F3 New Orleans

Tag: Russo

  • Efficiency – from Akbar

    YHC has been working with Whacker helping cut yards for the past month. One thing that I’ve learned is the efficiency in which he works. Active, productive, profitable, skillful, decisive, effective, valuable, proficient, organized. It’s not like when we cut our own yard: chilling to tunes, stopping to talk with the neighbors, maybe looking forward to a cold beer afterward. This is an operation to get finished as soon as possible.

    For example, tight and wide. You cut the smaller spaces first toward the street, then the larger ones working back toward the house – this makes clean up more efficient. Don’t cut other people’s grass, even it’s a patch of grass the size of a shoe box. If you do, you’ll get yelled at by a screaming man running toward you with a weed eater. Snake mow only when the grass is shorter, box cut when it’s growing to make clean up more efficient. Mow the edges of the yard first, watch out for protruding or non-protruding items in the yard (stumps, toys, power lines). Don’t wear dark sunglasses.

    Drive fast in between jobs – rolling stops are permissible at stop signs. Blow grass with the wind. Eat something, drink lots of water, and don’t use the bathroom until the jobs are finished.

    In pondering these recent adventures, efficiency was on the mind. What kind of beatdown covers all the bases without being too complicated? 7’s and 11’s

    PAX: Akbar, Wicket, Jose 10k, Hogsbreath, Zoolander, Russo, Minnow, Maverick, Bird, Grover, Hammer, JV, Trucoat, Waterpik, Sogo, Brexit

    Warm up x10-20 IC:
    SSH, Mountain Climbers, Mummy Kicks, Grass Grabbers, Windmills, other stuff

    Thang:
    Mosey up and down the Lakefront, stopping for 7’s, then 11’s, rinse and repeat. All exercises started on the wall, with a 60 foot mosey to the sidewalk to perform exercise #2, then a mosey back.

    7’s Dirkin, Army Crawl, Mountain Climber
    11’s Freak Nasty, flying nun (lunge walk with arm circles), Twinkle Toes (Al Gore calf raise)
    7’s Wall Jumps, Bear Crawl, Hand Release Merkins
    11’s Stone Mountain, High Knees, Renegade Row

    7:19 am, Lightning round
    7’s Bouncy Squats, run, Superman’s
    11’s Al Gore Shoulder Clap, run, Scuba Steve’s

    Indian run back to the flag for Mary

    Mary
    Mountain Climbers x20 IC, LBC’s x20 IC
    30 Merkins OYO courtesy of Wicket

    Name, count, and YHC prayed us out.

    Announcements
    Memorial Day Murph at the Marsh Monday, Jose has Q with Coffeeteria after
    Hogsbreath retirement party at Faubourg Brewing June 10, 5-7

    NMM
    • Great to have Brexit join us again
    • One thing YHC loves about 7’s and 11’s is the Mumblechatter. There was a whole group on the far side that quoted movie lines pretty much the whole workout. Gives you a chance to catch up with everybody, like switching conversations on a speed date, but you aren’t trying to date the other dude.

    Thanks for following my lead. SYITG – Akbar

  • No Q? No problem! – from Shooter

    With a blank on the board PAX will still show, so AO responsibilities include the occasional self EH no matter how many mental excuses come to mind.. Whether it be wanting to rest a little more hitting the snooze or simply making the assumption someone else will take it attitude, which every PAX out on this Gloom would have done most willingly.. Especially the likes of Q Master Russo, who has single handily kept the splash pad a float for the last few months.. PAX agreed that the old Jose10k would have clearly began his annual return of posting every Gloom now that school is out for the summer, then again a name change (Jose10Katie) changes a man. Let’s face it most all of us have been there.. We love you Jose10k, Jose10Katie or whatever your first F3 name happened to be…. 😬😬

    Light warmup
    10IC and 20IC SSH, Imperial walkers, Grass grabbers, arm circles, neck rolls and Toe Touches.

    Runners only out and down East Causeway to Monroe, down Monroe turning on Antibes and a left at the stop sign around the circle and returning. 3.5 total with all PAX.
    Time for Mary WW1 with legs spread 15 OYO, straight led and knee up crossing elbow F/J, 10 Merkins OYO, LBCs 10IC and Superman holds for 5 seconds to 10 and ended with Flutter kicks.

    Appreciate the Hammer praying us out and until the next Gloom 👍🏼👊🏼✌🏼!!

  • And Twins! – from Russo

    About 70 degrees and “not too bad” as Steve concurred this morning. 6 pack this morning for what I thought might be an ambitious beatdown.

    Great conversation throughout revolving around vacations, movies, beaches, gravel in our elbows…and twins! (Remember when beer commercials used to be fun?)

