Well, going back in time a bit, the burpeethon was something that the Gastonia PD put together as a fundraiser for Special Olympics NC. It was always a varied workout with burpees, but threatened to be discontinued this year after some outside workout organizations couldn’t get along. That’s when F3 Gastonia stepped in and said we wont let this cause die. It was a little difficult putting together our own event with the GPD regarding planning, stations, whose where, etc., but it all got done. My M (Officer J.A. Quinley) started to roll with it and Freight our undisputed Nantan got on board and we showed up to workouts to preregister and make it as painless as possible. With the support of our F3 group, that started as nothing more than a free mens workout, grew and grew and it truly humbled and inspired me. You are all HIM.
We started set up and in rolls the mobile command, squad cars, the mule and some other tactical SWAT gear to put on some razzle dazzle. Pax who posted started to show up, we had some very special Athletes there, who were amazing and pushed us, and the Ms and 2.0s who showed up as support and staff.
We opened with a moment of prayer from Officer Norton and then time to get down to it and the first heat teams are called. Dolph is a good friend of mine and he teamed up with me and we were in the first heat with four other teams. I didnt know who would struggle the most, me keeping up with him or him slowing down for me. The answer is, ME. The GPD has some pretty fit officers and they set the standards for exercises and demonstrated them to get the idea of what is and isn’t acceptable, but of course, modify as you need to. They also pulled out a five foot piece of rope and had that up the sleeve because it was truly a team event. The scene was set as we gathered around Rankin Lake and the weather was beautiful. Call to start and we started doing synchronized burpees, in which, each hold the end of a rope and do burpees in sync and this is where I crushed it. We were the first ones done. Unfortunately, we were passed by all teams by the time we got to station #2. Each teammate held their end of the rope as you moved thru the eight stations.
Station #1 – 20 synchronized burpees
Station #2 – Lunges from line to line (30 yards)
Station #3 – 100 Air Squats
Station #4 – Burpee broad jumps from line to line (30 yards)
Station #5 – 15 incline sit-ups (modified down from 25)
Station #6 – Duck walk from line to line (+/-40 yards)
Station #7 – Bear crawl from sign to sign (+/-40 yards)
Station #8 – 20 synchronized burpees
All stations done at various points of the lake loop that is +/-1.75 miles
Station #8 is where the rubber met the road. There were a couple other Clydesdales like me that struggled. I had to sit out for five minutes and then get back at it to finish it up. The point is that everyone finished. A special shout-out to “The M Squad”. Gena and Jo rocked a time of +/-26 minutes. Gena is a part of FIA and not sure what her name is, but it should be USS McCampbell. That is a Destroyer whose tag is “relentless in battle”. Jo, Tooltimes M showed up in flip flops and just ready to help take care of sign-ins and hand out shirts, until a last minute audible and she stepped up, borrowed a pair of shoes, got a shirt and did the work out on the fly. These women and animals and my hat is off to them!!!!!! By the way, this is the second person in a row that Tooltime has unknowingly backed the bus over. A few more and there will be a support group.
After all of the teams came in, we took a little trip to the mobile command and posed for a picture. Look for some more information in the newsletter. After this, turn the temperature up, because its time for the minute competitions. Max reps in 60 seconds for Burpees, Merkins, Sit-ups and hip slappers. This was awesome. I enjoyed this thoroughly, although I didnt come close to winning, but seeing the men in a circle around their bros cheering them on. Defib, Flush and Blart were the victors, with Defib taking two crowns.
Finish with a BOM
Moleskin – At the end of the day, F3 Gastonia brought in over $1,400 in sign ups, competitions and some very, very special men who donated some large amounts. I know who you are and you guys are ambassadors and have my respect. Thank you. I was worried when tasked with this if anyone would come out since it has a cost implication, does anyone care about this, etc. and I am truly blown away by your support and your actions. You men (and ladies) are examples of what it means to be truly exceptional. A special thanks to Freights M (Melissa) for her efforts and anyone else who came out in support (Linus, Hushpuppy, Ash Pond, Oompa) and Sidecars M for the Monster drink donation. Please forgive me if I missed any others, but we know you were there. Also thanks to all those who gave donations because you were elsewhere but saw fit to help out. It meant so much to those athletes that we were there. Tracy (SONC Athlete) mentioned in her speech that God doesn’t just put us anywhere, its where we can make the most impact. Hearing those words and seeing who they were coming from just blew me away. Jason, another athlete, who was getting pictures with all of us. Did you see their medals??? They are so proud of them and thanks to these efforts, they can enjoy the fellowship of their own in competition. I have attached a few pictures that are amazing, especially the shovel flag. Look for more in the newsletter. Look for a bigger and better one next year…they have started to plan it.
Thanks again…
