Labyrinth Back Blast- Vandelay 4 Year F3 Anniversary
AO: Labyrinth
July 14, 2022. 5:30 AM
Q: Vandelay.
Weather- 73 degrees, with 74% Humidity- beautiful morning with beautiful sunrise.
The PAX: Chiclets (Respect), Sweet Sweet, Low Five, Khakis (Respect), Slow Pitch, Gator, Yodel, Retweet, Griswold, Cousin Eddie, Speed Square, Hard Hat, Unicycle, Grease Fire, Little Chef, Tater Tot, Hei Hei, Blades of Glory, Obi Won, Wait Time (Respect), Saul
There was a good Pre-Run group today, in spite of the Smurphnumbers, so I was happy about not running alone with my thoughts- those are seldom productive. After returning, therewas a small group but a caravan of cars from the Smurph was emerging, so we slightly delayed the start to give them all time to arrive. I was grateful for the effort everyone made to attend this morning.
I welcomed the group and indicated I was appreciative of everyone making a concerted effort to join this morning. The Mission and Core Principles were recited, and I indicated that I wasn’t a professional.
The Mission of F3 is to plant, grow, and serve small men’s workout groups for the invigoration of male community leadership.
5 Core Principles: 1) It’s free; 2) open to all men; 3) always held outdoors; 4) peer led in a rotating fashion; and 5) ends in a circle of trust.
We moseyed a short distance to the north end of the starting parking lot for Warm-A-Rama.
WARM-A-RAMA:
Yoga Back Stretches – Downward Dog and Cobra – Alternating x3
The THANG:
There really is one Thang at Labyrinth although the route is yet to be truly defined. We ventured to the west side of 204th and started our adventure through the neighborhood. I pre-drove this route the day before to make sure it was navigable so I thought we would make it fine. I am not going to lie- I was a little worried how long this might take or how many people I might piss off by this route but decided that I was committed so we were going. I had a few stops planned:
1. LBCs – 75 – At OrthoNebraska
2. Box Cutters – 20 IC- at third Round-A-Bout
3. Skipped stop 3 to keep things moving.
4. Skipped stop 4 to keep things moving but utilized for extend 10 counts to collect the group.
F St was a challenge as a part of it was without sidewalk and I intended for the group to dive back into the neighborhood, but a lead pack kept things moving east. This was all good but kept us along F St for a longer stretch. We all arrived back at Zipline in droves to finish things off and we had all that had started.
MARY:
Skipped
NUMBER OFF, NAME-A -RAMA :
No issues
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• Shovel flag pass this Saturday at the Oracle to Hei Hei from Cheap Seats
• Be Kind
• Blades of Glory passed the Nugent Flag to Chiclets with some moving words that will remain with the group in attendance.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
• Father of Hei Hei who is doing better
• Silent prayers in our Hearts.
COT:
I am appreciative of Wait Time and what he has brought to all of us, and I was happy to celebrate his anniversary yesterday. Without this anniversary most of us would not know each other. Our debt of gratitude will be difficult to repay.
I indicated that as I prepared for today, I was jotting down some notes on what I thought I would discuss. I pulled up my Back Blast from my 3-year Q and realized the idea was about identical. So, I read most of my Back Blast COT from last year – with slight edits:
“Today is my Four-Year Anniversary in F3 – at least according to the roster. This organization was exactly what I was looking for at the time I was offered the option to participate by Sweet Tooth. We all have similar stories about hesitation- and it took me a while to fully lean in. Coffeteria experiences expanded that involvement and COVID circumstances helped by relaxing my travel schedule some – thus allowing me to more fully engage. That has been one of my COVID blessings.
Many may notice that I am not the most openly emotional person – but I wanted this group to know how much of an impact they have had on my life. I am truly grateful and love you all for what I receive. I only hope that I am giving back in some capacity as well. I have spoken on this before- you never know what your impact is but be assured that someone is watching and likely taking some nugget of truth or wisdom from your actions or words. Be mindful of them.”
I am glad this opportunity aligned to Q last year for Slow Pitch who has also been a huge inspiration for me and a great friend. This year I was honored to Q at Ozark’s AO – another great friend who I admire greatly.
Thanks to all that have made a difference in my life over these last four years. You have meant the world to me.
Thank You Ozark for having faith that I would not embarrass your AO, and to Gator for your support in Ozark’s absence.
Aye, Vandelay
