Tag: Shocker (Mark Holmes)

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Block Party

AO: thestronghold
Q: tampalibra
PAX: Red Skull, Brown Slip, Hipster, Decaf, Barney, toga, Shocker (Mark Holmes), Dan and Dave, Young and Restless, Mosh Pit, Cuties, Nap Time, Gold Fish, Comic Book Guy, Old Man River, Rocket Man, Speed Date, Shreder, Raison, Puppy Chow, Lace Out, Mater
FNGs: 13 Mosh Pit, Cuties, Nap Time, Gold Fish, Comic Book Guy, Old Man River, Rocket Man, Speed Date, Shreder, Raison, Puppy Chow, Lace Out, Mater
COUNT: 23
CONDITIONS: Ideal

WARMUP: 25 SSH IC w 1 burpee penalty, 10 squats IC w 2 burpee penalty, 10 merkins

I checked in on these guys during mental toughness week so I know they can do cadence! I wanted to stress the importance of it without being an ahole and calling out guys individually on week 1. The guys not doing it great were trying and that was enough for today – we get to week 3 and they’re not matching cadence perfectly you start calling them out though PAX! The standard is the standard, you rise to it not the other way around.

THE THANG:
I’ve got a few different things I try to do for my 4:13 Qs depending on where it lands in their 40-day progress. In week one, I intentionally design a workout that is tough and structured in a way that they won’t be able to fully complete it—at least not yet. It’s not accidental or meant to be over-programmed; it’s intentional. I want them to see the standard, to feel the gap between where they are and what’s possible, and to know that while they can’t meet it now, they can get there if they trust the process. During the workout, I adjust reps or sets on the fly so it’s still achievable, but the impact remains: they get punched in the face by the challenge, yet also discover that even when scaled, they can do hard things. The point isn’t to be a hardass and break them down but to set the tone—that growth takes effort, discipline, and commitment, and they are capable of it. It’s a delicate balance of punching them in the gut a little with a tough workout to both show they can do it but they still have a ways to go.

4 sets of 25 Abolishers (Tampa named) (4-count flutter with two block presses = 1 rep). In between each set of 25 you run to the fence and do 2 burpees (burpees go up by 2 each round)

Some PAX finished 4 rounds, probably 50% made it through 3. YHC called it, talked about moving on bc of time but now they know the standard

3 sets of 15 to-be-named movement (We’re Not Worthy + 2 Block Press = 1). In between each set of 25 perform the same run to the fence and do burpees (burpees go up by 2 each round) – starting where we should have left off last time though (10).

Again made the audible and moved it to sets of 15, 10, and then 5 respectively.

Finisher with the burpee-apocalypse – made it down to 5 and then called it a few minutes early for time bc the first class has the extended name-a-rama!

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A lot of Shaqs, not many Stephs

AO: thestronghold
Q: Purple Tiger
PAX: Hipster, Right Said, Barney, bluemule, Red Skull, Shocker (Mark Holmes), Wham-O, Woodchuck,
FNGs: None
COUNT: 25
Placeholder

CONDITIONS:

WARMUP:

THE THANG:

MOLESKINE:

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

COT:

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Good Warmup

AO: thestronghold
Q: SalPal
PAX: Chunks, Barney, Wham-O, Purple Tiger, Shocker (Mark Holmes), Young and Restless, Red Skull, Decaf, Puppy Chow, Step Back, Napoleon, Purple Rain, Old Maid, Big Mama, Cow Pie, Cool Runnings, Clorox, One Star, Beyonce
FNGs: None
COUNT: 20
CONDITIONS: Absolutely perfect, if you ignore the heat advisory

WARMUP: Never heard of such a thing.

THE THANG: 100 SSH, Good ‘ol Sally Shake’n’Bake, Deconstructed Burpees + Bear Crawls

MOLESKINE: Received a temporary ban from the Stronghold. I guess I did something right…

ANNOUNCEMENTS: CSAUP 50!

COT: Families, patience, discipline and excellence.

