Tag: Shuffles

  • Time Trials at the Stomp

    Since we do all this damn running anyway, we might as well see how we’re doing, right? There is some good research that suggests setting real goals and regularly tracking progress increases our chances for success. So let’s do it. Today: a 5k

    Of course, there is also the matter of a beautiful hammer adorned in freedom and f3 stickers that we would like to hang on to. Perhaps the “men of the Wally run” or the weekend crew will actually bring it out to the Stomp for all to enjoy next time.

    In no particular order, here are the times submitted to me and a list of the PAX who have not submitted a time yet, in the event they decide to:

    1. Shuffles: 18:47
    2. Briefs 24:57
    3. High Rise 28:37
    4. Jesus Juice 24:58
    5. Rev Sox 26:06
    6. Shorty: 25:24
    7. Kuch: 24:55
    8. Da Parish 29:56
    9. Boo Boo 29:10
    10. Belloq 24:05
    11. Rudy 24:10
    12. Catfish 21:20
    13. Screwtop 22:07
    14. Blowfish 28:30
    15. Tool 28:30
    16. Sheetrock 23:30
    17. Tugboat 38:08 (3.04 miles)
    18. Mahatma
    19. War Eagle
    20. Bongo
    21. Breadsticks 22:07
    22. Holygrove
    23. Frac Sac

    We will revisit this challenge post RRR and see if we got any faster.

    Thanks, as always, for allowing me to lead a workout in a group full of leaders. – Kuch

  • Its 40, not 400

    A few weeks ago, YHC saw a backblast referencing a “traditional Okwata workout” that involved the levee and some exercises. As the children’s game of telephone illustrates, as word gets passed from one PAX to another, sometimes the message gets tweaked as it gets passed along. And looking at the calendar, YHC realized it had been exactly 1 full year since some brave okwata souls (looking at you JV, FracSac, mmmBop and Surge) survived a freezing cold day for the last (and 6th) running of the 40. A whole new troupe of PAX has arrived since then and had never had the pleasure of listening to me babble aimlessly while running back and forth and back and forth over the levee. So – lets do it!

    Quick disclaimer (actually, upon reflection – I think I forgot the disclaimer), then off. Breadsticks, speaking on behalf of all of Lakeview, pleaded to steer clear of the grass and the ants. YHC, speaking on behalf of YHC, thought for a minute and led the PAX to the grass, ants and levee. (Fortunately – I think the ants were sleeping).

    Circle up for SSH, IW, and some stretching to get warmed up. Then explain the background and premise. Background – inspired by U2 “40” which YHC still claims is the best closing song for a concert ever. The PAX, led by Kuch, wondered who this “U2” was, and claim never to have heard such a song. Kids today. But – we’re going over the levee 40 times. 10 exercises, each in 4 sets – going over the levee between each set. 40 trips over the levee, 40 exercise sets.

    And the best part – YHC gets to throw in 40 Facts and Figures. And to clarify for Ya Mom’n’Dem: YHC does not vouch for the accuracy of any said facts and figures. All have been googled, and located on at least one website. So there’s that.

    Today’s 10 exercises:

    Irish Jackasses: Thanks, Screw Top, for a nice new addition! These really suck when combined with running over a levee. Maybe next time, ST ought to show up.

    Cross Fit Merkins: Or Clap merkins, for those (Shuffles) who thing Cross Fit is for sissies.

    Big Boy Situps: Jingle Vader notices that YHC was doing these in the downhill direction on the first set. Noted, and corrected.

    Bobby Hurleys (Or Squat Jumps for those who don’t know who Bobby Hurley is, which apparently is most of the LVCC)

    Low Country Crabs: If only Yankee ever made it to Okwata

    Shuffles, a 20 count por favor

    Box Cutters: YHC kept plenty of distance from Triple Shift. That’s a longer story for yet another day. Jingle Vader plays the role of Triple Shift (again) in critiquing the shape of YHC’s boxes.

    Imperial Squat Walker: PAX stage a revolt, so YHC caves and lowers the count from 10 IC to 5 IC (10 Squats) out of fear. Still plenty of squats to burn the calves

    Catalina Wine Mixers: Way out in front, YHC saw Holy Grove and Triple Shift absolutely killing it. YHC was happy to be able to stay in front of Shorty, though. Maybe if Shorty showed up a little more regularly.

