Reflections on 3 years . . .

9-9-2019

Disclaimer:

This page, site, blog, and any associated content are not affiliated with or endorsed by F3 Nation or any Region or AO within that group. As I have great respect for that group, I will draw upon its wisdom and lexicon, giving full credit where appropriate.

Warm-Up:

  • After Joker EHed my I dove into F3.

  • I was inspired to take on many new challenges.

  • I found myself slipping into a rut.

  • I have a plan to get back on track, accelerating.

The Thang:

The Beginning:

Throughout the summer of 2016 I was skillfully Ehed by Joker in a minimalist but effective style. On several occasions, as it was relevant to the discussion, he mentioned to me that I should really try F3. He always followed this with, “But I know you won’t do it.” He was never pushy, but he brought it up anytime that is was applicable. Even when I told him that I was going to post the first time, he gave me a basic run down of what I should do to prepare, but also said he didn’t expect to see me.

Finally, on the Tuesday after Labor Day, 9/6/2016 I posted to #theBuck. Michael Bolton had the Q and I thought I was going to die. I had never in my life done a Burpee, I had not run a mile since college, and I had no idea what a Merkin was. Several PAX stayed with me, and I specifically remember Gambit doing Burpees with me, but also making sure that I got them all done. At the end I got the name Urkel, mainly due to my proclivity to wear a pocket protector. I posted again Wednesday, then Thursday, and again Saturday.

Getting Going:

I made it my goal to post to at least half of the available workouts from the start. In my region, that meant at least 3 time each week. Three months after starting, I went 6 for 6 for the first time , working out every one of the 6 opportunities in a week. That lead to a new hobby, putting streaks together. Like:

  • Posting to 6 different AO’s in 6 days

  • Posting to every Lowcountry AO in a week

  • Completing 6 consecutive 6 for 6’s

  • Posting to 3 different regions in 1 week

  • Posting at 20 different AO’s

These were great and I had a great time meeting new PAX. I learned new exercises, new ideas for workouts, and I was introduced to Rucking. These led to:

  • Competing in my first 5K

  • Competing in a Sprint Triathlon

  • Completing a GORUCK Tough Event

  • Rucking a 5K

  • Completing the Forward and Endure Pathfinder Ruck Training

I am proud of all of these accomplishments, but they don’t mean as much upon reflection as I expected them to while I was preparing.

The Past Year:

As I approached my 2nd F3versary things started to change. Fartsacking started to get easier, stress started getting more prevalent, my family was experiencing struggles, and I felt like things were falling apart. I didn’t stop posting, but I moved towards the Happy Clown. I was glad to have the community, but I just didn’t want to work that hard. There was no acceleration. Something else happened during this time, the 43 Feet Podcast. I started to be exposed to a steady stream of ideas. As Dredd and Dark Helmet work through the Q Source, I started to see the areas that needed work.

My Next Year:

  • Notice that in all of this I never mentioned weight loss. A lot of guys talk about how much weight they have lost. As of this morning I am about 1.5 pounds down from the first day. So part one of the plan is finally getting my Queen under control.

  • Everyone has a Jester, I am no different. Mine has been pestering me more than usual of late. Got to work on this too.

  • How can do both of those things while still accelerating the King? Well there is no reason to believe that I am going to be able to do it alone.

    • I need a proper Shield Lock, and I will be working on this hard in the immediate future.

    • I need a Stone. I know several men who have the wisdom and experience to help me in my acceleration, but I need to seek a mentoring relationship.

  • I also need a new blade. My blade is all grown up now and we are no longer proximate. I will no doubt continue to catch up with him, but I have some use to a younger man. Listening and offering guidance to a younger man helps to refine and remind of your own priorities.

  • I am not going to set goals of miles, workouts, or events. I need to focus on acceleration and these things will come.

Moleskin:

  • These 3 years have been such a blessing to me.

  • I am so grateful for the relationships that I have formed with men around the southeast.

  • If any man has not posted to an F3 workout, I encourage you to do it.

  • If you see me slipping on the King, Queen, or Jester, or if you see me neglecting my concentrica, I implore you to call me on it. I won’t like it, but I will appreciate it.

Urkel Out!