The Lion Capital Ruck

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The Lion Capital Ruck is based on GORUCK’s Star Course and is hosted by F3Toledo as a CSAUP and a fundraiser for one of its Pax, Jimmy Dean. Jimmy Dean and his M are looking to adopt a daughter from India and are in the fundraising part of their adoption journey.

The Lion Capital of Ashoka is the state emblem of India and is represented by 4 Asiatic lions with their backs to each other. Like F3 brothers watch out for each other, so too do these lions. Whenever used by any government body in India, the words “Truth alone triumphs” must be placed right under the emblem.

This special event is open to all F3 regions who would like to participate.

As part of every F3Toledo monthly rucks, there are 1st, 2nd and 3rd F components to it. We will ruck, we will have the opportunity for fellowship afterwards (beverages, college football, fun) and we will be able to live 3rd through donating towards Jimmy Dean’s adoption.

Here are the details for the 13 mile ruck:

  • The event starts at 6am (yes, AM) sharp on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021. Be there 10-15 minutes early.
  • Starting location is by the Echo artistic sculpture in Promenade Park in downtown Toledo. The address is 224 Water St. Toledo, OH 43604.
  • Parking can be found along several side streets within a block or two of the park.
  • The event has a hard stop at 11am and will cover roughly 13 miles.
  • At each wayward point (including the start and endex) each team will take a selfie and post it on Twitter and tag @F3Toledo with #LionCapital.

Packing list:

  • 20lb ruck plates if over 150lbs, 10lb if under.
  • Reflective Ruck Bands (or equivalent) on your rucksack
  • Headlamp (+ extra set of batteries)
  • Smartphone with external battery (at least 1 per team)
  • Photo ID and $20 cash (just in case)
  • Water (with bladder or bottle)

Recommended items:

  • Nalgene bottle
  • Food
  • One extra pair of socks
  • Waterproof bag

Teams of 2-5 can be formed before or at the beginning of the event. The group can decide if it wants to remain as one big group or split up.

At 6am, Jimmy Dean will pass out sheets of paper with all the wayward points, as well as where to take the pictures at each location. Each team will then determine their own route and begin.

This event will be a great test of mental, as well as physical, toughness as the long miles will wear on us.

Sign-up here as an individual or one person can register his whole team: https://bit.ly/3kFy5pA

For 2nd F after we close down the event, teams are free to leave and head home or choose one of several dining places to grab some grub and watch college football.

For 3rd F, there are two ways HIM can donate towards Jimmy Dean’s adoption:

FNG & Kotter

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To better help the Weasel Shaker, track all things F3Toledo, please click on the google form below to fill out FNG information or if a Kotter is back. Once filled out, a group me request will be sent out to the FNG to join and the their information can be captured by the Weasel Shaker.

FNG & Kotter Form

2021 F3 Summer Challenge

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GOAL: Commit to F3 Toledo and your fellow PAX to live all three F’s. As the name clearly states, this is meant to be a “challenge.” Don’t be intimidated. Embrace the suck with your brothers, get better and earn a badass t-shirt only a select few will ever be able to wear.

DURATION: June 13th through August 16th

COST: $20 – If you complete the challenge you will earn a custom F3 Toledo T-shirt designed by our very own world renowned artist, Nougat You’re going to want this shirt! For those that do not finish, your money will be donated to Cherry Street Mission on behalf of F3 Toledo.

Payment can be made via cash to Nougat or Thong Song. Venmo or Paypal works as well to Thong Song, contact him for details.

***For sizing purposes shirts will be similar in fit and quality to GORUCK t-shirts (Next Level 60/40 blend). These shirts won’t suck!

Submit your shirt size using this form.

REQUIREMENT: Go to each AO (Sylvania and Toledo) during the time frame, Q 2 times and go to 2 Bible Studies

You can keep track of your stats/points here all summer long!

2021 F3 Toledo Winter Challenge

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GOAL: Commit to F3 Toledo and your fellow PAX to live all three F’s. As the name clearly states, this is meant to be a “challenge.” Don’t be intimidated. Embrace the suck with your brothers, get better and earn a badass t-shirt only a select few will ever be able to wear.

