F3 Knoxville

3 Parking Lot Circus

THE SCENE
70 and light rain

 

Welcome & Disclaimer

 

THE THANG
COP
– SSH x30 (IC)
– Tempo Squats x15 (IC)
– Windmill Merkins x10 (IC)
– Diagonal Lunges x10 each leg (IC)
– Arm Circles Forward x15 (IC)
– Arm Circles Backward x15 (IC)

 

Hill Runs + Tabata
Two Rounds of Tabata (8 sets of exercise, 20 sec on 10 sec off):

  • Rd 1: Jump Squat Jumps
  • Rd 2: Wide Merkins

After each round, run to the top of the hill and do 3 burpees.

Mosey to the new parking lot.  Once there, partner up.

 

Countdown
One person performs the routine while the other jump ropes, then switch.

Routine:
Run to far cone, perform x20 reps.  Run back to first cone, perform x15 reps.  Run to the second farthest cone and perform x10 reps.  Run back to first cone perform x5 reps.

Perform 2 rounds of each of the following exercises:

  • Dry Docks
  • Frog Squats

Flutter Kick until all PAX finish.

Mosey to parking lot at bottom of the hill.

 

Grinders
Partner up with new Battle Buddy.

1st Battle Buddy lunges to the first cone, then sprints to second cone, does 2 reps of the exercise while Battle Buddy 2 is jumping air rope.  Switch. Each round increase by 2 reps until each man does a total of 10 reps.  Two rounds:

  • Rd 1 = Diamond Merkins
  • Rd 2 = Tuck Jumps

 

MARY
American Hammers (4ct) – x20 IC
4ct Flutter Kicks – 20x IC
Rinse and repeat

Mosey back to the SP, run hard up the hill!

 

COT
Number off and Name-O-Rama (18 PAX)

 

BOM
Proverbs 11:25 – Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

This Proverb is a simple reminder that joy and sense of significance comes from giving, not taking.  The world around us pushes us to live as consumers.  Always taking, looking for the next thing that is going to bring happiness.  The problem is that is not how life is meant to be lived.  True joy comes from living with a sense of purpose, and the highest purpose is the welfare of others.  HIMs seek inject purpose in all they do, wherever they go.  Today, keep your heart and mind open for those places where you can bring life.

 

Submitted by Cap’n Crunch

Movement is Life!

THE SCENE
60 and Clear

Welcome & Disclaimer

 

THE THANG
COP
– SSH x30 (IC)
– Tempo Squats x15 (IC)
– Windmill Merkins x10 (IC)
– Reverse Lunges x10 each leg (IC)
– Arm Circles Forward x15 (IC)
– Arm Circles Backward x15 (IC)

Mosey to back side of the Asylum at the rock pile

 

Flintstone Quarry Carry (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30)
Every man select a rock (or two).
Individual 30’s on the back hill with rock (going up and down by 5s from x5 to x25 at the top and bottom, total number of reps between the two exercises always equaling 30).  Start at the rock pile and run to the tree on the right.
– Overhead Press x25 (at the rock pile)
– Bent Over Rows x5 (at the tree)

Mosey to field on side of the Asylum.  Once there, partner up.

 

Battle Buddy Pyramid
Battle Buddy 1 runs to the top of the hill does 2 exercises while Battle Buddy 2 does shuttle runs in the opposite direction.  Rinse and repeat.

Each person will do three sets of the exercises in the following order: x5, x10, x15.

We will do 3 Rounds:

Rd 1
– Burpees
– Dry Docks

Rd 2
– Narrow Squats
– Wide Merkins

Rd 3
– Star Jumps
– Superman Swims

Mosey to other side of the front of the Asylum.

 

Grinders
1st Battle Buddy lunges to the first cone, then sprints to second cone, does 2 reps of the exercise while Battle Buddy 2 is jumping air rope.  Switch.

Each round increase by 2 reps until each man does a total of 10 reps in one run.