    Warmup – all 10x IC
    Toe touches
    SSHs
    Self love
    Cherry pickers
    Grass grabbers
    High knees

    Thang
    Mosey to the bridge, with 10 Peter Parker’s, Jump squats, and Flutter kicks interspersed.

    At the bridge

    11s – 8 count body builders and Absolution, with alternating side shuffles, backpedals, sprints, cariocas, and recovery walks from one side of the bridge to the other.

    Rounds 8/3, 9/2, and 10/1 were part of the mosey back (with a modification to merkins on the last round in the interest of time).

    COT, Name-o-Rama, Announcements, Prayer, in that order.

    Akbar had Saturday lakefront Q, YHC has Splashpad Friday Q, and check the schedule for the rest of the week.

    Another week at Granny’s in the books. Thanks for joining and reading.

    SYITG

  • Diamonds in the Gloom, No not the bling bling kind!! – from Shooter

    Wanting to give the Q grand master Russo a break from the Q sheet, YHC decided to signup for Grannies.. While I am sure many PAX celebrated their M’s on Mother’s Day with brunches, flowers, dinners, chore lists or some maybe even supplied a Diamond or (2). Not sure on the last, but the only bling served on this Gloom would be the glistening glow of sweat as the street lights at the Treen center reflected off the PAX as we completed the Exicon 7 of Diamonds..

    Another amazing difference into the New year is YHC has experienced an ON time Cowbell at two occasions recently.. Not sure if he is prepping for the arrival of his twin boys? Or the soon to be awakening of feeding time? Maybe it’s simply the fact that he missed the F3 brethren in the Gloom and doesn’t want to especially miss a minute of Wacker chatter?
    Whatever it is, the PAX of course are happy to have him back in our presence regardless..

    Warmup
    All 10IC (with the help of only Russo) in the beginning..Arm circles, Torso twist, Abe Vogadas, Grass grabbers, Mummy kicks, Butt kicks and Cherry pickers..

    Thang
    7 of Diamonds
    Burpees/Sprint
    Jump squats/back pedal
    WW1 or WW2 sit-ups/Carioca
    Alternating Irkins/Derkins/Staggered Merkin/recovery walk
    Sister Mary Catherine’s/skipping
    Flutter kicks 2/1/Mosey
    Carolina dry docks/Mosey

    Returned with the 6 at 6 for the count, announce and COT..

    Appreciate Zoolander for the close in prayer and until the next Gloom 👍🏼👊🏼✌🏼!!!

  • Bridging the Gap – from Russo

    If you’re of a certain age and have lived in the metro long enough, YHC bets you remember Mr. Bingle. Or McKenzie’s. You were drawn to the K&B purple and shopped with those cheap plastic carts. You “fought the uglies” as you passed the LAS Enterprises billboard heading east on I-10 to Orleans parish. Maybe you were old enough to watch Dr. Morgus and Chopsley on WGNO or were lucky enough to be in the studio audience of Popeye and Pals. If not, YHC hopes you were blessed and was able to see Al’s Christmas lights (or marveled at his toy collection as you passed Causeway Blvd.), or took your life in your own hands by jumping from trampoline to trampoline at the park on Veteran’s blvd, which was not far from the shark at Puglia’s that perseveres to this day. How long can he live out of the water? At least 30 years.

    Just as important, you probably remember Rosenberg’s address. Or how much it cost for Frankie and Johnnie to exclaim “let her have it!”.

    Where’s the point you ask? Some things just stick. Certain memories are etched in our brains and elicit the warm fuzzies. Nostalgia. The good times.

    One of the things that YHC inexplicably remembers was in the 80s and 90s the local car dealerships were in on the taglines and gingles. Price Leblanc leaned into Y’at culture with their “Dahlin’” campaign. I hear Metairie Bank was big into auto loans and ended with a “Beep Beep”. I believe it was Banner Ford that paid millions for a rubber duck to exclaim “Cheap cheap!” But I know for a fact that local celeb (and “most interesting man in Louisiana”) Ronnie Lamarque and his dealerships has a campaign called “Bridging the Gap”, with a catchy little “We’re bridging the gap, ooooooh ooooooh” gingle. For those keeping track, this was after he owned Preakness and Belmont-winning thoroughbred Risen Star, but before his ex-wife took a hit out on him.

    That gingle was running through my head as we sweat in the mid 70s temps and headed in the general direction of a bridge.

    Warmup – all IC, 10x
    – SSHs
    – Toe touches
    – Mummy kicks
    – Air presses
    – Hillbillies
    – Grass grabbers
    – Self love

    Thang

    Mosey to the bridge off Jackson Ave., stopping every block or so for 5 8-count bodybuilders, then adding 10 monkey humpers, and then 15 LMCs, and finally 20 SMCs (1 is 1).

    Once we reached the bridge, it was cross the bridge in varying fashion, with 10 merkins and 10 crunchy frogs after every crossing.

