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Pickled Reformation

QIC:  Prosciutto

Date: 09/12/2020

PAX: Afterbirth, Blue, Hambone, Laces Out, Milkman

AO: Reformation

Conditions

Humidity was thicccly, like…. a milkshake from Bruster’s. A relatively quiet scene until the county cop, the sheriff and the signal mountain police showed up with lights on behind the church. I’m not sure what they could be doing at 5:30am, but, this time they weren’t worried about the men of F3. Maybe they were searching for a naked burrito. Didn’t have the heart to tell them he’s been MIA from Reformation since 1993.

Very little light and visibility. The crew, though smallish, was ready to do get along with what they had come to do and that’s where this story begins…

COP

Mostly stretching, shoulder taps, slow tempo merkins and great conversation.

With muscles stretched, we set out for a merkin mile run interrupted with EMOM (10 monkey humpers). Mile loop back to the parking lot for the thang.

The Thang

A little spin on a familiar dora. This time, though, the exercise called was more of a routine; and each rep was more like a round. Fabulous.

Pair up – P1 run & burpee; P2 performs exercise/routine
Steroidal Dora
P1 out and back to a point 3 times. First time, 1 burpee, second, 2 burpees, third time, 3 burpees
P2 performs the following until the team collectively reaches the total reps.

R1: Worst Merkins Ever x 100 50
R2: Jump Squats x 100
R3: 4×4’s x 100 50

That was enough of that trash. What was I thinking!?

So then we moved onto playing a little game from childhood; Pickle!

Afterbirth had to remind me that it was a team game, not a two-on-one. Once that got fixed, it was game on!

Rules were pretty simple. If the defensive side lost, they did (what else?) pickle pounders – otherwise the runner did the pounding pickle. (Note: Penalties began as burpees, but that was veto’d after a few rounds as that was nonsensical.)

COT

Just started the journey through the word this past week with the journal from Laces Out. I’ve not spent much time reading chunks of scripture in linear fashion. So, it’s a wonderful exercise and a test to do it as a daily task. A recent passage was from Matthew 3: 1-12.

In these verses, John the Baptist is introduced and he’s quoting a verse from Isaiah 40; “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” The verses go on to illustrate a picture of John baptizing droves of people from Jerusalem and Judea; lands near and far. Some such folks were the Pharisees and Sadducees (the two major religious groups in Israel at the time of Christ). Strangely enough, each of these two groups strongly opposed Jesus.

John exhorted the people not to just hypocritically repent because the promise and proximity of the Kingdom of Heaven, but rather to repent with one’s whole self – mind, body and spirit. John’s way of preaching was not just of one delivering the law of God, but also too, he lived that way as well. Pretty simple takeaway; ‘Practice what you preach’

It’s too easy to say something or do something and follow through by going through the motions. It’s another to do so with investment of that thought and action.

TL;DR – Explained delicately from my youthful hood-life: “If you don’t come strong, don’t come at all.”

Moleskin

It was great to have guys from off the mountain (Blue and Milkman) to help draw down Reformation. So long, Reformation, it was a good ride.

Which begs the question… What happens after Reformation? ReReformation?! …No… duh! Convoy…. What a very interesting story; NOT! In a weird pickle with this AO naming business.

News

Reformation has expired. Convoy starts up at SMMHS @ 05:30am on Monday, 09/14. Go Get sum!!!

Prayers for Laces Out’s daughter, Hambone’s mother and all those suffering from Iron Pax injuries/soreness.

Recent Backblasts

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    The Principles Detention

    QIC:  Prosciutto

    Date: 09/02/2020

    PAX: She Shed, Sherlock, Milkman, Mr. Clean, Cleaver, The Count, Lloyd, Big Al

    AO: Detention

    Conditions

    At Seventy-two
    Air burdened with dense moisture
    Fuzzy lap flounder

    COP

    Disclaimer
    SSH x whenever Lloyd decided to stroll up
    Forward Fold
    Wilhelm Mays Haynesworth
    Don Quixote
    Probably something else

    The Thang

    Run down hill
    French Dips
    Dips with a hint of democracy

    Continue Run
    Jailbreaks
    4 sprints; something mentioned about Herb Brooks in Miracle

    Run to the incline heading towards the Hixson Community Center
    7’s
    Merkin at bottom; Bernie up Hill to dark light pole Squats at top; mosey down

    Head to HCC wall
    Balls to the Wall (BTTW)
    Hold balls to the wall while having fellowship, conversation, light-hearted humour and discussing the principles of F3


