So…..Unpredictable

QIC:  Mr. Clean

Date: 12/13/2021

PAX: Back Pew, Friar Tuck, Pink Panther, Spirit Fingers, FNG – Snoozy, Thermostat, Transplant

AO: Lions Den


Conditions

31 Degrees. Frosty.


COP

SSH x20 IC
Forward Fold OYO
Yoga


The Thang

Predictable Ladders

15 Reps of Each Exercise
1. Shoulder Press
2. Bent Over Rows
3. Curls
4. Kettle Bell Swings
5. Merkins
6. Wide Merkins
7. Diamond Merkins
8. Leg Raises w/block
9. Heel Touches — Hard Count
Short Mosey Around Parking Lot
Rinse and repeat this routine dropping one rep.

It was after the round of 13 reps Back Pew “wondered” if anyone has ever done one of these very predictable workouts, and then suddenly changed it to “freak everyone out”. Feeling obligated to honor this “request”, we took a bit of a detour on the mosey. –Insert– “Thanks goodness, we are now back in our safe space” -Pink Panther.

Unbeknownst to the Pax, I already had some “unpredictability planned involving the hill by the JROTC tower.

For rep sets 12, 11, and 10, we interspersed them among Block Bears up and down the hill, as well as, Murder Bunnies up and down the hill.
75 reps of each exercise completed.
We finished with 5 blockees due to the missing flag.


COT

Yesterday during a run with longest grade of the run, I developed my COT for this morning. Yes, that’s the complete truth. As I was running up hill, I thought of those most important to me including the men of F3; because, hey I probably don’t make it up that hill without them.
Growing up, my daddy always said; “ain’t no hill too high, son”. I’ve finally realized that I actually love the uphill run. Hills really get a bad rep from most runners. Those who run avidly and those who do so begrudgingly tend to have a similar outlook on hills: they suck.
Here is the thing: they don’t suck. Why? At the top, we have a glorious view not seen from the valley. At the top, we realize something difficult was accomplished. At the top, we realize the difficulty actually makes the view even sweeter.
Embrace the hills in your life, look to complete them with more speed and/or efficient the next time you face one.


Moleskin


News

Chubby’s Homeless Ministry
Christmas Eve Convergence — Anvil — Nantan change ceremony


Recent Backblasts

    Suicidal 1000

    QIC:  Mr. Clean

    Date: 05/14/2021

    PAX: Ohms, Skitch, Burrito, FNG – Free Loader, Snow Cream, Offset, Friar Tuck, Joanna, Starbucks, Friday, Recycle, Hambone, Blindside, Backpew, Pink Panther, Old School, Zima, Moneyball

    AO: Lion’s Den


    Conditions

    Amazing. Clear and crisp.


    COP

    Mosey to Middle School hill with blocks.


    The Thang

    Taken from the playbook of MoneyBall himself, Pax will strive for 1000 total reps before time is called.
    Suicidal 1000

    Complete 25 Reps. Run to 2nd Light Pole. 

    Complete 25 Reps. Run to 4th Light Pole. 

    Complete 25 Reps. Run to 6th Light Pole. 

    Begin next set.

    Rinse and Repeat for all rounds.

    100 Merkins — completed on mosey to middle school.

    100 Bent Over Rows

    100 Dips

    100 Monkey Humpers

    100 Curls

    100 Plank Jack/Shoulder Tap Combo (Hard Way)

    100 Wood Chops (50 Each Side)

    100 Mexican Jumping Bean Squats

    100 Leg Raises

    100 Man Maker


    COT


    Challenged the Pax to be a positive light to someone else. If they have the slightest feeling to reach out to someone with some sort of positive word or encouragement, then they need to do so. Also, please leave knowing the importance of leaning on Christ for support. Don’t worry about disappointing God, because no matter the situation it will always be His Might Right Hand which lifts you in any negative situation.


    Moleskin

    YHC forgot the steepness of the hill…


    News

    Memorial Day Convergence — Monday, May 31, 2021 at Chickamauga Dam Day Use Area
    4th Annual Fallen Five Event — Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Chickamauga Dam Day Use Area


    Recent Backblasts

      Loredo

      QIC:  Mr. Clean

      Date: 05/12/2021

      PAX: Band Camp, Friar Tuck, Milkman, Shameless, Sherlock Snatch, Tasty Cakes, U-Turn

      AO: Shot House


      Conditions

      Rainy. Then drizzly. Comfortable temps.