DURATION: January 1st through March 31st

COST: $20 or $25 – If you complete the challenge you will earn a custom F3 Toledo long-sleeved shirt ($20) or hoodie sweatshirt ($25) designed by our very own world renowned artist, Pixar. You’re going to want this shirt! For those that do not finish, your money will be donated to Cherry Street Mission on behalf of F3 Toledo.

Payment can be made via PayPal or cash to Jimmy Dean.

***For sizing purposes shirts will be similar in fit and quality to GORUCK t-shirts (Next Level 60/40 blend). These shirts won’t suck!

Submit your shirt size using this form.

REQUIREMENT: Accumulate 55 points over the 13 weeks and you will receive the shirt.

POINTS – (minimum requirements in each F)

  • FIRST F – (30 – point minimum, 29 points from workouts, 1 from Q-ing)
    • 1 Point for showing up to a regularly scheduled workout
    • 1 Point for Q-ing a workout
    • 1 Point for bringing an FNG to a workout. An additional bonus point will be given once your FNG makes his 3rd post (all 3 posts must be within Winter Challenge timeframe).
  • SECOND F – (5 Point Minimum)
    • 1 Point for attending a Coffeeteria after a regular beatdown
    • 1 Point for attending a larger planned social gatherings of 5 or more PAX (i.e. lunches or evening events). Please give fellow PAX 48-hour notice with an event post
  • THIRD F – (5 Point Minimum)
    • 1 Point for attending a Cherry Street event
    • 1 Point for attending a Bible Study
    • 1 Point for donating blood
    • 1 Point for donating clothes
    • 2 Points for donating plasma

You can keep track of your stats/points here all winter long!

Getting Back to the Gloom

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F3 Toledo PAX:  

As the state has decided to slowly begin opening things back up from our Stay At Home Order, the Leadership Team feels it’s time for us to open our AO’s again.  It’s not going to be like it was in May 2019, but it will be an opportunity for us to get back to our Mission and gain some momentum.  While the Virtual Workouts have kept us engaged and active, physical proximity can’t be replicated, and it’s time to get back to the gloom!

Many of our AO’s are unavailable for us to use, mainly in Sylvania, so there are going to be some changes in locations.  Pay attention to the calendar events in GroupMe so you know where to go for the beatdown.  It may be a little confusing at first, but we’ll develop a pattern that works given the restraints we are working under.  

All beatdowns must follow these guidelines which are in line with the recommendations of the state order:

  1. All workout groups should be less than 10 PAX.  If more than 10 post, the workout should be split in half and proceed to different areas of the AO. In some cases, a second Q may be necessary. 
  2. Remain separate even for COT.  Should more than one COT group be needed, please host COT at least 100 yards from each other.   
  3. Maintain 6 feet distance at all times between pax, including COT.  
  4. No shared coupons, shared equipment, partner exercises, or Ball of Man. 
  5. If you are sick, or have been around anyone that is sick, do not post in person.
  6. Remember the disclaimer: We are not professionals, this is a free workout, each pax participates at his own risk, modify as needed.   We acknowledge that there is a new risk we all face, COVID-19.  Again, each man assumes his own risk when he posts. 
  7. HC in GroupMe so the Q can plan accordingly (see rule 1) 

Our mission is to plant, grow, and serve small workout groups for men for the invigoration of male community leadership.  We are a leadership organization and we should lead by example. We ask that you take these guidelines seriously.  Public perception is important and critical to the success of our Mission.  We don’t want to be perceived as reckless and risk harming F3’s image in the community. These guidelines are necessary to enable us to stay on Mission and get back to normal as fast as possible.

While the Leadership Team believes it’s safe for us to start ramping back up, we realize that individuals may not feel ready.  Differences of opinion are normal and each PAX needs to decide for himself what he is comfortable with.  Virtual workouts will continue for those that aren’t quite ready to post at an AO.  Please be respectful of everyone’s choice.  There is no perfect answer right now as we are navigating through unprecedented times.  Do what you feel is right and understand not everyone will feel the same way that you do.  

This is the first step.  Hopefully, in the not too distant future, everything will be back to normal.  There’s no replacement for meeting in the early morning and getting the day started with the men of F3 Toledo.  Let’s get moving…SYITG!!

