January 23, 2024
33 degrees, mild, ICY as a MOFO
PAX- Mrs. B., Khakis, Skipper, Sandworm, Kielbasa, FDIC, Super Tasty, Wentworth, Slow Pitch, Pitchfork, Rollbar, Spacebar, Rainman, Canadian Bacon, Slick, Doppler, Hoser, Tater Tot, Thor, Gator, Da Fridge, Vandelay, Wait Time
Q: Roadhouse
As I drove to the Trident, I could not help but think about the last four years. It was four years ago this week that I first came out for an F3 workout. Four years of pushing myself physically harder than I ever had. Four years of being more vulnerable than I ever dreamed I could be. Four years of brotherhood, four years of commitment, four years of getting fucking weird.
The plan on this morning was to meet some men for a pre-run. I was up, I was there, I was ready. The ground however was not. In four years of F3 this was the iciest morning I had ever experienced. Warmer weather had moved into Omaha and started to melt all the snow but the temps in the morning hovered around freezing making this particular morning an ice rink.
I parked the car and shuffled my way to a group of men looking to make a decision. Was a pre-run even possible? Was it safe? What were the other options? At this point of the morning, walking seemed to be a challenge. We decided to very slowly make our way to the parking garage and run some laps. We then shuffled our way towards the garage.
I was worried about a couple people in these conditions. Slow Pitch had gotten out early and was ice skating up 132nd street as we were heading towards the garage. The other one was Khakis. Khakis falls in July so I was really worried he would take a spill in these conditions. Luckily, both stayed on their feet. Proud of you both.
We made it to the garage and started jogging. I partnered up with Wentworth and had a great conversation about kids and life and travel. That guy is the best! He and I decided to shuffle back to the flags a little early to ensure our safety and our ability to welcome the PAX.
At the flags, some men had gathered. By 5:30, the pre runners had made it back and the rest of the men had arrived. And what a group of men it was. A who’s who of studs and guys who simply meant a lot to me. There was even a handful of guys who were at my first beatdown 4 years ago. Slick, Thor, Vandelay, and Wait Time were all there on that fateful day and were there again today.
There were 24 of us ready to rock and roll but there was one problem. The beatdown I had planned was a run around the campus. Exploring every inch of this hallowed ground. But it was covered in ice so an audible had to be called. I was going to have to be creative…not one of my strengths.
I welcomed the group, told them we were celebrating my 4 years stumbled through the intro. Got the 3 Fs, nailed the 5 core principles. Forgot the mission, credo and warning of me not being a professional.
With that, we slowly, made out way to the top of the parking garage. The ice had started to melt a bit but we made sure we were safe. The top of the garage was wet but not icy at all. This is where we would make our home.
The day before I had looked back at the Backblast from that first beatdown and thought I could pay homage to it. I pulled it up and realized that would not be possible. Because that first beatdown was HORSESHIT!!! It was a Wait Tome special and he was not our friend that morning. Burpees, Monkey Humpers, V-Ups, and some more bullshit and then ending with a Bridge of Hate. If you don’t know what the BOH is, imagine someone grabbing your testicles and twisting them until they explode. That is kind of what the Bridge of Hate is like.
So instead of copying this awful morning, I figured I could do the Warm-a-rama from that day. That wasn’t too bad…
WARM-A-RAMA:
SSHs- 25
Should Taps- 20
Imperial Walkers- 20
Cherry Pickers- 20
Sun Gods- 10 each way
After WAR, we were going to stay right there for the Thang. And it felt like a good time to grind.
The THANG:
Two Man Grinder:
One guy runs to opposite side of parking lot and does 20 pickle pushers. (Its really not a Roadhouse special if we don’t dry hump the ground a little bit…)
The other guy does AMRAP exercises alternating from upper body to lower body. Dealer’s choice.
The group paired up and for the next 35 minutes, we grinded. The mumblechatter was excellent. The laughs were contagious. We just kept going. It was a beautiful morning and wit each high five and fist bump it got even better.
At 6:07, Omaha was called and by this point in the morning the ice was almost all melted. We jogged back to the flags and finished with some hammers.
Mary:
American Hammers- 24
And with that, we were done. The beatdown was over and all I could see was smiles.
Name-o-rama:
Selfie-rama was special. I was embraced with love by many of the PAX and I could feel the support in my loins.
Announcements:
CSAUP this weekend.
Other stuff
Prayers:
Big prayers for our guy Sputnik. We love you brother!
Other special intentions.
COT:
For the majority of my life, I have felt less than. Not worthy. Not good enough in many ways. I had two older brothers who excelled in damn near everything and I felt like I could never be as good or live up to their example. In my relationships, I always felt insecure and scared and it has only led to divorce. As a dad, I am racked with fear and doubt and am constantly wondering if I am good enough or if I am doing the right things.
But since the very first day of F3, I have felt like I am enough. I have felt welcomed and supported and I have felt like whatever I bring to the gloom is enough. And I cannot tell you how much that has meant to me.
Now, I must tell you. I had my doubts. When I was first came out to F3 I thought it was going to be a bunch of Meatheads doing pushup contests and buttf*cking each other. But I was wrong. There are no pushup contests…
F3 has meant so much to me. From Wait Time seeing something in me that I did not see to Tater Tot and Slow Pitch wrapping their arms around me in times of struggle. To some incredible friendships that have made my life better with guys like Big One and Gator and Slick and Kielbasa and Gris and Hard Hat and ArmBra and Thor and so many more. You know who you are!
Quite simply. My life is better because of F3 and all of you guys. You have given me peace with being myself and ambition to be better at the same time. And that is something pretty remarkable.
I love you guys!
Roadhouse, CLB