    Crossing the bridge, we did:
    – sprints
    – Bear crawl
    – Lunges (2x)
    – Side shuffles (2x)
    – Carioca

    Mosey back to start, with more 8CBB’s, Monkey Humpers, LMCs and SMCs thrown in, and we arrived back just in time for The COT, Name-o-Rama, and prayer to close us out.

    Excellent conversation today as always. Thanks for joining and reading.

    SYITG

  • Tres for Cinco – from Russo

    72 degrees and noticeably more humid than yesterday to start us off. The Splashpad is beginning to earn its name.

    Fiesta-like atmosphere this morning, with the reuniting of long-lost Steve and Pelican, and a themed beatdown revolving around a certain Mexican celebration. YHC believes both Steve and Pelican were just happy to not have to look at YHC’s mug alone. Cervezas all around!

    Warmup (all IC)
    SSHs
    Self love
    Grass grabbers
    High knees
    Toe touches

    Thang

    Mexican jumping beans
    – hop up the steps of the pilot house (5x)

    T.A.C.O.S.
    – 10 T merkins
    – 10 Absolution
    – 20 Carolina dry docks
    – 20 Outlaws (Circle-Ups)
    – 10 Star Jumps

    Yo Soy DORA (partner would snake the columns in a mosey, because a snake is on the Mexican flag)

    Parte Uno
    – 100 Peter Parker’s (2 is 1)
    – 200 Lunges
    – 300 Flutter kicks

    Parte Dos
    – 50 monkey humpers
    – 100 squats
    – 150 crunches

    Mexican Freak Nastys (15x IC, just to see if Pax knew Spanish above 10)

    Mexican hat dance
    Tabata – 45 seconds of Rocky Balboas, 15 seconds rest (3x)

    Five more TACOS

    Maria
    – 15 IC penguins (which may or may not be the official bird of Mexico)
    – 10x Little Manuel Crunches

    COT, Nombre-o-Rama, and prayer, then we said Adios!

    Mucho fun, mis amigos. Stay thirsty.

    SYITG

  • Good to be back!! – from Shooter

    The gloom was perfect, slight breeze with very mild conditions. These conditions are obviously short lived here in SE LA, so YHC certainly tries to enjoy the lighter sweat angel days before the treacherous humidity and heat return.. 6 other PAX decided to join in as well and the mixture was close to balanced with Ruckers, runners and joggers… Thanks to Hammer for slowing down and pacing with YHC at a 9:30 as the other runners in Steve, Bushwacker and Zoolander clocked in around 8:50… PAX did learn this morning that the Ruckers apparently take detours, which is obvious why they always seem to show up right at 6 when the Mary or follow the leader as of late is done and over 🤫🤫, however today was a little different as Akbar and Russo returned a little early..

    Warmup
    10IC Self love, Windmills, Arm circles, Imperial squat walkers, toe touches, scorpion kicks and a little stretch.

    Thang
    Standard route with an extra loop for runners and a partial entry and turn around for Hammer and I.. Returned and completed some Mary of 15IC Right elbow to left knee, F/J, LBCs, Superman’s and 15 OYO WW1 sit-ups and Big Boy sit-ups.

    Count, announce and COT

    Glad to be back in the Gloom and until the next 👍🏼👊🏼✌🏼!!!

  • Return of the Pax – from Russo

    With all due respect to Mark Morrison, and unbeknownst to me when YHC arrived, today was a day of returns. A Return of the Mack (Pax) at Granny’s. First up: a tanned, rested, and ready Shooter, full of fish, beer, and sangria (but no ice cream), as even the pull of a Mediterranean cruise is nothing compared to the friendly confines of Grandma’s House.

    Next up: Akbar, making a return from the valley of temporary single parenthood, where he had to be both hunter/gatherer for his brood and bedtime story teller, among his other numerous tasks at Casa Landshark It’s a Trap!

    Then, in an appearance that stunned YHC: a vigilant Cowbell! And at 5:14!! He either sensed his ears burning from the pax wondering how/where he’s been, or he knew it was JV’s turn to Q.

    Finally, it was the return of Bushwhacker, hobbling from weekend activities where sacrifices were made to the water gods. With this now a 2-week streak of posts, Bushwhacker is dangerously close to something that could be considered a Granny’s regular, but we all know there is no such thing.

    With the pax confirmed, off we went in 57 degree weather, infirmities and all.

    Warmup – all IC, 10x to 15x
    – Sealjacks
    – Toe touches
    – High knees
    – Cherry pickers
    – Hillbillies
    – Grass grabbers
    – Butt kicks

    Thang

    YHC passed the newly refurbished bridge on the trace, close to Jackson Ave., on Sunday, so a mosey to the bridge was in order (the tunnel needs a break), stopping every block or so for 5 8-count bodybuilders, then adding 10 monkey humpers, and then 15 LMCs.