    Shuffle to the starting parking lot
    Coney Island
    Hambone’s cones flank the parking lot spaces, set roughly 8 yards distance. Perform movement to first cone and execute 5 reps, then retreat back to start cone. Perform movement to second cone and execute 10 reps, then retreat back to start cone. Do the same for the last cone with 15 reps. 5 , 10, 15 (format below shown as Movement / Exercise)
    1) Burpee Broad Jump / Hand Release Merkins
    2) Bear Crawl / Plank Jacks
    **Shortened due to time constraints

    Shuffle back to the wall
    Wall Sit Super set
    Wall sit while performing exercises in cadence
    Masimiliano Ali IC; Smurf Jacks x 7
    Giuseppi Frazier; Smurf Jacks x 7
    Rafaello Lewis; Smurf Jacks x 7
    Bus Drivers; mosey to startex

    2 minutes of Mary
    LBC
    Heel Touches

    COT

    So, real talk. The principles of F3 persist deeply through all the F’s. At first glance, they appear very tightly coupled with the first-F only. That is, if you see them for face value.

    So, Gusher (fitting for this discussion) – who serves as a real-life biblical concordance of scripture to me at times – is one of my go-to dudes for all things life and personal mentorship; in many ways, he’s like a shield-lock for me (am I to him?? – Read on). I asked him if he could provide any wisdom or virtue from scripture about a Free Men’s leadership group, which is peer-led, meets outside rain or shine, and ends in a circle of trust. You know, like, all the principles. What I expected was his typical witty banter suggesting that the Bible doesn’t necessarily favor cultish types of groups, nor does it offer advisement on such risky things like monkey humpers or pickle pounding. To my dismay, what he provided was spectacular; it is what I shared.

    Proverbs talks about the danger of isolating oneself. Men need community and proximate male relationships.

    “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment”. Proverbs 18:1

    “A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel”. Proverbs 1:5

    To be wise, we must surround ourselves with choice men. Like those we find in F3.


    My time in F3 has afforded me the incredible opportunity to meet a number of choice men; too many to name. It is entirely because of the community that surround me that I’m not the same as I first arrived. Unto my own, I’m of very low value to society and offer little in terms of a navigational beacon for others’ morality. Admittedly, I’m a better and more improved version of the man I once was.

    Hard Disclaimer: For the haters, if you don’t like me now, imagine how awful I once was! But this is as good as I get. Mea culpa.

    Seek out relationships to draw closer to those that you frequently meet in the early hours of our days. The proximate relationship and example you share and receive will make a difference in your life.

    Moleskin

    • Snatch can now tell you all about peer-led workouts; ask him sometime.
    • Big Al allegedly attended “higher education” in Alabama (lol-what?). I cannot remember the name, it didn’t ring a bell. He swore it was a 4-year accredited university. I wasn’t aware that any Alabama schools qualified for accreditation across the national education system.
    • She Shed is a long-haired hater; but he commented on my Bruce Jenner look. He’s jelly
    • Mr. Clean sweats so much. The end.
    • Public shaming and condemnation aside, this is the very first Detention backblast on record. Let it be said, let it be known. All other AOQs before me (of which there were 5) had the opportunity slip through their fingers. Only one can be the first. Thank you.

    News

    There was a lot of news. Iron Pax was at the forefront.

    Recent Backblasts

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      Heavy Bertations

      QIC:  Prosciutto

      Date: 07/10/2020

      PAX: Threeskin, Cavity Search, John Doe, Black Out, Woodrider, Hey Buddy, WreckedEm, Purple Rain, Cold Play, WuzntMe

      AO: Parliament

      Conditions

      Dark, Dewy, a very derrison

      COP

      1/4 mile lap around the track

      Queue the walk-up music;
      2001 –> Alan Parson – “Sirius (Chicago Bulls theme)” –> WWE – Degeneration X intro

      SSH x 25
      Slow Tempo Squats
      Plank Jacks
      Merkins
      3rd Grade Exercises
      Forward Folds

      The Thang

      I don’t know why I had such a hard time explaining this (not to mention the stroke I had midway through) and figuring out who had blocks who didn’t what to do about modification a derry derrison, indeed (see moleskin for reference)

      Farm Strong
      Start at first cone with two blocks
      1) Two block farmer carry between cones; 10 shrugs at each stop
      When you return, complete 5 – 4×4’s
      *Shuttle-run cones and plank for six

      2) Two block farmer carry between cones; 10 side bends at each stop
      When you return, complete 5 – 4×4’s
      *Shuttle-run cones and plank for six

      3) Lunge with one block to each cone; 10 Kettle Bell Swings (omaha 5 KB swings)
      When you return, complete 5 – 4×4’s
      *Shuttle-run cones and plank for six

      4) Reverse Lunge with one block to each cone; 5 John McCains (omaha: squat with press)
      When you return, complete 5 – 4×4’s
      *Shuttle-run cones and plank for six

      10 Years – Wasteland
      Perform Burpees during the heavy guitar part, then alternate 10 SSH / 10 Plank Jack during the lighter sections.

