Saturday July 28, 104 men converged from all other regions such as Farmville, Washington, Carterico, Cape Fear, Raleigh, Carpex, New Bern, and Goldsboro to conquer the one and only Sasquatch and complete the 4th annual F3ENC CSAUP.  This year was different from the previous 3, as we added a ruck division that was successful, and we ran a new route working in 2 new AO’s. We convened at Town Commons and began with a 6:00 start time and went like this:

Begin with the disclaimer as we had 6 FNG’s run the Sasquatch this year.  Our brother HadAFarm delivered a quick message and word of prayer and we began with the first workout by Washington’s very own Largemouth.

Running: The running competitors took off to Aycock for the second AO and workout led by Frey Daddy from Raleigh.  All PAX made it safely after the first long leg of 3.3 miles to the Fleet Feet truck and Footloose providing much needed hydration after such a long leg.  Frey Daddy led a absolute beatdown with the dreaded Jack Webbs and some awfully fun Sumo Squat Jumps. Runners took off to Coops Stronghold which was close to 1.55 miles for the workout led by McRib from New Bern.  This AO definitely led the most mumblechatter award as McRib wanted to make sure our squats and merkins were in good form. Best line of the day” Your not doing the merkins right unless you’re touching grass…..That’s what my HS girlfriend told me.”  Take off for just about .55 miles to ELM Street Park where Ugly Stik from Cape Fear decided to be an A**Hole as mentioned by other not named PAX and dish out 40 burpees! Leaving ESP, there was one more AO so moseying to Green Springs at just about 1.55 miles where Steamer from Carterico led the 5th and final AO with just a few more merkins to top it off.  Green Springs Park is where the race began, a 3.4 mile sprint to the finish.

As soon as the workout was over, Bono and all of his words of wisdom gave one last motivational speech to the PAX, and the starting line was set and the PAX took off.  At this point, the competing runners and ruckers took off, the guys that were focused on finishing began on their last lag to complete the CSAUP, and YHC, Past Due, Harry Potter, and Cousin IT pushed 3 Ainsley’s Angels riders to the finish line.  There was one other Angel runner from Holly Springs (Patch) who pushed Wolfie the entire 10 miles, very impressive and major TCLAPS to those gentlemen.

Rucking: 22 Ruckers gathered for a few quick words of instruction. We were reminded of the route, safety, and the requirement to adhere to the standard 17:30 mile. Our goal – get to The Schoolyard in about an hour. Goose and Bono set the pace and the PAX blistered a nice 15 minute pace to Aycock. As we headed down Red Banks we realized the Runners were a bit ahead of schedule so we called an Omaha and headed directly for the stadium. We arrived at the stadium just in time for about half of McRib’s beat down. Plenty of time to contribute to the mumblechatter as Ruckers tend to do.  Next stop – Green Springs Park. Many PAX increased the intensity to warm up for the final leg. We reached the park quickly and anxiously awaited the Runners. Some grounded rucks while others chose to stay rucked up for the suck. After the Fire ant 11s from Steamer, the Ruckers lined up for the final challenge – an all-out shuffle to the flag. Vanilla and Panther set the pace early with a sub 10 mile. About half way in the 3 lead Ruckers made the decision to stay together; a team. After all, that’s what Ruckership is all about. In the end all 22 Ruckers of varying experience levels crossed the finish line. Tclaps.

Awards:

Sasquatch Award (1st Place Runner)- Tiny Dance Farmville

Bassmaster Awards:

Second Place- Hazmat (F3ENC)

Third Place Tied- OZ, XBox

Ruckers-

Tied for First- Pied Piper, Vanilla, Panther

Moleskin:

The Sasquatch is not possible without the support from other regions, and most importantly the men of F3 that step up to compete in the event, but more importantly the support team.  Early on in the race, running with some Cape Fear guys, they mentioned the support team and how on point they were with the support vehicles, medical support and water stations. Without the support team, this event could not happen as they are the backbone to the entire event.  Hurricane, your work with the support team and medical support is second to none, and YHC never felt safer knowing those guys were there, and who else can say they had an UTV for support on a CSAUP! Major TCLAPS to Mr. Belding and Gazelle, two Sasquatch regulars that stepped up to be apart of the support team this year recognizing the need, and also to F3ENC’s newer PAX members stepping up and supporting the event.  The last leg was awesome, but running with Ainsley’s Angels was a whole new experience for YHC, and Lizzie, Jonathan(Gold Medal), Wolfie, and Caitlin you all are rock stars and it was an honor having you all apart of this special event.

Adding The Ruck division this year came with its own set of challenges. No matter how many times the event was simulated there was no guarantee that the time hacks would work out. Although we were a little late at the stadium (or runners were early), I think the consensus is the ruck division was a hit. There is something special that happens to a group of men when you cinch up that rucksack. You no longer become enamored with personal bests and individual goals. Rather, there is a sense of teamwork and camaraderie that overtakes a group of 22 men pushing, challenging, and encouraging one another.

RUCKERSHIP: The special brand of Fellowship engendendered by men moving together under ruck.

It is indeed a special brand of fellowship. What other physical activity would lend itself to gaining 21 new friends over a 3-hour period? Rucking gives us the opportunity to go beyond the superficial. It affords us the chance to dig down and really get to know the composition of a fellow PAX member. As I moved through the formation of Ruckers along the route I heard questions like: What’s your 2.0s names? How’s your new career going? What church do you go to? Isn’t that what we as F3 are all about? Yes, the Sasquatch gives us an opportunity to push ourselves beyond that which we thought was possible, both physically and mentally.  I discovered this year that rucking the Sasquatch forges a bond of brotherhood that is grounded in a communal sense of strength, determination, and will. TCLAPS to my fellow Ruckers. Job well done.