be unseen.

    Now for the coup de grace, what I’m officially calling Jane Fonda’s 2.0.  Basically, this is a standing side reach with foot going out while arm goes to other side.  You needed to be there for this one:

    • Jane Fonda’s 2.0 IC X20

    Much mumblechatter on this exercise including comments about leg warmers and leotards among other things.  Needless to say, will be including this for future beatdowns if for nothing else than the witty banter that ensues…

    On to the first Thang:

    Conveyor Belt

    PAX line up on one side of coned, soccer field and count off into 4 teams of 4-5 PAX.  Line up in columns by team at one end of soccer field.  At YHC’s command start bear crawling in column to first cone and perform appointed exercise.  Bear crawl forward to next station, guy at front runs to back of column (thus conveyor belt). Continue to final cone at other end of soccer field.

    • Cone 1 – 20 Monkey Humpers
    • Cone 2 – 20 Alternating Shoulder Taps (2 is 1)
    • Cone 3 – 20 Lunges (2 is 1)
    • Cone 4 – 20 Wide Merkins

    Once all teams got to other end of soccer field, YHC decided to add a return trip back to the other side/beginning.  But to keep it interesting, winning team (first to get to other side), gets to pick exercise to perform at the end for their team.  The other “losing” teams have to perform the other exercise.

    Winner’s choice is 75 LBC’s or 25 Burpees.  I’ll let the reader figure out which exercise the winners chose.

    Mosey to shelter on river for Thang #2:

    Route 66

    At first lamp by shelter on river let’s do Route 66 – Start with Inch Worm to 1 merkin, 1 Plank Jack to Pop Jack and Inch Worm up then run two lamps.  Add 1 merkin and 1 plank jack to the inch worm-merkin-plank jack-pop jack-inch worm sequence at each second lamp up to 11 merkins and 11 plank jacks by end.  As some of the PAX finished sooner, sweep the six going reverse down the ladder.  Plenty of merkins and plank jacks for the PAX on this one.

    Next mosey to Playground by baseball fields for:

    • Stepover Left Leg IC X10
    • Stepover Right Leg IC X 10

    Many comments on the stepover as it was deceivingly difficult.  Again assorted mumblechatter on this one including something about business development for Walleye?  Hmmmm…..

    • Incline Merkins IC X15
    • Dips IC X15
    • Decline Merkins IC X15

    Triceps/Chest were really burned after this.

    Mosey back to hill for:

    Round of Vogue aka “Strike a pose” static positions:

    • Mission Impossible  
    • Static Squat
    • Iron Cross

    Hold all for 1 minute each.  ISI challenge D3 done!

    Finish with Mary

    • Flutter Kicks IC X20
    • Penguins IC X20

    Count-off, name-o-rama (1 FNG who was named Lost and Found due to losing his key and finding it during the beatdown), announcements, intentions and prayer.

    T’claps to Reluctant Yankee for coordinating coffee and Douille for picking up.  T’claps to PAX who stayed and helped load, unload and setup for the Family Picnic.  It ended up a tremendous event with great turnout.  Many thanks to all who helped and gave of their time, talent, treasure.  This is what F3 is about, Faith, Fellowship and FAMILY!

    As always, thanks for letting me lead!

  • Gnarly Nutria IV The Uptown Funk

    Gnarly Nutria IV The Uptown Funk

    YHC began Wednesday morning like any other Wednesday morning with a quality 45 minute beatdown at Popeyes (this Wednesday led by the always dangerous Darkwing Duck). YHC’s thoughts quickly turned to the Gnarly Nutria as a nutria was spotted by Hokie Pokey running in the grass near the Pax. YHC took this as a strong omen for an upcoming victory for the World. The native nutria had come out from its hole to bless the World on the morning of the Gnarly Nutria.

    YHC’s confidence continued to grow as he arrived at the Gnarly Nutria to see members of the World surrounding him as the World came out in force. Surely the World would continue their winning streak and extend their dominance over the Uptowners on their home turf. Reluctant Yankee shouted out the rules and scoring system and led the racers to the starting line.

