(4/18/22) Asymmetry

AO: LightningRod

QIC: Walkman

PAX: StrayCat, Lumbergh, JellyFish, Kiwi

Conditions

47 and clear. That sun is starting to come up earlier and we started the week on a great note!

Warm up

Side lunge x 10ea

Slow high knees x 10

Monkey humper x 10

Jane Fonda x 10ea

Third grade x 10

Halo x 10

Side lunge x 10ea
Slow high knees x 10
Monkey humper x 10
Jane Fonda x 10ea
Third grade x 10
Halo x 10

Mosy to the Track with coupons

The Thang

Right leg coupon GT squats x 25

Right arm coupon merkins x 25

Right leg lunges x 25

Right arm row x 25

Right leg split squats x 25

400M run

Right side Jane fonda’s x 30

Right side stretch x 10

Right arm shrug x 25

Right leg coupon GT squats x 25

Right arm coupon merkins x 25

Right leg lunges x 25

Right arm row x 25

Right leg split squats x 25

400M run

Leg leg coupon GT squats x 25

Left arm coupon merkins x 25

Left leg lunges x 25

Left arm row x 25

Left leg split squats x 25

400M run

Left side Jane fonda’s x 30

Left side stretch x 10

Left arm shrug x 25

Left arm coupon merkins x 25

Left leg lunges x 25

Left arm row x 25

Left leg split squats x 25

400M run

6MOM

Frozen Freddie x 10

Plank (w/ ea side) x 10

Bunny Hill

COT

Two CoT messages here today.

Sometimes life gets asymmetrical. You over commit, over execute, under prioritize. When you do, things downstream suffer. Some actions require countering actions – yin and Yang.

Your energy, focus, patience, presence, etc  are consumable. The older I get, the more valuable it is to say no and To find balance. To hunt the Yang. To under commit. Or to know what it takes to restore me and to be ok with it. In order to give 100% of my self to something.

Bertrand Russell, A Free Man’s Worship (Very worth a long read)

The life of Man, viewed outwardly, is but a small thing in comparison with the forces of Nature. The slave is doomed to worship Time and Fate and Death, because they are greater than anything he finds in himself, and because all his thoughts are of things which they devour. But, great as they are, to think of them greatly, to feel their passionless splendour, is greater still. And such thought makes us free men; we no longer bow before the inevitable in Oriental subjection, but we absorb it, and make it a part of ourselves. To abandon the struggle for private happiness, to expel all eagerness of temporary desire, to burn with passion for eternal things–this is emancipation, and this is the free man’s worship.

And this liberation is effected by a contemplation of Fate; for Fate itself is subdued by the mind which leaves nothing to be purged by the purifying fire of Time. United with his fellow-men by the strongest of all ties, the tie of a common doom, the free man finds that a new vision is with him always, shedding over every daily task the light of love. The life of Man is a long march through the night, surrounded by invisible foes, tortured by weariness and pain, towards a goal that few can hope to reach, and where none may tarry long. One by one, as they march, our comrades vanish from our sight, seized by the silent orders of omnipotent Death.

Very brief is the time in which we can help them, in which their happiness or misery is decided. Be it ours to shed sunshine on their path, to lighten their sorrows by the balm of sympathy, to give them the pure joy of a never-tiring affection, to strengthen failing courage, to instill faith in hours of despair. Let us not weigh in grudging scales their merits and demerits, but let us think only of their need–of the sorrows, the difficulties, perhaps the blindnesses, that make the misery of their lives; let us remember that they are fellow-sufferers in the same darkness, actors in the same tragedy as ourselves.

And so, when their day is over, when their good and their evil have become eternal by the immortality of the past, be it ours to feel that, where they suffered, where they failed, no deed of ours was the cause; but wherever a spark of the divine fire kindled in their hearts, we were ready with encouragement, with sympathy, with brave words in which high courage glowed.

Well done Men!

