03/12/2024 - Swamp - We’re Called to Spur Each Other On

We’re Called to Spur Each Other On
Theme from Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

Conditions: breezy, 38 degrees, clear, absolutely no sunrise due to Daylight Saving Time switch

After a well-attended 2 mile EBS (6), we circled up, disclaimers agreed to and we got to it. This was the vid that got me in the mood:

Warm Up: OYO: stretches (Casey Kasums, neck, trunk). IC: Abe Vigodas, Mountain Climbers, Peter Parkers, Bird Dogs (6 seconds per side), Side / Back / Forward Lunge

The THANG:  We moseyed out of the park to a dirt lot off Lumber Street Lot (intentionally adjacent to the 20′ wide stream that separated us and the park) and I explained our challenge. :

“There are forces seen and unseen that want you to fail.” Not just physically. But at work, in your community, at home, in your family, in your marriage. So we better be ready for battle. We come here at 5:30am to work out, when our neighbors are sleeping, not because it’s easy but because it’s hard. (thank you, JFK). We’re here to do things we didn’t think we could, to crawl across fields that look like plains, to cross streams that look like rivers, to crank out burpees until we can do them in our sleep. Follow me please.

The Circuit – this routine three times:

• Cross the Stream. THIS was a fascinating experiment in observing the PAX. As I had recon’d the site and knew how deep it was (6″), and what lie beneath (small river stones), I jogged right across without hesitation. There were a few that followed immediately. But some stood on the bank, pondering the inevitability of soaking wet feet. Some searched up stream for dry rocks they could use as a bridge. And others chose the “10 burpee bypass” option. Though I egged them for not jumping in, there’s no judgement. I wonder what I would have done on the receiving end. On the second traverse, something cool happened: Dr. Luck chose to bearcrawled across the stream, boldly modifying up! Challenge accepted, by most of us anyway, and on the third crossing we were up to our elbows in cold river water. With feet already soaked, it wasn’t that big of a deal. “Go BIG or go home” was a comment that followed.

Mosey to North Gate Field for Synchronized Formation N/S/E/W. We lined up and did the following locomotion in different directions I called out randomly:

1. Crab Walks first time
2. Bear Crawls second time – followed by 10 penalty burpees for a late-comer
3. Lunges third time – followed by another 10 penalty burpees as not all of us crossed the stream

Mosey to Parking Lot Field

1.  Pair up for the Peoples Chair – 60 seconds
2. 4 men back to back for a Peoples Table – 60 seconds
3.  n/g ran out of time

6 Minutes of Mary – the usual suspects

My concluding statement: Gentlemen, I’m asking you to hold ME accountable. You all have permission and authority to speak into my life to make me better so that collectively we can become the men were designed to be. It’s not about me, but you and us.

CoR,NoR, CoT

These physical challenges along with the camaraderie and support we bring to F3 can and do prepare us for the battles of life. Those forces seen and unseen are the ones that want us to fail. It is a privilege to do battle with you, men. Let’s conquer this together.