F3 New Orleans

Tag: Ya Mom’n Dem

  • This ain’t no democracy

    Just sit there and shut up. This ain't no democracy.

    A very very damp morning greeted the PAX, after yesterday’s squall lines rolled through. YHC had done a quick drive by one of the intended workout areas to see whether it was usable, and alas – discovered that it was quite soupy. So perhaps an audible was going to be necessary. More on that later.

    5:30 – Issue a disclaimer, and 21 PAX moseyed off to the track. YHC is not a regular at the Foundry. His recollections of the Foundry from way-back-when was of an intimate gathering of just a few close friends. Now we are at 21 PAX (and apparently that’s the new normal at The Foundry!) Fantastic to see such growth – more HIMs, more impact, more motivations. Thank you all.

    The Warmup

    Circle up on the track for a typical warmup, consisting of Windmills (oops – bad move on the part of the YHC, needed to restart , SSH, Arm Circles, Overhead Claps, more Arm Circles (alas, Amnesty kept chit chatting and missing the instructions to KEEP YOUR ARMS UP). Then some planks, just because.

    The Thing #1

    BLIMPS. Partner up for the BLIMPS-a-go-go. Partners run opposite directions on the track, and wherever they meet – do the next letter exercise. Then run opposite directions again. Start with Burpees x10. You all know the drill from there (except, apparently, YHC who attempted to spell out BIMPS). Ya Mom’n’Dem did a great job carrying an additional heavy weight on his back (“Jesus Juice”). Meanwhile, Holy Grove and Smooth finished about 15 minutes ahead of the next closes finisher.

    As PAX finish, start LBC’ing and Dollying awaiting the 6. YHC then offered the PAX a choice:

    • Elevens: PAX who want to do 11s, line up on YHC’s left
    • Get your shoes wet: PAX who want to get their shoes wet, line up on YHC’s right

    YHC was astounded to see a vote of 20-1 in favor of “Keep your shoes dry” (and the humble reader can guess who was the “1”). Apparently, a lesson in the Art of Manliness was in order. As this is NOT a democracy – the PAX moseyed off to collect a cinderblock from the swamp.

    The Thing #2

    Grab your cinder block and line up along the left field line in the puddles (you know, the area that looks like a baseball field when not covered by muck and grass clippings). Pop Tart scoffed at the rest of us, as the mud and water just oozed right out of his mandals…

    Round 1: 15 each Overhead Press, Curls, Rows, Bench Press. Then a Bear Crawl out about 30 yards, and Lunge Walk back. Briefs grumbling “my shoes won’t be dry for days”. Screw Top whining “Can’t we go do pullups instead? Its dry over there”.

    Round 2: 12 each. Crawl Bear out, Walk Lunge back. Words fail to express my disappointment at hearing Tool suggest that Walk Lunge would be easier if his footsies weren’t so wet.

    Round 3: 10 each. Not enough time for more out-and-back, so return our Cinderblock friends and slosh back to the flag.

    Finished about 5 mins late. Sorry PAX (but not really)

    Count-off and name-o-rama (lots of young guns at the Foundry – thanks for pushing me harder everyone!) Announcements and Intentions, especially praying for Holy Grove’s dad in his recovery from health challenges.

    As today is the feast day of St. Ignatius, YHC closed with his Prayer for Generosity. Thanks for letting me lead. And thanks for following where I go! Into the Muck and Mire!

  • You down with the DZ, yea you know me

    8 gentlemen of the highest order showed up on Monday morning for a good old fashioned sprint workout known as the Danger Zone. When the clock struck 5:30am, i issued the proverbial disclaimer and the beatdown commenced.

    Warmup

    • Mosey down Roosevelt Mall while doing some dynamic stretching:
    • high knees
    • butt kicks
    • karaoke to the left
    • karaoke to the right
    • open the gate
    • close the gate

    Then we circled up and did the following exercises:

    • mountain climbers – 15
    • grass grabbers – 15
    • low slow squats – 15
    • arm circles – 8 forward, 10 backward
    • side straddle hops – 15

    The Thang:

    Split into 2 groups on Roosevelt Mall.

    Group 1 sprints to the 1st lightpole and back, then sprints to 2nd lightpole and back, then sprints to 3rd lightpole and back, and lastly to 4th lightpole and back 

    Group 2 was on their six doing levels starting with their legs 3 inches off the ground. Each time Group 1 made it back to the starting pole, Group 2 would raise their legs 3 inches higher off the ground. After we did this for 1 round, we switched and had Group 2 do the sprints and Group 1 do the levels

    Next, we had Group 1 do the same set of sprints, but this time Group 2 was doing an arm plank and each time Group 1 made it back to the starting pole, Group 2 would do 5 pushups and then go back to holding the plank. Then we switched

    Next we took a 20 count break and then mosey’d to the track. Once on the track, we did an Indian Run for 2 laps around the track. The last 1/2 lap of the Indian Run was a jail break back to the start

    Lastly, we did a few wind sprints in which Group 1 did the sprints while Group 2 did Al Gore’s coupled with a jump squat each time group 1 made it back to the starting point. Then we switched.

    After that, we mosey’d to the flag, hit 15 burpees on our own just for good measure, and then did the count-off, name-o-rama, announcements, intentions, and prayer. Thanks for coming out, fellas. It always feels good to start off the work week right with an F3 beatdown 

  • Okwata in the Fall

    Or at least it felt that way. The 22 PAX present were treated to 71 degrees and a beautiful sunrise this morning. They were also treated to: LEG DAY. (After Screw Top’s beatdown the previous day, YHC was in no mood for Merkins or Burpees)

    Mosey to the center of the intersection no one ever uses (possibly because we are in it) for

    • Mountain climbers
    • Scorpion kicks
    • SSH
    • Arm Circles
    • Hill Billies
    • All x20

    Split into 2 groups for the second running of the Single Reverse Indian Run. Like an Indian Run, but all the PAX run the loop and up and down the levee, while the last in line peels off and runs the opposite way around the loop.

