May 6th, 2022 | The Armory – Mental Health | Ta-Ha-Zooka Park Elkhorn
PAX: Slow Clap, Tea Party, Lincoln Logs, Gump, Barn Door, Saw Blade, Tee Ball, Gator, Tonight Show, Mr. Miagi, Escobar, Slick, Kobiashi, Lite Brite, Yogi, Hei Hei, Slap Shot, Armando, Pit Stop, Sweet Sweet, Woody, Big Unit,
Q: Truly
Weather: 50 F; wind around 10-15 MPH
I was really excited for this Q. The Armory is one of may favorites. When I was really getting dug into F3, The Armory was a site I leaned on for consistency. Although I love the pre-run, I decided not to today just because of a lingering injury I’m really hoping will get better. But a few warriors did pre-run and they came hauling in right around 5:25am. It was looking more and more like a big group, which excited me even more.
Called 5:30am right on time.
Gave F3 core values, mission statement, credo, and disclaimer. Had a small request, that everyone be present in the beatdown and enjoy everyone’s company. I explained that there would be no true warmorama, so kindly asked that everyone stretch-up during my rambling. I also explained that after a long week of rolling around in the mud and being wet, there would be none of that today. The only thing that would touch the ground for this beatdown would be your hands and feet. Sometimes you just know what the PAX needs. And on this Friday, dryness and cleanliness was it.
Pre-Thang
Let’s mosey! We headed to downtown Elkhorn with Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” as the first song of the day. I enjoyed some good mumble chatter as we ran right up to outside Boyd and Charlie’s. Circle up for some exercises as Prince’s When Doves Cry lit up the quiet downtown setting. Carolina Dry Docks, Merkins, Alternating Lunges, Bobby Hurley’s, Squat Jumps, and some Squatted Air Press were all rotated amongst the PAX. I appreciate when guys are willing to lead when asked within our small groups.
The Thang.
Ran back up around downtown to the East and then Headed North towards Wirt street. A couple new songs – Soundgarden’s “The Day I tried to Live” and Stone Temple Pilot’s “Big Empty” were the choice for this stretch of the run. Headed back West and stopped at an intersection for more exercises – Squatted Air Press, Merkins, etc. Once the 6 was in we proceed to what will now be called “One True Hill”. It’s the hill just outside Westridge Elementary School. I hit up some 2-Pac and Linkin Park and we split into teams of 2. 1 PAX member did Bernie Sanders up One True Hill, while the other did Monkey Humpers at the bottom. Rinse and Repeat about 6 times. During this part of the workout, Escobar realized a trend in the music. All on the playlist have artists who have passed away – gone too soon.
5:58am – Omaha!
Ran back to the shovel flags and had an immediate request – A group picture on the Tank. Turned out awesome and it was posted to all necessary social media sites!
In lieu of getting our 6 wet, we just stayed on our feet and did a few more rounds of squatted air press.
COT: Mental Health
Pretty simple – I talked about May being Mental Health Awareness Month. And that my musical playlist all had artists who had died before their time and how mental health was possibly tied to that. It’s been a rough couple years, and it’s OK to admit your not OK. If you know someone who could use someone to talk to, I encouraged everyone to be that person. And if you’re a person that needs a friend, reach out to someone you an trust and talk about what’s going on. Mental Health is a serious condition that needs exercise, just like our bodies.
I’m grateful to have F3 as a sounding board for anything I have going on in my life.
See you in the Gloom,
Yours…… Truly