Oompa Loompa WOD

I think we’ve all been part of a WOD – a workout designed to honor someone special. Often these are military or other civil servant heroes and it’s an opportunity to push yourself and reflect on that person and use their greatness as motivation. We’ve all heard of the Murph, Tellier WOD, etc. I started seeing several lesser-known WODS through the summer on Strava from Pizza Man. Then, I began to see some names I recognized out of Midoriyama. Def Leppard WOD. Freight WOD. After attending the Freight WOD, I knew I needed to participate and honor someone I really appreciate. 16 attended this momentous occasion.

We warmed up with my standard stuff: SSH, Toy Soldiers, and Morrocan Night Clubs.

A few fun facts about Oompa: He is a proud former Marine, happily married with a very intelligent daughter (gets it from her mom, I suppose?), great at conversation (the 2-way kind…not just talking), loves to troll (mumble chatter), and he is old. Some of those things play into this Q.

We’ll do an exercise for each letter of his F3 name – most will be 60 reps each however, the burpees will be AMRAP for 60 seconds (didn’t want to kill him). After each set we took a run up and down the street. The distance was tweaked through the workout according to time.

O – OYO Burpees for 60 seconds
O – OYO Burpees for 60 seconds
M – Mountain Climbers 60 reps
P – People’s Air Presses 60 reps (people’s chair while doing overhead air presses
A – Australian Mountain Climbers 60 reps (a real crowd favorite)

22 for the Vets – Oompa counted them in TRUE Oompa fashion

L – Lunges 60 reps
O – OYO Burpees for 60 seconds
O – OYO Burpees for 60 seconds
M – Mountain Climbers 60 reps
P – People’s Air Presses 60 reps (skipped the run after these due to time)
A – Australian Mountain Climbers 60 reps

22 for the Vets – Wichita called these because he does Merkins

Most covered about 3.3 miles today.

Throughout the workout, I shared a few of my favorite Oompa stories as did some of the other PAX. Thanks to those who shared. Honestly, I think hearing some of the stories was the best part. I can’t possibly tell them all, but common themes were: Oompa is a great friend and listener, he is super-supportive, he has your back, he loves to be a part of F3 Gastonia, he doesn’t take no for an answer, and he still have a few sprints left in those legs!

Many prayer requests! SA’s family, Stogie’s father, Westside M-in-law, Double Stuff’s friend, Montross’ aunt, our leaders (I made a list and lost it so I apologize to those not in the list).

I hereby declare that August 29th be called “Oompa Loompa Day” in F3 Gastonia.

-Montross