    20 second count, enough time to stretch out the hips with a little open the gate and close the gate.

    Next pair up for 5 Bernies and 5 Planks. PAX 1 runs backward up the levee while PAX 2 holds one of 5 different planks, starting with high, low, left, right, and ending with bows and toes. Alternate with partner after each plank and Bernie.

    Finally, a bit of DORA 1-2-3 OYO

    • 50 Money Humpers
    • 100 Jump Lunges
    • 150 Squats

    *After each exercise is completed, one sprint up the levee and back. We made it to, but not through the squats, when it came time to head back to the flag.

    Vigorous run back led by Smooth, just in time for 6:15, where we circled up and admired the sunrise. Hokie prayed us out. Thanks for pushing me today. – Kuch

    Total Mileage: 2.86 miles

  • Sweep the 2

    22 Men gathered on a wet, dark morning to catch a quick run. The usual disclaimer was given, and to the best of my recollection, it was eloquent and concise this time. A first perhaps. Aside: Are you supposed to say “my name is so and so” in the disclaimer? Maybe I’ve just never gotten comfortable announcing “My name is Kuch”. I didn’t say it.

    I’ve spent many paragraphs already on why the Stomp is great: great F2, generally a bit lower intensity than Monday and Wednesday, and great for runners of all speeds. So on the one hand, you don’t want to fix something that aint broken. On the other hand, we’ve had some great variations at the Stomp lately, including Rev Sox’s 13 colonies workout/football game, El Guapo’s light post runs, Smooth’s Jazzfest themed beatdown, and VQ’s for Shuffles and Briefs, who both added their own touches.

    What I’m getting at is: come Q the Stomp. Bring a slight (or significant) variation, or just tell everyone to run 20 out and 20 back and do some Mary. It doesn’t matter. It will be great. Your contribution will be appreciated no matter how much or little you deviate from the norm.

    Anyway, back to the actual workout. We moseyed 20 minutes out at about a 10:30 pace as a group, all staying together. When he hit 20 minutes, the instructions were simple. Run back to the flag as fast as you can. Don’t leave anything in the tank.

    When you get to the flag, you mosey to the guy behind you, and run hard back with him. And then the 2 of you sweep the next guy and run back hard with him and so on until 20 or so guys are running down Roosevelt Mall together to sweep the 6. It worked well, and you will see it again.

    To mentally prepare myself for this one, I told myself that I would run as hard as I could back to the flag, and I wouldn’t save anything for the sweep. If I had to walk, I would, but I would not mosey. I surprised myself and ran a lot faster than usual. Didn’t know I had it in me. That will be the instruction to all the PAX next time: save nothing. Go as hard as you can. Walk, if you must, but don’t cruise. (and of course, modify if you need to)

    The usual formalities, and a prayer that we carry the goodwill and decency shown everyday at F3 workouts with us through all our interactions. Thanks for having me. – Kuch

  • 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

  • Braving the Mountain through the Harsh Mist and Drizzle

    Although lightning and thunder was forecast for Friday morning, the city of New Orleans was lucky to avoid the worst, especially after Wednesday. So 31 PAX gathered on a gloomy, humid, damp Friday morning intent on running some ramps in a parking lot for no reason other than the fact it’s hard.

    A brief, yet still somewhat rambling disclaimer was given, and at 5:30 we set off to get after it.

    Warm-up

    Mosey up St. Charles and back down to grassy area in front of Tulane for a quick warm-up of

    • SSHx20
    • ISWx20
    • Peter Parker Peter x20 each
    • Arm Circles 10/10
    • 10 burpees OYO to clear our heads of the backwards counting that always throws YHC off.

    Mosey to the base of the Mountain for

    • 10 Merkins I/C, sprint one ramp, mosey one ramp
    • 10 Burpees OYO, sprint one ramp, mosey one ramp
    • 10 8-count bodybuilders OYO, sprint one ramp, mosey one ramp
    • 10 angle grinders I/C, sprint one ramp, mosey one ramp
    • Bernie Sanders one ramp, mosey one ramp

    When we arrived at the top, it was a bit damp for the work we needed to do, so we headed down a level for some Catch Me if You Can in 3 rounds and 3 lines to keep it moving:

    • Rd 1: Squats while everyone else holds Al Gore; (when the person in front of you hits 5, you start, at 10, you run down a ramp and back up the stairs and back in line)
    • Rd 2: jump squats
    • Rd 3: jump lunges

    Next, a little tabata for fun. Nothing quite gets the heart rate up like some high intensity tabata. 25 on/10 off. 8 exercises, crowd choice. We ended up doing:

    • flutter kicks
    • Box cutters
    • Burpees
    • 8 count bodybuilders
    • merkins
    • LBC’s
    • 2 other exercises I cannot remember

    The rule was, if you don’t remember the exercise you suggested when it’s up, then we do burpees. Incidentally and unrelated, everyone remembered his exercise.

    Finally, some Mary to seal the deal. 5 exercises

    • American Hammers (FracSac)
    • Leg raises (King Kong)
    • 3 exercises by YHC I cannot remember

    Mosey back to the Flag and arrive exactly at 6:15… or you know, right around that time. COT, name-o-rama, and a prayer of thanks. Thanks for letting this lakeview pax lead the uptown workout.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.