The Cottonmouth: Frozen Edition

The Cottonmouth is still a go for January 23, 2016. 0500 to be exact.

One of the most important key components of F3 CSAUP events comes down to the 2nd F – Fellowship. Sure, there will be some physical stuff to deal with, and some temperature elements, but the fellowship makes it all worth it. We all need the fellowship that F3 provides. Afterall, that’s what Columbia saw during the recent flood events – our fellowship and willingness to serve others. You have no more excuses.
1. No more football games
2. No holidays
3. You burn off all of those holiday eatery calories
4. You Greenville GoRuck attendees can test your gear a week before your event on the 29th/30th
5. If you got a brand new ruck for Christmas, now’s your perfect opportunity to break it in properly!
6. Last year’s Cottonmouth gave the water obstacle – January will present the temperature obstacle (maybe. South Carolina loves to keep you guessing on the weather)
Therefore, reasons 1 – 6 = NO EXCUSES

“What is the rundown so far?”
We will converge at Strut at 0500. There will be a few logistical details to cover, a short COP warm-up, and then wheels up. We will then make our way to Harbison Forest. Pain-stations will be along the way. Once we make it into Harbison Forest, we will make our way to a rallying point. There we will split into two teams where a surprise challenge will be presented. Converge at the Endex, brag, tell stories, and fellowship.

“What kind of equipment do I need? Do I need one of those ruck thingys?”
You and your cold-weather workout attire (please, no polar bears. Wear something.). Additionally, you may want to consider the following: high socks, a head-lamp, and a hydration pack. If you need to eat every 10 minutes, beef jerky is always a proud manly choice. Again, a ruck is *not* required. But it will be ruck friendly. Just remember, you bring it, you carry it.

“How much of my day do you plan on taking up?”
For the purposes of reporting to your M, wheels up at 0500, endex at noon-ish. If we end before that, the choice is yours as to how quickly you want to rush home and tackle the Honey-Do list. There might be some eats at the endex, so you may want to plan on sticking around for a bit after for some additional 2nd F (fellowship) and 4th F (food).

“T-shirts and CSAUP events have eaten all of my allowance. How much is this going to cost me?”
You get all of the fun and adventure for the one-time fee of: zero dollars. However…there is a really cool tri-blend t-shirt for purchase! What better way to remember all the fun you had than with yet another t-shirt. The proceeds will go towards the endex party with any remaining money going to a charity. So, buy a t-shirt and get a kick ass endex party and support a local charity. Don’t even act like you don’t need another workout shirt.

“Where can I get one of these beastly shirts?”
Well, I’m glad you asked that. The Cottonmouth T-shirt is available as a comfy American Apparel Tri-blend shirt, black, for sale on Teespring for the low, low price of $22 (+S&H).
https://teespring.com/f3-cottonmouth

“I get scared walking through the woods in broad daylight – can my 2.0 come? Who’s invited?”
If your 2.0 is a teenager and mentally and physically capable of trying to charm the Cottonmouth, in the cold, then bring him along to hold your hand. Otherwise, any F3 PAX is welcome. And please, by all means, bring an FNG! This will be the perfect opportunity to properly introduce them to F3.

“I don’t want to be a part of the Cottonmouth because [insert lame excuse here], but I’d like to help out. Do you have a job for me?”
That’s mighty 3^rd F of you. We’ll give you a hall pass this time. There’s a need for logistical support, communications, hydration station, and a few surprise pain stations. Please sound off below with “support”. Also, if you consider yourself a grill-master and are willing to bring your grill and cook, please contact me: [email protected]

“Walking around town at 0500. Unknown surprises in Harbison Forest. Unknown coupons to carry. Challenges. 8-ish miles. Cold weather. Good times with my fellow PAX. I’m in!”
Comment below with “HC.” You’ve got 18 days. But don’t wait! HC now! Spread the word. HC. Update your FNG list. And let’s get a little more excited about this.

Do it.