Out of the Comfortzone

YHC stood alone in a empty lot, for once actually early, questioning his rationale for being there, and quietly hoping no one showed. Early, Cold, Wet, the things that make a Saturday morning fartsack seem like the place to be. As headlights appeared at the round about it was clear this morning’s workout was a go. As the headlights grew closer they were recognized as being Aquaman’s, meaning that this was going to be a good morning. YHC has had enough experience with F3 to learn that those horrible conditions often lead to some unique experiences, and some of the best workouts. As the clock struck 6:30 4 weekend warriors, experienced ENC leaders to the last, had resisted the pull of the excuses not post, and gathered under the shelter from the rain (not the wind) to move some weight.

A series of warm-up exercises, including a few variations of toe touches, got us started, followed by an absurd number of SSH to get us as warm as a freezing morning would allow. PAX then took turns with every man leading 10 reps of a kettlebell movement of his choice. Due to the weather conditions, YHC elected not to bring or use barbells even tough they are one of the coolest part of many BLBeatdown workouts. After the PAX led movements hitting most of the major muscle groups, we took a full rest before the grind to come. Rested, the PAX was directed the plan of 21-15-9 with KB swings, burpees, and jump lunges. 21 reps of each exercise, then 15 reps of each, followed by 9 reps of each with a run to the tree line after each round. as much as burpees can suck, and they did, the run was by far the worst. Till that point we remained nice and dry. It only took a few steps on the wet ground from the non-stop rain saturate your shoes, socks and everything else below the ankle. That is unless your Early Bird and were smart enough to wear waterproof boots! Two step in Abu says “are you serious?” Yes, YHC was, and even as this BB is days late not sure Abu has forgiven it yet. Smart money is on no, no he hasn’t. To pep it up some a small bluetooth speaker pumped out some of YHC’s favorite christmas jams including carol of the bells, run run rudolf, and the run dmc classic christmas in hollis. All 4 pushed hard and though the challenge and knocked it out. One last full rest before the final grind- 3 tabatas with the final 4 mins of tabata being non stop plank variations led by Early Bird. YHC will offer no critique on other’s plank form as none could have been worse than his finishing the round. and that was it. Plank tabata ended in full at 7:30 on the nose.

Prayer request for PAX as they face tough decisions, Abu’s back pain, Aquaman’s knee, Moses’ bypass, Butterworth’s M, San Fran’s M, and praise for the warm homes waiting for us.

Make sure to look out for all the opportunities coming this weekend. Great AOs as well as service opertunites, and 2nd too
•Feeding 5000 – Saturday 07:30-11:00 – contact Hot Spot
•Holliday Heroes wrapping party – Cypress Glen Saturday 09:00-11:00- contact Gazelle
•Star Wars Viewing party – Saturday 15:35 showtime – contact Cousin IT

The morning was case in point of the excuses of why not to do it are not as important as the reasons why you should. PAX was thankful of the men around him in CoT as he would not have been there without them. Work was done, weight was lifted, time was shared, and YHC is better for it. Looking forward to growing with you again, brothers …hopefully next time with dry feet!