Progress

Progress. Thats what YHC feels like his goal is every day. Make progress in as many areas of life as possible. Start new habits that help me grow. Rinse and Repeat. Some days I get it right. Some days I feel like I lost ground. But my goal each day is progress.

This morning, YHC was a part of a PAX of 5 who met up at the Java Post… make that 6 men, when Couch Potato finally found us who desired to see progress in their lives! 5:15am and it was time for the mission statement and then onward towards the Emerald Isle bridge. YHC had goals of what he wanted to lead the PAX to do today, but would adjust as needed to keep the PAX together and hopefully help every man make a little progress in his own life. Instructions were given that it would be a quick pace and to hang on as best as possible. Sun Gods IC x 10 (Forward and Reverse) were done on the move.

Lessons are always learned anytime you hang out with a F3 man. Sometimes you get hyped due to someone else’s eagerness to improve themselves physically. Sometimes it’s by seeing how a man is persevering through difficult times. Others it’s learning through mistakes shared. (We don’t always get it right btw lol) But the conversation that takes place on Rucks is always one of YHC’s favorite times. It’s where guys like Couch Potato can let his hair down 🙂 Where honesty and transparency push phoniness and fear to the side. And thank God, cause ain’t nobody got time for that!

Once the PAX hit the bridge, YHC gave instructions that there would be a little jogging taking place. 30 second jog, 30 sec walk, alternating as needed. The PAX scooted over the bridge in a pretty impressive time.

When you begin to do something that feels uncomfortable, you will undoubtably discover what you are really made out of. The things the guys were asked to do today were not easy. But they each made progress and pushed themselves, even while probably wanting to quit. T-Claps to you fellas for showing up and making progress, when it definitely was difficult at times.

PAX gathered up on the EI side for Squats SC x 50. A little bit farther and then it was time for Merkins SC x 25. YHC didn’t really want to do another one after the first merkin but kept pushing, because that’s just what we do. I definitely fed off of my brothers hard work and encouragement this morning. Having 2 miles in around the 30 min mark, it was time to trek back. One more stop at the base of the bridge for Merkins SC x 25 and then another mix of jogging and running.

Lo and behold, a Couch Potato sighting was made as he evidently ran give or take 7 laps around Cape Carteret to find us! Maytag probably reminded him he would have been glad to let him ride in the back of the truck if he would have simply asked. UPS has been pumped to Ruck and has some big goals for the year and pushed through adversity, and through his mind to keep going strong. YHC thinks that the sandbag in his ruck might even be heavier due to having two babies under 2 and was not surprised when CP stepped in and helped a little with the weight. As men, we sometimes are too quick to push away any help given to us. That’s pretty stupid. Kinda like saying I know you love me Lord, but I’m not ready to love ya back right yet. Let me wait and experience your grace later. Stubbornness can lead us to some bad places if we aren’t careful. When people want to help you for their gain, be careful. But when they have your best interest in mind, embrace that. It’s a rare thing now a days.

Back to the CC side of the bridge and YHC was blown away by the pace the PAX was rucking at. Time for Squats SC x 50. Then down again for some Merkins SC x 25. PAX partnered up to get to the 24 light as quick as possible and wait for the PAX. Lady Bug was mine and took off at about a 7:30 mile pace. Nearly lose his britches he was running so fast. If he keeps losing weight, he is gonna have to go shopping I guess. We crossed over 24 and once back at the Shovel Flag, we had time for one more round of Merkins SC x 25. And with a minute to spare, we took our packs off and lifted um high for a minute straight of Overhead Presses.

Hard stop. Prayer Requests and Announcements made. UPS led us in a great prayer!

Absolutely loved this morning. I feel like we made a little progress at getting a little better. That’s all we can do. Super proud of the men that posted. It was tough. I feel like Maytag has been away at summer camp or something and it has been awesome having him back the last couple of days. And Griswold is about as solid a dude as ya can find. He is a man that can keep up with the Misty’s and Steamer’s and Doublemint’s of the world, yet sacrifices some of his personal physical progress often to grow the 6. T-claps to you sir for your gift of leadership. This side of the county is in good hands with you keeping us together.

Missed the Ruck master himself- Buttoncap (Happy Birthday to ya this week man!) Thanks for letting me lead. Until the next time…

-Laettner