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Struggle

AO: thestronghold
Q: tampalibra
PAX: Skeet, Barney, Wham-O, bigbang, Minnie Pearl, bluemule, House Arrest, Squatter (F3 Muletown), Red Skull, Decaf, Shocker (Mark Holmes), Hipster, Young and Restless, Dan and Dave, Chunks, hambone, Ponzi, Purple Tiger, Purple Rain, Black Jack, Beyoncé, 1 Star, Napoleon, Clorox, Old Maid, Go Fish, Step Back, Speed Date, Cool Runnings, Cow Pie, Puppy Chow, Big Mama, Kneecaps, Slick Rick, Tebow
FNGs: 17 Purple Rain, Black Jack, Beyoncé, 1 Star, Napoleon, Clorox, Old Maid, Go Fish, Step Back, Speed Date, Cool Runnings, Cow Pie, Puppy Chow, Big Mama, Kneecaps, Slick Rick, Tebow
COUNT: 36
CONDITIONS: Ripe

WARMUP: SSH x 30, Squats x 10, Merkins x 15

THE THANG:
Grab a block!

In the format of 7’s we started with 15 lunges (1is1) and 1 curl+1press, 14 lunges and 2curl+2press…1 lunges and 15curl+15press

Next we did 7’s: thrusters and burpees – mode of transpo is an overhead block carry

Circle up for 20 4-count flutters with block overhead, 19 block situps, 18 4CF’s, 17 block situps, etc all the way down. Don’t believe we made it past 15.

All-in-all a great workout! We were ~5 minutes over on the first two blocks, we should have had ample time to finish the core block. It’s not over-Q’d it’s the standard but 30+ guys are hard to move and hambone’s goofy ass tried to cause confusion on the counting and Red Skull somehow forgot how to demo a thruster like they haven’t been a staple of Struggle 001-004

MOLESKINE:
YHC got an urgent and tough call mid-workout that pulled me away for a second. Sobering example that stuggles dont care what you’ve got going on. Trying to help some dudes out? Trying to get your life in order? Finally submitting to God after years of straying? New baby on the way? New job? etc etc They’re coming brothers whether we like it or not so how can we prepare? We practice hard things so that we know how to respond when hard things happen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
F3 Ragnar thingy – get at Chunks if you’re one of those weirdos that love running
Struggle 005 – announcement and new promo video about to drrrrroop

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Look Back and Look Forward

AO: thestronghold
Q: Chunks
PAX: toga, Purple Tiger, Shocker (Mark Holmes), Right Said, Red Skull, Decaf, Barney, Young and Restless, Tater, Wendy’s, Ice Box, Stir Fry, Road Trip, Bobby Hill, Mutt, Singlet
FNGs: None
COUNT: 17
CONDITIONS:

WARMUP:

Indigenous peoples run with Q setting the pace to first parking lot.
13 SSHs and the explanation

THE THANG:

Indigenous peoples run with Q setting the pace to next parking lot.
Each 4:13 HIM told the PAX what they were proud of they overcame during the last 40 days. Then lead the PAX in 5 eight count bodybuilders.
Indigenous peoples run with Q setting the pace to first parking lot.
Each 4:13 HIM told the PAX what are their goals moving forward. Then lead the PAX in 5 eight count bodybuilders.
Red Skull & Decaf & YHC lead 5 eight count bodybuilders with words of encouragement
Indigenous peoples run back to StartEx
Circle up for some Mary to wrap it up

MOLESKINE:

This is not the end it’s just the start.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

COT:

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Welcome Back Struggle 004

AO: thestronghold
Q: SalPal , Chunks
PAX: bluemule, Dan and Dave, Wham-O, Sanctions, Papa Bear, Chunks, greyalbum, Crawlspace, Not-a-Sport, catfish, Penny Loafers, Shocker (Mark Holmes), Barney, toga, Decaf, Bobby Hill, Ice Box, Pick Me, Pope, Road Trip, Wendy’s, Stir Fry, Ambassador (F3 Annapolis), Mutt, Stage Dive
FNGs: None
COUNT: 26
CONDITIONS: Slightly moist.

WARMUP: A lot of side-shuffle hops and burpees, as it ought to be. Thanks to Chunks for getting the ball rolling.

THE THANG: 3 Groups rotating through sprints, burpees, and planks on a 1 minute timer, with 5 seconds to rotate. T-Claps to Dan and Dave for decreasing sub-30 second splits on all his sprints.

