Tag: Tool

  • 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
  • No Problemata Tabata

    24 person tabata? No problem! We’ll head to they gym today and use the stairs.

    WARM UP
    Side straddle hop
    Wind mills
    Grass grabbers
    Low slow squats
    Mountain climbers
    Peter Parkers 
    JLo’s
    Box cutters
    Flutter kicks

    Tabata (40 second workout, 20 second rest, 8 times)

    Divide into 3 groups, each group takes a workout (decline pushups on the Gym stairs) and then rotate through the workouts. ie – group1 on the stairs, group 2 lined up behind them, group 3 behind them. Group 1 starts at Decline pushups, 2 at squats, 3 at bench press. After the set, each group moves to the next station.

    1st Round

    Decline pushups
    Squats
    Bench Press

    2nd Round

    Stair Jumps
    Rows
    Curls

  • 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.

  • 1776 Merkins and a tour of Okwata

    Well, that’s what 1776 Merkins feels like! I’m glad we decided to share them as a group…

    This was my first Q and we had an amazing attendance with very special guests from uptown. The idea was to get a little tour of Okwata and also celebrate America by doing Merkins and planking after each quick run.

    We started at the flag, moseyed to the “round thing with water in it” for 20 merkins, arm circles, Side straddle hops

    We then ran on top of the levy to canal for: 20 Merkins, bear crawl across canal on top of Levy, Then 20 Merkins

    Next, we ran down the levy to the “circle of benches” for an assortment of excercises including 20 Merkins, American hammers (thanks for reminding me how to do them! Lol), dips, derkins, low slow squats.

    Next, we ran to the parking lot by the “family reunion center” and did 20 Merkins, side straddle hops, imperial walkers,  Peter Parker’s, dying cockroaches.

    We then ran back to the “circle of benches” and did 20 Derkins, low slow squats, grass grabbers, box jumps, dips, each of these separated with a 180 degree rotation (jog) around around the circle.

    The group agreed to a “one minute of standing at attention” (maybe we can make a name for this) to honor our military.

    Back to the flag for20
    More merkins and cot.

    At some point we did some burpees for good measure. Can’t remember when though…

    Special thanks to all For putting up with my lack of consistency in beginning the exercises and to Sogo for remaining me the names of exercises. Also thanks to Screwtop for signing me up for this Q! He missed a good one!

    Pax:

    King Kong, Angie’s list, Breadsticks, Catfish, Hockie pokey, Shuffle, Dirty dell, Triple shift, Tanner, Surge, High rise, Ya mama and them, Walleye, Frack sack, Bongo, Willy , So go , Jingle vador, Smooth, Tool, Shuffles, Undertaker 

  • An Extra 5 seconds of Fun

    • Temperature: bad
    • Humidity: bad

    21 men gathered this morning for a Foundry workout. Like the Stomp, this workout – led by Amnesty since the olden days – has continued to grow, and the new faces are welcome additions. In fact, we had a late addition today from Butter, bringing the total to 22. He joined us for the COT, and plans to make some workouts soon.

    Quick Warmup (we’ve got work to do)

    • Mosey to the track
    • ISWx10
    • SSHx20 (some complaints from Amnesty and Bogey about YHC’s failure to instruct the already standing PAX to get in “position” before this one. Leaving this here for their next Q’s, where I’m sure their instructions and cadence will be perfect)
    • Peter Parker Peter x20 each
    • Arm Circles x10 each way
    • Line up in 2 lines and Indian Run to the Foundry

    The Thang: 8 Stations, 4 rounds on a Tabata timer of

    • Derkins
    • Jumping Rope
    • seated dips
    • Burpees
    • Pull-ups
    • Jump Squats
    • Bird Dogs
    • Side to side jumps over the snake

    We’ve done something like this workout a few times, so YHC decided to up the difficulty a bit by changing the timer from 20 seconds on, 10 off, to 25 seconds on, 10 off. That extra 5 seconds took a toll, but everyone persevered thanks to the rocking tunes.

    Quick mosey back to the track for some static stretching led by High Rise because why would I lead stretching when there is an actual physical therapist there who went to school for this sort of thing? T-claps to High Rise for always being up to the task.

    Mosey to the flag, little planking for the ISI challenge this month, and COT and a prayer. Thanks for having me.

  • 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

  • Co-Q 12

    Earlier in the week Mahatma asked if we could swap Muscleship Q’s. Once I got the clearance from my M on our schedule I gladly swapped. I was then quickly contacted by this week’s Mothership Q and resident LVCC member Kuch. He proposed for a portion of the beatdown we perform some type of competition between PAX. After some back-and-forth on the details, the trash talking began on mumblechatter.