      COT

      Shared Leadership

      Once you’ve become competent of a skill, pass it onto another person. Become their mentor.

      It’s just as valuable of a skill to lead another to competency of a certain skill than to actually master the skill itself. This mentorship provides a development opportunity and then, once competency is reached, presents a leadership opportunity when the mentee is ready to be the mentor. This is shared leadership and leadership development at its core.

      As leaders, we are to become obsolescent and always be searching to create the next leader.

      It’s occurred to me after having spent time at Parliament the past two Friday’s – the practice of Leadership Development and Shared Leadership is well understood. Great things happening in this region

      Moleskin

      This was me explaining the main thang this morning:

      Quoth YHC, “very very heavy bertatious block merra fiven shuttling four and fourian derrisons sixisins and John McCain”

      • Walk-in Music is alot more effective if the announcer with the bull horn actually knows the participants’ names; failure by the Q
      • Note to future Parliament Q’s – be ready to offer modification of exercises
      • 10 Counts can be difficult for new guys; in the end, through proper tutelage and good example – it is a skill that can be learnt
      • The rat maze from parliament’s tennis court parking lot to the track auxiliary parking lot is just that – a chaotic series of pathways that are unclear in the dark
      • Threeskin’s second block color is “Iron Pax Gold” per the spray paint can. Respect that.

      News

      Heaven & Ale Ooltewah Happy Hour tonight!
      Dad’s Days coming up at two Saturday locations in two weeks

      Recent Backblasts

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        Don’t Be Skerrd

        QIC: Prosciutto

        Date: 06/27/2020

        PAX: Blue, Bumblebee, Burrito, Gusher, Pound Dog, Recycle

        AO: Reformation

        Conditions

        66 degrees and time was on our side

        COP

        Warm up lap around the Reformed Presybterian Church
        *Note: Instead of rep counts, we just let Burrito talk and talk. Between the endless banter, there were slight pauses. That signified a change in exercise. The man has a gift like I have never seen. He also has embraced it. His dolphin has met his daffodil. (#D2X)

        SSH
        William Mayferrington Hayesworth, III’s
        Right leg over Left stretch
        Left leg over Right stretch
        Baby Arm Circles Fwd/Bkwd
        Baby Ray Lewis’ (noone died)
        Each man grabbed two blocks (for themselves), and we walked down the hill of gratitude. Cones were lined up along the road.

        Stopped at each cone:
        20 Shrugs

        Once we arrived at the bottom it was time for the first part of the “Thang”.

        The Thang

        Parter up in 3’s and AMRAP with accountable planking partners
        For one minute:
        1 Pax performs Merkins as many times as possible in a minute; Accountability partner counts reps and planks for said minute. FLAPJACK

        1 Pax performs BBSU as many times as possible in a minute; Accountability partner counts reps and planks for said minute. FLAPJACK

        Derived from the GoRuck Jerome Gonzalez WOD, named after a Ruck Participant whom tragically died during the Joe Warner Bragg Heavy on February 17, 2018.

        The Setup:
        1) Partners split up, 1 group runs to bottom of the hill of gratitude, blocks remain at the first stop/cone; Other group walks to top of hill with blocks – this signifies the “end point”
        2) Group at bottom of hill runs to first cone performs 10 burpees. Grab blocks, farmer carry to 2nd cone for 10 burpees, farmer carry blocks to third cone for 10 more burpees
        4) Meanwhile, group at top of hill performs endless rounds of 10 Flutter Kicks, 10 Mercurial Freddie’s, 10 Little Baby Crunch’s
        5) When burpee/hill group arrives at top, switch

        2 Rounds was all the time we had for today

        1-Ten count

        Pax circle up; Should press/Overhead coupon holds and ascending reps around the circle. Stop at 5 reps

        Still in circle, Pax do 5 shrugs going around the circle, with 5 second hold at the top on final rep. 2 rounds.

