Among Us! IRL

AO: the-knoll
Q: Sooie
PAX: Pitmaster, Tebow, morning stār, Derby, El Capitan, Half Lyfe, Ex-Pat, Sooie, Tonks (2.0), Fish Biscuit (2.0), Eagle (2.0), Bumblebee (2.0), Rubicks (2.0), Gabby Cat (2.0), Foxy (2.0)
FNGs: None
COUNT: 15
CONDITIONS:
On the rain-lashed knoll, beneath a sky of iron-wrought clouds, the sodden grasses cling to our boots like the tendrils of some voidborn beast. The air, thick with mist, melds garb to flesh in the cool, sunless, morning light.

WARMUP:
As the chrono strikes 0530, our band of 12—soon to be 15—gathers. I, the Q, begin by clearly stating the non-professional capacity in which I will be leading thus deflecting all potential lawsuits of disgruntled PAX.

We rouse the frame for the tasks ahead:
• Side Straddle Hops: 12, counted in cadence
• Baby Arm Circles: 12 forward, 12 reverse, in cadence, loosening shoulders.

Lo! Silhouettes pierce the mist— Tebow, Pitmaster, and Eagle, our tardy kin, swell our ranks to 15. We trek among the three beacons outlining the tasks to undertake a live, knoll rendition of Among Us.

THE THANG:
Three stations, ~80 yards apart in a triangular constellation, bear tasks to test our mettle. Each demands 260 collective reps, with a limit of 10 per PAX per visit:
• STATION 1: Pull-Ups/Swing Rows
• STATION 2: Dips
• STATION 3: Step-Ups, (2=1)
Papers drawn from the Q’s helm decree fates: 13 bear “C” for Crewmate, scattered to Beacons 1, 2, or 3; 2 bear “I” for Imposters cloaked in guile. The quest is clear: Crewmates must complete all station reps to triumph. Imposters must snuff out the crew with a silent tap to foot or shoulder, their treachery veiled by false labor.
The fallen enter a spectral limbo, holding a plank where they have fallen ‘til a passing crewmate spies them, then cycling a torturous mantra—10 Merkins, 20 WW2 Sit-Ups, 30 Squats—until the quest’s end. Emergency councils, summoned by SSH when any PAX begins hopping and all join, convene at the site of the fallen to banish a suspected Imposter.

The Clash:
I, first to fall, am tapped by an Imposter’s stealthy touch en route to Station 1. Planking in the wet grass, I await discovery. Tebow, true witness, finds me, but the crew, blinded by doubt, casts him out in a council. We two share the spectral cycle—10, 20, 30, a grinding hymn. Another falls, a second council banishes a crewmate in error. Four now haunt Station 1’s limbo. Yet a third strike reveals an Imposter—TONKS, unmasked by suspicious deeds! With one imposter left and nine crewmates standing, the stations’ tallies dwindle—10 reps remain at each. As 0600 chimes, the crew completes the final reps, claiming victory o’er the Imposters deceit.

The Pursuit’s End:
With tasks fulfilled, we turn to primal chases—games of Infection and Toilet Tag, fleet-footed sprints across the knoll until 0615 seals our labor.

MOLESKINE:
Outdo one another in showing honor.
-Romans 12:10

We take time to honor one another. Prayer requests offered.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Check slack

COT:
Enjoyed the more laid back pace of Summer sipping Mtn. Mojo and Choco milk whilst the 2.0’s frolicked amongst the playground.

Derby’s 2nd Race

AO: the-knoll
Q: Derby
PAX: morning stār, Half Lyfe, AAA, Ex-Pat, Sooie, Pitmaster, @GoldDigger, @Bumblebee (2.0), @Birdman (2.0), @Allstart (2.0), @Eagle (2.0), @Ninja (2.0), @Rubics (2.0)
FNGs: None
COUNT: 14
CONDITIONS: Perfect

WARMUP: 5 Good Mornings, Baby Arm Circles, Big Arm Circles, Back Backs, Willie Mays Hayes, SSH

THE THANG: EMOM – Merkin Mania

Mosey down the street (10 burpees halfway)

0-5 Minutes: 10 Merkins w/ 20 Crunches
6-10 Minutes: 10 Merkins w/ 30 sec Butterfly Kicks
Mosey down the street (10 burpees halfway)