10 burpee salute to the Strugglers as they rolled in at 0600 hours.

Close with planks/”watersplashers” for Mary.

MOLESKINE: Great chatter and attitude today, and glad to be out in support of the men doing this latest Struggle. High concentrations of HIM on the 4:13 campus today.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Struggle 005 date TBD.

COT: Lift up the men that took on the Struggle the last 16 hours.

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BurpeeClock-Alypse

AO: thestronghold
Q: Natural Ice – CBO
PAX: bluemule, Shocker (Mark Holmes), Dan and Dave, toga, Chunks, Chyna, Young and Restless, Red Skull, Mullet, Right Said, Skeet, Decaf, Natural Ice – CBO, Airball, Yes Chef, Square root, Toadstool, Mane ‘N Tail, Saxman, D Pole, Big Rig, Duece and a Half, Jackie Moon, Take 3, Toots, Wolverine
FNGs: None
COUNT: 25
CONDITIONS: Fantastic

WARMUP:
– SSH
– Squats
– Merkins
– Arm Circles
– Air Press
– Seal Claps
– Moroccan Nightclubs
– Stretching as needed

THE THANG:
PAX set off on a mosey toward the Helicopter Pad. However, YHC quickly grew deeply disappointed at the sluggish pace, so the mosey evolved into a series of sprints to keep things honest.

Burpee-A-Clock-Alypse – Round 1
– 5 burpees on the minute, every minute, for 15 minutes
– Between sets, YHC generously provided “active recovery” through squats, SSH, and LBCs
– Total burpees: 75

After finally feeling properly warmed up, we took off on sprint intervals back toward the StartEx. Along the way, we peeled off for 5 more rounds of burpees to bring the total up to a nice, even 100.

Upon returning to the StartEx and realizing we still had time left, YHC—ever the gracious leader—gifted the men with an opportunity to complete 5 bonus burpees (you’re welcome).

COT:
Outstanding effort from the men of 413 Strong today. The grit, attitude, and willingness to push through the suck were truly impressive. Proud to lead this crew!

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Cluster

AO: thestronghold
Q: tampalibra
PAX: Chunks, sooner, Oatmeal, Ginger, Red Skull, Skeet, Decaf, Shocker (Mark Holmes), toga, Ponzi, Pole Dancer, Young and Restless, Dan Tanna, Pearl (Jonathan Halter), DintyMoore, Crawlspace, Right Said, Hair Band, Mullet, Wedding Singer, Minnie Pearl, Catfish, Chyna, Whoopi, Escort, jackie moon, Toadstool (aka Princess Peach aka formerly PlayStation), Tail and Mane, Barney, Dpole?, Yes Chef, SaxMan, BigRig, Air Ball, Toots, Square Root, Wolverine
FNGs: None
COUNT: 38
CONDITIONS: Perf

WARMUP:
50 SSH, 10 Merkins, 25 Flutters, 10 WMH, 10 GM’s

THE THANG:
First, YHC quickly realized there was not enough blocks for what was planned. I don’t feel like I pivoted very well tbh, that’s on me for not having a backup plan in place.

Here is what was rx’d:
– 15 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 Hand-release Merkins, 200m run
– 14 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 Goblet Squats, 200m run
– 13 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 We’re not worthy’s, 200m run
– 12 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 Hand-release Merkins, 200m run
– 11 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 Goblet Squats, 200m run
– 10 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 We’re not worthy’s, 200m run
– 9 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 Hand-release Merkins, 200m run
– 8 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 Goblet Squats, 200m run
– 7 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 We’re not worthy’s, 200m run
– 6 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 Hand-release Merkins, 200m run
– 5 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 Goblet Squats, 200m run
– 4 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 We’re not worthy’s, 200m run
– 3 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 Hand-release Merkins, 200m run
– 2 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 Goblet Squats, 200m run
– 1 Burpee Block jump overs, 50 We’re not worthy’s, 200m run

In reality here is what happened:
Partner up – 1 block per partner group
– 15 burpees together
– P1 does 50 HR-Merks while P2 runs, flipflop
– P1 does 50 WNW’s while P2 runs, flipflop
– 14 burpees together..etc

