When I signed up for the “Bring the Ruckus” challenge, I initially chose a different date. Due to a scheduling conflict, I switched to the 28th. Not only did this mean I would have to plan for a full hour of pain (as opposed to the mid-week 45), but I’d also be leading the workout and then heading to a local ballpark to umpire multiple baseball games. While this old man’s body might not have been up to the task, thankfully his mind was. Rather than take it easy on myself in order to survive this long day, I decided to lay down a challenge that would have the PAX questioning my sanity. I’m pleased to report that the 19 other PAX in attendance joined me in questioning whether I was “all there” or not. Early mumblechatter was replaced by the sounds of PAX pushing themselves and one another, cursing the Q, and talking about anything that could distract them from what they were being told to do.
I’m under no delusion that this workout will be judged the “toughest” in Lexington, especially when we’ve got guys like Ken Doll, Mac and Ranger devising beatdowns. Still, I’ll stack this one up with the toughest workouts I’VE ever come up with. I know for certain that in the battle of “you vs. you” many of the men gave all they had and will likely feel the effects of this beatdown for a little while. If they don’t feel this one, they didn’t fully accept the challenge. I know I already feel it in my legs, back and shoulders, but MAN was it worth it!
Here’s how it all unfolded…
WEATHER
50(ish)
COP
Jog to front of school and circle up for COP
* I decided that the number of reps all morning long would be determined by the number of PAX present. I expected around 10-12 considering it was a Saturday and many guys were likely going to be involved in the Run at Saluda Shoals. When I pulled up and saw a BUNCH of cars, I was pleased but also a bit uneasy of what was about to unfold. I counted twenty PAX and stuck to my guns, against my better judgment.
SSH X 20 IC
T-PLANK MERKINS X 20 IC
* A T-Plank Merkin is a 4-count exercise starting in the high plank position. 1 – reach right hand up to the sky. 2 – back down to high plank. 3 – down to low plank 4 – back to high plank (merkin complete) alternate between raising right and left arms. Right arm = odd numbers, Left arm = even numbers.
4-CT. FLUTTER KICKS X 20 IC
THE BEATDOWN
Jog to steps in front of gym for explanation of next phase.
RUN/WEAVE up and down steps. At top of last set complete:
T-PLANK MERKINS X 20 OYO
4-CT. FLUTTER KICKS X 20 OYO
RUN down far steps to ramp.
BEAR CRAWL up ramp
RUN back to far steps and weave down and up. At bottom of last set complete:
T-PLANK MERKINS X 20 OYO
4-CT. FLUTTER KICKS X 20 OYO
RUN to starting place and RINSE & REPEAT until time is called.
* For those who are experienced, this appeared to be much like The Tomcat. I guess on the surface it was. Once the men completed that first set of T-Plank Merkins (rather than the arm crinkle merkins that often accompany The Tomcat) and the 4-count Flutter Kicks (instead of the LBCs), though, it was evident that this was going to be a next level experience.
* It was at this point, the questions about how long we were going to do this started.
THEM: “Surely he’s not going to make us do this for the whole time, right?!”
ME: “I AM going to make you do this for the whole time. And DON’T call me Shirley.”
* We rinsed and repeated and cursed the Q and pushed through the pain for the next 45 minutes. Just about everyone completed (or was close to completing) five full laps which was no small feat. As the PAX breathed sighs of relief thinking we were done, I knew that there was still more to go.
* The call was made to follow me and we jogged back to the front of the school for a few minutes of MARY.
MARY
4-CT. FLUTTER KICKS X 20 IC
T-PLANK MERKINS X 20 IC
* Threats on the Q’s life may or may not have been made when this exercise was called and continued as we did more and more until we reached our magic number of 20.
RUN to pillars on the side of the school for final exercise
BEAR CRAWL down breezeway
At every other pillar complete one T-PLANK MERKIN
RUN to flag and RECOVER!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
* Clean up broken blocks and bricks before leaving today.
* Thirsty Thursday at 6:00 on 11/2 at the “Shady” Wings & Ale
* Run Hard 5K next Saturday
* John Flanagan Memorial 10K – November 11
* Dec 9 – Cottonmouth
* Dec 15 – F3/FiA Christmas Party
* Grow Ruck in January
PRAYER REQUESTS
* Gravedigger’s father – heart issues
* Honey Boo Boo’s grandmother – open heart surgery coming up
* No Help & Shake & Bake – shoulder surgery recovery
DEVO/CLOSING THOUGHTS
As we wrapped up, I shared one of the themes that is especially relevant this time of year and was part of a post from Donatello that Ken Doll posted a link to earlier in the week. I inadvertently failed to credit Donatello at the beginning but Inspector Mom called me out on that. Thanks, IM!
I found Donatello’s words to the PAX in NE Tennessee encouraging and challenging and felt like the men of The Hollow would benefit from hearing them. When the cold weather comes, it seems like a difficult task to get out of the warmth of the fartsack. Once we get out and get moving, though, the bitterness of the cold goes away quickly. Just as in life, the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our way often don’t seem that big when we are able to look back at them. We can’t let laziness or lack of motivation set in and keep us from helping ourselves and one another get better and stronger (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually) for ourselves, our families and our communities. As we post for and encourage one another, we get stronger as individuals and as a collective.
As always, it was an honor to stand among and lead the men of The Hollow. I look forward to seeing them in the gloom again soon.