On another mild November morning, 24 PAX showed up for the Vortex. We tried to mix in a bit more 2nd F into the workout this time. Unfortunately, pulling back on the throttle enough that everyone had 3-8 min during the workout in which they could talk meant that it might not have been as challenging a 1st F as some were expecting. So much in life happens on the margins! The 30-second difference between a 5:30 and a 5:00 mile represents months of training, and a single ten-count can be the difference between splashing merlot and glory.
The silver lining, of course, is that it was fantastic to start hearing people’s stories. There are such terrific guys in the group! I can only rarely make the separate 2nd F activities and aspire to find a way to build more fellowship into the workouts themselves without compromising the intensity. I’ve already signed up for another Q and promise there won’t be as much recovery time…
After the customary warm-up lap and exercises, we divided into six teams of four. PAX rotated through four stations, with the goal of two full rotations (a few groups achieved this):
- 800-meter run (this was the “timer” for the exercise, after which team members rotated)
- “Vortex Pinball” – bear crawl 32 yds; 5 burpees; crab walk 32 yds; 5 burpees; etc.
- Swings and Merkins – Alternating 20-count KB swings and merkins
- Superman (one lap) and ‘Bows and Toes (one lap) – This was the “rest” station, in which PAX were supposed to learn from another guy (A) his F3 name; (B) hospital name; (C) how he got his F3 name; (D) hero; and (E) most important earthly relationship.
We tried to sneak in a ring of fire before COT but accumulated too many penalty merkins to make it around. The goal was for each PAX to report out the name, hospital name, and hero of one of the other PAX—or subject the group to five merkins. Many merkins!
MOLESKIN:
- We were lucky to have two special guests, Bono (F3 ENC) and Dr. Feelgood (F3 Charlotte).
- Great to see Coco recovering from his injury.
- Blindside was spotted getting in a good ruck in advance of the workout and will be ready for the Heavy!
- While I regret it if anyone didn’t get a good enough workout, I don’t regret getting to know folks a bit more. What a great crew.