Aahhh, the Urban Jungle.  My first ever Q.  In the 2+ years since Orwell EH’d me into the Gloom, this has been one of my favorite AO’s.  But, it’s been awhile since I’ve posted here ever since the Blitz moved to Carroll.  I’ve taken a liking to Kettlebells but it was good to be back and the gloom certainly showed itself.  It’s been so dry lately, YHC was kinda missing a wet morning that greets you when the alarm goes off and you hear the downpour outside.  YHC arrived early to scope out the final details of today’s #downpainment.  T-Claps to Azul who was already rucking around and after a quick tour around North Hills, the plan was set.  As YHC ran back to the gathering spot, more cars had come but no PAX were out warming up – it was raining, but not very heavy.  A quick motion to the PAX to get out in the Gloom and soon we had a crowd.  (more on this later)

With 19 PAX and no FNG’s, a quick disclaimer and we got down to it.  The Thang:

Warmup:  SSH x21, Imperial Walkers x21, 50 single count merkins (a shout out to site Q Larry David).  At this point, YHC explained that the next 6 minutes would be terrible and proceeded to introduce the Burpee Buster (5 burpee types, 6 reps each, 30 burpees total) – Round 1 should take about 3 min to complete.  YHC set his watch for 6 min and we were off.

  • Standard Burpees x 6
  • Jump Knee Tuck Burpees x 6
  • Hand Release Burpees (time to get wet PAX) x 6
  • Prison Cell Merkin Burpees x 6
  • Ski Ab Burpees x 6

After round 1, audible.  3 min was enough for now.  Warmup over.  Recover on the jog to the bottom of the parking garage just outside the JCPenney entrance near the escalators.  YHC had the PAX form 2 lines and asked the 2.0’s if they liked a 30% discount – of course!  Welcome to ManRam’s gym.  YHC had parked his car here, popped the trunk and pulled out 2 30lb dumbbells.  Each line got one with instructions to pass it down the line during the Indian Run and the last man in line would run it back to the front.  The 2.0’s would lead.  We then began running around the parking garage and up each level to the top finally stopping at the escalators outside Mura.  Proceed down to Level 1 – put weights back in the trunk.

Time for Level 1, 2 and 3 drills.

  • Level 1 drill:  4 Merkins + 8 Mountain Climbers (do this 4 times and run up to the next level)
  • Level 2 drill:  8 Merkins + 16 Mountain Climbers (do this 2 times and run up to the top level)
  • Level 3 drill:  16 Merkins + 32 Mountain Climbers
  • Squat Hold waiting for PAX to finish

Recover on the jog around the corner to the Fountain by McAlister’s Deli.  Circle up.

  • Alternating Left – Right step ups (first step only) x 21
  • Irkins (top step) x 21
  • Dips x 10
  • Elevated LBC’s (feet on first step) x 21
  • Alternating L-R step ups to second step x 21
  • Irkins (bottom step) x 21
  • Dips x 10 (5 w/ Right leg raised, 5 w/ Left leg raised)
  • Elevated LBC’s x 21

Recover on the jog to the entrance to the parking deck and down to the first stop sign.  Split back up into 2 groups (Group 1 on one wall, Group 2 across from them on the other wall)

  • Group 1 – Balls to the Wall
  • Group 2 – People’s Chair
  • 15 count cadence then flapjack (we did this 3 times)

Recover on the jog down the ramp to Level 1, make a U-turn down 1 aisle and halfway down, AYG sprint to the back wall.  Squat Hold waiting for the PAX

** At this point, we saw a rather large cockroach frantically wandering around so naturally, YHC calls for the “Dying Cockroach” x 21.  PAX confirmed the cockroach was dead before leaving.  I believe the 2.0’s took care of things.

Recover on the jog back to YHC’s car for some Mary

  • Reverse LBC’s x 21
  • American Hammers x21 (slow count by Larry David #brutal)
  • In and Outs x 21
  • Oblique Crunches (Left side x10, Right side x10 #crowdpleaser)
  • 10 Burpees OYO

COT

Moleskin:

  • The Gloom – before F3, I must admit, I’d gotten rather comfortable in the gym working out with some friends doing things like Insanity or T25.  The idea of exercise outdoors was usually reserved for a run and never in rainy, cold or hot weather and certainly not at 0-dark 30.  However, since venturing into the Gloom in April 2013, I’ve learned to push through elements which is very hard to do by yourself.  The F2 plays a huge part into why I post in 10 degree weather and higher, rain or snow.  I know brothers will be there to experience the gloom alongside me, pushing me to get better.  We’ve had a long string of nice weather lately and the gloom hasn’t presented much of anything other than it’s getting darker at the start of the workouts.  Today, the elements returned.  #EmbracetheGloom
  • The Umbrella – that being said, in all my time at F3, I’ve never seen a PAX emerge into the gloom with an umbrella.  That changed today – to which YHC quickly encouraged the PAX to put it away #EmbraceTheGloom
  • The Drive By – with rain in the sky, unnamed PAX asked before parking if we should gather under the parking deck – to which YHC replied #EmbraceTheGloom
  • Time to get wet – Hand release burpees will do that to you on a rainy day.  #EmbraceTheGloom
  • The dying cockroach was a complete audible, but pretty hilarious.

Announcements / Prayers:

  • 9/11 Stair Climb convergence at Crabtree Valley Mall by Panera Bread (515 arrival, 530 start).  All non-BRR PAX should post.
  • Yoda encouraged all PAX to come help out with the last day of a basketball tournament for Neighbor to Neighbor – this Sunday from 4-8pm.  Just mention you’re with F3 or get up with Yoda to help out.
  • ManRam’s son recovering from a concussion, Our exchange student from China transitioning as school has now started.

Yoda closed us out strong in prayer

Always a pleasure to serve.

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