        COT

        Randomly and anecdotally, I asked each of the pax their thoughts on the hill. Asking specifically, “do you like this hill?”, “Do you hate this hill?”, “What do you hate about it?”. Most agreed, the hill was no fun/difficult/sucked. To my surprise, one pax said, “I love it”… This guy gets it. Aye – Bumblebee! Typical Rucker attitude, ’embracing the suck’

        So I’ve learned, the things that we sometimes hate the most are the ones that give us the greatest challenge and reward. We likely see the negative before the positive.

        A few weeks back YHC was thrust into a new role at work. A surprise to me and I was not given much time to process it. Over the ensuing days, I wrestled with the new change. It would be more responsibility, longer hours, more time away from family, out of my comfort zone, etc.  Why these feelings of negativity, though? It was a great opportunity, right?

        I pondered and thought more on it. The reason it was not favorable (at the outset) to me was because it scared me, it was difficult, how would I succeed, what does success even look like? So many questions. But, alas, the root of the question and the issue was found.

        We see obstacles sometimes in fear. We see a hill and worry about the climb, fears creep in like – “can I run this thing?”….  “will it hurt?…” and then convincingly you tell yourself, “it will hurt”. “Will I slow the group down?”. No one wants that kind of negative accountability.

        The thought process is very consuming. But, flip the perspective, and the challenge becomes a gracious opportunity.

        The hill, even as a challenge, will make you better. Yes, it will make you hurt, but it will make you stronger. That new job/role at work, will stretch your limits and give you a chance to improve/accelerate in your career; offer you a chance to practice your leadership of others and give someone else a chance to be challenged and an opportunity at success. See the difference in the mentality? The perspective.

        A reward lies on the other side of every obstacle. Embrace the challenge.  How have you been challenged today, this week, this month? Think better of it. See the positive.

        Moleskin

        • We’ve been over this, I’m an idiot. I entered the burpee total wrong (280) this morning and Gusher picks up my six – texts me and asks if I thought that was the right number of burpees (he knew it wasn’t; what a kind and graceful line of questioning). As I opined on his suggestion, I realize, yep, I was 210 burpees off. He then gives me this wonderful explanation of how we arrive at our number from this morning (this was not planned on my behalf).
          • So, each guy did 70 burpees. 7 PAX were there…. 70 x 7 = 490 burpees
          • He tells me that biblically:
            • ’70 x 7 has significance. The Lord said, that’s the number of times we ought to give one another.  Not limited to 490, however. We have a literary device to instruct us to forgive innumerably.’
            • ‘7 Pax. Seven is the number of perfection’
        • Gusher = High Impact; thank you brother
        • It’s fun to hear Recycle regale us of his tales in the Marines Army.  Ranger school and all…
        • 2 Blocks > 1 Block
        • The workout we did today was a memorial WOD – turns out Bumblebee was at the event! His account of the experience was incredible. Grateful to have heard that.
        • I asked the pax, “which is the densest muscle in your body?; hint: it’s a lower body extremity”.. their answer was equally not surprising and amusing. 

        News

        July 4th Convergence at Battlefield / Also – Battlefield official Launch. Be there, or be squared

        Recent Backblasts

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          Burrito smells like El Metate

          QIC:  Prosciutto

          Date: 06/24/2020

          PAX: Afterbirth, Blindside, Booby Trap, Bumblebee, Burrito, Care Bear, Jackass, FNG-South Face, Gusher, Laces Out, Natty Light, Pediasure, Pound Dog, Recycle, Snow Patrol, The Count, Whittler

          AO: Smackdown

          Conditions

          In between the two storms,
          the gloomy fog -once rested- aspires.

          While guttural sounds of Burrito,
          ruin the heavenly tones of earth wind & fire(s).

          COP

          1 Lap
          SSH x 20 IC
          High Knees (1 min)
          Mtn Climber
          Plank Jack
          Forward Fold
          Willie Mays Hayes

          The Thang

          The Signal Mountain version of Augusta’s River Of Tears
          Half lap to the opposite bleachers:
          10 Burpees / 10 Step ups (single leg) / 15 Squats / 10 Step ups (other leg) / 20 Merkins / Plank for six

          Complete the lap and perform the same 4 exercises again at the other bleachers

          Mosey to Field; Line up shoulder-to-shoulder facing the course:

          ‘F3′ Agility
          One Pax performs the *cone course (see below) while the rest perform the following exercises in order; increment the reps each round by 1 until it is your turn on the agility course:
          – 1 Man Maker
          – 2 Merkins
          – 3 Squats w/ Block
          – 4 Flutter Kicks w/ Block Over head