    American Hammer: Shorty and Surge thankful to get one useful fact for the day, as we talked about Hulk Hogan vs Iron Sheik (HH was Bacchus 40)

    8 Count Body Builders: JV chooses this exercise to round out the day.

    Finish at 6:14. Sheetrock does his best SOGO impression and finds a pothole on the run back to the flag – but keeps his balance and lives to fight another day. 5 Burpees OYO

    Circle up at the end. RRR coming soon, find a team and get signed up. Run. Run. Run. Prayers offered – we remember all of those intentions then finish with Psalm 40 (the inspiration behind the inspiration)

    Thanks for letting me lead, and until the next 40!

  • 1 Year Anniversary

    My how time flies. I have been getting up to workout at 5:30 3-4 times a week for 1 whole year. It was a major lifestyle change and I could not be more appreciative for my boy YaMomAnEm getting me out here and off my lazy butt. 16 men joined me at The Foundry for what I hoped would be a fun filled and full body beatdown. Disclaimer was given and off we moseyed to the track.

    Warm Up:

    • SSH x 20 IC
    • Windmills x 10 IC
    • Self love x 15 IC
    • Track grabbers x 15 IC
    • Arm circles x 10 each fwd/rev IC

    Thang #1:

    The previous night I, along with multiple members of F3, attended the Lakeview Civic Improvement Association meeting regarding all the crime that has been going on in the city. In honor of this we split into 2 lines and did a Prisoner Indian Run over to the cement cylinders outside of the Children’s Museum. Here is where we spread out to perform Butkus. 1 minute of step ups then a 30 second rest break. 2 rounds for each leg for a total of 4 rounds.

    Thang #2:

    Mosey over to The Foundry where we split up into 6 groups of 3 (there was 1 group of 2). 6 stations consisted of:

    • Burpees (the counter)
    • Jump the snake
    • Lunges
    • Mountain climbers
    • Dips
    • Monkey bars

    First round completed with 15 burpees. 1 minute rest break. Second round completed with 10 burpees. I opted to use the monkey bars as they were originally intended and each member of their group would swing across the bars back and forth until time was called. My apologies to everyone 6 ft and taller.

    Thang #3:

    Mosey back to the warm up spot at the track and sweep the 6. Just enough time to squeeze in The Gross. 12 reps of 12 exercises. Some IC. Some not. Follow the Q’s instructions (looking at you Rudy).

    • Low slow Squats
    • Jumps (don’t let heels touch ground)
    • R side lunges
    • L side lunges
    • Floyd Mayweathers
    • Carolina Dry Docks
    • Diamond merkins
    • Nolia Clap (overhead hand claps)
    • Flutter kicks
    • Hello Dollies
    • Box Cutters
    • Freddy Mercury’s

    Mosey back to the flag. May have been 1 minute over but we’ll survive. Count off, name-o-rama, announcements, intentions, and sweaty ball of man.

    My thanks again to all the men of F3 for continuing to push me both physically with each beatdown and mentally when trying to construct the beatdowns as Q. It’s been an honor and a pleasure and I can’t wait for the next year.

  • Good Morning Burpees In the Cold

    It’s been a little while since YHC Q’d the 610 Stomp, so it was time to bring back a crowd pleaser:  Good Morning Burpees!    

    14 Men stood ready to take on the challenge, including 1 FNG, courtesy of DaParish EH!

    The clock hit 0530, time to give a disclaimer, then:

    Simple Instructions:  Run the traditional route and say Good Morning to everyone you see (30 feet between groups).  If they say Good Morning back, only do 5 Burpees.  If they don’t say Good Morning….10 Burpees.  If anyone pesters for a “Good Morning” then 15 Burpees.

    YHC probably picked a bad morning for this, as there were few pedestrians out and about on such a cold day.  YHC and DaParish did not come across anyone until on the way back, which accounted for around 30 burpees.

    COT, Countoff, Name-o-rama, announcements, intentions, closed with a prayer to the Sky Q…

    Welcome Blowfish!  Now that’s a great name!

    SYITG

  • We have a tire

    On the eve of the gloom, the PAX reported that the tires were still safe and “secure” outside of the Chamber of Horrors.   YHC isn’t used to props that aren’t music or costume related, so I was eager to use the tires on this 20th gloom of 2020.  