      COP

      SSH x21 IC
      Forward Fold OYO
      Willie Mays Hays x12 IC
      SSH x21 IC


      The Thang

      Filling in for Ringwald today, YHC chose a workout that pit the Pax against their own inner drive and effort. This particular workout comes directly from a military WOD named: Loredo. Due to the rain, we remained under cover and completed 12 rounds for time rather than 6 rounds.
      Loredo

      24 Reps of Each Exercise — Run a Lap — 12 Rounds for Time

      Squats

      Merkins

      Lunges

      Total Merkins — 288
      Total Squats — 288
      Total Lunges — 288


      COT

      In my “EH Quote” before the proverbial list, I used the phrase “Devil’s Day”. This phrase was given to me by a very wise women with whom I attend church. She would say “Wednesday is the Devil’s Day because it falls in the middle of the week, and he knows that you’re headed to church that night, so he works extra hard to tempt you with any sort of negativity.” I encouraged the Pax to make Wednesday successful as they had already completed the hardest part of their day. Additionally, make sure the hump in “Hump Day” does not jump on your back. Stay positive. If you can’t stay positive, reach out and admit you need help.


      Moleskin

      Mumblechatter was low. As a collective (or maybe just Snatch), we decided this was due to the absence of Blue.


      News

      Hixson Community Work Day — Wednesday, May 19, 2021. More details to come.
      Fallen Five — Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Chickamauga Dam Day Use Area.


      Recent Backblasts

        Intentionality

        QIC:  Mr. Clean

        Date: 05/03/2021

        PAX: Band Camp, Blue, Bobbitt, Cleaver, Daisy, Dundee, FNG- Knievel, Nordic Track, Snatch, FNG-Shameless, U-Turn

        AO: Detention 


        Conditions

        60’s. Skies were unpredictable. Radar was showing beautiful hues of reds, greens, and oranges. We did not fall into this path until the BOM commenced.


        COP

        SSH x50 IC
        Willie Mays Hays x15 IC
        Forward Fold


        The Thang

        Divided into two teams.
        One Pax farmer carried coupons to a point while the rest of the Pax completed an exercise. Every Pax had to complete 50 Merkins before the next Pax took off with farmer carries.
        Second Round was a rinse and repeat with squats.

        Teams stayed together. Team had to block bear around the circle. Pax not bear crawling were completing an Indian Run. Pax could switch at any point to relieve the other Pax.


        COT

        Intentionality: Make sure you are intentional in forming relationships with your fellow F3 Brothers and maintaining your Concentrica.


        Moleskin

        TWSS….it’s just kind of common at Detention


        News

        [Fill in News, Upcoming Q’s, Events, etc.]


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          Post Spring Break Shot House Monday

          QIC:  Mr. Clean

          Date: 04/12/2021

          PAX: Deer Jack, Geek Squad, Milkman, Sherlock, Tasty Cakes

          AO: Shot House


          Conditions

          53 degrees, and an absolutely beautiful spring morning. The toboggans, jackets, and tights are disappearing…Hello Spring!


          COP

          SSH x20 IC
          Willie Mays Hays x15 IC


          The Thang

          Mosey to the track to the bleachers.
          Bleacher Burner
          WMDs x50
          Completed in increments of 10 and run to the top of the bleachers each time
          Inverted Rows x75
          Completed in increments of 25 and run to the top of the bleachers each time
          100 Squats
          Completed in increments of 50 and….you get the idea
          Rocky Balboa’s Indian Run
          Last Pax completed 10 Rocky Balboa’s (hard way) and sprinted to catch the front. Repeated this process until we completed a lap.
          4×200 Relay
          Just that. A 4×200 Relay. Ya’ll he may only have one good run, but that one good run from Tasty Cakes is nasty! Way to push this morning!
          Mosey back to parking lot for COT


          COT

          Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness acted as foundational principles in which the Founding Fathers insisted remain rights for all people. If we are to truly maintain this in our country, we must also understand infringing on others’ rights in the process of our happiness breaks the code or principle in which the Founders insisted. So then, go and follow the rule of loving one another. Polarization, as George Washington warned in his farewell address, will most assuredly lead to failure.