          ******** CONE COURSE … in the spelling of ‘F3’
          Agility Course 1: Jail Break / Karaoke / Jail Break
          — Had two more agility movements planned but the 300+ man call-out ruined the fun
          ***********************************

          Finished it out with one more set of the ROT routine

          COT

          Read an article on anxiety and general anxiousness yesterday. It spoke to some ways to combat that anxiousness. One of the ways to get outside of your own anxious feelings is to just do/make/perform the thing that you’re struggling with. Do it poorly, even. This helps you to move into action, rather than staying in your anxious state. Doing it poorly lends you to learning from that mistake and doing it better the next time. It’s much easier to do something a second time better once you’ve done it wrong the first time; and the incentive to do better will motivate you, rather than being being fueled by the anxiety (maybe this helped you forget about the anxious feelings altogether? Problem solved. Thanks, article!)

          In my daily life, I constantly look for ways to incrementally improve. It’s said that if you improve any one thing by 1% each day, you’ll have improved 37x more in a year’s time.

          Imagine if we did that with our marriages, friendships and relationships with our children? Our faith?

          Moleskin

          • If you don’t like Earth, Wind and Fire, we will struggle to maintain a friendship
          • By the end of the workout, Burrito smelled like El Metate, old grilled onions, wet sneakers and sex panther rolled into a corn tortilla. Not saying it’s bad though.
          • The Count knows the punch lines to Whittler’s jokes; of course he does.
          • If you invite 300+ men to do something, expect an army. I’m an idiot.
          • F3 is like a cool fight club you can talk about with your friends, and make fun of at the same time, which is unlike the other cults I’ve been a part of
          • Tried to spell F3 for cool strava points. I failed. Will try again soon at Hacksaw where they have large flat expanses as far as the eye can see

          News

          Go vote in the smackdown poll for an extra day on the mountain

          Recent Backblasts

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            Peace be with You

            QIC:  Prosciutto

            Date: 03/23/2020

            PAX: Best In Show, Candu, Clothespin, Ducktales, Escobar, Fissure, Gecko, Gusher, Holy Kiss, Mayhem, Peanuts, Threeskin

            AO: Virtual

            Conditions

            Virtual Reality conditions in effect. Beware of your virtual surroundings, phishing, viruses and bugs

            COP

            SSH, Good Mornings, Willy Mays Hayes, SSH, Arm Circles, Ray Lewis

            The Thang

            Super 1: (Legs)

            • Wall Sit for time (1 min)
            • Smurf Jacks x 15 OYO
            • John McCains w/ coupon x 15 OYO
            • Squats w/ coupon x 20 OYO
            • Bonnie Blairs x 20 OYO
            • 10 Burpees

              >1 minute out and back run

            Super 2: (Cardio)

            • High Knees for time (1 min)
            • Mtn Climbers x 15 OYO (count one leg)
            • Plank Jacks x 15 OYO
            • Wide High Knees x 15 OYO
            • SSH x 15 OYO
            • 10 Burpees (two Merkins)

              >1 minute out and back run

            Super 3: (Arms)

            • Curls w/ coupon x 20 OYO
            • Overhead Press w/ coupon x 15 OYO
            • Tricep Extension w/ coupon x 20 OYO
            • Incline Merkin x 15 OYO
            • Decline Merkin x 15 OYO
            • Makhtar N’Diayes x 10 OYO
            • 10 burpees

              >1 minute out and back run

            Super 4: (Core)

            • Flutter kicks w/ Coupon overhead x 12 IC
            • American Hammers w/ Coupon x 12 IC
            • Left Plank for time (1 min)
            • Right Plank for time (1 min)
            • Side Bend (L/R) with coupon/weight x 12 OYO
            • 10 burpees (two Merkins)

              >1 minute out and back run

            Super 5: (Birthing)

            • Outer Leg Raise (L/R) x 25 OYO
            • Fire Hydrants (L/R) x 15 OYO
            • In and Outs x 15 OYO
            • Pickle Pounders x 15 OYO

              >1 minute out and back run

            COT

            Matthew 5:9
            Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called the Sons of God.

            This past week’s sermon from Father/Pastor Blindside (Same) Greer highlighted this verse and he did a much better job explaining. Obviously – the verse and his message – it was poignant and applicable in this time of our lives given the current events. Everyone’s life has changed. Everyone has changed their normal routine and everyone is accepting this differently. Some are scared, some are timid, some are angry…

            One thing I’ve noticed is the way others seem to be treating one another out in public. It no longer feels like the South, where folks often give a friendly nod or a “Hows your day?”, holding doors open.

