09/04/2020 - Dark Tower - The Man in the Glass

AO: Dark Tower

When: 09/04/2020

PAX:

Number of Pax: 17

Pax Names: Augustus Gloop, Bjorn, Cousin Eddie, Ebeneezer, Goldberg, Moonlight, Mr. Nice Guy, Patchouli, Radio Flyer, Rainman, Riunite, Ronda Rousey, Serena, Shandy, Sun Devil, Townie, Wine in a Box,

DR Names:

Number of FNGS: 0

FNG Names:

QIC: Rain Man


Introduction

Pulled up… on a Thursday to get the AO ready for my anniversary Q. Goldberg and Wine in a Box looked like nomads but with ruck sacks. I’m unsure that I’m pretty sure they meandered around downtown Naperville talking about thangs and such. Smokey and Appletini appeared for a brief second and caught me off-guard. They thought the BD was at DT. When I saw them I quickly turned into Dustin Hoffman portraying Raymond in Rain Man trying to figure out how I was going to pivot the day’s plans. But they left, so I knew it would be impossible to not hit 21.

F3 Disclaimer was read

Warm-O-Rama

  • SSHs IC x 25
  • Deep Squat holds
  • Arm pull-aparts per my count
  • Raise the roofs per my count
  • Arm circles (B+F) per my count
  • Quarter mile mosey
  • Directions were given for the work out.

The Thang

Thang 1: OYO

  • Groiners (x20)
  • Mountain Climbers (x50)
  • Lateral Hops (x50)
  • Glute Raises with Coupons (x50)
  • Coupon Forearm Curls (x20)
  • Repeat in reverse

Music played: Locomotive Breath (Jethro Tull); War (Edwin Starr); Real Big (Mannie Fresh)

Thang 2: Team A vs Team B

  • Teams were divided into two and had six stations to complete exercises at. Each station had a designated agility pod (Red, White, Blue and Yellow). Each team member was asked to perform five reps each but not at the same time and could only move to the next station once everyone completed their tasks. PAX were required to do SSHs while each individual completed their reps. As such, we moved the entire time. PAX were required to sprint from station to station.
    • Red pod: Ranger merkins
    • White: Werkins
    • Blue: Burpees
    • Yellow: Yurpees
  • Team A was victorious.

Circle of Trust

CoR

NoR

Announcements

The Man in the Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for self,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn’t your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgement upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear up to the end,
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and “chisel” a plum,
And think you’re a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass.

Naked Man Moleskin

Whether its just good morning, what’s up?, or a 50+ text messages from fellow PAX, I am grateful to get to experience F3 when I can. I don’t have long-winded conversations with guys like Augustus Gloop, Townie and Moonlight but when I see them, I’m glad they are there. This community has much to offer and, at times, I feel like there is more to gain. There is. And it will continue to evolve.

Over the past year I can recall quite a few core memories. And there were many firsts: my first day, Iron Pax, ruck, first and second black diamonds. I remember doing 17 miles during Lincoln Games and meeting guys like Flush, Webelos, Faceplant, Bob Ross, Dilly Dilly and Super 8 for the first time. The clown car out to Holy Hill was a treat. The Noonan Convergence hit home but was special.

I know we come from all walks of life and we don’t all agree on everything. It’s impossible. But being in agreement or where we are from doesn’t matter. What matters is how you invest in the 45-60 minutes at the beginning of each day and being there for one another and continuing to remind yourself that you will be the best version of yourself for you and your fellow PAX. After all, I woke up today, looked at the man in the glass and knew that I had the opportunity to be a better me and I could do the same for you. Thank you, F3.

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