    A record 91 men lined up for the 4th running of the Gnarly Nutria. 51 for the World. 28 for the Uptowners. 12 for the Northshore. After an odd 2 minute countdown, the runners were off in the humidity and the heat for 5.4 miles of sweaty, stupid joy.

    As YHC rounded the first turn of the Gnarly Nutria with Tua and Heisenberg by his side, he his extreme confidence in a victory began to fade and he knew the world might be in trouble in spite of their superior numbers. A mass of Uptowners burst forward past him with a speed the World would be unable to match.

    Then the funk hit. YHC doesn’t want to know what the Uptowners are doing in their fabled Audubon park but the stink of the park was strong last night and surely slowed down the time of the World and the NorthShore who aren’t accustomed to the Uptown Funk.

    Flatline can hold his head high and claim the title “Fastest Man in F3NOLA” for the next 12 months. Flatline finished the Gnarly Nutria IV in a blistering fast 33 minutes. ESPN8 came in second with 35 minutes. In-Time came in third with a time of 38 minutes. Mulligan finished fourth with 39 minutes and Isobar rounded out the top 5 with 39 minutes and 40 seconds.

    4 of the top 5 were Uptowners with In-Time the top finisher for the NorthShore and Shuffles coming in 7th with the top place for the World. Thanks to their domination in speed, the Uptowners overcame the World’s superior numbers.

    The Uptowners won Gnarly Nutria IV with 326 points.

    The World came in second with 260 points

    Northshore came in third with a respectable 127 points coming from only 12 runners.

    Tripleshift wins the award for most significant run of the night as he rucksaked the race in honor of Terabyte who went to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ earlier this year.

    Bogey wins the award for most beautiful face of the night. Thanks for keeping score and being the pretty face waiting for us at the finish line.

    The After Party

    The Pax of 91 – 5 gathered together for post-race Name-O-Rama and the announcements of the winner and top finishers. The Pax began with a moment of silence and prayer thanking God for Terabyte and the role he played in F3NOLA.

    Followed by a far too long Counterama, followed by a far too long Name-O-Rama, the Pax named 9 FNGs. I am guessing that is a new F3NOLA FNG record. Welcome to Mallrats, Bangs, Johnny Football, Polaroid, Mumbles, Body Shots, Incandescent, Apollo, and Hot Pants.

    The Pax gathered together for the infamous sweaty ball-o-man as YHC closed the Pax out in prayer thanking God for the evening and asking Him to use F3 to impact the lives of more men in NOLA. F3 means so much to all of us and may we not hog and hide the friendship, accountability, and growth we have received in F3. Continue to find those men at your work, neighborhood, and in your families who are isolated and struggling. The average American man has less than one friend. YHC has 91. You have 91. Pass this friendship on to others.