          Moleskin


          News


          Recent Backblasts

            Anaerobic Means No Running, Right? Let’s Take a Vote.

            QIC:  Mr. Clean

            Date: 04/05/2021

            PAX: Sidekick, Woodrider, Wuzn’t Me

            AO: Anvil


            Conditions

            49 degrees. Clear. Nicest facilities, so I’m told, in F3. We took a vote, presented our IDs first of course, and decided the facilities are very expanded. Any unable to attend shall be granted the right to mail in a vote regarding the Anvil Amenities.


            COP

            SSH x20

            Forward Fold (Threeskin style) IC

            Willie Mays Hays


            The Thang

            Tabata type workout. Music was going, but timer continued to malfunction, so we went on Q.
            Timerless Tabata
            Squat Thrust w/Block

            Squat Thrust w/Bent Over Row

            Clean and Jerk w/Block

            Clean and Press w/Block

            Clean/Jerk/Press/Squat Combo

            Two 4×200 Relays. Pax waiting on “baton” competed Side Straddle Hops.

            Elevens

            Shoulder Press/Merkins with 100 yard sprints between

            Mary — Sidekick w/Dying Cockroach; Wuzn’t Me w/100’s; YHC w/Pickle Pointers; Woodrider w/LBCs


            COT

            I shared the following COT with the Parliament boys on Friday. With no repeaters, I thought it worth sharing again with the Anvil boys.

            Clothespin posted something in Slack about 2020 basically encouraging us to focus on the positives of 2020 and mentioned some of the wonderful things he got to do like spending time with his family.

            Oftentimes we don’t brag on people who speak of the positives, but we see plenty of advice pointing toward the woes of complaining, and rightfully so, complaining can become very toxic in so many ways.

            As I pondered this thought, I realized that, much like the old adage of praying for patience and receiving things to be patient about, complaining or over complaining will lead us down a path in which we see things in our lives to complain about.

            In 2020, My M and I did not have Covid, we did not lose anyone close to us due to Covid, we spent many hours with each other that normally would not happen, we still got paid and kept our jobs despite schools being closed, we did not experience any real hardships medically, my wife received a major surgery that even without insurance we were able to pay for, the M found FiA and is now a very integral part of their foundation and growth.  

            Sadly, we tended to jump on the 2020 Sucks bandwagon, and now 2021 has offered up plenty of things in which to complain simply because they have been much more personal than those causing that overall attitude of 2020 sucks.  

            Misery loves company, so I would love to start airing the grievances that have already come with 2021 whether it be emotional, physical, spiritual, psychological, or occupational, but I think I will take a lesson from 2020 and focus on the positive.

            My 2.1 turned 2, and one week later stole the show at my sister’s wedding reception.

            Oh yeah there is another, my baby sister got married and found an amazing man who is Christ focused.

            During financial struggles, we have made it through just fine and even enjoyed an occasional indulgence. Of course, much of this comes as a direct result of the wonderful F3 and FiA relationships in which we’ve been blessed.

            Relationships with couples our age have developed and/or blossomed 

            My 2.0 is excelling at school and gets better each day at his various athletic endeavors.

            He loves harder and deeper and prays with more soul and love than most grown men I know.

            My M is healthy, beautiful, works extremely hard, loves with more of herself than she really has to offer. My M takes 2nd place only to God as the driving force to keep me going and help guide my ship. 

            Having gifts in our lives in which we would happily sacrifice so many things to enrich those gives leaves us asking what is it that we really have to complain about, or at least, in my humble opinion, it should


            Moleskin

            Anaerobic means no running, right — Sidekick

            Thankfully, Sidekick and Woodrider stayed with the least controversial topics possible of politics, religion, and Covid.

            Great MC throughout the Tabata portion.


            News


            Recent Backblasts

              Coldplay’s Curvy Ladder of Complaints

              QIC:  Mr. Clean

              Date: 04/02/2021

              PAX: Abercrombie, Blackout, Cavity Search, Coldplay, DNF, FNG-McFly, Mr. May, Tatonka, FNG-Waxoff

              AO: Parliament


              Conditions

              33 degrees on April 2nd. Anything else need to be discussed?


