5 Years in the Gloom

Preamble:

Today marked 5 years in the gloom for YHC.  To celebrate, I figured we would do something different…. capture the flag.  I borrowed the idea from Popper who led something similar at the Hooch a few months ago.  I put a few twists on it and worked out well.  I arrived at 5:15am to setup and the pre-runners were making their way around the park.  After setup, I hustled back to the flag to see 18 PAX awaiting.  Here is how everything went down.

Warm-O-Rama:

Mosey to the secret grassy area in the narrow passage between the baseball fields.

• Side Straddle Hop
• Windmill
• Imperial Walker
• Weedpicker

On to the field of dreams for the main event.

The Thang:

Split into 2 teams for Capture the Flag.

GAME SETUP & RULES:  Each PAX gets a pool noodle (cut in half) color coded to their team’s color.  The field is wide and fairly short, with a half field line of cones and a set of cones making an arc around each side’s flag, sort of like a penalty box in soccer.  On your side of the field, you are in defense mode and have to be in a crabwalk position the entire time.  On the opponents side,  you are in offense mode, staying in bear crawl on that side.  The goal is to hit the flag (which consisted of a “slow for children” sign with flag attached) which scores 1 point.  If a team scores, everyone goes back to their side, the opponent must do 5 burpees and the team that scored does SSH until the other team is done.  If you are tagged by an opponents pool noodle on the offensive side, you stand up and do 5 squats, then run back to your side.  When you are on your side in defense mode you cannot be tagged, rather you are looking to tag out their offensive players.  The key to this setup is that the bear crawl is slightly faster than the crabwalk which gives the offense a better chance to score leading to a higher point total.  We used a 90’s rock playlist to jam to.

After 35 minutes of non-stop action, Team 1 walked away with a 12-7 victory, or something like that.   I don’t think any of us wanted it to stop.

COT:

Prayers were spoken by YHC about the unrest in the country, especially what unfolded at the Capital yesterday.  It’s not a right or left issue, rather a right or wrong issue.  We need virtuous leaders on both sides of the aisle to restore the faith in our political system.  Gratitude for our health and bodies allowing us to play like kids this morning.  Announcement was made about the No Longer Bound event next Saturday, Jan 16th.  RSVP to Pitstop.  And good to see Trebek back in action this morning!

Naked-Man Moleskin:

During TNT and coffeeteria I shared how 5 years ago, a good buddy of mine, Flo, talked me into coming out to some crazy workout cult he called F3.  At first it meant only a workout to me.  I enjoyed coming out twice a week and getting a good workout in.  Then after about 6 months to a year, something began to change.  I realized the “enjoyment” of the workout was secondary to everything else.  I realized there was something special about getting up early and doing hard things with other guys who shared a common bond.  We locked shields and we were not only working out together, we were living life together.  I began posting more because I wanted more of the genuine conversations we’d have about life, family, careers, good times and even hardship.  Things like coffeeteria and 2nd F beers helped forged these friendships.  A few years in I became even more involved with F3, this time with 3rd F opportunities like the recent Santa Ruck where we donated toys and food to families in need.  No doubt F3 has helped me become a better leader, a better husband, a better father and better friend.  Now, 5 years in, I really enjoy giving the gift of F3 away to others knowing the positivity it will bring to their lives.

Honored to lead, fellas.

-Cookie