The soft hiss of rain had finally faded, leaving behind a silence heavier than usual. In the pre-dawn gloom, not yet touched by the sun, the air hung thick and cool, smelling deeply of wet earth and something clean, almost electric. Petrichor, they called it – the smell of the world breathing after a drink.
One by one, 6 figures emerged from the shadows of the parking lot, their movements quiet against the damp asphalt. Streetlights revealed the chalked winky now wet from the rain. They wore workout gear – some bright, most muted – ready to display the wearer’s effort in sweat.
“Mornin’,” a voice rumbled, the first to break the quiet.
“Morning, man,” another replied, a little breathless from the quick walk across the pavement.
There wasn’t much wasted chatter. They knew the drill. The gloom and the wet were just part of the challenge, the shared ritual that brought them together before the world demanded anything else.
The appointed leader stepped forward. “Alright, fellas, let’s get started on time.”
The disclaimer was issued, and it was made known to all that the leader was far from a professional, which was clear by his inability to countdown while attempting to motivate the others. 2 more figures appeared right on schedule to join in time for their beloved imperial walkers. The warm up came to an end in true arrowhead fashion with a ball dropping Etch-A-Stretch. The groaning began early as 8 PAX jogged slowly, shoes squishing on the slick pavement, the humidity in air already clinging to them as the six ran to the front. Then the real work began. An unexpected pregnancy inspired an audible for a surprise 7 Mike Tysons on the curb, which was met with more groans.
Eight pairs of hands hit the wet ground. The cool, gritty texture was a shock, followed by the burn in chest and arms. Sweat mixed with the damp air, clinging to skin and gear.
They switched, hands and faces dark shapes against the wet ground as they powered through the set.
One young brave PAX insisted that we follow the winky laid out on the wet pavement.
They rose, legs already feeling the strain, still passing from the back to replace the leader, the rhythmic motion contrasting with the still, damp air.
Then came the 3 rounds. A full-body challenge. Breaths came in ragged gasps. Each man pushed his limit, driven by the quiet accountability of the group.
The air filled with the sounds of effort – heavy breathing, the slap of palms on the ground, the occasional grunt of exertion. No one complained about the damp, the darkness, or the aching muscles. This early hour, just these eight men, pushing through the swamp, created its own unique energy.
As they finished the 99 seconds sitting in the People’s Chair, holding steady, bodies trembling slightly, the faint pastels of dawn began to paint the eastern sky. A thin mist rose from the damp surfaces, softening the outlines of the trees. The workout was complete, a quiet victory claimed in the moments as the sun rose above the trees. They stood together, catching their breath, feeling the shared sense of accomplishment as the day slowly began to lighten around them.
DISCLAIMER
PRAYER
COP
Motivators from 7
Imperials x 7
Hillbillies x 7
WMH x 7
SBK slow x 7
Seal Claps x 7
Tie Fighters x 7 Fwds w/Right leg out and x 7 Backards w/Left leg out
Plank, Downward Dog, Upward Facing Dog
Etch-A-Stretch
THE THANG
1 Indian Run around school campus.
3 rounds of the following:
- Merkin x 26 (1st Diamond, 2nd Shoulder Tap, 3rd Hand Release)
- Hanging leg raises x 26
- Underdogs x 26
- Dips x 26
- LBC x 26
- MCDs (99 calf raises)
MARY
- The People’s Chair (99 secs wall sit with Air Press for EC)
- Flutter kicks (99 secs to burn any fuel left)
CIRCLE OF TRUST
PRAYER
Praises for all the prayers for Tim as he is making progress in his road to recovery after his stroke.
Prayers for Spam & his M’s new venture, and that God bless them with the strength and wisdom to discern what their next steps will be.
Prayer that Ghost Rider be safe on his trip and be a light that reflects and glorifies God to those he comes in contact with this week.
MOLESKIN
Today’s thang inspired by my Nephew’s 26th birthday. Story written with AI for Wilbur’s reading pleasure.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
F3NETN needs to develop a survey for everyone to share their feedback about the way we use tech and social media. What we want out of it and what works best for everyone. Maybe create a role for a main POC to manage?
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