We did two rounds:
– Rd 1 = Ranger Merkins (hands at should width, elbows in)
– Rd 2 = 4ct Flutter Kicks

 

MARY
American Hammers (4ct) – x15 IC

 

COT
Number off and Name-O-Rama (16 PAX)

 

BOM
Be Present

This weekend, YHC took my oldest 2.0 to MTSU.  She’s is attending the Govenor’s School for the arts this summer.  She’s going to be gone for a total of 7 weeks.  She is our oldest and this is the first time she has ever been gone this long.  In many ways it’s prep for next year, she will be a senior in high school.  We had a great day getting her moved in.  We talked, laughed and enjoyed the time.  It wasn’t until I had to leave that it hit me…my role as her father is about to change.  My time with her in my home is passing.  It hit me harder than I could have ever expected, and in that moment I was so thankful to be there with her and for all the memories we shared together.  I’ll be honest, I wept most of the way home.  Not tears of sadness mixed with tears for pride and thankfulness.  I replayed all the times we hung out together, and mourned the times we didn’t.  It was a humbling time to realized just how important family truly is, and how irreplaceable our roles as dad truly are.  It may seem simple, but I also realized something else…you can’t cherish a memory you didn’t make.  The time to plant those seeds has gone.  Whatever relationship I get to enjoy with my kids as adults is sown while they are children.

I’m thankful beyond words for the men in my life who spoke life into me when I was a young dad.  The men who encouraged and exhorted me to be present with my kids while they were young.  We’ve all heard how fast time flies, but I think few of us realize how true it is.  And when it is gone, it’s gone.  There are no “redos” or “start overs.”  Each day is a gift and stewardship, and is connected to the days before it as well as those that come after.  Whenever you are with your family, be fully there!  Make the time, invest, plant the seeds.  I can honestly say I don’t regret a single thing I gave up to be with my daughter, and can testify that the fruit of those memories is the sweetest I’ve ever had.

 

Submitted by Cap’n Crunch

Monday Funday

THE SCENE
67 and Muggy

 

Welcome & Disclaimer

 

THE THANG
COP

  • SSH x30 (IC)
  • 4ct Diagonal Lunges x15 IC
  • 4ct Windmill Merkins x10 IC
  • 4ct Tempo Squats x12 IC
  • Arm Circles Forward x12 IC
  • Arm Circles Backward x12 IC
  • Run two loops around the parking lot

Mosey to curb and line up.

 

Jelly Legs
Start at one side of the parking lot.  Perform the following:

  • R1: Hold squat position for 10 count, perform 10 squats, run to the other curb, do 2 Burpees, run back
  • R2: Hold squat position for 20 count, perform 20 squats, run to the other curb, do 2 Burpees, run back
  • R3: Hold squat position for 30 count, perform 30 squats, run to the other curb, do 2 Burpees, run back
  • R4: Hold squat position for 40 count, perform 40 squats, run to the other curb, do 2 Burpees, run back
  • R5: Hold squat position for 50 count, perform 50 squats, run to the other curb, do 2 Burpees, run back

Line up in four separate lines.  Each group mosey to the far parking lots and to one of four cones set up in the corner.

 

Four Corners
Spread out to 4 cones.  Alternate exercises at the cones for set time. When time is done, counter-clockwise to the next cone. Rinse and repeat.

  • Cone 1: Dry Docks x15 or x25 & Narrow Squats x15 or x25
  • Cone 2: 4ct Flutter Kicks x15 or x25 & Star Jumps x15 or x25
  • Cone 3: 4ct Shoulder Taps x10 or x15 & Reverse Lunges (each leg counts as 1) x10 or x15
  • Cone 4: 4ct Hello Dolly x15 or x25 & Smurf Jacks x15 or x25

Round 1: 60 seconds at each station
Round 2: 45 seconds at each station

Mosey to the hill near the SP.

 

Cash Out
Merkin Hill
Run up and down hill doing the following:

  • Start at bottom of hill with 10 Merkins, run to top
  • Top of hill 9 Merkins, run to bottom
  • Bottom of hill 8 Merkins, runt to top
  • Top of hill 7 Merkins, run to bottom
  • Bottom of hill 6 Merkins, runt to top
  • Top of hill 5 Merkins, run to bottom
  • Bottom of hill 4 Merkins, runt to top
  • Top of hill 3 Merkins, run to bottom
  • Bottom of hill 2 Merkins, runt to top
  • Top of hill 1 Merkins, run to bottom

Circle up for Mary.

 

Mary
4ct American Hammers x20 IC
Rt Side Crunches x20 IC
Lft Side Crunches x20 IC
ATMs

 

COT
Number off / Name-0-Rama (40 PAX, 3 FNGs – Petro, Chaco and Fullstack)

 

BOM
“Honorable men refuse to wallow in the small and the bitter.
Honorable men refuse to hate life because something once went wrong.
Honorable men don’t build monuments to their disappointments, nor do they let others brand them and curse them to their destruction.
Honorable men seek out the highest definition of their lives, the nobler meaning granted by heritage, by their ancestors’ dreams and their parents’ hopes.
Honorable men cry out to God until curses are broken and a grander purpose is achieved.
Honorable men don’t settle for lives of regret.”