11-15 Minutes: 10 Merkins w/ 20 Lunges (1 is 1)
16-20 Minutes: 10 Merkins w/ 30 sec Freddie Mercuries
Mosey down the street (10 burpees halfway)

21-25 Minutes: 10 Merkins w/ 20 Jump Squats
26-30 Minutes: 10 Merkins w/ 30 sec WWII’s

Wrapped up w/ Merkin Burnout

MOLESKINE: Both beatdowns were loosely reflective of the first I attended at The Knoll and Pain Train. Used those to reflect on my appreciation for F3 and the incredible Men I’ve met in this journey.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Thank you Sooie for the brew! Congrats on setting what we believe is The Knoll Merkin record of 375 Merkins!

Family Campout last weekend of May. See morning stār for further details.

COT: Safe travels to those hitting the road this weekend.

Thank you for the opportunity to lead this morning!

-Derby

Derby’s First Race

AO: the-knoll
Q: Derby
PAX: El Capitan, AAA, G-string, Timber, Malibu, morning stār, Sooie, Stubs, Ex-Pat, Papa Bear, Étouffée, FLO, Tebow, @rubix @golddigger @bumbleebee, @Gecko
FNGs: 1 @Gecko
COUNT: 18
CONDITIONS: Perfect

WARMUP: Baby Arm Circles, Big Arm Circles, Back Backs, Moroccan Night Clubs, Shoulder Press, Willie Mays Hayes, SSH

Mosey down the street to loosen up

THE THANG: Pair up DORA – One Runner/One Worker

Set 1 (Accumulating w/ Partner):
200 Merkins
200 Lunges (1 is 1)
200 WWII’s
*Early finishers go back to Merkin’s

Mosey down the street to “catch our breath”

Set 2 (Holds awaiting partner):
2x Low Plank
2x Butterfly Kicks
2x Squat

Ended w/ 5 minute Mary: Berpees, Heel Taps, J-Lo’s, Leg Lifts, V-ups, etc.

MOLESKINE: Reminder not to get caught up in life and lose focus on family. There are plenty of distractions out there that attempt to drive that wedge and sometimes it takes us stepping back to reprioritize what matters most.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Farm campout the last weekend of May. Reach out to morning stār for further details.

COT: Closed out w/ short prayer for families adjustment to Summer.

Thank you for the opportunity to lead the workout this morning!

G.A.M.E.S.

AO: the-knoll
Q: morning stār
PAX: The Banker, Timber, Étouffée, Pebbles, Sooie, El Capitan, Derby, morning stār, AAA, Ex-Pat, Bubble Bee (2.0), Rubix (2.0)
FNGs: None
COUNT: 12
CONDITIONS: lovely

WARMUP: mosie on the street with pauses for merkins, jump squats and imperial walkers … mosie to the flood memorial bench

THE THANG: 5 seconds of work; 25 seconds of active recovery
power erkins, jump squats … then switch to dips and jump squats

Practiced G.A.M.E.S. during active recovery.

– Gratitude of what is or what’s happened recently
– Anticipation of something to come
– Memories from the past that bring joy
– Experiences you can create that will put a smile on someone’s face
– Song to sing

COT: read a quote that’s been hitting me deeply lately …

““You cannot live well without a friend, and if Jesus be not your friend above all else, you will be very sad and desolate. Thus, you are acting foolishly if you trust or rejoice in any other. Choose the opposition of the whole world rather than offend Jesus. Of all those who are dear to you, let Him be your special love. Let all things be loved for the sake of Jesus, but Jesus for His own sake.” (Thomas a Kempis)”
YHC encouraged the PAX to reflect on who their friend, special love was and to reorient if needed.

Stay thirsty my friends,
-m*

Enter a workout title…

AO: the-knoll
Q: Wolfpack
PAX: Pebbles, Sparrow, Malibu, AAA, Half Lyfe, Timber, Ex-Pat, Derby, Samwise (2.0), Rubix (2.0), Icebox (2.0), Iowa (2.0), All-Star (2.0)
FNGs: 1 All-Star (2.0)
COUNT: 14
CONDITIONS: Perfecto Mundo.

WARMUP: BAC, BACBAC, LSMerkin, LSSquat

THE THANG:
Partner up
One partner works while the other performs a 10 yard out and back movement for 4 sets.
Round 1: Merkins and Walking Lunges
2 minute Ab Workout
Round 2: Squats and Bear Crawls
4 minute Toilet Tag

And again!