            I know that in our daily lives we are all being instructed to distance ourselves which causes us to sometimes see others as a threat. During these times, we should embrace this and become peacemakers in our routines. Even more than ever, should we go out of our way to offer a ‘Hello’ or even just a friendly gesture. If you just ask someone how you can help, that often times translates into a peace-offering. That’s simple and something we can all try to focus on every day, but especially in these days.

            Another something Blindside said this past weekend that really stuck with me, “Troubling times and Opportunity often run on parallel tracks”, like in the sense you might think of two trains running parallel. While the Hamill rd Train crossing doesn’t have an exit or overpass, in life we do. Seek opportunity through Peace.

            Moleskin

            • Shirtless = Magical
              • Ducktales = Mike Holtzhower
                • Shirtless Ducktales = Magic Mike
                  • Any questions?
            • Good thing Mayhem isn’t in full stereo in all workouts; mid-thang sounded like the emphysema was starting to set in
            • Virtual beatdowns are weird, but effective
            • Some guys have early 2000 model Champagne Hondas in their garage, some have Land Rovers; F3 spans all things great and small

            News

            Noting the above comment about chaotic times and opportunity, encouraged me. I knew I was missing F3 in my life and thought others might feel the same.

            Trouble – F3 has been suspended
            Opportunity – Virtual AOs

            Check preblasts and slack and get involved. SYITG

            Recent Backblasts

              Posted on

              We Voted Today

              QIC:  Prosciutto and Burrito

              Date: 03/03/2020

              PAX: Burrito, Ducktales, Friar Tuck (Respect), Gusher, Holy Kiss

              AO: Smackdown

              Conditions

              mid-50’s and humid; rain held off so that we could do our cultish things

              Substi-Q this morning because our HIM Q had to tend to trauma at the hospital; Burrito and Prosciutto at the helm

              COP

              Burrito handled the warm-up in Whittler’s absence

              Ankle/knee-poppers (Willie Mays Hays)
              Cult Straddle Hops
              Cultish Night Clubs (Moroccan)
              Cult-Classic Ray Lewis
              Cult Fold (Forward)
              Cult Following – Easy lap around the quarter-mile track (which is almost a quarter mile; almost)

              The Thang

              In honour of Super Tuesday, the Pax were given a choice (nay, a ‘vote’) on option 1 or option 2. Adhering to democratic ways, all ballots were placed by show of hands for transparency’s sake … no paper ballots or re-counts necessary… As they say, “Democracy Rules”

              Democratic Burpicide
              Two end points set **roughly ~23 Yards apart; Dora with partners
              Pax A performs called exercise while….
              Pax B runs to the end point, Performs 1 burpee, back to start, Run to end point, 2 Burpees, back to start and run to end point once more for 3 burpees
              -Flapjack-
              100 – Merkins
              200 – LBC
              300 – Squats
              400 – SSH

              “The establishment of universal male suffrage in France in 1848 was an important milestone in the history of democracy. “
              Thank you France
              The Pax were spent from the Democratic Burpicide. As we made our way moseying to the bleachers from the track, we had to have 3 10-counts. So, we had to make up for it. Because Democracy.
              French Dips x 5 / man IC x 2 rounds
              Raccoon walk down and back
              Toe Merkins x 10 or 12 (?) IC
              French Dips x 5 / man IC x 1 round

              _1.25 Minutes of Mary_

              COT

              Scott Simmons provided a nice summary of his time spent reading Exodus to his daughters.

              Mental Health Awareness day coming up March 27th. Be a shining light, a positive example and a pillar of suport to another man (Shield Lock); you may or may not know what they’re dealing with – you might be their only saving grace.

              Moleskin

              • Ducktales met YHC at home to catch a ride to startex from his 4:30am Ruck. This was unplanned. Was he waiting on me? Was he spying? Was he fertilizing my yard? My neighbors yard? Yes. to all these things.
              • When you make your own cd’s, they’re like moments frozen in time that pay dividends at a later time; Thank you “Rap 2” and Jay-Z
              • David Copperfield apparently used Burrito in his performance once. Even he could not make him disappear.
              • Speaking of Las Vegas, there are naked women there.
              • **Ask Friar Tuck about the distance between two points. It’s likely he’s pretty spot-on with distance, wind speed/direction and barometric pressure. And he’ll aim at you if you bad mouth Ole Miss.
              • We need to give Raccoons more respect than they get for the way they walk.

