Four years ago on this day, YHC stood alone in a dark parking lot wondering what he had gotten himself into – and wondering if anyone else would show up. A handful of men appeared, then one who introduced himself as Wuerffel stepped into the circle to lead, and this is what he had in store.
Four years later, this wonderful morning started with six on EC pull-ups, then a swell of 36 total PAX for the main event that filled the QIC with both pride and a major adrenaline shot. The turnout mandated that YHC modify the original workout, but the spirit of the beatdown remained the same.
WARMUP
SSH
Arm Circles
Mountain Climbers
THE THANG
Jacob’s Ladder:
Sprint up the big hil for 20 then 15, 10, and 5 Merkins
Sprint down for 5, then 10, 15, and 20 Squats
The Beast (six exercises, six modes of transportation, six reps IC):
1) Walking Lunges and Merkins
2) Karaoke and Carolina Dry Docks
3) Sprints and Peter Parkers
4) Gorilla Crawl and WWIIs
5) Back Pedal and Parker Peters
6) Side Shuffles and Burpees
The PAX got it done so fast that they had time to run through The Beast twice!
MARY
LBC
Long Slow Flutter
Rocky Balboa
Burpees x6
Burpees x6
Burpees x6
Burpees x6
COT
When YHC first posted four years ago, he knew he was going to get a beatdown, but he couldn’t have imagined all the ways F3 would benefit him in the future. Yes, YHC is in much better shape than that first morning where Wuerffel smoked him and four others (shout out to Lo Pair, Windex, Turntable and Adolphus). But YHC is also mentally stronger, more confident, a better leader, with improved community awareness, and is living with a better sense of purpose.
So as F3 has grown, so has YHC. That’s a testament to the many people he’s met at F3 who serve as friends, role models, and inspirations. The personal growth has been great, but what’s been most rewarding is seeing others grow, whether it’s finding their F3 niche, or finding their voice. YHC loves the gloom, but has appreciated the 2nd and 3rd Fs even more.
Here’s to four years of being a better father, husband, brother, friend, co-worker and community member. Thank you to Adolphus for the EH back on day one, and thank you to all the PAX that have supported, pushed and held YHC accountable. Aye!