    Your Humble Correspondent,

    Rev Sox

    The Results

    1. Flatline
    2. ESPN8
    3. In Time
    4. Mulligan
    5. Isobar
    6. Waterpik
    7. Shuffles
    8. Turbo Tax
    9. Cavalier
    10. Mahatma-Ice
    11. Screw Top
    12. Cowbell
    13. Tinkles
    14. Saban
    15. Fetch
    16. Baby Bjorn
    17. FNG Alex
    18. El Guapo
    19. Sea Biscuit
    20. Sandbar
    21. Rudy
    22. Ya Mom’n Dem
    23. 86
    24. Shorty
    25. SOGO
    26. Jadaveon
    27. Two Yutes
    28. FNG Deano?
    29. Backdraft
    30. Jesus Juice
    31. Nip Tuck
    32. FNG
    33. Heisenberg
    34. Speedy Gonzalez
    35. Quarter Pipe
    36. Bartman
    37. Rev Sox
    38. Tua
    39. FNG
    40. Shooter
    41. FNG
    42. Pai Gow
    43. Amnesia
    44. Bongo
    45. FracSac
    46. Ocho
    47. FNG
    48. Einstein
    49. Nine Lives
    50. Kuch
    51. Kiss
    52. Tool
    53. Baywatch
    54. Gideon
    55. Chewy
    56. Reluctant Yankee
    57. Gumby
    58. FNG
    59. PoBoy
    60. Woz
    61. FNG
    62. FNG
    63. War Eagle
    64. Tanner
    65. FNG
    66. Hawg
    67. Surge
    68. Chowda
    69. Chips
    70. Darkwing Duck
    71. Hokey Pokey
    72. Triple Shift
    73. Jose 10k
    74. Bushwacker
    75. Brown Bag
    76. Earmuffs
    77. Squeal
    78. Moist
    79. DaParish
    80. Uncle Si
    81. Colonial
    82. Mambi
    83. Short Bus
    84. Left Eye
    85. King Kong
    86. Amnesty
    87. Seaman
    88. Cash Bar
    89. Gold Bar
    90. FNG
    91. FNG

  • It Burns, Burns, Burns

    I suppose the morning began like any other summer day in NOLA. Which is to say 80+ degrees before the sun rises and the air felt like eating a hot cup of gumbo. In the sun. After a half marathon. But today being a high holy day on the F3 NOLA calendar, we were keenly alert. And sure enough, one of the four PAX who braved the punishing morning conditions at Popeyes spotted a Nutria emerging from the brush. Fortunately, since there was no sun, there was also no shadow to see, and as (nouveau) legend has it, we can all rest assured that we will NOT have six additional laps at the Gnarly Nutria this evening.

    Warm Up

    Long mosey, including a double parking lot weave, continuing to the grassy knoll (and by knoll, I actually mean a complete flat piece of ground) just west of the Giant Gazebo in the center of the park.

    Exercise x Reps
    SSH x 20
    Mountain Climbers x 20
    Imperial Walkers x 20
    Grass Grabbers x 20
    Arm Circles x 10/10
    Abe Vigotas x 20

    Short mosey to what the Popeyes faithful refer to as the “Clock of Death”.

    Hands of Time

    PAX on their 6, heads toward the center of the Clock of Death, legs up at 90 degrees, hands under your rear. Drop straightened legs to 10 degrees and hold as PAX counts off aloud in a circle pattern:

    Time x Rest (in Seconds)
    60 x 10
    60 x 10
    60 x 10
    40 x 10
    40 x 10
    40 x 10
    20 x 10
    20 x 10

    Ring of Fire

    PAX remains in the center of the Clock of Death. One set of exercises, followed by a run around the interior circle, continuing on to the next exercise. All exercises completed = one Ring of Fire.

    Exercise x Reps
    Merkins x 15
    Jump Squats x 15
    Big Boy Sit-ups x 15
    Monkey Humpers x 15
    Russian Twist x 15

    Unfortunately, time only allowed for 1.5 completions of the Ring of Fire, but no PAX was lacking for sweat, and every PAX appeared to be lacking for breath.  All in all, we clocked 2.42 miles…

    Mosey back to the flag
    COT
    Numberama
    Namearama
    Announcements
    Prayer

  • Jumpin’ Jack Flash

    (Belated Post from 7.12.2019)

    We worked out in a crossfire (almost) hurricane. The PAX howled in the drivin’ rain (sprinkle). But it’s all right now…

    Warm Up

    Micro mosey over to Grass Sticker Field.

    SSH x 20
    Mountain Climbers x 20
    Imperial Walkers x 20
    Grass Grabbers x 20
    LBCs x 20
    Self Love x 10

    Bear Crawlathon ‘19

    Mosey to the power station along the Uptowner track. The mission was to complete a Bear Crawl Indian Run back to the rock pile (wash, rinse, repeat for approx. 1/8 mile) including the following exercises:

    Merkins x 10
    Russian Twist x 10
    Shoulder Taps x 10
    Hello Dolly x 10
    Plank Jacks x 10

    Micro mosey back to the flag
    COT
    Numberama
    Namearama
    Announcements
    Prayer

    This being YHC’s very first Q, there was a desire not to disappoint. And judging by all of the grumbling, the beatdown at the Uptowner was an unqualified success.

