AO: The Olympiad
When: 11/15/2022
Number of Pax: 10
DR Names:
Number of FNGS: 0
FNG Names:
QIC: Den Mother
Introduction
The first snow of the fall! The drive to the Olympiad was brutal as the roads were covered and the heavy snow was coming down fast and sideways. I ended up getting off the two-lane highway (Ridge Rd.) and took Drauden the whole way to be on the safe side. I called my Sparkler (Site Q) to let him know I was running behind where I wanted to be. He was already at the AO scoping things out. I ended up making it with plenty of time.
Warm-O-Rama
It’s cold, so I got the PAX moving with a mosey around the lot to get the blood flowing. This is a bit unconventional for a Black Diamond as they tend to be “foot on the gas” right out of the gate, but I wanted to make sure everyone was properly warmed up before doing any dynamic movements.
- Motivators from 7
- Good Mornings IC x 10
- Imperial Walkers IC x 10
- Abe Vigodas IC x 10
- Arm Circles IC x 10 (forward and back)
The Thang
The group moseyed to the track and then formed a single-file line on the track. We did 1 mile (4 laps) together Indian Run-style. The track was covered in snow but traction wasn’t an issue. We were able to maintain a typical Black Diamond pace even with the poor conditions.
After the first mile, we went to the pad on the track for 20 Burpees and 20 Big Boys OYO. When those movements were complete the PAX set off OYO for 4 more laps, followed by another 20 Burpees and 20 Big Boys. Repeat. And repeat again…
Sparkler was modifying as he is still coming off his surgery, and he still covered 3 miles. The other PAX logged anywhere from 4 to 5.5 miles.
Circle of Trust
I spoke about an article on male loneliness Parks N Rec recently brought to my attention. Here is the link: https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/how-loneliness-is-killing-men/
Loneliness is a problem in our society. F3 can help lonely men, but it doesn’t mean that it always does help cure loneliness. Us F3 men have high expectations imposed on us both by ourselves and our communities, in all facets of our lives. It is easy to get bogged down in the daily grind and not have a way to truly connect with others.
Read the article above. Check on other men, and more importantly, yourself. Don’t just think of the men you haven’t seen out in the gloom for a while either. That PAX next to you that may seem like he has everything together may be struggling with something.
Naked Man Moleskin
The format for this beatdown was stolen from John Denver, who has Q’ed his “Four Corners” Black Diamond a few times at the Colosseum. I wanted to see how the design would work on the track. There were pros and cons. Pros include it allowed us to keep an eye on each other with the bad weather, the “gazelles” were able to really push it, and the 4 laps made it easy to track mileage. But with those positives came a drawback: the fear of being left behind that usually accompanies a Black Diamond wasn’t there. If I were to Q this same beatdown at this AO again, I would add in more Indian Runs to really push the pace.
All the PAX did a great job this morning. The weather didn’t impact any of us the least bit.
Special thanks to Sparkler for having my 6 and keeping everything on track.