Memorial Day weekend can be a bit empty in Raleigh, and I wasn’t sure what to expect given the holiday weekend. Thirteen PAX showed up ready to put the finishing touches on their beach/pool bods. The weather was perfect — a mild 64 at start. Quick disclaimer was given to all in attendance, (including the reminder that my fitness level isn’t quite as high as many who Q whiplash) and we were off. If you’re reading this and the workout sounds familiar in pieces or parts please know my attempt is to flatter the lucky person from whom I stole the idea.
Warm-up
SSH x 20
Good morning x 20
Sir Fazio Arm Circles x 10 both ways
20 mountain climbers
20 single count merkins
The Thang:
The Maize Mile seems to be a favorite at this sight, and it seemed fitting to start here. We added a partner chase with eight wide grip merkins to spice it up a little bit. Pretty good pace led by Huxtable and Lutz, I think. A brief plank session while everyone returned.
After a quick run down to the side of the Dojo I borrowed one from Wendell Gee. A round of Triple Mary and more ab work seemed fitting given the weekend. One WWII, one three count low, slow flutter, and one three count LBC to start with another one added until ten. My abs were burning. Very little chatter which obviously means it wasn’t too hard.
The hill up to 440 is a nemesis of mine. I debated hiding from it, but (as Flatline reminded me on the way up) take it slow and steady, one step at a time. We ran up the hill and did a brief people’s chair while we waited for everyone to arrive. My original thought was to do a set of 11s all the way across the 440 bridge, but after seeing the bridge thought better of this. Improv is important out here. The 11 was mountain climber merkins and reverse LBC. Working out in a gym is one thing. Working out outside with fellow PAX is completely different. With each trip back and forth there was a lot of encouragement offered to each PAX — those leading and those of us (YHC included) in the back. The leaders led a brief plank session again while we finished.
We ran out of time a bit, and Denali led us down the hill back to the flat hill between the parking lot and amphitheater. Cones were in place from the previous night’s concert and one last suicide drill was performed.
Mary:
Rosalita x 20
Have a nice day (which was stolen from Encroachment, and I try to do at the end of every workout when I Q).
Naked Moleskin:
The North Carolina Art Museum is one of if not my absolute favorite AO. The open areas, trees, great paths, and sunrises (although it was pointed out this morning my timing wasn’t as good on seeing the sunset — not my fault as it was before start time), all make for a beautiful if not challenging start to the morning. I don’t sleep well the night before a Q and am always a bit self-conscious about saying the right thing (especially with Maize there as he “nicely” pointed out a few corrections on my counting, etc.), but I do enjoy being able to lead a dedicated group of men.
Announcements:
F3 Dads is June 4th at 9:30 and will last about 45 minutes.
Zero Hour and Carrol Middle School (running and non-running option) at 7:00 on Memorial Day.
Prayers to the wives of Leandro and Serge who are expecting 2.0s; Serge’s wife is due Monday!
Man Crush.