Walkman

04.16.22 – Terrible Tens

AO: LavaField

QIC: Slash

PAX: SteamyNix, Leprechaun, Slumberkins

Conditions

Upper 40s, dry with a beautiful sunrise coming up over the field.

Warm up

Mosey lap

Halos x10 IC

Forward + Reverse Shoulder circles x10 each way

Seal claps x10 IC

Squats jacks x12 IC

Down dog hold x10 IC

Shoulder taps x10 IC

The Thang

Terrible Tens

3 rounds…

Round 1

10 Manmakers 

20 Overhead presses 

30 Coupon Swings 

40 Goblet Squats 

50 Incline block merkins 

3 lap run 

Round 2

Increase each movement by 10

Decrease run to 2 laps 

Round 3 

Increase each movement by 10, again (+20 from round 1)

Decrease run to 1 laps 

(This was a banger! The man makers were a killer. Mentally and physically demanding to get through it all. Great effort from the PAX!)

COT

Easter + Rebirth

I’m not religious but find easter to be a meaningful holiday. It has pre-christian pagan roots as a celebration of the spring as a season of rebirth – celebrating the return of what was lost (leaves, flowers, sunlight, etc). Many of our easter traditions are passed down to represent that celebration: resurrection, eggs, rabbits (screwing like bunnies and having lots of babies).

To me it represents a moment to reflect on the ability we all have to begin again. Our lives have seasons, and some are challenging. But from the darkness there’s light around the corner. And not just once a year, but every moment. And in each moment of our lives, we have the opportunity to leave the past behind and start fresh.

Slumberkins shared a piece of advice he heard: don’t believe in what day it is. The day of the week is an artificial construct. Whether it’s Friday, Sunday or Monday our intention and energy to meet it shouldn’t be dictated by what day it is. Cool thought!

Rock on, Slash!

(04/15/22) – SwHOLY Friday

AO: Lightning Rod

QIC: Lumbergh

PAX: Herbie, Slash, Walkman, Jellyfish, Kiwi

Conditions

Frosty but dry, bit foggy at the start with the almost full moon shining down!!

Warm up

Mosey to the field, set out the cones and quickly run thru the exercises to ensure PAX knows each movement.

  • SSH x 20
  • Windmill x 10
  • Arm Scissors x 10
  • Slow High Knees x 10
  • Butt Kickers x 10
  • Monkey Humpers x 10
  • Daisy Pickers x 10 (alternating legs)

The Thang

Cones put out into a cross on the football field. Exercises rotate clockwise (3 different exercises on each cone – total of 12 total)

PAX starts in the center of the field with 5 burpees. Mosey to the first cone, complete exercise, then mosey back to center, completing 5 burpees every time you return to center. Second round add in bear crawl ‘out’ to the cones, mosey back (still doing the burpees). Round 3 bear crawl ‘out’ to the cones and ‘back’.

Cone 1:

  • Merkins x 10
  • Shoulder taps x 10 (HC)
  • Diamond Merkins x 10

Cone 2:

  • Pickle Pounders x10
  • Monkey Humpers x 10
  • Pickle Draggers x 10 (HC)

Cone 3:

  • Squats Jumps x 10
  • Lunges x 10
  • Bonnie Blairs x 10 (HC)

Cone 4:

  • X Factors x 10 (HC)
  • V Ups x 10
  • Big Bois x 10

6MoM

  • Flutter Kicks x 10 (IC)
  • Outlaws x 7 (IC) both clockwise and counterclockwise

COT

Good Friday

Today is the recognition of sacrifice. My faith is rooted in Christ and today is the day we celebrate his ultimate sacrifice.

