Last Q as AO Q at the Ditch

For the preblast I let on that this would be my last Q as AO Q and would be naming another AO Q. I didn’t tell them who so they had to show up to find out.

Weather 36 and damp.

Warmup 20 Merkins, 20 Squats, and 20 Freddie Mercury IC

We indian ran down to the park which is 1/2 mile away for a modified Murph. Even Mona Lisa thought the workout seems easy. That’s why I love this workout, simply to understand but hard to execute.

We circle up by the swingset and broke into 3 groups of 3, 1 group on the monkey bars for pull ups, 1 next for squats and 1 down for merkins. 10 Pullups, 20 merkins, 30 squats. AMRAP

There started out with plenty of chatter but as the rounds kept turning, less and less were talking and more were sucking air. We as an AO do very few pull ups so this was a tall order. However the men never stopped trying and as a group we completed 7 rounds for a total of 70 pull ups, 140 merkins, and 210 squats. Then we formed up for the indian run back. We were gassed and our arms were numb.

A couple of stragglers and pax fell out to walk so those who made it back did an 8th round but only completed merkins and squats.

Then for mary, one of my favorites, seal sit-ups. As we lay there in the cold damp grass I reminded the men what F3 was about. It’s more than just a workout group, we’re a brotherhood. We lock arms with one another and that supports ourselves and each other and this makes us stronger men for our community.

Then after the pledge and devo, which was about bold faith, and daring to step out to believe God for something that seemed unbelievable, I began the ceremony.

I called Redo into the circle, (he knew it was coming because I had spoken to him over the weekend), and several of the guys gave a “yes!” I began to talk about why I chose him and that he sets a great example in all 3 areas of F3. It’s more than being great in one of those areas, but rather about leading men into what F3 truly stands for. And he embodies that fully, he will be an outstanding AOQ.

I’m not gonna lie, I choked up a bit when I handed him the flag. You see, F3 has seen my best and my worst days. I’ve been bitten by the foo, and I’ve ran circles in the rain. I’ve fallen many times and had several brothers there to pick me up. I’ve had devo’s hit me right between the eyes, and I’ve seen what our community has become in disaster and F3 ALWAYS rises to the occasion.

I’m proud to be apart of this special group, I’m proud to learn to lead in it. I’m proud just to know guys and to say I’ve met them much less poured my guts out during events. You really get to know a guy when you’ve got nothing left to give, and give anyway. As Goose once said, “Nothing pulls men together like going through something that really sucks”. I’d lock arms with everyone of you, and I’m blessed to say you’re my brother.