    W/U

    • Side-straddle Hops IC x 20
    • Imperial Walkers IC x 20
    • Hill Billies IC x 20
    • Sun Gods IC x 10 x 10
    • J-Los IC x 10

    The Thang

    • Fun with Tires – Split into groups of 2.  2 PAX will flip the big tire out 5 times each and then back 5 times each (for a total of 10 for anyone counting).  Meanwhile, the other PAX will do a routine of 10 Irkins, 20 Squats, 30 Rocky Balboas, 10 Dirkins, 20 Squats, 30 Rocky Balboas on the smaller tires.   Once the 2 PAX flipping the large tire are finished, trade off with 2 of the PAX doing the routine.  Repeat until all PAX have flipped the tire 10 times. 
    • Mosey to the Amphitheater.  When you get there, plank & wait or sweep the six; you decide.
    • Birth Control (Routine created by YHC to learn more about your fellow PAX) – From a line facing the hill.  The 2 outermost PAX will Bear Crawl/Crawl Bear up/down the hill.  Meanwhile, all other PAX will be holding a plank of their preference (High, Low, Left,  Right, etc.)  Once both outer PAX have completed their BC/CB the PAX to the right will shout the name & age of all his 2.0’s first.  The entire PAX will do the amount of Merkins for the ages of the 2.0s.  Then the PAX on the left.  Once all merkins have been completed, the next 2 PAX to the inside will go until all PAX have BC/CB and shouted the names & ages of their 2.0s.
    • Mosey to the Greek Benches for Box Jumps & Dips. 
      • OYO 10 Box Jumps
      • IC 10 Dips
      • OYO 8 Box Jumps
      • IC 8 Dips
      • OYO 6 Box Jumps
      • IC 6 Dips
      • OYO 10 Box Jumps
      • IC 10 Dips
    • Mosey to the flag. When you arrive, plank & wait or sweep the six.
    • Mary
      • 20 Dying Cockroaches
      • 20 Slow Wheezy Jeffersons

    Couterama, Namerama, Annoucements, COT

    Thank you for the opportunity to lead,

    Da Parish

  • The Day After

    LSU 45 – Clemson 28. And it seemed like it could have been much much worse than that.

    Tuesday morning, YHC expected a lighter-than-normal crowd at the Stomp, as many PAX would undoubtedly still be sleeping off the after-effects of The Stomping. And YHC wasn’t disappointed. OK, maybe a bit disappointed but not surprised.

    In the pea-soup, 8 hardy PAX arrived for their morning workout. 7 Regulars and 1 out of towner (welcome, 49er from Kentucky – and Thanks Hokie Pokey for shuttling another Hokie around!)

    30 Minute run down the typical route. 15 mins out and 15 mins back. Then lets get to the track. Holygrove bravely takes off with Shuffles and Catfish – I suspect he quickly regretted that decision. Eventually YHC caught up to him, and enjoyed the rest of the run – thanks for the F2 along the way! And thanks to Woz for pacing and pushing us!

    At the track for some speed work. But first – a brief recollection of this remarkable season

    • First 15-0 Season
    • Second Heisman Trophy Winner
    • Fourth National Championship

    Yup, 1-2-4. Sounds like a Ladder. So – lets finish up with the Sprint Ladder. 100, 200, 400, 200, 100 yard sprints. In between each, 100yd mosey/walk to recover.

    Back to the track for COT – prayers for discipline for all of us in facing our challenges, and for Mr. Holygrove (Alvin) in particular during his recovery.

  • Everyone Loves Jailhouse Rock, a Tribute to the King.

    Everyone Loves Jailhouse Rock, a Tribute to the King.

    In Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935, in a two-room shotgun house in East Tupelo, then a separate municipality that some called the “roughest town in north Mississippi,” Elvis Aaron Presley was born. Times were hard in the U.S., especially in the South, when Elvis Presley entered this world. To be born poor then was not unusual. What was unusual about Elvis at his birth is that he was a twin. His twin brother, Jesse Garon, did not survive, making Elvis what is called today a “twin-less twin.”

    W/U

    • SSH x 35
    • HB x 35
    • IW x 35
    • AC x 18, Reverse x 17

    The Thang

    Don’t Be Cruel

    • Burp & Merk to 10 Merkins

    All Shook Up

    • Sit on your “throne” like Elvis and in COT style state your Hospital Name, F3 Name, & Favorite Elvis Song.   Hold until the end of the COT. (Jailhouse Rock is the clear favorite among F3 PAX. I’m sure it had nothing to do with the fact that it was the first song mentioned).

    We Can’t’ Go on Together with Suspicious Minds

    • Lunge Indian Run from track to road, then Indian Run to NOMA

    Find your twin Jesse Garon Presley for Dora 1-2-3

    • 100 Merkins
    • 200 Squats
    • 300 LBCs

    Indian Run back to the Flag.

