29 degrees is cold by most standards, especially here in the south where the average lows are about 36 this time of year but going below 30 tends to be a fall line of sorts. I think that’s when DREDD goes with a long sleeve t-shirt for added warmth. Tool Time may even keep the tank top in the drawer and go with some sleeves. But neither of them posted at the GasHouse this morning (not that I expected them too). Gold Digger had the Q at Folsom which was sure to draw the bat flippers and NOGA locals. Flintstone had a birthday Q in Belmont, and Breaker Breaker was rucking for canned food – I kind of expected low numbers. Linus is recovering from foot issues decided to join JJ and YHC for the bootcamp. A few others were going to stick with TopHat for the Pain Lab. All veterans, so no disclaimer needed. We got the pledge first and then went with an slow build warm-up.

  • SSH IC x 10
  • Get in plank:
    • Right glute stretch; right hand up – hold
    • Left glute stretch; left hand up – hold
    • Merkins IC x 10
    • Mtn Climbers IC x 10
  • Toy Soldier IC x 10
  • Butt Kickers IC x 10

Warm-up complete, we split the circle. Bootcamp moseys a short distance across Garrison to the back of Akers Pharmacy to the brick wall. 10 Hip Slappers (SC), bear-crawl the parking lot for 10 merkins; run a lap around the building – 3 total rounds. The three of us shared our mechanically challenged brains to repair appliances – specifically washing machines. Linus enjoyed his recent experience at a local laundry mat. Now with our shoulders and biceps warm – lets go to the next stop at the First Presbyterian Churck. A few months ago, setting up for the outdoor service in the church parking lot, we had some flags where the base was not sturdy enough to brace the breeze. I searched the area for something to add weight and when I went around to the rear of the scout hut low and behold there is an 4′ tall stack of stone left over from the church’s construction more than 50 years ago. I made a mental note of the natural coupons which would also be COVID safe (though I think we’ve validated the Rona doesn’t live on surfaces). Each of us grabbed a stone. JJ inquired if size matters? Nope, it’s a you vs. you workout, pick your poison. We migrated to the front of the scout hut with the 2′ wall which was a perfect height.

  • Step-ups – right x 10, then left x 10 – hold your stone
  • Dips x 10
    • 3 rounds
  • Glute Bridge – hold your stone in your lap – right x 10, left x 10
  • On your six – press x 10
    • 3 rounds
  • Squat Thrusters x 10
  • Merkins x 10
  • Mtn. Climbers x 10
    • 3 rounds

Keep your stone and mosey to the bottom of the hill that leads up to the youth building. This was to be a Dora-like partner workout. Linus opted to be the single to monitor his pace/foot. JJ and I traded off between running and strength work.

  • Curls
  • Shoulder Press
  • Bench Press
  • Front Raise

P1 was to complete 100 aggregate while P2 ran the hill and back. Rarely does this routine break evenly, but for this occasion, the distance and reps timed out perfectly. Maybe it was JJ and I had a yen/yang going which breaks the blue vs. red tension.

We had a few more minutes to burn so we returned the stones and fellowship moseyed to the side of the church for what I believe should be called “The Sister Act.” I don’t know him as well as some, but I do know when it comes to exercise – the Triple Nickle, Burpees, and Hand Release Merkins are among his favorites – so I give you The SA: 5 Hand Release Merkins at the bottom of the small hill, 5 Burpees at the top under the portico for 5 rounds.

We slow moseyed back to base where the ruckers had returned and Top Hat was finishing his 12 Days of Pain Lab. We got in a bit of Mary and that was time.

Announcements – Convergence January 9th at Folsom (that’s a Saturday Whoopee) at 7 am. Prayers – Linus’ Father-in-Law, the Whetstone Program. I took us out.

Moleskin – it could be worse as in weather. Roscoe confirmed it was 10 degrees in other northern state AOs like Minneapolis and Chicago. I guess it’s relative to where you live. I personally don’t like the cold. But that element wasn’t really a factor once we got moving. It was an fun way to spend an cold morning. Until the next one.