March 2020 Ruck Pre-Blast

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BEATDOWN SANDWICH RUCK to THE BATTLEFIELD

When

Saturday March 7, 2020
-Step off 0500, endex around 0900

Where

Saint Joseph Catholic Church
108 W Broadway St.
Maumee, OH 43537
Park in lot across from the church, on north side of W. Broadway St.

Quadres

Bongo and Mercy

What
  • 8 mile ruck with  a beatdown at the halfway point
    • Ruck from Downtown Maumee to Battlefield through SideCut (4 miles)
    • Attend 1 Year Anniversary Convergence Beatdown at the Battlefield
    • Ruck back to start point in Maumee (4 miles)
  • 2nd F at Brew House Coffee Shop in Maumee

*No coupons – straight ruck.

3rd F Component

Collection for Food For Thought
Donation suggestions:

  • Peanut butter
  • Jelly
  • Loaves of bread
  • Individual snack size goldfish, pretzels, or other sweet or salty snacks
  • Brown paper lunch bags
Gear List
  • Rucksack
  • Headlamp & Spare Batteries
  • Ruck Reflectors or Equivalent
  • Water Bottle
  • Ruck Weight – recommended 30#.
  • Photo ID
  • Index Card with Emergency contact information
  • Gear for beatdown such as gloves
  • Snacks, electrolytes, caffeine, etc. 

February 2020 Ruck – Backblast

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Grand Rapids to Village Idiot Ruck

February 1, 2020

Grand Rapids to Farnsworth Metropark: 0500-0800

Farnsworth Metropark to Village Idiot, Maumee, OH: 0800-1130

Qs: Isosceles, Mercy

PAX: Stark, Whispers, Slurpee, Van Gogh, Red Ryder, Billy Bob, Lonzo, Ponzi, Ticket, Huckleberry, Thai Guy, Flo, Bongo, Otto   

The Ruck

Started at Grand Rapids public library at 0500. 5 PAX (Van Gogh, Isosceles, Mercy, Billy Bob,) rucked approximately 9 miles with 3 60# Sandbag coupons.

The PAX crossed the bridge over the Maumee, and were EH’d by Billy Bob who lives in Grand Rapids, as he was driving to the beatdown and ruck at the Battlefield. Switching the sandbags and flag, the group was making good time. 

Around mile 3, Red Ryder’s shin splints started flaring up, and he chose to turn back. He took a sandbag with him. We didn’t want him to turn around, but he was in pain and it was his call. 

The 5 left pushed forward with the flag and sandbag, stopping once for a bathroom break. There was not much time to do anything else, as the group pushed hard to make the 0800 time hack. It was a good time, and it was a hard time. There was good conversation, as always, but there’s not much more to say other than it was just a hard ruck. The group arrived at the end of Leg 1, right on time with nothing to spare.

At 0800, the rest of the crew met the group at Farnsworth Metropark after most did the normal 1 hour ruck and 1 hour beatdown at the Battlefield. Before starting the 8 miles trek to Maumee, the group did 5 sets of 10 burpees, with rucksacks on.  

We headed out and rucked 1.5 miles to Waterworks park and did 2 rounds of the following PT:

  • 10 ruck curl to press
  • 10 reverse lunges (2 is 1)
  • 10 upright rows
  • 10-20 squats (2 is 1)

We rucked through Waterville and headed to Sidecut metro which was approximately 4 miles away. We traded coupons every 5 minutes and made the guys join new conversations. We made it to Sidecut by 1015. The PAX did a quick relay race of bear crawls and coupon carry.  We crossed the road and started the team evolution.  

The team evolution was to take the following items and create a “cart” that would carry the coupons approximately 1.5 miles.  

  • 2 – 8’ 2”x4”
  • 1 – 4’ 1”x2
  • 1 – 3’x2’ piece of plywood
  • 100’ of 0.25” paracord
  • 1 – tire
  • 1 – 2’ 1”x2”
  • 1 – ratchet strap
  • 1 – axe handle
  • 1 – knife

Time Hack was 15 minutes to build cart.  The PAX did a great job of delegating tasks and working together to make a wheelbarrow type cart that was mobile. After a little trial and error, the cart was moving.  Guys traded off and everyone pitched in. There were a few attempts to just carry the cart, but it was decided that less energy was used pulling the cart and using the wheel.