The crucifixion day of Jesus is called Good Friday, Holy Friday, also Easter Friday. It’s a day for commemorating the great sacrifice of Jesus, who gave away his life to save us from sins. His death is an example of the ultimate sacrifice and unconditional love that teaches us a lot of things. Good Friday is a Holy day for every Christian. On this Holy day, everyone you held close deserves Good Friday Greetings from you. Your good Friday messages need not be too formal, but they should express your thoughts, blessings, and prayers perfectly for the ones you care about. These good Friday wishes are best for wishing someone a peaceful life and a blissful day. So spread the spirit of Jesus by texting your loved one these good Friday wishes and greetings!

That’s a wrap,

Lumbergh

4/14/2022 – Short Circuit

AO: Oakery

QIC: Ghost

PAX: Deacon, Rubik,

Conditions

dry and low 30s

Warm up

SSH x 20

Torso Twist x 8

Imperial Walkers x 10

Windmills x 8

Fast High Knees x 8

Fast High Knees x 8

World’s Greatest Stretch

Mosey around school twice

Calf Raises

The Thang

  • Mosey to back of school grabbing coupons on the way
  • Intervals 3 exercises (30 seconds exercise, 20 seconds rest)
    • 3 rounds of coupon curls, bonnie blairs, coupon shoulder press
    • jog around school once
    • 3 rounds of border board merkins, scissor jacks, coupon goblet squats
    • jog around forest trail once
    • 2 rounds of freddie mercuries, rows, coupon rifle carry

COT

Read Stray Cat’s snow day manifesto and wanted to follow his lead and talk about the benefits of showing up consistently and doing these workouts together. We are at a critical point for some people where the novelty has worn off and there may be a temptation to quit coming to F3. This is where brotherhood and the non-physical benefits should be starting to kick in to keep us motivated to show up and punch the clock.

We want to continue making this an AO where people want to show up. That doesn’t mean it is for everyone or that we need to leverage guilt, but just be intentional about being welcoming, encouraging, and motivational to people on their journey.

We made a point of following up with some PAX who we hadn’t seen this week.

4-13-22 Mustachio Beat-down

AO: Lightning rod

QIC: BobEvans

PAX: Walkman, Slash, Jellyfish, Steamy Nicks, Herbie

Conditions

35 f and raining – then cleared up halfway through – wet cold hands

Warm up

  • SSH x 25
  • Imperial Walkers x 20
  • High knees x 12
  • Halos x 9

Mosey to Track

Hold squat or do Squats while Q is explaining the F3 card deck.

The Thing: Eash PAX gets a card with an exercise and a number of the exercise. Then they lead the PAX in the exercise either hard or easy count.

One round is completed when the last PAX member finishes their call out.

  1. 400 M Sprint
  2. 25 Merkins
  3. 6 Jumping Merkins
  4. 3 High Slow Flutter Kicks
  5. 25 Squats
  6. 50 M Backward Run
  7. 25 Smurf Jacks
  8. 25 American Hammers
  9. 25 Diamond Merkins
  10. 2 Bulgarian Split Squats
  11. 300 M Sprint
  12. 6 High Knees
  13. 50 M Bear Crawl
  14. 9 Ranger Merkins
  15. 4 Alternating Side Squats
  16. 25 Plank Jacks
  17. 5 Standing Lunges
  18. 10 Butt Kicks
  19. 25 Monkey Humpers
  20. 8 Backward Lunges
  21. 7 Lil Baby Crunches
  22. 25 Freddie mercurys
  23. 3 Chuck Norris Merkin

Mosey back

COT

I trimmed my beard into a mustache. Mustachio a question, did you work out today?

Very thankful to be back in the saddle after a road trip to Durango, CO to move my brother. It was awesome to be away in some sunshine, but was sick and now getting well. I’m very thankful to be back with the PAX.

