YHC rolled into Pullen as the pre-ruckers were bear crawling their way out of the park, this would be the closest the pax would get to the inside of the park for another 45 minutes or so. With more time than normal to spare YHC engaged in a few pleasantries with those out for the special occasion as well as those Forge goers who had no idea what they were in store for. As the time got closer YHC noticed an FNG in the crowd, someone might need to remind Maize the FNG friendly workout is off of Millbrook and starts at 5:30. With a more generous than normal disclaimer given, we were off for a unique Forge morning.
The Thang:
Follow YHC up the lot, past the pool and upper lots, to the cul-de-sac, the one with the dumpsters and porta-john, circle up for warm-ups, first excercise, Good Morning’s x 15, next SSH x, oh wait who is that, it’s a woman with a purse excusing her way past Turkish Bath and Single Wide asking if the blue house is occupied, with a polite no, New Mexico opened the door for her to get down to business. I guess when nature calls there’s no holding back. Before the sound effects got too loud or the pax laughing began to distract her morning work, YHC made the call to continue our jog to a more private location. Up and across Pullen onto everyone’s favorite campus the mumble chatter was a little louder than normal at this point. Through the first tunnels YHC called for another COP to finish what we had started at Pullen. SSH x 24 (the only work that would have a theme, happy 2 year anniversary to me), IW’s x 15, Sir Nigel Fazio Arm Circles f&r x 10. Back to the jog.
Once on campus YHC had a few ideas, but opted with what he thought would suck the most, we made our way to the courtyard in front of Poe hall. As you arrive it doesn’t look like much, a nice green lawn with a short brick wall and a generous set of steps. YHC thought for a minute and decided the call would be 11’s, 10 Burpee’s at the top and 1 Merican at the bottom, over the wall both ways, go! 15 or so minutes later as the pax was finishing we gathered at the top of the stairs in Peoples Chair while everyone finished.
Back to the jog to find our next bit of work, down to the next set of tunnels, Bear Crawl Through, find a spot on the curb in front of Reynolds for some Quick Feet and Ericans. R&R back towards Pullen.
After a quick time check, YHC determined we had enough time to see if the telephone poles were still there, sure enough all 3 pieces tucked neetley in their corner. Half of the pax grabbed them and went for a spin while the rest of the pax worked through some Mary, then we flip flopped.
Short on time, YHC let the way back to Pullen where the pax would finally get to see the inside of the park. With a quick Robert Plant (for about half of the pax) YHC led the pax to the stone circle, and that was all of that.
Count off, 24 pax for 24 months, worked out well. Prayer request and announcements, and a short rant from YHC on the reasoning for going to the place that he thought would suck the most, and how 2 years of embracing that suck has not only made him more physically fit, but also has enhanced his spiritual outlook. YHC then shared with the pax how God has built his life up and how He can do the same for all who place their lives in the hands of Christ the King. With one FNG in the gloom and a pax catching their breath from a little yogging, the naming process went a little slower than normal. The final decision was made, welcome Brunswick Stew to F3 Raleigh.
Yoda took us out with a mighty word to God Himself.
Done!
The Skin:
YHC was a little nervous on the ride over, but as is routine for YHC that ride is usually a great time to talk with the Big Guy. With the peace that can only come from Him, YHC settled in and was excited to lead such a fine group of men for yet another edition of the Forge, where it all began 2 years ago. It was great to run beside some of the men whom YHC has become close to over these past few years, I wish you all could have been there to celebrate. But that is part of the beauty of the gloom, as a creature of habit too, YHC understands what it means to go to the sites you like on the mornings you like. There was definitely a voice missing with the absence of one of the site Q’s, and the Myrtle meter certainly wold have been up and down with all of the events of the morning, blue house, pole work, etc. The elusive sighting of WS for a pre ruck workout was good too, could have used him in the naming process. YHC had some time with Hat Tag later that morning , it was good to reminisce with the one who invited YHC only to basically bag it completely a year or so ago. Ther’s not enough time to mention everyone who has made an impact on YHC through relationships built in the gloom.
YHC will 2nd the words of Shaggy regarding the hopes of longevity in the gloom, YHC needs a lot of sharpening. Thanks for your willingness to run with me, as always it was a honor and a pleasure to lead.
See you in the gloom
CW out!
Aye!