The final push was up a hill through Isosceles yard…everyone was spent! Walked to St. Joe’s parking lot to hand in our winter/spring workout clothes to Cherry Street Mission and snap a quick photo. 

Finally, we strolled into the Village Idiot for some 2nd F over pizza and beer….man they both tasted amazing! 

What a great group of PAX on this ruck.  The mood was light, the effort was great, and everyone finished strong. It was an honor for Mercy and I to lead this group.  Thank you for making it a solid event. 

2nd F Attendance:

Stark, Huckleberry, Ponzi, 2Pac, Flo, Thai Guy, Mercy, Isosceles, Slurpee, Whispers, Bongo, Otto, Ticket

Story 28

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Powerful Layers Accelerate Life

To be honest, I don’t really know where to begin.  I tend to over analyze most situations, and figuring out why F3 means so much to me and others, is one of the things I have thought about a lot. I have said since day one that there are many layers to F3, which is why it is so powerful for myself and so many other men.  Here is my attempt to put my thoughts on paper.  

F3 is fellowship/brotherhood. We attempt to leave no man where we found him. Helping others improve is invigorating. The high impact men that join you in fitness, fellowship, and faith provide an example, motivation, accountability, and so much more. 

F3 brothers provide support, feedback, and accountability. 

F3 helps build leadership skills

F3 is learning how to live 3rd. 

F3 is a physical outlet. 

F3 makes you better because there is consistent, intentional, and direct contact with other strong individuals.  Iron sharpens iron is not just a tagline in this group.

F3 is a place where you can explore your faith and spirituality without being judged. 

F3 allows you to get creative; aka you are free to lead however you want

F3 is kinda rogue; it’s definitely not status quo fitness or fellowship

F3 is a way to get outside, get fresh air, and connect with our physical environment 

F3 is competition if that is what you are looking for. It’s also you vs you, no one will call you out for being out of shape or modifying a workout. 

F3 is slowly getting prepared for whatever life throws at you; you never know when it’s going to get tough

F3 is community leadership and giving yourself to a greater cause bigger than yourself.

F3 is a collection of very solid advice and virtues all written down in the Q source material 

F3 is a push that will take you further than you thought possible.  

My F3 story starts with Thai Guy, who EHed me on a Thursday during our first “fishing, fellowship, and faith” church group meeting.  He told me to show up on Saturday and be ready to workout. At first, I thought it was crazy to show up at 6:30am on a Saturday morning.  When I arrived I noticed that a few guys had started at 5:30 am to ruck before the beatdown! I thought to myself, who in the heck would get up at 5:30 am on a weekend to work out for 2 hours. Well, that person is now me.

It is crazy how many layers there are to F3.  Guys come out to a workout thinking they might get physically stronger, but they end up with so much more. I know for me, the first thing I needed to overcome was getting up early and fighting the fatigue following workouts.  But after a while, my body adjusted, and I learned how to embrace the discomfort. The guys within the group made it worth it to keep coming back. Next thing you know, I was signing up for the Frog ruck that started at 3:00 am! While I admit I questioned my decision to join the Frog while doing 50 burpees with a 30 lb. ruck sack at 3:45 in the morning, the guys around me made it worth it.  I knew I was part of a TEAM and the PAX would push me through. That sums up F3, top quality men who continuously push others to come out and get a little better each day in their fitness, fellowship, and faith.

When I first started F3 I thought I was doing pretty well in life (thinking that I was at least keeping up with the so called status quo). Looking back, I realize I was on a slow decline.  It is now clear to me that in order to accelerate, I must work to keep relationships with other men who are virtuous leaders. F3 provides that and more. Thank you to the PAX who haven’t left me where they found me. 

Eric “Isosceles” Puffenberger

December 2019

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Story 27

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An Answer to an Unspoken Prayer

F3 was, literally, an answer to an unspoken prayer. Over the last few years, I had lost two men that had been strong mentors in my life. My father-in-law had died unexpectedly, and a good, older male friend of mine had moved a few states away to be with his family. It had created a hole that I sensed needed to be filled. But, I wasn’t sure how. I have many people in my life, but few close friends. I am great at making acquaintances, but making close friends can be a struggle for me. I knew I needed more men of substance in my life for me to grow and be better. 