  • Honoring Sgt. Joseph Bovia

    Sgt. Joseph “Joey” Bovia, USMC, was a native of Metairie, Louisiana.  He served in the Marine Corps for six years.  Sgt. Bovia volunteered for two deployments to Iraq and his last deployment to Afghanistan.  He was the leader of a combat engineering platoon and was building an outpost to protect an elementary school in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when his unit was attacked by insurgents.  Sgt.  Bovia was killed in action on August 31, 2010, in the name of freedom and protection.  

    On June 7, 2019, 19 men of F3 (including FNG Dropout) converged at the Rock City AO to pay tribute to this hometown hero through a workout, with minor modifications, created by Sgt. Bovia’s fellow Marines. Sgt. Bovia’s parents were notified of the F3 tribute the night before and sent their deepest gratitude to the men of F3.  Sgt. Bovia’s parents were assured that his and their sacrifice would not be forgotten. 

    WARMUP x31: SSH, Grass Grabbers, Arm Circles, and Hillbillies

    The Thang x 31

    Push-ups, WWII Sit-ups, Burpees, Squats, Kettle Bell, Push Presses with rock (modified from 20 lb. wall balls), Mountain Climbers (4-count), and Pull-ups.

    During the workout, a train passed transporting military vehicles.  A sure sign Sgt. Bovia was with us and was touched by the tribute (see pics below). Thanks to all who supported this beatdown.  Expect to see it again.

    Thanks to Hawgcycle who enthusiastically modified the workout to fit the AO and organized the logistics so there were no log jams.

  • No Shorty, No Problem

    YHC arrived with a couple minutes to spare, looking forward to a classic Shorty beat down. What would Shorty deliver this day? Gassers? At 0629, it was evident the Shorty beat down would have to wait, for no better reason than “No Shorty.” The 10 Pax agreed that it wouldn’t be an issue. With that said, Two Yutes took the warm up, beginning with a brief disclaimer before a mosey to the Great Lawn. YHC May be off a bit on exactly what was done.

    SSH IC x 25
    Floyd Mayweathers x 20
    IW x 15
    Grass Grabbers x 10
    Arm Circles IC x 20
    peter Parker’s x 20

    YHC took the next part with a mosey to the fountain in front of NOMA.
    Dips IC x 15
    Mosey to the path around the Big Lagoon for Bataan Death March. Single column Indian Run where the last man drops for 3 Burpees then sprints to the front. Each Pax got an opportunity to experience the Burpees, so crossover to the festival grounds walking path and mosey to the Foundry for stations
    Station 1 – Run to bike path, do 10 Burpees and run back (timer)
    Station 2 – pull-ups AMRAP
    Station 3 – Big Boi Sit-ups AMRAP
    station 4 – Box jumps AMRAP
    station 5 – Low Plank

    Finish with a Fracsac classic
    Catalina Wine Mixers IC x 10

    Bongo steps up for the next part starting with a mosey back to the Great Lawn for some 11’s.
    Start with 10 Squats, Run across the lawn, 1 LBC, Run back across
    9-2, 8-3, 7-4, etc. Always totals 11.

    RevSox steps up and takes the final Q for the hour.
    Starting at the last palm tree of the Great Lawn, time to get our kicks on Route 66!
    If memory serves me right, it was lunge walks between trees and merkins at each tree, 1 at first, 2 at second, up to 11 totaling 66. I probably have the exercises wrong, but it’s the effort to remember that counts, or something like that.
    Finish with some Mary, then mosey back to the VSF.

    COT

    Count off, name-o-Rama, announcements, intentions, end with a prayer to the Sky Q.