              News

              It’s raining cats and dogs.

              Recent Backblasts

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                Choose your Words Wisely

                QIC: Prosciutto

                Date: 01/28/2020

                PAX: Whittler, Pomade, Pediasure, Laces Out (Respect), Holy Kiss, Gusher, Gecko, Friar Tuck

                AO: Smackdown

                Conditions

                “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
                – John Steinbeck

                COP

                SSH x 15 IC
                BIG Arm Circles x 10 IC
                Squats x 10 IC
                SSH x 15 IC
                Reverse BIG Arm Circles x 10 IC
                Memphis Mommy Makers x 7 or ??? 8-count Cadence is troubling
                Monkey Humpers x 10 IC
                Burpees x 10 OYO
                SSH x 15 IC

                The Thang

                YHC had burpee goals for the PAX, but the PAX was not aware of such goals.
                SPARTAN RUN (with – of course – Burpees)
                A simple, yet effective movement.

                Sprint/Jailbreak from one side of the track to the other (~50 yards)
                Burpee (10) OYO
                Walk back locked in arms like a team of Spartan warriors.

                Repeat 4 times

                A couple ten count’s and then we got on with it..
                Lieutenant Dan’s
                1:4 Ratio of Box Jumps : Lunges
                We were reminded to be thankful of our legs, because, “Lt. Dan ain’t got no legs”

                Of course, with the legs properly warmed up, it was time to return to original programming
                SPARTAN RUN (again with Burpees)
                4 more rounds

                Circle up around flag for a few minutes of Mary
                LBC
                Flutter Kick
                1 Minute plank hold

                Endex.

                COT

                Proverbs 15
                A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
                The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
                The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
                The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

                A friend recently explained this verse to me and it opened my eyes then. Then, just yesterday I heard two accounts of people especially close to me receiving unkind and unfair criticism with harsh words. With some reflection, I thought about it more. Words are something each of us get to use each day, and it’s a decision each of us get to make each day, and it’s a conscious decision to determine the integrity and character in those words. Every moment of every day we have an opportunity to build or tear others down. You never will know the magnitude of your words, especially if they’re unkind or unfair. The way you speak to others is an example that you’re setting for those who look to you as a role model or a leader. No pressure. Choose wisely.

                Moleskin

                It was quiet and serene especially because the jailbreaks seemed to have no end. But, we all knew better, the quiet and calm was due to no Burrito.

                There was an unspoken goal of 100 burpees per man, and we attained the goal; without any complaints

                This is a great group of dudes, I don’t get to say that enough, so I’ll mention it here. Extremely proud of these men and their pursuit of betterment within themselves and the encouragement provided to the other pax. It’s an honor to spend my mornings with you guys.

                News

                No News represented today.

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                  Don’t Hold Back

                  QIC:  Prosciutto

                  Date: 12/26/2019

                  PAX: Bumblebee, Burrito, The Count, Gusher, Whittler

                  AO: Smackdown

                  Conditions

                  mid-40s, day after Christmas and no sign or promise of snow anywhere. Spring blooms will soon be here.

                  COP

                  A few weird running laps and then a jail break to the flag…to be discussed later

                  SSH
                  High Knees
                  Butt Kickers
                  Forward Fold
                  Inch Worm
                  Squats

                  The Thang

                  FiA is creative…
                  3 Rounds of different Burpees and Assortment
                  1 – Superman Burpee / LBC / Fire Hydrant
                  2 – Star Jump Burpee / BBSU / Parker Peter
                  3 – Plank Jack Burpee / Leg Raise / Superman (Hold)

                  Wall Sit Superset
                  Grab a wall sit and perform these three rounds
                  1 – Muhammad Ali / Joe Frasier / Ray Lewis IC / Smurf Jacks IC
                  2 – Muhammad Ali / Joe Frasier / Bus Drivers IC / Smurf Jacks IC
                  3 – Muhammad Ali / Joe Frasier IC / Smurf Jacks IC

                  Stairway Beast
                  6 of each exercise all the way through each round
                  1 – Bleacher Box Jump / Squats x 6
                  2 – Bleacher Box Jump / Lunge x 6 (each leg)
                  3 – Bleacher Box Jump / Jump Squat x 6

                  Repeat 4x

                  Pull Ups and Burpees
                  Count off Pax for order; Each Pax takes a turn at the pull up bars
                  The amount of pull ups the man of purpose takes, the pax reply with that same number in burpees.

