Yesterday, I filled out the registration for Blue Ridge Relay. I will be one of six men on team Mary Jane’s Last Dance (MJLD), named after a popular song from Papa Smurf’s favorite band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I also ran in the CoopStrong 4 mile race this weekend where I could not quite keep up with Captain Obvious who represented F3 well by finishing second overall (even though he never did catch Abu and Footloose, who had a one minute head start, but were pushing a kid for Ainsley’s Angels).  All that to say, Nelson Cooper, AKA Papa Smurf, has been on my mind lately. The workout today did not have a theme that was based on anything Papa Smurf, I didn’t even turn our warm up side straddle hops into Smurf Jacks, and I said nothing about Papa Smurf at any point during the workout.

However, as I sit typing this backblast, I am thinking about how Papa Smurf influenced F3ENC, and how much of a blessing that has been to my life. I am thinking about how the run today, which was basically a 35 minute fartlek with a 5 minute warm up and cool down, pushed me at a level I was rarely willing to push myself prior to F3 (thanks to Tortious and 10 Nails). I am thinking about how many men were present this morning who I have locked shields with not only to support each other with improving our physical strength, but also with improving our emotional, and spiritual strength. I am thinking about the friendships I have developed, something I was missing in my adult life before F3. As friends, we have been able to share dark secretes, those nasty things none of us should have because our sins thrive in the darkness “crouching at the door, eager to control you”.  

I am also thinking about Voorhees and 10 Nails our FNGs today. They may not realize yet the gift Abu gave them by inviting them out this morning, but hopefully over time they will. Because, when joining these men of F3, they are joining a brotherhood of men who desire to be servant leaders in their homes and communities. Men who recognize the need to be physically fit so they can take care of themselves and those around them. Men who recognize the need for fellowship with likeminded men who will lock shields and hold each other accountable to become their best selves. Men who recognize the need for faith, believing in something bigger than themselves, something that can guide them and they can submit to, because if any of us don’t make a conscious effort to decide what we put our faith in then something dark will choose us.  

I know that was a rabbit hole, but thinking about Papa Smurf always does that to me. He was a great man, who touched a lot of lives, and has left a strong legacy behind him. We can all draw inspiration from Papa’s life, and from the life Papa drew inspiration from, Jesus Christ.  

The Thang:

Started with 16 side straddle hops to give Strokes and Abu time to join us as they pulled into the parking lot hot.

Warm-up run to the bottom of Ernul St. on 10^th St.

Instructions were given to run a pattern of sprints/cool downs (sprint North/South, cool down East/West) making a double figure 8, actually a snowman would have been more accurate. There was a little confusion with the instructions, but they were super clear to me. So, just follow the blinking red light if you can keep up!

With 5 minutes left everyone was instructed to run back to the shovel flag.

COT

Prayers – Angus’s sister returned home from the hospital after surgery for cancer, Gazelle’s family friend died from a heart attack