              COP

              SSH x12 IC

              Willie Mays Hays x12 IC

              Shoulder Blaster x12 IC

              Forward Fold OYO

              SSH x12 IC


              The Thang

              Catch Me if You Can — Bear Crawl

              Pax 1 — 21 Reverse Crunches. Recover. Catch Pax 2.

              Pax 2 — Bear Crawl

              Flapjack. Rinse & Repeat.

              Rounded/Curvy Ladder

              Round 1

              12 Blockees

              200M Run (1 curve and back) — Repeat after each round.

              Round 2

              12 Blockees

              21 Curls

              Round 3

              12 Blockees

              21 Curls

              22 Merkins

              Round 4

              12 Blockees

              21 Curls

              22 Merkins

              40 Bent Over Rows

              Pax finished with Rounds 1 — 4 will work back down the ladder in descending order.


              COT

              Clothespin posted something in Slack about 2020 basically encouraging us to focus on the positives of 2020 and mentioned some of the wonderful things he got to do like spending time with his family.

              Oftentimes we don’t brag on people who speak of the positives, but we see plenty of advice pointing toward the woes of complaining, and rightfully so, complaining can become very toxic in so many ways.

              As I pondered this thought, I realized that, much like the old adage of praying for patience and receiving things to be patient about, complaining or over complaining will lead us down a path in which we see things in our lives to complain about.

              In 2020, My M and I did not have Covid, we did not lose anyone close to us due to Covid, we spent many hours with each other that normally would not happen, we still got paid and kept our jobs despite schools being closed, we did not experience any real hardships medically, my wife received a major surgery that even without insurance we were able to pay for, the M found FiA and is now a very integral part of their foundation and growth.  

              Sadly, we tended to jump on the 2020 Sucks bandwagon, and now 2021 has offered up plenty of things in which to complain simply because they have been much more personal than those causing that overall attitude of 2020 sucks.  

              Misery loves company, so I would love to start airing the grievances that have already come with 2021 whether it be emotional, physical, spiritual, psychological, or occupational, but I think I will take a lesson from 2020 and focus on the positive.

              My 2.1 turned 2, and one week later stole the show at my sister’s wedding reception.

              Oh yeah there is another, my baby sister got married and found an amazing man who is Christ focused.

              During financial struggles, we have made it through just fine and even enjoyed an occasional indulgence. Of course, much of this comes as a direct result of the wonderful F3 and FiA relationships in which we’ve been blessed.

              Relationships with couples our age have developed and/or blossomed 

              My 2.0 is excelling at school and gets better each day at his various athletic endeavors.

              He loves harder and deeper and prays with more soul and love than most grown men I know.

              My M is healthy, beautiful, works extremely hard, loves with more of herself than she really has to offer. My M takes 2nd place only to God as the driving force to keep me going and help guide my ship. 

              Having gifts in our lives in which we would happily sacrifice so many things to enrich those gives leaves us asking what is it that we really have to complain about, or at least, in my humble opinion, it should


              Moleskin

              I have to bear crawl around this whole track? — Coldplay

              Tatonka and Abercrombie are not made of the same human the rest of us are…

              Hackliment coffeeteria is so strong, we helped a homeless man or starving artist right there in the parking lot. Coldplay has pictures.

              21 does not come after 12. 22 does come after 21. Public education is amazing.

              In Arkansas they’re learning to identify numbers. (Or some variation of this statement) — Cavity Search

              The mumblechatter was just fun this morning.


              News

              [Fill in News, Upcoming Q’s, Events, etc.]


              Recent Backblasts

                Eye Contact, Eye Contact, Eye Contact & The Love Affair with Blue

                QIC:  Mr. Clean

                Date: 03/08/2021

                PAX: Blue, Cleaver, Dundee, Hasbro, Nordic Track, Roomba, She Shed, Snatch, U-Turn

                AO: [Area of Operation]


                Conditions

                Mid-thirties. Pretty dry this morning. We did have a bit of tundra-esque surface for it to March.