    Saturday morning came and 11 men gathered with me at our usual spot, including 1 FNG who came in town from Lake Charles. The resistance bands that would be used were distributed to everyone, the disclaimer was given, and off we ran for a lap around NOMA.

    Warm-up:

    • SSH IC x 20
    • Windmills IC x 10
    • Self love IC x 10
    • Arm circles x 10 fwd, x 10 reverse
    • Imperial squats walkers IC x 15

    Tha Thang #1:

    During my last Muscleship Q I had the PAX perform a Tabata routine of shoulder exercises with resistance bands. So back by popular demand we busted out the Tabata with a playlist hand-picked by the Q to avoid any recurrence of DMB or Goo Goo Dolls finding its way in. All exercises performed for 20 sec with 10 sec rest.

    • Single arm shoulder flexion, R then L
    • Airplanes/T’s
    • Bilateral shoulder external rotation
    • Single arm shoulder lateral raises, R then L
    • Biceps curls, R then L
    • Triceps extension, R then L

    Tha Thang #2

    After everyone’s shoulders were burning we walked about 5 ft into the grass surrounding the fountain outside NOMA and spread out for planks. Each plank held for 30 seconds.

    • Plank on elbows
    • L side plank
    • R side plank
    • Reverse plank

    Unfortunately while we were planking Pearl Jam was almost done playing “Alive” when my bluetooth speaker proved to be dead. So we only made it through 2 of the songs on the playlist. Oh well. Next time I’ll be better prepared.

    Next we moved back to the cement and grabbed our bands again.

    • Lateral step with squat IC x 10 reps each leg, band tied around ankles
    • Plank clocks performed in 6-count cadence x 10 reps each arm, band tied around wrists
    • Crunchy planks IC x 10 reps each way; exercise is performed in plank position when you bring your L elbow to your R knee then repeat with R elbow to L knee (exercise inspired by local musician Master P’s hip hop classic “Freak Hoes”)

    Tha Thang #3:

    At that point it was time to toss bands in Screw Top’s truck and mosey over to the Foundry for the meet up with the Mothership. Instructions were given, including written instructions courtesy of Kuch. Mothership won the coin toss and chose to run first while Mothership performed the group of exercises.

    While Mothership ran 1 loop around the Festival Grounds, each Muscleship PAX performed 25 pulls ups, 50 burpees, and 100 jump lunges (1 is 1). All members of the PAX had to complete said exercises before leaving to run. Once all members completed the routine we proceeded with our run arounf the Festival Grounds. As we ran, Mothership stayed at the Foundry and completed said group of exercises. Sadly Mothership prevailed as they were able to have all members complete the run and exercises before Muscleship. I smell a re-match in the future.

    Mosey back to the flag for some static hamstring, figure-4 piriformis, and quad stretching x 15 sec each leg. Count-off, name-o-rama, annoucements, intentions, sweaty ball of man. Welcome FNG Madoff from Lake Charles! As usual it was a pleasure to lead everyone and will look forward to my next Q.

  • Back to Basics – but No Merkins

    While in awe at the number of Merkins the ISI folks had been posting during the month, QIC decided that it was time to give the group a break and work on other basic exercises this fine morning.

    Warmup: 20 SSHs, 20 Imperial Walkers, 20 Mountain Climbers, 15 Abe Vigodas, 30 Arm Circles (15 forward, 15 back).

    We grabbed a rock and moseyed over to the track where we split up into teams of two to complete a Dora (with QIC going solo until joined by Chips riding in hot) for upper body strength.

    One partner started on 100 reps of Triceps Press, 200 reps Curls, 300 reps Chest Presses, while the other partner ran to the 50 yard line and back.

    Next, we formed a circle for some modified leg and core work Tabata, doing a cycle of 1 minute of each with 20 seconds rest in between of Squats, LBCs, Lunges, and Flutterkicks. Rinse and repeat.

    We returned our rocks, gathered for announcements and intentions and moseyed off to start our day. Thanks for allowing me to lead.

  • One Trick Pony

    YHC generally has one favorite Rock City exercise. So in his first Q in many months, and with many new PAX since then, time was right to break it out again. So 5:30 am, time to start with the running disclaimer (we’ve got places to go, PAX….) and off to the rock pile.

    Warm Up

    • Sllllloooooowwww cadence Windmills x10. Oh look, welcome to the group Marlin.
    • SSH x25. Oh look. welcome to the group FastTax
    • IW x20. That it? I think we’re all here. Any one else rolling in hot?
    • Low Sllllooooowwww Squats x15. Gabrielle decides he only wants to do Slow squats (not the Sllllloooowwww variety) and is usually back to standing position by the 2-count.
    • Slllloooowwww Merkins x15

    Grab a rock

    Rock 11s

    Rocks in a line in the middle of the parking lot. 11s with Burpees and Derkins on opposite sides. Passing the rock towards the Derkins, do 11 Shoulder Presses. Passing the rock the other way, do 11 Curls. Go.