Round 3: Pullups and Walking Lunges
2 minute Ab Workout
Round 4: Stepups and Bearcrawls
4 minute Toilet Tag

MOLESKINE: Fun to have your 2.0 out HalfLyfe!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: PainTrain shovel flag hand off and 1 year anniversary tomorrow… Check the pain-train channel and get your HC in!

COT: I needed the well to drink from today. Thank you guys for filling it with meaning and purpose. Sometimes you come to drink, sometimes you come to pour.

(B)Easter Egg Hunt 2025

AO: the-knoll
Q: El Capitan
PAX: Wolfpack, Derby, Papa Bear, AAA, Sooie, El Capitan, Ex-Pat, morning stār, Pebbles, Timber, Half Lyfe, G-string, Pitmaster, Étouffée, @GoldDigger, @Rubix (2.0), @Schmaltz (2.0), @Bumblebee (2.0), @Grizzly (TBD)
FNGs: 1 @Grizzly (TBD)
COUNT: 19
CONDITIONS:

Mid-50s, lovely sunlit clouds at 6:15

TUNES:

Young & Heavy

WARMUP:

Climb routine
Back stretches
Willie mays hays
Good mornings!

THE THANG:

– Circle up around the lamp in field
– 22 eggs to find in playground, each with an exercise & follow-up hold exercise
– Each PAX will search for an egg with the lamp, all PAX will perform the exercise upon opening & perform hold exercise while next PAX searches.
– Wash, rinse, repeat

Ended with MARY: a 3-round Ring of Fire & American Hammers

MOLESKINE:

Life is constantly changing & you change and grow as a man each passing year. I asked the PAX to take some time to reflect, with a moment of silence, on one aspect of change in their lives and one aspect that has stayed constant. I then asked everyone to think of one person (spouse, mentor, friend) who has been a source of strength & stability in their lives. Ended with a prayer of thanksgiving for these individuals.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

– Tax Day got moved to November 3rd(?!)
– Check slack for upcoming Night Moves & extra free workouts!

COT:

Countorama, Nameorama, coffeteria.

It was a pleasure leading y’all this morning, men!

I’m ready for a nap. :yawning_face: :el-capitan:

Another Round of Merkins

AO: the-knoll
Q: The Merchant
PAX: AAA, El Capitan, Sparrow, Sooie, Stubs, Pebbles, Wolfpack, Étouffée, Parka-Eh, morning stār, G-string, Half Lyfe, Timber, Papa Bear, Ex-Pat, Bumblebee, Rubiks, Gold Digger
FNGs: 1 Gold Digger
COUNT: 19
Warm-up:
SSH, BACs, WMHs, Motivators

The Thang:
HIIT Workout
20 seconds of work, 10 seconds of rest
6 exercises in a round, 75 seconds between rounds

Exercises:
Merkins
Sit Ups
Imperial Walkers
Merkins
Crunches
Squats

Round Two: It’s about You

AO: the-knoll
Q: Ex-Pat
PAX: Ex-Pat, Pebbles, Stubs, Tebow, Sooie
FNGs: None
COUNT: 5
CONDITIONS: 65 and a nice breeze – no rain!

WARMUP:
◦            Little baby arm circles
◦            Back backs
◦            Don quixotes
◦            Lazy imperial walkers
◦            Mozy

THE THANG:

Quote: Richard Rohr – “Most of us were taught that God would love us if and when we change. In fact, God loves you so that you can change. What empowers change, what makes you desirous of change is the experience of love. It is that inherent experience of love that becomes the engine of change.”
? What do you need to love about yourself so that change can happen?
 
1 – 5 minutes of work, 5 minutes of running
◦            Merkins – 10
◦            Lunges – 10
◦            WWII – 10
◦            Run
 
Quote: John Philip Newell – we need to find ways of sharing our intimate experiences of the Mystery, for we are one. It is through one another that we will know more of the Life that flows within us all. It is through sharing our fragments of insight that we will come to a fuller picture of the One who is at the heart of each life.”
? Who do we need to have a good conversation with?
 
2
◦            Pull-ups or Swing Rows –
◦            London Bridges –
◦            Leg Lifts –
◦            Run 5 Min
 
Quote: Wendall Berry – “Healing is impossible in loneliness; it is the opposite of loneliness. Conviviality is healing. To be healed we must come with all the other creatures to the feast of Creation.
? Where do we need healing and who will it be with?
 