                COP

                SSH x15 IC

                Forward Fold OYO

                Imperial Walkers x15 IC

                Willie Mays Hays x10 IC

                Shoulder Blaster

                Baby Arm Circles, Reverse, Moroccan Night Club, Cherry Pickers, Overhead Claps, Seal Claps, Pro’s Gold Chain, 45 Degree Hold, and Albatross — all done x10 IC


                The Thang

                Dundee advertised a very creative workout planned by YHC, so I set out trying to make a creative workout that was also challenging. The men were kind enough to tell me it was both, but the Detention crew is a very nice group of guys…

                Full Body Stations
                Complete each station for 5 minutes in a Dora type routine. Stations were as follows:
                Thrusters, Dips, Merkins, Sumo Squat with Upright Row, and Row Pulls.
                Partner traveling bear crawled approximately 20 yards, got up, completed a 10-15 yard Bernie and ran back.


                COT

                This morning I shared a piece from 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11.
                The coming of the lawless one will be in the accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie and all the ways that wickedness deceives those wo are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth ad so be saved,
                In Genesis 3, God explained to Adam and Eve the consequences of their sin because once they sinned, they could understand what sin was. With this understanding of sin, it caused fear and hopelessness to arise in them, but there is also a peace that comes with understanding sin. We are now able to understand there is a saving from sin that comes through Jesus. How does this relate back to the Thessalonians passages? Well, as early as this chapter in Genesis, God has the first gospel conversation with people. He explains to them that their offspring (Jesus) will crush the head of the snake.
                From the very beginning to the chapters of the new covenant, God promises to take care of his people, but we must understand that death by deception is real. He explains the importance of Truth, he explains that we must seek the truth and not allow the Devil to deceive us. I challenged the men to be truth seekers and truth givers no matter the difficulty that comes from the telling the truth.


                Moleskin

                I have turned. I now have a man crush on Blue — Snatch
                Everyone knew She Shed would choose Pickle Pointers, so I just assigned those to him for Mary
                Pickle Pounders came immediately after that. Eye contact was abundant. Candance was…..varied throughout
                If I set down to row, then it’s like I am taking a break — Snatch
                Snatch has that jungle man bear crawl — Dundee
                TWSS & Just the Tip — Blue, Always Blue
                This reminds of that scene in Rocky when he has to climb the hill — Dundee
                We all agreed that Rocky neither crawled as high nor as far as we did


                News

                Softball!!!!


                Recent Backblasts

                  Reading Revolution

                  QIC:  Mr. Clean

                  Date: 03/05/2021

                  PAX: Cleaver, Friar Tuck (Respect), Gretel, Milkman, Ponce de Leon (Respect), Sherlock, Slois Lane, Snatch, Squid, Tasty Cakes 

                  AO: Shot House


                  Conditions

                  Absolutely glorious. The quintessential Spring Day. It began, which is 0400 for me, at 45 degrees with a “feels like” temperature of 42 degrees. As clear and crisp as a bite from a Honeycrisp apple while gazing into the 0900 morning sun at R & A Orchards in early October.


                  COP

                  SSH x17 IC

                  Imperial Walkers x17 IC

                  Willie Mays Hay x17 IC

                  Forward Fold x17 IC


                  The Thang

                  Today’s Thang consisted of several themes based on historically significant events, as well as, historically significant celebrations. The Thang playlist also came from inspiration from these events. Further explanation of this occurs in the COT, so please feel free to continue reading and learn of these event from your resident history teacher.

                  The Samuel Colt

                  Partner Up. Bear Crawl catch me if you can.

                  Pax 1 completes 17 Plank Jacks.  Pax 2 Bear crawls.

                  Pax 1 catches Pax 2. Flapjack. Rinse and Repeat for a lap.
                  As Pax finish, they will hold plank to wait for the Six. The second lap consisted of Pax 1 completing 17 squats while Pax 2 did Bernies.

                  Lifting the Iron Curtain
                  Partner up again only with a new partner.
                  Sumo Squats with Upright Rows — 200 reps in Dora Format.
                  Exploring Pax could choose from any/all of the following movement combinations.
                  Side Shuffle — Bernie — AYG Sprint — Squid decided to add Bear Crawls

                  Boston Massacre
                  15 Thrusters. Bernie to marker. AYG Sprint back. Rinse and Repeat 4 more times.