2-3 rounds in YHC called an audible, rallied the troops, apologized for poor planning, constructively criticized poor listening, stupid questions, and bitching from PAX, and then prescribed finishing out the burpees (apocalypse+) starting at 13. Funny enough the MC and smart-mouths stopped :man-shrugging:

MOLESKINE: Lessons learned on leadership, planning contingencies, listening, using the time someone gives you to ask questions, etc

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The Standard

AO: thestronghold
Q: Chunks
PAX: Dan and Dave, Salami, hambone, Schnauzer, Young and Restless, Hair Band, Pole Dancer, Dan Tanna, Shocker (Mark Holmes), toga, Skeet, Spinal Tap, Grape, Right Said, Natural Ice, caprate, Red Skull, C Sharp, Snapper, DreamCast, Old McDonald, Coon Skin, Slash, Pearl, Vera Wang, Big Country, Old G, Humble Boxer, The Raptor(Miami), Zorro, Speedway, Filet O Fish, Ten Pack,, Big Bird
FNGs: 1 Big Bird
COUNT: 36
CONDITIONS: Pleasant

WARMUP: No warm up. Gave a 5 min warning to do some stretching.

THE THANG:

Circle up and partner up 1:1 F3 – 4:13
Welcome with Disclaimer and the standard: Push yourself

Then explain that during the workout the F3 & 4:13 men are to get to know each other with the F3 man prepared to give the 4:13 man a nickname at the end of the workout.

Right Said recited the Mission of F3.

Then we run in two lines with the F3 man on the left and his partner to his right. The partners sprint to the front as a team when I call out Front. We ran a mile around the campus, Train caused a little pivot to get the whole mile

At 1 mile we stopped and did a set of BOMBS starting at 5 and each exercise increasing the reps by 5 to 25 Squats. Then I talked briefly about how Mental Toughness is perishable. Just because you finished mental toughness week doesn’t mean it lasts forever, you must requalify every day.

Then we ran again following the same method I yelled Front and then stopped for another set of BOMBS starting at 5. Then talked briefly about 1 second decisions. Between now and the end of the 40 days they will have to make a lot of 1 second decisions. It only takes one of those to lose everything. You must gain control of your mind when all you want to do is quit. Cause at some point you will want to quit.

Ran back to start ex with a detour out onto foster ave and around the corner following the same method for a final set of BOMBS starting at 5. Then talked briefly on Performing without Motivation. Right now you have a purpose to finish the 40 days, but there will be times when you don’t have an easy goal like that and you have to Perform without Motivation, you just have to do it. Use these next 40 days to gain control of your mind and body. All these men here and the others that will take this journey with you want to see you succeed and win. But it’s not given without work. This program will push you, but will also support you. Take advantage of this opportunity, forget about your past and live in the present.

Circled up for the naming ceremony. The PAX did not disappoint with some good names this class.

We had and FNG that Red Skull named Big Bird.

Thanks to everyone that came out and the atlantis men.

Always an honor to lead you men.

Strength and Honor,
Chunks

COT: C Sharp asked to lead the closing prayer in the ball of Man.

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100 8 Count Body Builder Finale

AO: thestronghold
Q: Natural Ice
PAX: Young and Restless, Ripcord, Dan and Dave, Dan Tanna, Shocker (Mark Holmes), Chunks, toga, Red Skull, Natural Ice, Longway, Fivepoints, Speedwalker, Skidmark, Baby Boy, Trajectory, Tempertantrum, Lightweight
FNGs: None
COUNT: 17
CONDITIONS: Perfect

WARMUP: SSH, Merkins, Squats, Imperial Walkers, Arm Circles, WHaze, and a nice Mosey

THE THANG: Each of the men from 413 Strong, took turns sharing lessons learned over the last 7 weeks in the program and then lead the group in a set of five 8 count Body Builders. Red Skull kick us off and I closed out the set for a solid 50.

Pax took a mosey toward the startdex and repeated the format, this time the men shared Goals for the future with Red Skull closing out with a challenge to push through the next stage of the program.

MOLESKINE: Trust the Process, Set Realistic and Attainable Goals. Do not sell yourself short and Do Not Give Up

COT: Prayers for Health, Future Jobs, and Perseverance

I am thankful to have gotten to know this group of men and I am looking forward to catching up and hearing about their progress.

-Natty