Stephen Mansfield, “Mansfield’s Book of Manly Men”

As we push ourselves physically each week it is important to remember that we must also be pushing ourselves mentally, emotionally and spiritually…to grow as HIMs.  Physical fitness is important, but character, virtue, integrity and leadership are paramount.  Our world is starving for men with these characteristics.  Men of honor who live beyond themselves.  Men who are life-givers, not life-takers.

I believe there is a direct correlation between strenuous physical exercise and the strenuous pursuit to live a life of honor, integrity and impact.  Both take effort and focus. Both take intentionality, consistency and daily commitment.  Both are met with resistance from the status quo and my own passivity.  Both can’t be pursued alone and require me to surround myself with like-minded men who inspire, encourage and challenge me along the journey.

Each morning in the gloom we have an opportunity to experience these AND be these things for the men on our left and right.  Iron sharpen iron. This is what it means to wear the “F3”.

3 Parking Lots of Fun!

THE SCENE
67 and Muggy

Welcome & Disclaimer

 

THE THANG
COP

  • SSH x30 (IC)
  • 4ct Diagonal Lunges x15 IC
  • 4ct Windmill Merkins x10 IC
  • 4ct Tempo Squats x12 IC
  • Arm Circles Forward x12 IC
  • Arm Circles Backward x12 IC
  • 4ct Mountain Climbers x15 IC

Line up on the curb.

 

Cash In
Burpee Broad Jumps
Burpee Broad Jump to the cones (middle of parking lot) then lunge back. Hold plank until the six finishes.

Rinse and repeat.

Mosey to parking lot next to the playground and circle up.

 

ATM / Leg-Blaster Combo
ATMs
All done in order with no rest (without leaving plank position):

  • 15 Alternating Shoulder Touches (4-count IC)
  • 10 Tempo Merkins (down on the 1-2-3, up on 4 IC
  • 10 Fast Merkins (single count IC)

Leg-Blaster
All done in order with no rest:

  • 15x air squats (single count IC)
  • 20x in-place lunges (10x each leg IC)
  • 10x jumping lunges (5x each leg IC)
  • 15x squat jumps (single count IC)

 Rest for 10 count then rinse and repeat.

Mosey to new parking lot.  Get a Battle Buddy.

 

Nickel and Dime
Battle Buddies alternate between…

  • Battle Buddy 1 bear crawls to the first yellow cone and does 5 burpees, lunge to next yellow cone and does 10 star jumps then runs around the parking lot to where they started.
  • Battle Buddy 2 run suicides (run to first orange cone, back, run to the curb and back) in the opposite direction until Battle Buddy 1 finishes
  • Swap
  • Rinse and Repeat 3x
  • Alternate 4ct Flutter Kicks and 4ct Superman Swims, x15 each until the six finishes

Mosey to the SP.

 

Cash Out
Merkin/BBS Countdown
Alternate Merkins and BBS counting down reps (10-10, 9-9, 8-8, … 1-1)

 

Mary
4ct Hello Dolly x20 IC
Rt Side Crunches x20 IC
Lft Side Crunches x20 IC
4ct Flutter Kicks x20 IC

 

COT
Number off / Name-0-Rama (30 PAX, 2 FNGs – Tramp and Si Pad)

 

BOM
Six years ago I was introduced to something that has become a powerful tool in my life personally and as I try to help and speak life into others.  A gentleman I work with used to be a very successful tennis pro and reaction coach.  He had a successful business in New York working with college and professional athletes helping them take their game to the next level.  Over the years he noticed something.  While each athlete had their own approach to their sport, the real elite players all shared a common mindset.  He calls it the mindset of a champion.  It goes like this:

  • I know what to do.
    • If you don’t have the knowledge you are willing to do whatever it takes to attain it.
  • I have practiced and have done this under pressure.
    • Knowing isn’t enough. Champions know that practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes permanent. They take that knowledge and train with it, practicing it over and over again.  They also embrace high pressure situations and put it into practice there as well.
  • I take the next right step and don’t worry about the results.
    • When the game is on the line, they trust the work and don’t focus on the results. They’ve done the work and know if they stick to what they know the end will take care of itself.