Announcements: Saturday is a RUCK event for Portland Rescue Mission then May 7th is a PAX year event in Hood River – BobEvans

4-11-22 Health is Wealth

AO: Lightening rod

QIC: StrayCat

PAX: FreeLunch

Conditions

32 f and snowing

Warm up

  • SSH x 20
  • Windmills x 10
  • Scissor Arms x 10
  • Third Grade Exercise x 10
  • Rows x 20
  • Windmills x 10

Mosey to Track

100m pulling partner on sled while they do ab work. Repeat 4 times switching partners

The Thing: Stairs in back corner

1 PAX runs stairs 10 times. Second PAX does squats

switch

1 PAX runs stairs 10 times. Second PAX does rows/merkins

switch

400m of sled/ab work

Mosey back

COT

How much weight would you be willing to put on to be as rich as Jeff Bezos?

Benefits of exercise:

  1. Makes you happier (Endorphins)
  2. Gives you more energy
  3. Promotes quality sleep
  4. Helps fight depression
  5. Helps maintain strong muscles and bones
  6. Reduces risk of chronic disease
  7. Reduce pain
  8. Boosts your brain health
  9. Improves skin
  10. Makes you feel more productive
  11. Improves sex life
  12. Helps maintain weight
  13. Helps you live longer

If exercise was a pill it would be the most popular pill in the world. Literally every health problem I’ve had has disappeared since joining F3. My good friend Kevin was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes a few years ago. He dedicated himself to health and exercise and turned his life around. His doctor was pleased, but he said no one ever does this. He ends up giving drugs to the majority of his patients.

I’m grateful for all the ways F3 has helped me, and it is free of charge. All the leaders of F3 ask is that you keep giving it away. -Straycat

4.9.22 – Murph prep +

AO: Lava Field

QIC: 2 – Chainz

PAX: Danish, Lumbergh, Steamy Nix, Leprechuan

Conditions

Slightly overcast and brisk, but dry. The layers where shed early on!

Warm up

One lap mosey

SSH x 20IC

Third Grade Exercise x 15 IC

Arm Circles x 14 IC

Windmills x 15 IC

Imperial Walkers x 15 IC

Mosey to breezeway and grab some wall

Little Bitty Arm Circles x 12 IC (FWD/BWD)

Cherry Pickers x 12 IC

Seal claps x 12 IC

Overhead claps x 12 IC

The Thang: Murph prep +

Several Pax are completing an April challenge of 300 squats multiple days a week in preparation for the Murph.

Start at goal line

First Round

Perform 10 squats at goal line

Quick Mosey to 10 and back

10 more squats at goal line

Quick mosey to 20 and back

Repeat with +10 yds to opposite goal line and back

(Above totals 100 squats)

Second round:

Same as above, but perform 20 squats at goal line

(Second round totals 200 squats)

Secondary goodness:

Perform 12 reps each: Decline Merkins, Lunges, Flutter Kicks

Travel: Broad Jumps across the field (short direction)

Perform all exercises on the other side. Repeat until you’ve completed the circuit 3 times. 

Mosey around track and headed to breezeway to repeat wall sits with shoulder exercises.

Little Bitty Arm Circles x 12 IC (FWD/BWD)

Cherry Pickers x 12 IC

Seal claps x 12 IC

Overhead claps x 12 IC

6MoM

Leg raises with OH Coupon hold, Big Bois, Flutter kicks, LBX’s, Box Cutters

COT

Community

A home in our neighborhood caught fire this week and I realized that I do not know my neighbors like I should. One of the goals of F3 is to foster male leadership in our communities. It is difficult to do that if I do not even know my neighbors. Many people responded, but I noticed I did not know very many of them. I need to identify ways to grow my interactions in the community.

Pax- Pointed out that “Community” can have many meanings and is not isolated to just our physical neighborhood. Also challenged me to specifically identify what “doing better” looks like (host a barbeque, interact at parks or other events, etc.)

-2-Chainz

4/7 Steamy Nix VQ

AO:  Lightning Rod

QIC: Steamy Nix

PAX: Lumberg, Slash, Stray Cat, Walkman, Free Lunch, Herbie

Conditions

Dry, about 38-41 degrees

Warm up

Side Straddle Hops X 20

Slow high Knees X 12

Fast high knees X 12 

Daisy Pickers X 10 (then next leg) X 10

Don Quixotes (Windmills) X12

The Thang

  • Mosey to back of school, down stairs and near hill.

