Death by Blocks

Solid beatdown started with a standard disclaimer, warm-up, and mosey the long way to the back of the church.  We continued with 10x each of Nolan Ryans, American Hammers, and plank jacks, then it was time to get the blocks.  8 pax was a perfect number to partner up and rotate through 3 exercise stations:  Thrusters, Derkins (feet on the block), and uneven merkins (one hand on the block).  The 4th pair lunge-walked with farmer carry to the next station.  I set up the music and we got to work.  Pandora’s Heavy Metal station included Nirvana (which brought back some nostalgia for Cherie Berry), Korn, and a few ads because I don’t use Pandora enough to justify paying for it.  The ads were unwelcome, but I heard more grumbling about the assigned exercises, which very quickly burned out the shoulders.  After one full round, we paused for 10x each of Nolan Ryans, American Hammers, and plank jacks.  Then rinse and repeat for another full round.  At the start of round 3, it was time to change things up:  Same 3 stations with World War 3’s, Swings, and – selected by Orangeman – blockies!  We still lunge-walked between stations but pax choice of how to carry the block.  After 2 more full rounds, with Nolan Ryans, American Hammers, and plank jacks in between, it was time to move on. 

Preparing for this Q, I wanted to find something to work the legs like the Cheddar Shredder that Hot Corner has so generously introduced to our region.  Searching the Exicon, I took some inspiration from the Bataan Death March and modified it to use blocks.  Pax lined up shoulder to shoulder holding blocks and started to lunge-walk in a line.  I started on one end (without block) and did 5 burpees, then returned to the line to take Cherie Berry’s block.  He did 5 burpees and took the next pax’s block, etc.  This was as gloriously miserable as it sounds.  After each pax took a turn, we returned the blocks and moseyed back to the flag.  With one minute to go, we finished with flutter kicks, scissor kicks, and the pledge. 

Announcements: 
– 2nd F lunch this Wednesday 1/17 at Whiskey Mill
– Sign up for pushing rocks challenge
– CSAUP in Mint Hill on Feb 17 to honor Rick Pinto.  4 hours of carrying heavy objects and other fun stuff; Hot Corner has details.

Prayers:
– Hot Corner’s family dealing with loss of grandmother
– Tooth Fairy’s family with new baby
– Pax on IR
– Praise and gratitude for “warm” 40 degree January morning and opportunity to get outside with other HIM’s

It was an honor to lead this morning.  Thanks to the pax who came out on a holiday Monday to join!

– Nutria