Lightbulb

Today was my first time to Biggerstaff Park ever. Trying to be a good team leader I did some computer recon the night before, however there is nothing like being on the ground and checking out a new AO so I got to the park a little early. I had no trouble finding the spot-Dolph was there with the shovel flag and ready to go. Shortly after I arrived, 9 more alleged convicts from cell block F came thru the Sally Port to leave some sweat at Folsom and dodge the shakedown by the PoPo rolling thru the gloom this morning.

Here is what I remember-we started with the disclaimer then our WU: 10-15 reps IC of the following: SSH, Merkins, Freddy Mercury, Monkey Humpers, Scorpion Dry Docks, and (old man) Don Quixote. After the WU, we moseyed down to the bathroom area for some Dora 1-2-3 with partners. Instead of total number of reps, I set a secret timer with the duration known only to me. We did 3 minutes of Merkins, 4 minutes of LBC, and 5 minutes of squats (partner A did exercise and partner B ran short loop in front of bathroom then flapjack when partner B returns to start).

The walls of the bathroom were really nice, so I decided we did not need to go anywhere yet. Hip slappers were next-we had a few jokes, however, none were particularly funny so we just keep doing hip slappers…I really like these.

Once we semi-recovered from this, Freight led us to the picnic area and we did a few rounds of Dips and Squats IC. During the pauses to recover we talked a bit about the origins of F3 (Dredd and OBT) as well as the 5 rules of F3. I remember really enjoying these discussions when the Fort Mill and CLT guys started us off, not because I remember what they said, but because I really needed some time to catch my breath and recover. We also reviewed “how to count-F3 style” and took turns doing a few exercises IC with the Folsom guys-GREAT JOB!! I still remember my first time leading exercises with CSPAN and Swiper and feeling very……unintelligent. It’s not that hard, however the situation makes it awkward until you do it a few times. Keep working and if you forget, you can google “how to count F3” and see OBT and Dredd with a short video the night before you do your virgin Q. I think we finished with 5 burpees OYO then moseyed back to start. We did the pledge (thanks someone, maybe Freight, for the reminder) then our namorama and COT. Sorry Medicine Woman, can’t give yourself an F3 name. Moose does sound tougher, however, you get what you get and I would not ask for another. It is liable to be much worse.

Later in the day I told Bandit I had one of those “aha” moments. You know, when the light bulb goes on in your head and you realize things are not what they have seemed in a GOOD way? Starting this new AO in Dallas is what we have been training for over the last 11 months-I know we have been told that, but it really did not sink in until after the workout this morning. Getting there early and talking with Dolph, teaching the Folsom guys how to count, talking about the F3 rules, explaining what “you vs you” means, and spending time at the COT watching these guys interact with each other-that is what we are about. Exercise is just the means to get us started on this journey with each other. We are a bunch of guys who like to exercise, however, we are not JUST a bunch of guys who like to exercise, we are F3 and that means so much more. I am just starting to get it. What a great start to my day….Thanks guys.

I am ready for some warmer weather. I got a new redheartthing and can’t wait to post in it….#BRRchallenge.