    Counterama, Namerama, COT.  Happy Birthday Elvis!

    Thank you for the opportunity to Lead, Thank you very much,

    Da Parish

  • First Stomp of 2020

    First Stomp of 2020

    22 men came out in the darkened gloom to kick off 2020 with the 610 Stomp. No better way to start the year than a good run with your 22 best friends.

    The Thang

    YHC started with the basic disclaimer and gave the instructions for the morning run. Run out to the Wisner Bridge. Celebrate our run to the bridge with 10 celebration burpees. Run and back and forth over the bridge until the Q calls the time. Celebrate the end of the bridge runs with 10 more celebration burpees and run back to the flag.

    Important lesson learned this morning: Don’t follow Shuffles. Shuffles will go the long way. Shuffles can run faster than you, so take the short way to arrive at the same time as Shuffles.

    The Pax followed Shuffles the long way to the bridge and completed the 10 burpees at the base of the bridge. The pax proceeded to run back and forth over the 610 until YHC rounded everyone up to do 10 more burpees at 6:05. The pax ran back to the flag for the end.

    The Conclusion

    Count-off, Name-O-Rama, and one FNG. The Pax was off their game with name suggestions outside of Hawg who wanted to name the FNG something Canadian since the FNG was from Detroit. YHC went with Crazy Cat Guy. I hope he returns.

    Thank you for the opportunity to lead. May we all lead and push one another throughout 2020.

  • Hawgcycle’s Running New Year’s Eve

    The Thang

    Run as far as you can in 22:30 and then turn around and come back. The goal was to try and run farther than you ever have at the Stomp. Some accomplished that. Shuffles, who doesn’t have a watch, ran to where he always does, the other side of the bridge, and turned around. A few saw the top of the bridge for the first time. Kuch garnered 18 achievements on Strava. YHC earned one.

    Another year in the books. Here’s to continued acceleration in 2020.

  • Get in gear for the new year with 400 reps

    On Tuesday evening, December 31st, YHC put out a brief message: Get some rest tomorrow, because Thursday will feature the 400 at Okwata. This was done for several reasons:

    • First and foremost, the 400 is hard. It’s a great aerobic/anaerobic mix, and I at least tend to get winded pretty quickly.
    • Second, if YHC knew that was coming, the thought, at least, was that YHC would be more responsible on New Year’s Eve knowing that he would be sweating out every drop of vodka. And publicly committing to it was the best way to assure it would actually go down.
    • Finally though, the 400 is a good test of where we all are. When you finish it, there is a sense of accomplishment. It’s a benchmark you can revisit and track progress, and progress is something we should never stop striving for, in whatever form it may come.

    What is the 400? I had last done it courtesy of a Triple Shift Q, and struggled mightily through it, but I believe it goes back to the early days of Okwata. The 400 is

    • 10 trips over the levee and back
    • stopping at the top of the levee, then the neighborhood side of the levee, then back to the top of the levee, then back to where you started for….
    • 10 reps of a particular exercise

    So a typical round is:

    • run up the levee for 10 merkins (for example)
    • run down to the other side for 10 merkins
    • run back up the levee for 10 merkins
    • run back down to where you started for 10 merkins

    Today we did

    1. SSH 50% effort for a warm-up. (YHC had done an abbreviated warmup because last time, we’d used almost the entire 45 minutes to complete it, so we used this as part of the warmup)
    2. Merkins
    3. Burpees
    4. Squats
    5. Carolina dry docks
    6. Bonnie Blairs (3 count, 1,2,3 1; 1,2,3 2)
    7. J-Lo’s (3 count)
    8. LBC’s (3 count)
    9. Monkey Humpers (3 count)
    10. At this point, we still had some time, so YHC decided we would redo the SSH at 100% so as not to short ourselves. So SSH (3 count)
    11. Final exercise, only one choice (and a very popular one judging by the groans and mumblechatter). More burpees!

    Some stretching led by High Rise, prayers for one our pax who has a child going through some challenges, and something I wanted to share with the group from a friend who recently died from brain cancer. Several months before his death, having lived with the cancer for a few years, he remarked:

    “While I’ve lost nearly everything, physically, financially, emotionally, materially, Never, not once, have I lost hope, belief, faith.”

    I know of no better way to live.

    I also know of no better group of men than this one, and for that, I thank all of you. Here’s to a great 2020. – Kuch