Start with: 11’s,  Merkins, run up the hill, burpees. 

Burpees until 6 is in.

  • Mosey to football field.

Lined up on sideline. Start with 5 of each of the following, then 15, then 20, to 25, 30, then back down

Kettle Bells, curls for the girls, squat with overhead press, big boys, 

After each circuit, lunges halfway across the field, then job back to sideline.

Jog back to the other side. 

COT

Since this was my first VQ I decided to share what F3 has meant to me. I shared about my past, struggle with anxiety, how events have led up to my current struggles but how I have been working on myself over the last year and how F3 has been a piller of fun, encouragement and support through it all.

4/7/2022 – Add Five

AO: Oakery

QIC: Ghost

PAX: Deacon, Output, Rubik, Fishman, Mad Dog

Conditions

dry and relatively warm

Warm up

SSH x 20

Torso Twist x 8

Fast High Knees x 10

Hillbillies x 10

Halos x 10

World’s Greatest Stretch

Calf Raises

The Thang

  • Mosey to back of school
  • wall sit with cherry pickers x 10, shoulder press x 10, seal claps x 10, arm circles x 10
  • Mosey back to south parking lot
  • Circuit for time adding five reps each time through
  • Circuit consists of…
    • skater hops x5
    • bear crawl across parking lot
    • stump jumps x5
    • run to staff entrance
    • freddie mercuries x5
    • lateral over-unders back and forth along three parking lot lines
    • rows x5
    • crawl bear back to skater hop area
    • lap around lower parking lot stopping at bench for dips x5

COT

Check in on people’s Go30 goals. Mad dog, Ghost and Fishman are on track. Deacon missed one day of reading, but made up for it the next day. Rubik wants to read a chapter of Isaiah per day. Output is tracking weight and wants to weigh in once per week.

I also wanted to talk about living spirit led lives. I often get too focused on my todo list and task completion and don’t like to stop things “in the middle.” It seems like that makes it hard for me to actually lead a spirit-led life. Lord help us follow your plan, not get obsessed about our own. Deacon agreed and wanted to get better about really considering when potential interruptions might be OK during his own work day.

(4/4/22) “… I would do 500 reps and I would do 500 more…”

AO: LightningRod

QIC: Kiwi

PAX: StrayCat, Walkman, Jellyfish,, FreeLunch, Diamond Dave

Conditions

53, but oh soo much rain!!

Warm-up

Halo x 10
fast high knees x 10
Windmill x10
3rd grader x 10
Hillbilly x 10
SSH x 10

Mosey 400 yards, 10 pushups mosey to the back corner.

10 Burpee box jumps and mosey back to the flag

The Thang

10 stations with 50 reps at each station. everyone rotates through the stations. If the next station isn’t open stay and do extra credit at your station till it is open. Stations below:

one-legged squat
jump squats
real Peter Parker
American hammers
flutter kick
pickle bombers
leg lifts
frozen Freddies
hop overs on the bike bars
rows on bike bars

Run 200 yards 5 burpees, jog back

hold a plank for ten count, then switch to shoulder taps x 10, then knee to elbow x 10

COT

Personal Ethics Commitment

I started a project for this month to build my Personal ethics commitment. I want to put in writing a clear and transparent list of my ethics and commitments to my friends, clients, and community. I want to have something tangible I can point to when I come across any grey areas in my life.

Lately, I have been finding my professional life and friendship life has begun to blur. In my work life, I have a very clear and defined code of ethics. I enjoy having that clear distinction, but when it comes to prioritizing ethics it can become hard. Do you support a friend by going out for a drink, or do you stay in and sober so you can best serve your community tomorrow. My goal for this month is to find what I am 100% committed to and build my ethics around that. I invite all who want to join me and will have a concrete list at the end of the month to share.

Kiwi