September 28th, 2020 By Powerball

Nine PAX made a triumphant return to the Highland Creek Sports Club for the Murph, due to the Phase 2.5 compliance of reopening our playgrounds.  The Murph honors the memory of all who have served and named after Navy Seal Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005.

We were met by a locked gate, which was expected, but @Poutine used his sleek salesman skills and had the gate unlocked by on-site security, allowing us all to park a tad closer to the beatdown epicenter. Plus, some of us were in possession our highly-coveted Highland Creek Community ID badges, just in case security wanted to assess our legitimacy.  We were also gifted a newly paved parking lot, which still provided an aroma of fresh asphalt and encouraged additional speed.

YHC provided a mild disclaimer.

A brief WARMARAMA to get the blood flowing: Side-Straddle Hops, Imperial Storm Troopers, and Penny Pickers (all in cadence).  Mumblechatter about the pace of SSH cadence was voiced.

MURPH:

• Run one mile, returning to the HCSC playground
• 10 Pull Ups
• 20 Merkins
• 30 Air Squats
• Repeat exercises ten times
• Run one mile, returning to the HCSC parking lot

No time for MARY.

COT, BOM, and PRAYER

MOLESKIN

• Huge s/o to @NoName & @SurfandTurf for completing their first Murph.  I won’t say it gets easier…the next time it will suck less.
• There was some tremendous showing of “picking up the 6” on the second mile as well as intentional partnering to push each other on the runs.  Personally, @Illuminati set the pace for me on mile 2, including the closing sprint.  Thanks, I guess…
• It was great to have @Snape back out, utilizing the Teacher Workday schedule to join us.  I’ll be in the same situation once we begin welcoming students back in October, brother.  But I will NOT be running the daily five miles that you have been every evening.

Prayers included, but not limited to:

• @Poutine, his daughter (name not included for privacy), and family. It takes a lot of courage to be as open about the situation and we can all learn from what he has shared.  Let us be a listening ear to those who need it and willing to be a voice to openly discuss our own mental health and wellness. Mental health challenges do not discriminate.
• As we honor those who have sacrificed by completing the Murph, continued prayers for everyone who serves to protect us and our freedom, domestically and abroad.
• Our Nation grows further divided – let’s be leaders in the community and demonstrate the ability to engage in civic dialogue, learn from each other, and acknowledge there may not be agreement, but there should always be respect.
• The ability to wake up this morning and get after it physically, enjoy the fellowship, and come together to grow our faith was a gift.  Both @DutchBoy and @Gordo nailed it – this morning and F3 in general provide sanctity.  It was easy to forget everything else going on in the world…even for 45 minutes.

Iron Sharpens Iron

Powerball

Highlands, Murph

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