    As usual, this is a good time killer for everyone who’s F3 name doesn’t start with “Mahatm”. For PAX whose names do start with that – its just another day in the park.

    6:00 – time to wrap up to move to the next step. For PAX who didn’t finish – the goal will be to get further the next time YHC does this.

    Leg Times

    After working upper body, time to work the legs. Grab your rock and head to the pavillion.

    • Right Leg Step Ups x15
    • Pai Gow correctly predicts that Left Leg Step Ups are next. x15.
    • Monkey Humpers x25

    Take your friend to go have a seat. In your People’s Chair. Curls x15 while we enjoy our seat. Stand and shake ’em out. Repeat, this time with overhead presses. Shake ’em out. Back to the pavillion for another round through RLSU, LLSU and MH.

    Return Times

    Bring the rocks back home. Head back to the Shovel Flag and Freedom Hammer. On your 6 for some FK and Penguins until the clock hits 6:15am.

    Finish up with counting (up to 19!) and naming (Welcome back Billy Goat – been a while!). Then our announcements (lots of stuff going on – hope to see all the PAX out at the upcoming events). Finish up with our sweaty COT. Thanks for the chance to lead, PAX!

    PS: YHC had grad ambitions of celebrating the 645th anniversary of the largest occurrence of the Dancing Mania (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_mania), when reports have it that upwards of 400 people died in Aachen, Germany, from exhaustion brought on by non-stop dancing and gyrations. The celebration would have included Goofballs, the Side-straddle-hop ridiculousness seen at Okwata, and other exhaustion-inducing exercises. But alas, YHC ran out of time before being able to appropriately test such a workout. Maybe next year for the 646th anniversary.

  • Stomp #200 – Legends of the Stomp

    “What makes you successful? The number one thing is consistency and performance at whatever you choose to do” – Nick Saban

    “Habits matter more than goals. There is a compounding effect of habits in the long run.” – Shane Parrish

    The Stomp was started 4 years ago as a means of training for the Spartan Race. The original 610 Stomp route was down Marconi to either Harrison or Filmore, all the way to Wisner, and then back to the park, stopping every 6 minutes for 10 burpees. It was not necessarily intended to be a consistent weekly workout, but people kept showing up for it and Q’ing it. The same people, in fact. If you look at the BB from Stomp #100, you’ll see a whole lot of familiar faces. https://www.f3nola.com/2017/07/18/610-stomp-99-let-the-celebration-begin/

    It seems crazy on a day like today, 25 strong, that this workout might once have been abandoned, so it seemed only fitting to thank those that shepherded it through the leaner times. Plus, they emailed me. Several times. You got this, right Kuch? You do know it’s the 200th Stomp? Yes, Yes, I know, this is the third email I have received. Right right, just checking. Evidently there was a bit of concern that YHC would neglect his duties as one of the site Q’s.

    So a plan was hatched to honor those that carried The Stomp when no one else was showing up for it and to keep the pax together in groups so that we could push each other and also enjoy a bit of F2.

    Fast Group Legend: Smooth: Smooth is the fastest guy at the Stomp each week, and if we did not let him lead the fast group, he would just run away from it anyway. Every week, while we all run in small groups, Smooth pushes himself to go hard, solo, and rack up more miles than anyone else. In fact, we’re never quite sure where he actually goes, but I’ve heard rumors about him making it to the river and having a cup of coffee before getting back to the flag at the same time as everyone else. T-claps to everyone who ran with him today, and especially Screw Top, who even appeared to keep up.

    Medium Group Legend: Tool: Tool is the reason we run the route we do today. Having run both routes, this one is far superior and involves far fewer speeding vehicles in the pitch black of the tree canopy of Marconi. So thanks to Tool for that, and for his consistency in posting for and leading The Stomp over the past 4 years.

    More Casual Pace Legends: Hawg and Rudy: Again, look back at the list of PAX posting, and you will see both of these guys at the top. Neither ever shies away from leading a workout, whether it’s because Shorty signed up for it, or because they volunteered. Both guys could eat a tub of ice cream and then outrun me, but since they are doing their sub 130bpm runs right now, they were perfect for leading the 10-minute milers. Two of the most consistent posters and leaders F3 Nola has.

    Each group did its own workout led by its Legend. I know Tool had our group doing burpees at every bridge, and Smooth had his group doing merkins at the turn (and still maintaining right around an 8-minute/mile pace). I need a report from the Hawg/Rudy group.

    COT, Name-o-rama, and War Eagle did the honors on the prayer. Hope everyone enjoyed the celebration. – Kuch