20 hard-chargers sallied forth for a pleasant plaza promenade and pieta party with a side order of Q v Q. 

YHC (Goat) launched the Q v Q proceedings with a textbook disclaimer and assignment of a six monitor. 

The pax circled up for a CoP warm-up delivered in an authoritative, clear, military-issued cadence.  Having been properly warmed and loosened, the pax were capably led over to the Pieta where further muster, instruction and inspection was delivered around a seasonably-suitable theme which had been created, gestated, articulated, formulated for the betterment of the pax by a Q who cares about the pax’ strength, cardio-vascular endurance and even their mobility.  

Thus commenced a Mary Mobility Moment which was appropriately named a Marybility Moment as we dove deep into a Lenten art appreciation session.  We learned that the statue in front of us depicted Mary holding Jesus after he was taken down from the cross.  The statue – the Madonna della Pieta aka “Our Lady of Pieta” – is a replica of a Michelangelo piece in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The original statue was formed in Cararra marble by Michelangelo in 1498-1499.

With this information promulgated, we adjourned to the pull-up bars in the far corner where we did one pull-up, one chin-up, one commando-up and one toes-to-bar.

Back we ran to the statuary for more art appreciation and another Marybility moment (Gambini opined that we should investigate the other statues on the plaza, but it turned out that the replica of Michelangelo’s “young David” statue was actually just Popcorn standing around in the full nude after his standard run, so we opted to skip that one).  Instead we focused on some of the meaning in the Pieta.  One important thing to note is the portrayal of Mary.  The crucified Jesus was 33 years old, but Mary’s face is clearly a “young” mother, and furthermore her face is not portrayed in sadness or anguish as in some other pieces.  Mary’s right hand supports her son, but is separated from him by a cloth. Her right hand does not touch him, but gestures outward toward the viewer.  Her size is disproportionate, which is interesting as Michelangelo’ style was typically hyper-accurate realism.  We discussed the possible meanings of these facets while we streched, merkin’d and even burpee’d.

Of note in the art lessons was Airstream’s valorious performance in helping the pax avoid numerous burpee penalties.

Having completed our second art lesson of the morning, we headed back to the bars for another pull-up.  Yes. One pull-up.  

It was nearing time to turn over the Q, so YHC used a moment to remind anyone who would listen of the following:

• A textbook disclaimer had been given
• A six had been assigned.  Again… textbook move.
• The cadences had been delivered in clear, pleasing dolce monotones.
• An appropriate theme had been articulated and expounded upon.
• The various accoutrements of the AO had been properly utilized.

If there as a TopGun for Q’s, everyone had just witnessed Iceman!   Textbook from start to finish (nod here to the great Val Kilmer,  (RIP Iceman/Doc Holliday/Jim Morrison).

Next up was the great (and young) Ichabod.

The young buck opened a can of whoop butt with a kettle-bell driven Dora.  To sum it up there was extensive lifting, heaving, running, backward running, crawling, jumping, hopping, dropping and bopping.  Sweat poured.  Heartrates soared.   Music blared.  Nostrils flared. In the midst of it all the fruit seller encouraged and cajoled, while taking the time to not-so-subtly remind the pax that YHC was the one who had given out punishment burpees. 

Finally time ran out, and the college of Cardinals convened behind closed doors for serious deliberation. Much to the crowd’s relief, we soon had a puff of white smoke from the chimney.  A new Pope had been chosen!

Or something like that.

Ichabod’s side of the workout was definitely more painful, but apparently the College of Cardinals appreciated the Marybility Art Appreicationg Lenten Lesson and YHC will move along to face my Q v. Q kryptonite (aka 9 lives).

With the beat down complete, we ambled over to Caribou to continue the Caribou v. Starbucks discussion as other AO’s gathered as well. 

In closing, I will reiterate what I said in CoT:  In a short time Ichabod has emerged as inspiration for YHC. His EH story is one of the best. His nickname is cool.  His transformation over his first year was amazing and he is now one of our elite athletes. For those who don’t know, every month on FB he goes over his accomplishments and even some of the things he struggles with.  I love that he is working on constant improvement for himself and his family, and I look forward to seeing those posts.  We are better with that young pumpkin head among us.  Aye.

GG sends.