04/12/2021 - Dark Tower - Merkins 6 ways, Chest & Back
AO: Dark Tower
When: 04/12/2021
PAX:
Number of Pax: 13
Pax Names: Augustus Gloop, Bjorn, Dabo, Dingo, Elway, Moonlight, Skilling, Smokey, Statesville, Townie, Twinning, Zima,
DR Names:
Number of FNGS: 1
FNG Names: Wilma
QIC: Skilling
Introduction
Ahhh… Q #2. That fun stage where I still feel like the new guy at this but I don’t get the “first timer” benefit of the doubt anymore. I wanted to get the week started off right with an upper body beatdown, because I know for me that’s what I need the most. Took some cues from one of my favorite P90X workouts back in the day and F3-ified it.
Augustus Gloop wanted to do an EC run so I figured there won’t be much running in the Bootcamp today so started off at 4:50 with 2 miles of extra fun with him and Bjorn. Then 5:15 hit and we were off.
Warm-O-Rama
30 SSH IC // :30 High-Knees // :30 Butt Kickers // 80 Arm Circles (20 each forward & back with fingers up and down.
The Thang
Grab coupons and mosey to Riverwalk Cafe
3 Part Thang
- All OYO: 50 Merkins // Wide Pullups @ Bridge on narrow beam, to failure // 40 Diamond Merkins / 30 Curls. Once finished, burpees to the 6. Did 5 burpees together once I noticed the 6 was just finishing up. Some HIMs did 20+ burpees, well done.
- In Cadence: 20 Hand & Foot Release Merkins (4 count superman at the bottom of each merkin) // <<Impromptu 0.25 mile mosey to the west bridge and back to the central bridge – felt like a jog to loosen the arms would be good before the pullups >> Then OYO: Close-Grip pullups on a narrow beam to failure // 30 Derkins // 20 Bent-Over Rows // Burpees to the 6.
- All Together: 10 Divebomber Merkins // 20 Lawnmowers w/coupon – Right Side // 20 Clap Merkins << some HIMs made 20 but most of us (YHC included) maybe got 5 or so then modified>> // 20 Lawnmowers w/coupon – Left Side. // 0.25 mile mosey to the west bridge and back around to Riverwalk.
Bonus Round: 50 Merkins or to failure, then hold plank until 2 minutes is up. // 30 more curls
Back to the parking lot for Mary & COT
Mary – didn’t have 7 minutes to spare this time 😀
- 20 4-count LBCs
- 30 American Hammers
6:00 – recover, recover.
Circle of Trust
Today I stepped out of my comfort zone. I’m not a merkin beast but the #1 to get better is to do it. Alot. Do what’s uncomfortable and expose yourself to something you’re not used to.
This same concept applies to inclusivity and appreciating others’ backgrounds. YHC grew up in 97% white suburb and went to Catholic school, was exposed to a lot of people who looked/thought like me through 18 yo. College and beyond have taught me there is value in other perspectives. From managing women’s basketball team @ SLU to working at Target where diversity and inclusion are central to the business, I am mindful of taking steps on the journey of being educated and exposed to other ways of thinking and diverse backgrounds and perspectives. You will be a better leader if you surround yourself with different views/backgrounds than your own.
Tonight starts the holy month of Ramadan for our Muslim brothers & sisters. Take time to learn more about their observance and be mindful that some among us are fasting sun-up to sun-down for the next month.
Prayers to Robin Hood as he recovers from surgery and for Appletini’s brother.
Naked Man Moleskin
It was again humbling to have the support of 12 fellow men as I led a beatdown in an area I don’t excel. As I looked around me I saw some beasts, some fellow lightweights doing their best, and some “Respect” HIMs doing some awe-inspiring stuff. Modifications were necessary for most of us, and we are all feeling the burn.
I like this about Mondays: I am able to assume nobody did a crazy workout the previous day in any one muscle group so I have carte blanche to choose a beatdown that will fit into everyone’s week.
Augustus Gloop was ready to assist at every turn and was an awesome site Q. He let me lead and had the 6 perfectly. I felt super confident pressing on with whatever came next and have you to thank.
Also T-Claps to Smokey, Twinning, and Dingo – you 3 are the only ones so far to see both Skilling Qs. AAR comments welcome as I work to get better every day.
To the other 8 men who joined for my Q #2, thank you much! If you’re feeling like me after that workout I’m thinking some Run Clubs may be in our future.