Life is better in community

Preamble:

Second only to Bad Apple as the darkest AO, YHC arrived a bit early to scope out some areas I was not sure we could use.  Glad I did that and the plan was quickly modified.  The flag was already planted by a few pre-runners.  A nice group of 12 were there for the start.

Warm-O-Rama:

Mosey to the top/back/end of the parking lot for:

• Weed pickers IC x10
• Copperhead squats IC x10
• Hillbillies IC x10
• WGS OYO
• Hangovers OYO
• Michael Phelps/monkey arms OYO

The Thang:

Mosey to the middle of the parking lot and instructed the pax to scatter and perform 40 merkins then return to the start with no talking allowed.  Once everyone returned YHC explained that many man try to do life alone and it’s difficult to say the least.

Next the pax were instructed to do 40 more merkins right where we were…still with no talking.  After much grunting and groaning we finished and YHC explained that some men ‘think’ they are in community by being near other men but it’s not necessarily easier than going it alone.

We then partnered up and were allowed to talk and encourage our partners to knock out 40 more merkins.  YHC noted that with a partner/friend, life can be more fulfilling.  We still do hard things but had a brother to help us finish.

Lastly we did 40 more merkins and worked as a group to encourage each other and to pick up the six.  Life in community with other men is so much more fulfilling than going at life alone or in a faux community.  I think the guys got it and were also praying for no more merkins.

Mosey toward the road and headed towards the sports park but stopped and did alternating turkish get ups and burpees at each light pole (none of which had light bulbs).  5 reps each light pole.

Down to the sports park for what I thought would be some donkey kicks.  My reliable mentor Cookie noted that 12 guys doing donkey kicks on the wall was sure to get some unwanted attention from the nearby houses.  We modified to feet up on the wall for 10-15 seconds then down.  Repeat 3 more times with the challenge to go higher on the wall each time.

Back toward the flag stopping at each light pole for some ab work of various flavors.

Once back at the water park YHC called for the pax to partner up for a catch me if you can.  P1 bernies up the parking lot while P2 does 10 monkey humpers then moseys to catch up to P1. Flap jack.  We went up and around and back down.

Back to the flag for some mary with different muscle groups used in each exercise.

COT:

Check Slack for details on the following upcoming events:

• Fathers Day brew ruck on 6/17
• F3/FiA family convergence on Saturday August 5 at 7 am at the Alpharetta City Center
• ReadyMix Quad – Aug 11-12, 1k swim, 10k run, 20k ruck, 50k bike all in 24 hours to honor the legacy of our brother ReadyMix

Praise given for Stu’s M being able to honor her parents with a memorial park bench back home in Illinois

Prayers for False Start’s friend who is reeling from the unexpected passing of his mother

Praise given for strong bodies, our amazing community, our F3 brothers and the beautiful weather.

Naked-Man Moleskin:

During an impromptu TNT during cofeeteria, YHC noted that we are about to celebrate 30 years of marriage.  I love my M more than ever and try to tell her often.  In my experience M’s like to hear THAT we love them but they also like to hear WHY we love them.  It’s easy to fall into a pattern of rote “I love you”, especially as life is so busy with kids, work, etc.  Just like we are often challenged to answer “why do you do F3” (which many of us can quickly answer), we should be prepared to tell our M’s (and future M’s for the 2.0’s in the group this morning) why we love them.  It just takes some intentionality, some awareness and a little time.  And don’t be shy about asking other guys how they have found ways to love their wives.  It could be as simple as posting a message on Slack asking for clever Mother’s Day ideas or cool date night ideas.  I can guarantee you’ll get some insights.  Which takes us back to the first Thang of this morning’s workout…life is better when it’s done in community.

–Speedo out