YHC is grateful for the Forge and was reminded as he emerged from his truck this week just how special this place is. As the mercury continues to rise from what seemed like a winter that would never end, so too has the pax of the Forge over the past few weeks. YHC with 5 minutes to spare was greeted by 20+ as he reached the gathering of men ready for an improvisational beat down, an there were still more to come. With 23 watching to see where the work would begin, YHC made a call to check for FNG’s and sure enough there were a few tucked in the circle. With one being a familiar face, a quick greeting was in order before the disclaimer was spouted, YHC then headed in through the main gate to get this thing started.
The Thang:
YHC led the pax around the pond and back to the grass in front of the stage for the firs COP of the morning. Warm-ups; Good Mornings x 15, Imperial Walkers x 15, SSH x 20, 5 Burpees OYO, back to the jog as the 24th pax rolls in. Around the carousel, for a Robert Plant x 2, back around the mechanical horsey ride to the base of the steps and get a full count.
Grab a partner size doesn’t matter, 45 Burpees at base of stairs and 150 Mericans at the top as a team, one works while the other runs the stairs, squat hold at the top when your done.
Realizing two lines had formed on the either side of the walkway, the Don Cornelius would be the next work, alternating plank work through the entire pax. R&R to the base of the half pipe.
Jacobs Ladder ascending Diamond Mericans at the top by the courts. R&R to the rocks on the other side of the tennis courts.
COP 2, pick a winner, curls x 12, extensions x 12, squat presses x 12, Mericans x 10, pass your rock, repeto x 10, rocks back.
Mosey to the courts where the pax had company sleeping on one of the center benches. Find your partner, partner 1 BTW partner 2 suicide, flip flop, R&R to the grass just below the courts.
COP 3, Mary, Freddy Merc’s x 20, Box Cutters x 20, American Hammers x 20, DONE!
Thanks to Flamer from Hickory for EHing FNG “Itty Bitty” from Morehead City, and great to see Trucker in town again . The naming was a little slow for the other fng “Carl’s Jr.” Holton Wilkerson, but I think that will suit him just fine, hope to see both FNG’s back out soon. A surprise celebrity appearance from New Mexico himself straight out of South Wake, good to have you back at the Forge brother.
The Skin:
As summer ticks ever closer, and FNG’s find there way to the Forge, YHC is reminded of that Tuesday morning almost 2 years ago when he too steped into the gloom for the first time. Never could you have convinced me then that I would be leading a group of men like this, especially in a workout setting. But God is gloriously good and always in control, and as always, He had a different plan for YHC. Now you couldn’t pry me away from Tuesday mornings at the Forge, especially when the Q is mine. Thanks to all those who continue to make this place what it is, a forge that molds men into the steel blades God desires them to be, thanks to those faithful that continue to sharpen me in the wee hours of Tuesday mornings and beyond. Thanks to God for saving me and showing me that He had more in store for another sad clown that was stuck in the same old rut. As my 2 year F3 mark quickly approaches and kicking at it’s heels, another of life’s age milestones, YHC is reminded that this is not it, that there is more in store for me. “the harvest is plenty and the workers are few” . Thanks in advance to those who will dig in right beside me, to those who will continue to sharpen me in those early hours and beyond. Aye!
CW