                  All total for this round- 6 guys performed 40 pull-ups and burpees collectively. We did the math.

                  COT

                  Saw a great clip of Nick Saban addressing his team at practice after his players had just run 5 sprints, he said this,
                  “I just have one question… If you run your last sprint faster than your other five, what’s holding you back?? Your talent is your greatest nemesis when it comes to your mindset. Especially the young guys here who have talent. You’ve always been the best player on your team. And now all the sudden you’ve gotta pay attention to detail and compete with people, you don’t really know how. So, you can learn how! It’s a choice, it’s a decision that everybody can make. Don’t let your talent be your nemesis.”

                  Moleskin

                  • The message I had in mind to share in the COT drove my desire to see how everyone would respond to the request to jail break at the beginning of the workout when we were fresh out of the fartsack…to test our nemesis.
                  • Burrito ran extra credit sprints because he knew he could do better
                  • Peanut butter M&Ms don’t make you better in the gloom
                  • Mom jokes just before the prayer are… awkward. It felt right with Burrito and Whittler there. Don’t let yourself be fooled.
                  • The Count is awesome; he’s a baaaad mother rucker

                  News

                  Annual end of year Christmas Party 1/13; #gloomies channel on slack for more detail

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                    Burrito Sings the 12 Days of Christmas

                    QIC: Co-Q (Whittler & Prosciutto)

                    Date: 12/12/2019

                    PAX:Blindside, Burrito, Curd, Friar Tuck, Gusher, Holy Kiss, Laces Out (Respect), Newport, Prosciutto, Whittler

                    AO: SMACkdown

                    Conditions

                    29 degrees and snow laying around still taunting us. More on the moon phase, later…

                    COP

                    Warm up lap commenced

                    10 Imperial walkers, 1 8C BB

                    20 3rd grade exercises, 10 IW, 2 8CBB

                    30 arm circles, 20 TGE, 10 IW, 3 8CBB

                    40 SSH

                    The Thang

                    It being December 12th, it made a little sense to just go with it; after each set, race around the bleachers and back to startex; Al Gore for six. Long Slow Squats were in cadence.
                    12 Days of Christmas
                    1 Worst Merkins Ever
                    2 Pull Ups
                    3 Donkey Kicks
                    4 Mountain Climbers
                    5 Long Slow Squats (even though Burrito insisted Deep Slow Squats)
                    6 Burpees (aka “Boys of Burpin'” – aye, Burrito)
                    7 Plank Jacks
                    8 Flutter Kicks
                    9 Carolina Dry Docks
                    10 LBC
                    11 Monkey Humpers
                    12 Shoulder Taps

                    COT

                    Every December, my family and I read a chapter of Luke each night leading up to Christmas. Last night we were reading Luke chapter 9 and this jumped out to me. Luke 9: 57-62

                    Following Jesus
                    57 They were all going along the road. Someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you any place you go.” 58 Jesus answered, “The foxes have holes to live in. The birds have nests to live in. But the Son of Man has no place to rest his head.”59 Jesus said to another man, “Follow me!” But the man said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”60 But Jesus said to him, “Let the people who are dead bury their own dead! You must go and tell about the kingdom of God.”61 Another man said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go and say good-bye to my family.”62 Jesus said, “Anyone who begins to plow a field but keeps looking back is of no use in the kingdom of God.”

                    Prosciutto Hot Take:

                    Too often, we tend to put other things, worldy things, in front of what’s most important. The Christmas holiday, and the commercialization thereof, is such an aversion and disruptor to what we ought to be doing instead; focusing and serving your creator FIRST and above ALL things.

                    Moleskin

                    • There’s just something about 10 and Smackdown… Guys randomly drop-out willy nilly but we always end up scratching a 10 each Tues/Thurs; except sometimes.
                    • Burrito has a great memory; kept us all on track by singing each of the exercises
                    • About Burrito’s singing voice, “You have the voice of an angel. I mean, it’s like Fergie meets Jesus.” – Dale Doback
                    • Whittler exiting stage right didn’t stop Burrito from telling Whittler Mom jokes; which was weird
                    • Burrito loves staring deeply into his neighbors eyes during side planks – his unsuspecting neighbor (this time) was Gusher.
                    • The moon was so bright this morning it looked like Burrito’s mom bent over showing her nekked backside

                    News

                    Clothing/Coat drive is ongoing through end of December
                    Signal Mountain Social Services Social this weekend at Nolan
                    The Point is having a Coffee House gathering this weekend

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