09/14/2020 - Iron Lion - That’s the only cinder block you could find?


Introduction

I rolled into IL around 4:30 and began to set up Thang 1 at the back end of Lisle HS under the lion mural.  I was greeted by a Lisle patrol car waiting around the last turn.  I started wondering if I was going to have to explain why a grown man was writing in kids colored chalk while running around setting up cones in the parking lot.  No mind was paid to what I was doing, so I finished up and headed back to the AO.

I had stored 24 tires that I had picked up on my own and with the help of Ebeneezer.  Baby Hands and Golberg arrived for their run and offered to bring tires down.  I appreciated the offer, but told them to enjoy the run.  Shortly after The Cornbread showed up on his bike and started helping me bring tires down to the parking lot.  I was carrying them down and TCB was nice enough to point out that tires roll.  I explained that the tires would get wet.  He threatened to beat me up while cursing and told me how nice my manicure looked.  Still, he reluctantly carried the tires down with me.  We finished up as the cars started rolling into the parking lot.

I have never Q’d for this many PAX before, so I definitely was feeling a bit of nerves and a rush of adrenaline at the same time.  Caught up with Eddie and he was on the ball with the latest HC news.  The thought of not delivering when people are making the effort to come out to support you is a real fear of mine.  It might be free, but there is a cost for everyone.  I loved seeing all those headlights ITG.  Greeted everyone personally and it was all smiles.  Exactly what I needed to see.  Time to find out where the rubber meets the road.

Warm-O-Rama

Standard disclaimer given and stressed turning about to insure all PAX heard me.

Side Straddle Hops IC 30

Lion Kings IC  15

Riunite Mixers IC 10 – check Eddie’s video for the demo of this exercise.

The Thang

Thang 1

Run to the back of Lisle HS (lion mural) with coupons and car tire.  Partner 1 farmer carries both coupons while Partner 2 carried the tire.  Modifications were made along the way.

P1 Two hand tire press toss – run to tire x 10 Derkins

P2 Baby carry to tire x 5 Blockies

Switch at 50 yd marker and return to start.

Repeat

Thang 2

P1 20 yd tire fips, 10 yd tire inch worms, 20 yd tire pull

P2 20 yd lunges , 10 yd Bear Crawl, 20 yd Nur

Switch at 50 yd marker and return to start.

Repeat

Thang 3

EMOM

All P1 work done with a tire.

P1 Overhead Tire Slams/P2 Antonio Browns

P1 Rocky Balboa Circles/P2 Monkey Humpers

P1 Moutain Climbers/P2 Lion Kings

P1 Tire push/press release/P2 Curls

Return to AO.  Partner 1 farmy carry with both coupons while Partner 2 carried the tire.  Modifications were made along the way.

Mary

LBC’s  75 IC

American Hammers 35 IC

Plank Variations until Eddie Called time for me.

Circle of Trust

“That’s the only cinder block you could find?”

I sincerely thank all of you!  You are here with me ITG for my anniversary Q and I’m honored to be in your presence.  I would kindly ask for your silence and for all of you to close your eyes at this time.  I’m hoping you will all take a trip with me to my first day and into the future.

I remember Nacho Libre rolling into my driveway vividly a year ago on this day to pick me up.  I was showered. Shaved. Sporting cologne and dressed in black.  I had a cinder block in hand that I had washed the night before in preparation for the unknown events that lay ahead.  We pulled into Dark Tower and I started to put in my Airpods.  Nacho just laughed.  “It’s not that kind of workout Jim”.  Strike one.  Airpods stayed in the car.  We got out and Nacho opened his trunk and looked at the cinder block that I had detailed in all its glory.  Nacho laughed again.  “That’s the only cinder block you could find?”  Strike two.  Granted, the coupon I brought on that first day was all sharp edges, had zero groves and probably could have sunk the Titanic on its own if it hit the right spot.  Strike three?  Well, you’ll have to show up at the Launchpad and ask Nacho to tell you about my first day on the bridge.  It’s worth the HC.  Nacho is a great storyteller and a fantastic Q.

I recall being amazed by the number of men who would show up @ 6:30 in morning to try and ruin a perfectly good Saturday.  Granted, I had yet to learn about the draw a good TCB Gun Day had.  I began to understand early in the workout why this group existed.  The bond was undeniable.  The sense of unity rang out as each man battled with each other and themselves.  The banter was pointed, hilarious and I think there was even a nut punch at the end delivered to Jackie Chiles.  I could not stop smiling.  I felt that this was something that would be only a fleeting moment in time if I did not fully commit.  I’m guessing this all might sound a bit dramatic, but it was true.

F3 has had a profound impact on my life.  It’s given me purpose and direction I came to understand I was lacking.  It made existing friendships stronger and has allowed me to make new and lasting bonds along the way.  F3 is a gift I received from a HIM I was coaching with, respected greatly and had seen in the pews with his family for years.  We absolutely need to share the gift of F3 with all men.  I seem to see Sad Clowns everywhere these days.  They are all waiting for that kind word.  That first, second, third and even 20th invite out ITG.  We can all do more!  It’s never enough.  Leave no man where you find him!  Pick up and never leave the six!  Have a positive impact on your brothers ITG!  We owe it to our families and our communities!  We.  Build.  Leaders!  Make no mistake.  Winter is coming.  I am Rowdy Ronda Rousey!!!!  Open your eyes, please hold out that fist bump and give me an F3 on three.  1, 2, 3 F3!!!

Naked Man Moleskin

Today was a special morning.  Thank you to all of you involved in making this happen. The words chosen by Baby Hands were very humbling.  Being recognized by your peers is always something to cherish, but it really is about all of us.  I continue to be amazed at the resolve, the willingness to help when asked, and the character of the men in this group.  I remember being present when Face Plant was awarded the belt for Q’ing his fight club workouts and his overall contributions to F3.  Today, I was lucky enough to receive the same belt and inside was a nice hand-written note to me from Face Plant congratulating me on taking ownership of the belt.  It’s the little things to me that mean the most.  Thank you Face Plant.

I could not remember the last time most of the original Iron Lion crew were together at the same time ITG.  You know who you are and I thank you for your continued support and friendship.

Cousin Eddie was on point the entire workout as Site Q and I could not have gotten through all the Thangs without Fake ID’s assistance.  The music sucked (there was no music), but Ann Arbor still seemed to like what was playing on the speaker.  “Bluetooth Ready” was the track.  Note to self.  Make sure your phone is unmuted before the workout.

Lastly, I’m hoping to pass along this belt soon.  I know there is one among us, or some FNG with a funny coupon, an affinity for the color black and the need to shower before a workout that deserves this honor.

 

 

 

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