The original plan for Mighty Jungle today was an F3 Dad’s workout and as the Q, I had planned some activities I thought kids might enjoy. But then Turnpike and I made the joint decision to cancel based on the late sunrise and the colder temps. I considered leading a generic bootcamp before coming to the conclusion that F3 men were like overgrown children and the planned activities would work just as well.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
At 0700 we ran to the far end of the parking lot where we proceeded up and down the lot with Butt Kickers, High Knees, Shuffle left and right and finally a Sprint. From there we worked our way over to the first set of cards for the warmup. I had previously set a grid of 16 cards (8 pairs) for an easy game of Memory. As like all the times before, YHC allowed the men to come up with their own process for turning over cards and trying to make matches. And as before, there was a moment when I thought we might be doing IST, SSH and Peter Parkers for the entire hour. But then Rodeo’s 2.0 stepped forward and started finding pair after pair. He was so good that I suggested we name him “Match.com” but Rodeo felt the M might not be appreciative.
After the extended CoP, we each grabbed a block as I explained the next game which consisted of AMRAP exercises with a runner as the “timer”. We started with Skull Crushers while Bagboy ran to the end of the lot (about 50 yards), grabbed an inflated balloon and returned to the circle. He popped the balloon to reveal a slip of paper with the next exercise. We then rinsed and repeatoed for all 16 men doing various exercises all using blocks. Back-to-back Zamperini was frowned upon, but Blockies were the true crowd pleaser.
After everyone had a chance to run, we returned the blocks and moseyed to the far end of the lot where I had a larger, 40-card grid of cards for the main event. Toxic, who had played at a previous workout, took the time to explain to the group that if each man were responsible for memorizing just 2-3 cards, whenever someone else turned over a card that matched one of yours, you would speak up, make the match and be done with that exercise. Easy Peasy? You would think, but we proceeeded to do several rounds of Burpees, Dry Docks and J-Lo. The only thing the guys DID remember was when YHC’s cadence exceeded the required number of reps.
We ran out of time before we ran out of cards. Fortunately MARY exercises were mixed in this morning so we had a well-rounded workout when time expired. We circled up for CoT where instead of wrapping up with the traditional prayer, I took a moment to reflect on an issue that I had witnesses a couple of times this past week.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIOR
On Halloween, the M innocently asked what *time* kids would be trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Not having an answer, I checked Nextdoor where I found neighbors slinging hurtful speech at each other regarding whether to postpone Halloween until Friday night due to the expected storms Thursday night. There were strong opinions in favor of both sides and no one held back any punches in letting the other know their logic was dumb.
That was followed up on Friday by men in F3 LKN getting personal on Slack. The topic was politics and instead of focusing on the issues, talk turned to opinions of individuals. And by individuals, I am not talking about the politicians but the men who work out together. The same men that we are seeking to turn into leaders in our community through peer-led workouts and fellowship.
If you don’t agree with someone, there is no need to disparage them. Either explain your position without the emotion or walk away. No one is going to change their view because you treated them like dirt. Whether you follow the Golden Rule or WWJD, find a way to show a minimum of respect toward everyone you meet. You don’t have to agree with their view to respect their dignity as one of God’s children. John 13:34 doesn’t apply to only those who deserve it or return the favor.
LOCKER ROOM TALK
- Crocs seems to have retired the Millennial Falcon in favor of a real speaker. But he has not retired his adult contemporary playlist.
- Stapler brought an FNG from NJ (Bryan). I suggested “Armpit” (said with total love as a former Jerseyan) but he opted to name him Monday at Man Maker.
- Crocs and Pitstop ran “just” 5 miles before the workout. Jethro (and Callahan) ran “just” 3. YHC ran around the parking lot and was totally winded. “Just” is relative.
- Toxic has played Memory twice now and still gave bad advice to others when trying to make a match.
- Conversation kept getting to PG-13 levels before someone would mention Rodeo’s 2.0 (Tony Stark) needing ear muffs. #oopsies
- Jethro has the Q next week. I told him a 5-mile run is not allowed, but I can’t promise he’ll “remember”.
- Enjoy your extra hour of sleep tonight!