Twenty-one brothers, including Hardwood (more on this in a minute) posted to honor the 21 year anniversary of those who gave their lives in the shooting at the Appalachian School of Law. (January 16, 2002). It was a moment I will never forget, and these are three people I will aways remember.
Each year, I lead this Q for entirely selfish reasons. It is annual cleanse, of sorts. We start off by taking a knee and learning about Angela Dales, Thomas Blackwell and Dean Anthony Sutin. After that, we run a Silent Mile. For me, I reflect on Angela, Tom, Dean Sutin and their families. For the other PAX, I invite them to reflect as they see fit. A mile in silence is powerful, likely more powerful than it sounds. For me, it is one of the most meaningful experiences each year.
After the mile, silence is broken. Today we embarked on a modified Hardway. On the field was a Compound BEAST. SSHs / Carolina Dry Docks / Jump Squats / LBCs / Imperial Walkers / Burpees. In order, each round.
Touch-A-Tree: Three speed rounds of 7 / 5 / 3 while partner held coupon plank.
BTTF
Announcements: The Crucible needs continued support and will be moving to The Healing Place, as they embark on their annual Monument Avenue 10k training. See Shakedown for more details.
NMS: Today was a very important day for me, but it really started last night. I received numerous calls and texts from brothers who could not be there today. In combination with who did post today, it means the world to me. I could say you all have no idea how much this means to me, but the great thing about my brothers in F3RVA is that each of you truly does know and understand how much this means to me. Today does not happen without each of you beside me, with me and behind me. The support you provide is immeasurable.
Special shoutout to Hardywood who is in D.C. for his kids climbing competition, but who ran for one hour, from 6-7, all around D.C. in honor of today. Goose bumps, brother. Goose bumps.
After today’s workout, I received a text from one of you who has a daily devotional. Today’s devotional happed to be Psalm 55, which starts: Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught at the voice of the enemy, at the stares of the wicked; for they bring down suffering upon me and revile me in their anger. Wow! How poignant is that?! Now, verse 22: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
It is truly amazing how God works. Last year, our workout was in the shape of a heart. This year, one of our brothers has a daily devotional exactly on point. The power is real and undeniable.
Try to live each day to the fullest, as all our days our numbered. Try to remember Angela, Tom and Dean Sutin, as examples of who to live for. People who made the ultimate sacrifice. Find those people who drive you to thrive.
This morning was perfect. I could not have asked for anything more.
