Fifty, Part I

Preamble:

Birthday Q’s have become quite the tradition at the Wreck (thanks to our resident keeper of lore, Sprocket),  and with YHC’s true birthday falling outside the normal Wreck schedule, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to setup a back-to-back Q, starting with a celebratory BD with my Rubiconian brothers as a way to kick off the big five-o.  With HC’s coming in from some of the Alpha OG’s, YHC organized a measured BD that would ensure that he’d have enough gas in the tank for day 2 shenanigans where the real “fun” would ensue.  Nonetheless, PAX knew better than to believe that Q would stick to the plan.

Warm-O-Rama:

After some quick disclaimers and a good bit of humble chatter (an attempt to temper the Q), short mosey through a couple of parking lots, and circle back toward FOD for the following warm-ups:

• SSHs
• Imperial Walkers
• Abe Vigodas

The Thang:

Q directed PAX to partner up for a couple rounds of catch-me-if-you-can around the perimeter of Field of Dreams (FOD).  Round one would consist of the following:

• Partner A crab-walks while Partner B performs 5 BBSs.
• Once completed, Partner B bear-crawls to Partner A, where roles are switched.
• Rinse/repeat until finished.

Some very eager PAX led by Mufasa (as usual) came out HOT with a full-on bear-run down the first-base line.  The tempo eased quite a bit at the turn, with PAX realizing that they’d need to pack a lunch to finish the cycle.  Great work all around, with early finishers getting an additional base-line of work in to sweep the six.

Round two would consist of the following:

• Partner A runs backwards while Partner B performs 5 Burpees.
• Once completed, Partner B runs (forward) to Partner A, where roles are switched.
• Rinse/repeat for 2 full laps until finished.

After enjoying Zima exact a bit of revenge on Q by running him over, PAX got moving with round two.  Once again, early finishers doing proper work and circling back for extra credit accompanying the six.

After a quick 10 count and a glance at the time, Q led PAX on a short mosey toward the playground for a mini-Murph consisting of 5 rounds of the following:

• 10 Pull-Ups
• 20 Merkins
• 30 Squats

A brief round or two of Mary for the six before heading back to the flag.  Once there, Thumper/Mufasa/Q called the following until time was called:

• Freddy Mercuries
• 50 Flutter Kicks
• American Hammers

COT:

• Prayers for Q’s former boss and friend (Sam) who has entered the final season of his life after a long and brave battle with prostate cancer.
• Special thanks to the Alpha OG’s that have led the expansion of F3 throughout the region.  Your efforts have impacted many (including YHC’s).

Naked-Man Moleskin:

As mentioned at COT, Q cannot imagine kicking off a big birthday any other way than suffering through a BD with these HIMs.  If you would have told YHC two years ago that he’d spend his 50th sweating bullets and bear-crawling around a field at o-dark-thirty with 11 other dudes, he’d think you were crazy or drunk.  Or both.  Yet, here we are.

As I kick-off my next half-century of life traveling around the sun, I look forward to starting each and every day with my F3 brothers from whom I draw inspiration and serve as a constant reminder that you’re only as old as you think you are.

AFLAC out.