Pregame

I anticipated a healthy turnout at Basecamp today given the glorious temps (54 degrees at go-time!) and a desire to get a pre-holiday workout in. However, YHC arrived to an eerily empty parking lot, that is, of course, until the ever reliable @Rambler came rolling up with his newly minted plates. See:  https://f3churham.slack.com/files/U5MRTE953/F8J6S5KB3/img_20171222_180301.jpg.

I also brought Toby along for his first ruck (YHC’s 85 pound lab mix) and he greeted Rambler quite enthusiastically upon arrival.  We waited until 6:05 expecting at least one more to show (Beanbag, perhaps?) but alas it didn’t happen. Off we go….

The Thang

As is often the case, I wanted to do a mix of roads and trails. The trails were especially attractive for the second half since Toby was off-leash (shhhhh) and there’d be less risk of cars, bikes, and other dogs to distract Toby.  We headed west along the perimeter of Briar Chapel and then entered the trail head near the original dog park.  From there, trails up to Catulo Run and then the climb up Bennett Mountain, which is the tallest peak in Briar Chapel, which, of course, is not saying much. But it does a nice change of pace.

COT

F3 has been a wonderful part of my life this year.  When I started, I didn’t have much expectation other than to get in better shape and perhaps meet a few men from the hood. It has, however, far exceeded those expectations. I’ve lost 10+ pounds, seemingly solved a recurring back problem, and made incredible friendships along the way. It’s developed me physically, mentally, and in many other countless ways (leadership, volunteering, and so on) and it’s been a ton of fun.

I’m always encouraging others to join given the benefits I know these men would realize.  I encourage everyone to continue to reach out and EH other men who don’t know they need F3.

Happy Holidays!