3
◦            Back Extensions  –
◦            Burpees
◦            American Hammers
◦            Run 5 Min
 
MOLESKINE:
Tell someone you trust your answers sometime this week. Do you need quiet or do you need music?

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

COT:
Celtic Prayer we used at the end:

May the blessing of light be on you – light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you like a great peat fire,
so that stranger and friend may come and warm himself at it.
And may light shine out of the two eyes of you,
like a candle set in the window of a house,
bidding the wanderer come in out of the storm.
And may the blessing of the rain be on you,
may it beat upon your Spirit and wash it fair and clean,
and leave there a shining pool where the blue of Heaven shines,
and sometimes a star.
And may the blessing of the earth be on you,
soft under your feet as you pass along the roads,
soft under you as you lie out on it, tired at the end of day;
and may it rest easy over you when, at last, you lie out under it.
May it rest so lightly over you that your soul may be out from under it quickly; up and off and on its way to God.
And now may the Lord bless you, and bless you kindly. Amen.

Quiet Thinking While Working Out

AO: the-knoll
Q: Ex-Pat
PAX: Ex-Pat, Malibu, Half Lyfe, Sooie, El Capitan, Wolfpack, Stubs, Papa Bear, Pebbles, FLO, Samwise (2.0), Iowa (2.0)
FNGs: None
COUNT: 12
CONDITIONS: Misty – did I sweat or is that rain? Not so sure.

WARMUP:
– Little baby arm circles
– Back backs
– Don quixotes
– Lazy imperial walkers
– 3 min Mozy
THE THANG:

Quote: Alchemist- When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.
? What is one thing you want to make better?

1 – 5 minutes of work, 5 minutes of running
– Merkins – 10
– Squats – 10
– WWII – 20
– Run

Quote: Thomas Merton – You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.
? What is the challenge in your present and what is one tool you need to move into it?

2
– Dips – 20
– Calf raises – 20
– Mountain climbers – 20
– 5 min run

Quote: MLKjr – But the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends
? Who do you need to be reconciled with – a person, a group? What is a step that you can move into relationship and community

3
– Shoulder taps – 30
– Step ups – 30
– Crunches – 30
– 5 min run

MOLESKINE:
We need accountability- tell your answers to at least one person you trust this week. Thinking about the quiet and sitting in the questions. Leave room for contemplation and see what happens.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
March 1 – Loveless Run, Game Night Soon (I forgot the date and time and place).

COT:

KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid)

AO: the-knoll
Q: G-string
PAX: Stubs, AAA, Pebbles, Timber, morning stār, El Capitan, Sooie, Ex-Pat, Siri, Papa Bear, Sparrow, Bumblebee, the Judge, Rubix
FNGs: None
COUNT: 16
CONDITIONS: Cool and damp

WARMUP:
– SSH
– Seal Claps
– Overhead Press
– Mission and Credo while stretching
– High Plank with 5 merkins for each of the 5 core principles

THE THANG:
– Brief run to the far stop sign with stops
– 10 Burpees
– Politician two houses
– 10 Iron Mikes
– Karaoke two houses
– Wounded Bear Crawl
MAIN THANG: Partner up for a DORA
– 100 Pullups
– 200 Bulgarian Split Squats
– 30 yard Bear-crawl
– One partner crawls while the other does reps. Alternate bear-crawl and crawl-bear

Count the number of sets each pair took to complete the work (35 total). 7 PAX over the HC count (thought it was 8 because I didn’t count the 2.0 HC).
Set out to finish with 8 sets of:
– 35 merkins
– Hill Sprint

T-Claps to Timber, Pebbles, and AAA for completing six sets.

MOLESKINE:
I tried for a long while to come up with a super involved workout that would have taken as much time to explain as it would to do. But then I remembered to just keep it simple. Do lots of just a few exercises, and it’ll work. Sometimes I get so bogged down in the details that I forget simplicity. How often things go better if we do them the straightforward way.
Also, we often say to “modify as necessary,” with the thought of modifying down, but what about modifying up? How often do we challenge ourselves and really try hard? Today I wore a weight vest to challenge myself a bit more, and it was brutal! I felt like it was my first workout all over again. Seek out challenges when they are available.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
none

COT:
-Thankful for our veterans