Conditions: 71 degrees, Muggy, but tolerableAs AOQ for Camden F3, YHC had to remind himself to schedule himself every now and again. It’s now been almost 5 months since the launch Camden F3, and the number of men showing up for the workouts has remained at an impressive level. As YHC was cooking dinner the night before his lead, his daughter asked if he was nervous about leading the group again……YHC’s response “No…..I’m good.” Seeing right through the lie, YHC’s daughter looked at him with a “Yeah right!” look on her face……as she said “Yeah right!”….and walked away.Nevertheless, YHC prepped for his routine, laminated his trustee cheat sheet, and woke up every hour throughout the night thinking of various exercises and once freaking out his wife when he shouted “Halt!” in his sleep.Arriving at the park, YHC began to wonder if he showed up on the wrong day but he soon realized the experienced PAX have their arrival time down to a science. At 5:25 am only two PAX members were in attendance……by 5:28 we were 19 strong.At the appointed time, YHC gave a quick disclaimer and we were off to central park light pole for Warm-o-Rama.Arriving at the light pole, the PAX seemed a bit confused that we weren’t at the normal warm up spot. Most of the PAX suppressed their OCD and kept the mumble chatter to a minimum but more than one looked like Dustin Hoffman boarding a flight in Rain Man.YHC took a moment to have the PAX form a circle as he went subconscious and explained the meaning of a ring to the PAX. A ring is a symbol of Commitment, a Bond, a Vow. YHC asked the PAX to keep this in mind throughout the routine. The Commitment they have made to get up at 5:00 a.m. and participate in F3 to make themselves fit physically and mentally. The Bonds they have made by meeting like-minded souls that they may not have really known or ever met otherwise. The Vow that those of us who believe in God, or a higher power, have made (or should make) to work to be better husbands, fathers, & sons. Returning to consciousness, YHC asked the PAX again to think about these things as the majority of the workout would be completed in the shape of a ring. The Zen lesson complete, it was time to move.Global Warming –PAX in the shape of a ring, hold Al Gore and shuffle to the right until Q calls out an exercise. PAX continues shuffle after each exercise:SSH X 20 ICMerkins X 15Dog Paddle X 15 ICFlutter Kicks X 20 ICImperial Squat Walkers X 15 IC(Observing Snookie perform Imperial Walkers reminds YHC of a one armed, one legged man attempting to churn butter.)Johnny Cash –PAX stays in ring formation as Q explains each PAX member will hold plank while 1 PAX performs 10 Merkins. The circle is complete when all PAX members have completed 10 merkins. Armed with his Jam Box, YHC surprises the PAX with Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire……on repeat. With 19 PAX, it takes 3 and ½ songs to complete the circle.Rinse and repeat with 10 big boy sit-ups……PAX holds 6 or variation of Dolly’s, 45, 90, Freddie Mercury’s, etc until circle is complete.Q instructs PAX to retrieve 2 bricks and 1 cinder block each from their bushy hiding place and return to the center park light pole. Pissy Mumble Chatter observed as in “WTF?……did he really mean one or the other or was he serious?”Knowing he needed to set a good example, YHC quickly grabs two bricks and one cinder block. PAX instructed to remain in ring formation upon return to the center park light pole.The Gross –YHC explains the next routine is called “The Gross” referring to the number of exercises to be performed and the number of reps. 12 exercises X 12 reps each = 144 (a gross).With Cinder Block:Overhead Press X 12Curls X 12Kettle Bell Thrust X 12Bent Over Row X 12Merkins X 12 With BricksSquat Raises X 12Big Boy Sit-Ups X 12We’re Not Worthy X 12One Arm Merkin Row X 12 (right arm)One Arm Merkin Row X 12 (left arm)Tricep Extension X 12Overhead Tricep Extension X 12YHC then instructs PAX to take a lap around the park. Impressively, the PAX makes good time running the .35 miles leaving just enough time to rinse and repeat “The Gross”.PAX returns coupons to secret hiding place and returns to the flag. With two minutes to spare, PAX closes out with 10 Merkins and finally LBACs led by Snookie.COT, Count-O-Rama, Name-O-RamaAnnouncements:
- Coffeteria rotating to Haile Street Grill.
- Ratched announces United Way Garden Project to start this Saturday at 9:00 A.M. All able bodied men asked to participate.
BOM – Continue to help us sharpen one another as Iron sharpens iron. Pray for Harper Valley and his college roommate’s ailing father.