    Once we reached the bridge, it was cross the bridge in varying fashion, with 10 merkins and 10 crunchy frogs after every crossing.

    Crossing the bridge, we did:
    – sprints (2x)
    – Bear crawl
    – Lunges
    – Side shuffles (2x)
    – Back pedal (2x)
    – Murder bunnies

    Mosey back to start, with more 8CBB’s thrown in, and we arrived back for a one minute plank.

    The usual COT, Name-o-Rama, and prayer closed us out.

    Gents, I know at least a couple of you were dealing with injuries, so much respect to you for joining us. You could have chosen to sit it out, but your fellowship was much appreciated.

    SYITG

  • Return of the Pax – from Russo

    With all due respect to Mark Morrison, and unbeknownst to me when YHC arrived, today was a day of returns. A Return of the Mack (Pax) at Granny’s. First up: a tanned, rested, and ready Shooter, full of fish, beer, and sangria (but no ice cream), as even the pull of a Mediterranean cruise is nothing compared to the friendly confines of Grandma’s House.

    Next up: Akbar, making a return from the valley of temporary single parenthood, where he had to be both hunter/gatherer for his brood and bedtime story teller, among his other numerous tasks at Casa Landshark It’s a Trap!

    Then, in an appearance that stunned YHC: a vigilant Cowbell! And at 5:14!! He either sensed his ears burning from the pax wondering how/where he’s been, or he knew it was JV’s turn to Q.

    Finally, it was the return of Bushwhacker, hobbling from weekend activities where sacrifices were made to the water gods. With this now a 2-week streak of posts, Bushwhacker is dangerously close to something that could be considered a Granny’s regular, but we all know there is no such thing.

    With the pax confirmed, off we went in 57 degree weather, infirmities and all.

    Warmup – all IC, 10x to 15x
    – Sealjacks
    – Toe touches
    – High knees
    – Cherry pickers
    – Hillbillies
    – Grass grabbers
    – Butt kicks

    Thang

    YHC passed the newly refurbished bridge on the trace, close to Jackson Ave., on Sunday, so a mosey to the bridge was in order (the tunnel needs a break), stopping every block or so for 5 8-count bodybuilders, then adding 10 monkey humpers, and then 15 LMCs.

    Once we reached the bridge, it was cross the bridge in varying fashion, with 10 merkins and 10 crunchy frogs after every crossing.

    Crossing the bridge, we did:
    – sprints (2x)
    – Bear crawl
    – Lunges
    – Side shuffles (2x)
    – Back pedal (2x)
    – Murder bunnies

    Mosey back to start, with more 8CBB’s thrown in, and we arrived back for a one minute plank.

    The usual COT, Name-o-Rama, and prayer closed us out.

    Gents, I know at least a couple of you were dealing with injuries, so much respect to you for joining us. You could have chosen to sit it out, but your fellowship was much appreciated.

    SYITG

  • Ta-Battle! OR Hog’s Breath’s Eye Glasses Match His Birthday Suit – from Bushwacker

    The idea was there, but planning and fleshing out said idea was left ‘til last minute. Assuming the best case scenario, QIC anticipated 7 PAX. Hog’s Breath was a HC because of a meeting, Russo was an HC because, well, it’s Russo. The rest? Eh. Anyhoo, the appropriate fleshing out involved a plethora of coupons and so it went…

    WARMORAMA

    Several exercises that provided dynamic stretching of muscles necessary to perform scheduled primary exercises of the planned beatdown were carried out, all IC x10.

    THANG

    Q set up ( with welcomed help from the TWO F3 brothers present) 6 stations to revolve around during a fun-filled Tabata, including Stretch Band for Curls, Jump Rope, Tire Flip, Battle Rope, 45lb Plate for Prisoner Carry, plus stairs. 20 minutes in, Hog’s Breath arrived like a nitrogen based explosive, hitting the ropes like he was propelling a Higgins boat in a storming by of the beaches of Pontachartrain! He claimed to be going over a presentation (possibly in just his reading glasses and socks?) when he realized the time and bolted. Meanwhile, YHC had an eclectic running playlist providing motivation, entertainment, and confusion? La la la la la di da

    MARY

    A series of exercises providing a physiological strain to core muscles were performed IC.

    You guys don’t know what you’re missing at Grandmother’s House. On site and in the area are opportunities for challenging and enjoyable beatdowns. It’s geographically well-located and long-standing. It just needs more HIM to make it worth the effort the few regulars put in, and for down-rangers to post. We all love this thing we have, our thing (la cosa nostra;) The more consistently we feed it the stronger it will grow. YHC’s time is dwindling, but F3 will always be my medicine!

    Humble thanks!