Since identifying this pattern, he made a very small change that makes it 100% applicable in all areas of life: physical, mental, relational and spiritual:

  • I know what to do.
  • I have practiced and have done this under pressure.
  • I can take the next right step and trust God with the results.

I know…I’ve practiced…I trust God.

This simple progression of thought is actually not new.  I see it in the life of King David.  One of the most popular tales of David is his battle with Goliath.  The young man displays immense courage and defeats the giant, but that’s not where the story starts.  It starts with a young man spending hours in the desert watching over and protecting his father’s sheep.  God was training him in the desert to be one of the greatest HIMs the world has ever known!  David himself shares the mindset of a champion with Saul.  When he meets him, Saul tries to fit David for battle with his equipment.  Listen to David’s reply,

“But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth (‘I know what to do). When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it (‘I’ve practiced and done it under pressure). Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.  The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine. (‘I can take the next right step and trust God with the results)
Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”

I have worked to apply this mindset in all areas of my life: helping my kids with school, walking through a conflict with my wife, starting a new program at work, completing a GORUCK event.  It works and helps keep me grounded and focused when it matters.  It also constantly reminds me that I have a choice to make each day to embrace whatever comes and see it as training to get better.  I’ve taught it to my kids and they have used it to help study for tests, tryout for soccer and walk through conflict with friends.  I share it today praying it is helpful for you as well.

I know…I’ve practiced…I trust God.

 

Submitted by Cap’n Crunch

Suburban Assault

THE SCENE
63 and Clear

 

WARM UP
Ruck the loop

 

THA THANG
3-6-9
Perform the following exercises for 3 minutes, AMRAP AFAP while maintaining form.  1 minute rest between sets:

  • 3x Ruck Thruster
  • 6x Merkins
  • 9x Squats
  • Rinse and repeat 3x

Ruck to Trade Joe’s and back.

Partner up and head to the hill next to the tennis court.

 

Ruck Crawls
Battle Buddy 1: Bear Crawl Alternating Ruck Pulls (Ruck underneath you. Bear crawl forward and pull ruck forward with right, then left arm, repeat) up the hill.  Then ruck sandbag around to parking lot and back up the trial to Battle Buddy 2.

Battle Buddy 2 perform the following until Battle Buddy 1 returns

  • Ruck Curls x15
  • Front-Loaded Squats x20
  • Upright Rows x20
  • Burpees (ruck off) x10

Each Battle Buddy takes 3 trips up the hill based on time.

 

Coupon Train
Battle Buddies ruck up and carry sandbags for one more trip around the loop.

 

CASH OUT
4ct Flutter Kicks x30
Rinse and Repeat

 

COT / BOM

Anger
We live in a culture that seems to be saturated with anger.  Lately, I’ve found myself falling victim to anger.  I did a quick search on what God has to say about it…it’s pretty convicting:

  • Proverbs 14:29
    He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.
  • Proverbs 16:32
    He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.
  • Proverbs 17:27
    He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
  • Proverbs 19:19
    A man of great anger will bear the penalty, for if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.
  • Proverbs 19:11
    A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.
  • Proverbs 22:24
    Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man,
  • Proverbs 29:11
    A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back.
  • Proverbs 29:22
    An angry man stirs up strife, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:9
    Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools.
  • James 1:19-20
    This you know, my beloved brethren but everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

Anger is different from zeal.

  • Zeal is associated with the righting of an injustice or passion for a righteous call.
  • Anger is a secondary emotion usually triggered by hurt, fear, shame or unmet expectation.

Anger can be openly aggressive, or simmer internally and leak out in passive aggressive behaviors.  Both are toxic to relationships, derail our efforts and cloud our mission.  Anger has no place in the life of HIMs.  Anger is disruptive and disconnects us from reason and vision.

I feel like the answer is to see anger for what it is, a symptom of something deeper.  Use your anger like a Check Engine light for your soul.  Ken Sande says, “Anger is most often a sign that one of your idols is being poked!”  That makes anger a helpful tool in personal growth and maturity.  When you find yourself stirred, take a moment and reflect on what it is that is upsetting you.  A question I ask myself is, “Why is ________________ a problem?” inserting whatever is bothering me in the blank.  More often than not my blank is filled with ego, pride and selfishness.  So I’m learning to use anger as tool to root those out and replace them with grace, humility and selflessness.  It’s not easy, but not much in life worth pursuing is.

 

Submitted by Cap’n Crunch