    NMM

    During the Bataan the FNG was attacked by a fierce dog, leading to his naming. That fierce animal was somewhere between a wiener dog and a Maltese, no doubt a real killer! T- Claps to War Eagle for the EH.

    T-Claps to the Pax for stepping up and doing what was necessary to deliver a solid group beat down.

    SYITG







  • Celebrating the Real Independence Day

    Celebrating the Real Independence Day

    On July 2, 1776, 13 hardheaded colonies stomped all over their British lords by approving a resolution of independence from Great Britain. YHC’s ancestor John Adams predicted that on July 2nd every year, America would forever celebrate the anniversary of that day with great festivals of pomp and parade, shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illumination from one end of the continent to the other.

    Alas, Americans now celebrate July 4th when the declaration was signed not voted on. As a descendant of the Adams, YHC led the 610 Stomp in a festive July 2nd celebration this morning.

    The 21 men of the Stomp took place in the first ever July 2nd Independence Day Race. A 13 lap race on the City Park Practice Track in honor of the 13 original colonies. The race of 3.25 miles was won by Smooth with a second place finish by Screw Top. May their names be forever remembered in F3NOLA lore. Once 13 men finished the 13 laps, the race was called so the Pax could play one more game in celebration of the Nation’s independence.

    The Pax ran over to the football field for a good old fashioned game of American football. Smooth and Screw Top served as our captains for a school yard pick. Following sloppy play by the QBs, two interceptions and a turnover on downs, team Smooth scored the only touchdown of the game to seal the victory 6-0 in celebration of America!

    The Pax ran back to the flag for the Count Off, Name-O-Rama, Announcements, and Intentions. Welcome to F3NOLA to our FNG, Uncle Si!

    Happy Birthday America! May you have 243 more!

    – Rev Sox

  • Competing in the only race that matters

    “Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens.” – Frank Herbert

    Saturday the Mothership and the Muscleship competed. A workout was drawn up, and the groups pushed themselves and their teammates to finish. It was like any other day. All paid the same price, and all got the same result: sleep, sweat, comfort were offered in return for change, improvement, fulfillment. This workout was different, but exactly the same; all competed, and all reaped the rewards.

    In this era of participation trophies and certificates of completion, it may sound trite to say there were no losers. You might even shake your head reading that sentence. In any competition, someone must win, and someone must lose.

    Everyday we compete against the forces that would detract from who and what we are: complacency, laziness, disengagement. Everyday, we take a step toward winning that battle when we rise early and trade in our warm comfortable bed for a chance to change, be better, seek fulfillment. Everyday is another step in winning the only race that matters. Everyday we take that step, we’ve taken a step toward victory.

    For one year now, minus some time on the shelf here and there, I’ve been taking that step. It starts off small enough – show up for some kind of workout out on a Saturday morning and be absolutely destroyed by Disclaimer. That’s how it started for me at least. It felt like the only thing I did right that day, one year ago, was show up. It definitely did not feel like a victory. But urged on by others, I showed up for a few more. And then a few more. And all of a sudden, I was showing up all the time. And things got a little clearer. And the fight became a bit easier. And I began to feel like I was winning it.

    And I’m not the only one. I watch you all improve daily. You inspire me. I watched Angie’s List crank out 25 pull-ups without stopping Saturday. While an accomplishment on its own, that’s not the crazy part. By his own admission, he could not do 1 when he started F3. How’s that for change?

    On Saturday I watched guys do extra to help those around them, not to win a competition. I watched slower guys move faster and faster guys push harder to help the slower guys. At any given workout, I’m the slow guy, the fast guy, or sometimes both at the same workout. But I’m not racing Douille (who I believe was first to finish in our group) or Catfish or Screwtop or any of the other guys who probably ran a faster mile than I could have while fresh. I’m racing against complacency, laziness, and comfort. We all are, and it’s the only race that matters. On Saturday, that battle was won by all.

    Thanks for a great year of helping me fight that battle daily. – Kuch