December 7th, 2021 By Walt Bundy

YHC challenged the PAX that if the Cruise Q’s would step up and Q a beatdown then he would Q a cruise. Well thanks to Mash and Loveboat YHC had to step up and be a man of his word. So the question now as Q was what route would he have the PAX venture out on? there are the usual menu of options; Bird (Reverse), Lazarus, Peak to Peak, Figure Eight, Apartments or try to come up with something new. Well after having been put through the shredder by Yellowcake’s kettle bell workout what do you know, out of no where came a strange occurrence. Almost as if a voice calling out that sounded like Ticonderoga. A strange feeling as though there was a change in the Force. What was the voice saying, “Buck if you will pull a repeato of the speed course which Honey Do led the PAX on last Thursday than I will run as well”. Could it be, yet another Rucker would lay down his weighted sack (symbol of what the Empire (Runners) call the Dark Side) and join the ranks of the Empire? Well the Force was strong and Buck had to see if the calling would come to fruition.

Tuesday (Cruise Day) has arrived. Time to see just how powerful the Force is. YHC announces that the PAX would be taken through a repeat of Thursday and called for the Speed course. Options were given to those more advanced but like true HIMS they elected to as is the norm lead the PAX off into the darkness for some Speed work. Off we went and what’s this not only does YHC see Ticonderoga sprinting off but bringing Blue Chip along for the run as well. At this point YHC is thinking there must be real power in the Force. In the last week it has drawn 4 (Buck, Torch, Ticonderoga, Blue Chip) from the ranks of the Dark Side and into the ranks of the Empire. Or has it? Have they truly defected or merely toying with the Empire just to prove that there is strength in those that choose to dawn the weight of the sack as well. Only time will tell.

Gents thanks for playing along this morning. I know that for many the Speed Course isn’t the choice of routes (right Mash) but you all played along as some of less experienced guys attempt to get our legs under us. Thank you Loveboat, Talladega, Hop Hunter and Bravo for leading the way and being the light in the darkness for the rest of us. And to Mash for his selflessness sacrificing his spot at the head of the pack to hang out and keep those who aren’t the studs that some others are company. Uecker as a true HIM with constant words of encouragement. Hokie Pokie and Honey do for the push; I can still hear Honey Do saying” Just get to the cul-de-sac Buck, you can do it”. Props to Ticonderoga for challenging himself and pushing through and what about Blue Chip coming off the IR with a cruise. What can I say about Grassy Knoll who is MR. Steady Eddie setting the example and just keeps pushing on. Oh yeah, can’t forget the two wheelers Spaz, Yellowcake and Turbine who keep us all on our toes as they buzz by us with words of encouragement.

People often ask why would I would drag myself out at 5:30am 4 or 5 days a week to workout? Well there are several reasons: 1) it’s good for the body (especially now that I am in the illustrious group of the Respects) 2) good for the mind. Most of all it is the “Medicine”. That’s right as so many before me have said this group is Medicine. The Bible tells us that men need one another, Proverbs 27:17 “Just as iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another”. You guys challenge and encourage me not only physically but mentally and spiritually as well. This group is what I need. Just ask my wife. When I have had to take extended time away due to injury she notices that I am not quite the same. So thank you all for being my medication. I only hope that in some way I am returning the favor.

Thank you Brothers!

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