Exercise was something I enjoyed, but I would get bored with easily. I had tried different programs, but I would lose focus with them quickly and fall off the wagon. Running has always been something that I enjoyed, but, other than that, I was a fish out of water. So, I feel it was more God’s timing and not my workout ethic that had me packing my bag to head to the Y on a random Friday in July. There, I ran into two gentlemen, Hazmat and Tupac (not their given names) in the parking lot. Hazmat, I knew slightly from church. I gave them the “manly” head nod and a “hello” and then spent the next 15 minutes being told about this workout group called F3 that was open to men and free of charge. I told them that I would try and be out on Monday. 

Part of me is still surprised I made it out that Monday. Showing up to random events like that is not in my comfort zone. But, I figured that it would be a bunch of middle aged men, and being a “runner”, I could hold my own. Boy, was I wrong! After meeting men named Q*bert, Stark, and Casper and after rounds of running hills, burpees, and things called Merkins (push-ups), American Hammers (Russian Twists), and Big Boi’s (sit ups), I was trying not to splash my merlot (throw up). At the end of it, I was toasted and stoked. I got my own F3 name (Montoya), and I couldn’t wait to show up again. These were men who I didn’t have to try and be anything around. These men, who didn’t judge me in many of the ways I judge myself, didn’t care about my occupation, my income level, or my education. All they cared about was what they could do to help me be a better man, and they asked me to do the same for them. A core tenant of F3 is to leave no man behind but to leave no man where you found him. 

Throughout my year at F3, I have met men who I call brother, and deeply mean it. I have love and respect for each one of them. The workouts are varied and are only limited by the creativity of the man leading it. I have a great, but busy life. I have a wonderful wife of 14 years, five awesome children. I work as a nurse at an area hospital and am in school. My life is full, and at times, stress filled. But, it doesn’t matter the mood that I am in at the start of the workout, I am always smiling and laughing at the end. It doesn’t matter if I am there every day, or once every other week. I am always welcomed, and people are quick to check in on me if I am out for too long. I am surrounded by examples of high quality husbands, fathers, workers and leaders that push me to be the best version of myself. F3 fills a spot that I didn’t even fully know that I needed filled. These men are a true gift from God.

Ron “Montoya” Stowers

October 2019

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February 2020 Ruck Pre-Blast

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Grand Rapids to Maumee Ruck Event

Date: Saturday, February 1, 2020
Startex: 0500, Providence Metro Park, Grand Rapids Ohio.
Endex: Downtown Maumee for pizza and beverages. This is 16 miles, 6 hours. 

Contact Isosceles or Mercy with any questions
Clown Car Info

Meet Up Location:
St. Joe’s Church
Maumee, OH

Departure Time: 0430

If doing other distance options:
Grand Rapids to Farnworth Metropark Trailhead: 8 miles, 3 hours
Drop a car off at Farnsworth Metropark. Clown car rest of way to Providence

Grand Rapids to Waterville: 10 miles, approximately 4.5 hours
Drop a car off in Waterville. Clown car rest of way to Providence

Packing list:
  • 20 pounds minimum ruck weight
  • Reflectors on Ruck
  • Headlamp
  • Extra batteries for Headlamp
  • Index card with emergency contact information and any other pertinent information
  • Full water bladder
  • Nalgene water bottle
  • Cold Weather gear – extra gloves, socks, etc. 2 is 1, 1 is none.
  • Change of clothes for at Village Idiot (optional, can leave in car)
Starting Point

Providence Metropark (East parking lot).
Step off at 5:00 am

Link to Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TQw2xwjHf5t6h3sY9

Shortened Option #1

Stop at Farnsworth Metropark Trailhead.  
Approximately 8 miles from starting point. 
Going to start with brisk pace and make this distance by 8:00 (3 hours)
Link to location: https://goo.gl/maps/xf5nBkdScSQsWaUC6

Shortened Option #2

Stop at Waterville 
Approximately 10 miles from starting point.