                  COT

                  The COP consisted of  reps of 17 in cadence equaling 34 total reps which was the caliber of the very first revolver in which Samuel Colt developed on March 5, 1836.  This was, of course, the inspiration for the portion of The Thang which included two revolutions around the track and 17 reps of plank jacks and 17 squat reps.

                  On March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill famously coined the term “Iron Curtain” to describe the stronghold in which the Soviet Union possessed.  In the spirit of this, we “lifted” the Iron Curtain to the soundtrack of Rocky IV which is, of course, the quintessential demonstration of our Cold War emotions in the United States.

                  Since March 5th seems to include several events revolving around (see what I did there) conflict and a weapon often used in those conflicts, we incorporated another significant event which occurred on March 5th, 1770: The Boston Massacre. Samuel Gray, Samuel, Maverick, and Samuel Adams were all important names of the Boston Massacre. Three Sams times 5 Patriots wounded, and you have the inspiration for the 15 Thrusters. 

                  So much of the workout was inspired or developed from historical events which greatly impacted the world, but I was not there for these events which means, I had to read about these events.

                  Well, look at that, a lover of history and history teacher goes reading about historical events which occurred on March 5th which also happens to be the date signifying the end of “Read Across America Week”.  During “Read Across America Week”, we honor one of the most celebrated authors in our nation’s history: Dr. Seuss. His birthday also happens to fall on my sister’s birthday as well: March 2nd.

                  To wrap things up, we finish with some profound knowledge and wisdom provided by the author’s birthday of which we celebrate….

                  Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.

                  Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.

                  A person’s a person, no matter how small.

                  You have brains in your head.

                  You have feet in your shoes.

                  You can steer yourself

                  any direction you choose.

                  You’re on your own.

                  And you know what you know.

                  And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go….

                  Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.

                  Take these words from Dr. Seuss to heart. Be who you are. Make sure to take joy in life as it happens. Remember to love those people around you. Make decisions and go forward.

                  Lastly and most importantly, Be. That. Man. Who. Cares.


                  Moleskin

                  Not a whole lot in the way of mumblechatter this morning.
                  The bear crawls were an absolute hit. Quite popular.
                  Ponce’s block is lighter than mine, but so aesthetically pleasing, I somehow ended up with it several times.


                  News

                  We are still in need support and HCs for the F3 Softball team!

                  Tuff Muff Anyone?


                  Recent Backblasts

                    OTB 2/13/2021

                    QIC:  Mr. Clean

                    Date: 02/13/2021

                    PAX: She Shed and Snatch

                    AO: Breakfast Club? Crucible?


                    Conditions

                    Cold and Moist…


                    COP

                    1 Lap Mosey


                    The Thang

                    An “edited” version of “The Capoot”
                    Capoot
                    Run 2 Laps

                    50 Upright Rows

                    Run 4 Laps

                    50 Bent Over Rows

                    Run 8 Laps

                    50 Hello Dolly

                    Line Up. 1 Pax Bear Crawled/moseyed back while the others completed shoulder shrugs. Rinse and Repeat with AYG Sprint/Bernie Back.

                    Mosey to Pavilion. Completed Dips, Incline Merkins, Inverted Rows. Mosey to top for completion


                    COT

                    Life can be very difficult at times. Going it alone, in many cases, only makes it more difficult. As a man, we are taught to be independent in tough situation almost to the point of shame when done. However, like pride in other situation, an over abundance of independence will lead to a fall as well. Therefore, we must reach out and admit our struggles and ask for help. While, there is a line between over sharing and opening about struggles, we still must reach out for help. How do we find the line? Simply this: reach out to someone you know, trust, and love who will help you and also tell you when it’s “T.M.I.”


                    Moleskin

                    “Clean, if you’re having trouble, then you can use my kettlebell, it has that nice handle — Snatch.

                    “Hey Clean, why don’t we go over this….you know what, I’ll shut the hell up and let you Q.” — She Shed

                    “It was Nordic Track’s workout from the Huey Thursday that I’m still feeling, YHC concurred


                    News

                    [Fill in News, Upcoming Q’s, Events, etc.]


                    Recent Backblasts