January 22nd, 2020 By Jimmy Buffett

10 brave souls with their 20 cold soles decided it was a big boy pants day, and not a beach-going shorts day. Warmth was put on hold as it was time to put in work. 0530 appeared on many a watch or phone with YHQ as just distant headlights still making his way to the AO. Drive quickly but avoid the runner guy who

1. refuses to join us, even on run days and
2. refuses to wear anything even remotely visible or reflective despite running down the roads at 0530

Early Moleskin

• Seriously, YHC is a runner, a runner that almost exclusively runs in the mornings and a runner who prefers to run on the roads versus sidewalk. With that in mind, YHC is very careful about watching out for others who do the same. This guy is nearly impossible to see and at this point YHC expects him to be out running in the gloom yet we have had closer calls than preferred. When you’re out in the gloom, be safe. Headlamps aren’t just so you can see, they are so others can see you.

Anyway, YHQ jumps out of the car as quickly as possible to be greeted with instant criticism for being late. Rather than brush it off and start the workout, YHQ fired back. Another minute of nonsense and we are finally ready to go.

Disclaimer for the 4 ruckers to take care of each other and the runners to do the same and we are all off. Given the heightened adrenaline from prior few minutes, YHQ tosses aside the route planned and declares a track day. Runners head off for HRMS.

The Thang is a variety of OYO sprints. 400m, 800m, 1600m, 800m, 400m. YHQ then paired up the 6 runners based on final finishing order for a 2x400x2 relay. Run a lap, tag your partner, he runs a lap. Repeato.

Ruckers appear (based on Strava intel) to have done the usual hike down the greenway and through the hood.

Announcements

• Winter Gala – February 1, 8-11pm at 26 Acres. Significant others are welcome and encouraged. Prove to them you aren’t the only crazy one posting for 5 hour beatdowns on a Saturday morning or in 25 degree temperatures all winter. Might also help show that Sugar, Marie Callender, and Pleasure aren’t workers at the local Gentleman’s club (no comment if they guests).
• Time Laps(e) is an amazing event. Talk to either Barrister (usually at Highlands) or me and we can give you details and plugged in on Slack if interested.

More Moleskin

• YHC said at the beginning and at the end of the workout to not pass judgement on others without knowing what is going on. That is obviously a good rule to live by, however, YHC did not say it in a very respectful way. For that I apologize. We all like to give each other a little trouble for not posting or being late. YHC has truly tried to commit to not doing that until he understands why. What was the alternative to doing what you are doing now? Two examples of this come to mind:

1. I worked from home one day over the summer to stay with my two little girls while my M was out doing some things. I had gobs of work to get done and it was a beautiful day. The easy way out would be to turn on the TV and let the kids watch all day. But it was a nice day and quite frankly, as much as the kids love to watch their crazy cartoons, they wanted to go outside as well. So I packed up my computer and took the kids to the playground. Unfortunately I had to sit there and work and while it was very inefficient, the kids got out to play. I have no doubt other parents, in between their scrolling on facebook at instagram, were looking at me like “turn it off and play with your kids” but that wasn’t a great option for me at that moment. We made the best of the situation.
2. On the flip side, I remember being that parent on a weekend taking the girls to meet their friend at the playground. We were the only ones there. The girls loved playing with their friend and I would chase them or throw the ball up the slide, whatever it may be. The other dad was on his phone the entire time. Either texting or talking. Got home and told the M I thought it was very strange a little rude he would do this. He agreed to meet me at the playground with the kids, but we barely said a word to each other. A few days later I found out he was in the middle of being forced to either move to Arizona for his job (after just coming from out of state) or getting fired. And it was going to be a quick move. He probably would have preferred that conversation in the comfort of his home but chose instead to let his daughter play with her friends.

• All this said, we talk a lot about mental health and leadership. Make sure you know what’s going with your brothers. Before, during, and after a beat down, be sure you are building him up as well.
• In all transparency, nothing bad is going on in my life. My struggles this morning, and yesterday given my 0531 arrival then as well, have been trying to convince a 3 yr old that:

1. her birthday isn’t until Thursday so she doesn’t get cake yet (yes that’s a conversation at 0515, you remember these I’m sure)
2. despite daddy being awake, dressed and heading out the door, it is way too early for her to get up
3. you don’t need to wake up your sister or mom either to ask for a vote. Democracy doesn’t exist in the house between 7pm and 7am.

• Again I apologize for being snappy. The morning wasn’t going as planned and I knew for the entire 4 minute drive that crap was coming for my tardiness and chose the wrong way to deal with it. I truly appreciate each of you for posting and encouraging. Fitness and fellowship make 24 degrees at 0530 feel not so gloomy.
• And double digit Pax when the temperatures barely hold on to double digits? YHQ is very impressed.

Rolling Ruck, The Satisfaction Cruise

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