The Ballad of Fat Axl

The Ballad of Fat Axl

Just kidding, fellas. This isn’t a song; it’s an idea. Many of the exploits of F3 began with the following statement, “I have an idea…” Well, fellas, I have another idea.

Recent exchanges between my Brothers Cindy, Dredd, Fishwrap, and others regarding a diminished state of intensity, and proactive fellowship, in F3Metro got me thinking…

Have I become a Fat Axl of F3Metro?

Not that long ago, the best of bands L.A. Guns and Hollywood Rose merged to form Guns N’ Roses. After several line-up changes, original friends Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin, came together with Duff McKagan, Steven Adler, and Slash to first perform at the infamous Troubadour on the sunset strip. GNR soon released their first album, Appetite For Destruction, that went on to become the best selling debut of all time. The in-your-face intensity, energy, charisma, and talent of Axl Rose, along with the hard hitting musical foundation of the band, launched GNR into global success. Fast forward a few years, and you will find Axl out of shape, overweight, disconnected from the band, and struggling to match the energy of past performances. Axl Rose became Fat Axl.

The year was 2011 and something, similar to the formation of Guns N’ Roses, happened in Charlotte. Former Campos members Dredd and OBT, among others, believed that some ideas behind the success of Campos should be shared with other men. It was decided that a workout would be held at 0700 on the track and field of AG Middle School on January 1, 2011. This was the launch of F3. It was immediately apparent that F3 was on to something. Over the next few weeks, months, and years, this group of men, and many of those that came after, lit a fire under each other. The combination of intensity, energy, charisma, and talent amongst us encouraged each be better leaders, followers, friends, and athletes. Nearly every AO was a place that would test your best and train you past it. To further forge our fellowship and fitness, we often took this merry band of rogues on the road to compete in a variety of races, challenges, and adventures. We attacked these events with fiercely effective joy. F3 grew and other regions joined us. The fire of the F3Metro Standard served as a beacon. We forged our fitness, fellowship, and faith in the furnace of F3. This furnace changed our lives and has since grown into multinational success. Fast forward a few years, and you will find some of us out of shape, overweight, disconnected from the Pax, and struggling to match the energy of the past. Although time and pain spare no man, I know that I have lost more than a step. I became a Fat Axl of F3Metro.

If this idea is even partially true, what should be done? Whether you are a has-been bat-flipper or a habitual Six, post and headlock. The formula works. There is no more effective way for men to forge bonds of trust and friendship than through shared suffering and service. There are few more efficient ways to build ones life than finding fitness, fellowship, and faith. 10 years older? Not an excuse. Tough job? Not an excuse. Children? Not an excuse. Previous injury/s? Not an excuse. WAG? Not an excuse. Jester? Not an excuse. Too early? Not an excuse. Been there; done that? Not an excuse. Re/Challenge yourself. Re/Engage your tribe/s aka Pax/AO’s. Start where you are. Not that long ago, there was a time when the men and adventures of F3 were one of the most exciting and important parts of our lives. Not that long ago, there was joy in paying it forward by headlocking and challenging the next guy. For some, this experience continues. Tclaps to them, as fire maintenance requires vigilance. For some, the experience faded. To those of us who faded…I propose that it’s time to re/commit. Get off your ass. Quit working out solo. Stop fart sacking. Hit the next AO. Set new goals. Draft a plan. Be accountable. Serve. Talk some shit. Spread some joy. Lead. Raise the standard. Let’s go.

I am not the only #F3FatAxl amongst us. We all struggle with the flow between motivation, capability, and consistency. I share this idea to both help reignite my own spark and to encourage other Pax and Regions. I am inviting accountability. For the next 30 days, I commit to the schedule below (may modify and/or account daily as required). Join the following plan or create your own; HC in comments or just get back after it. For those seeking a spark of motivation, or an excuse to neck slap a Fat Axl, I hope to soon SYITG.

September Tour Dates:

1. HardCore
2. Swole
3. DR. Run
4. DR. Kettlebell
5. DR. Ruck
6. Rest Day
7. ShieldLock Lift
8. Sweet6
9. Combine
10. AG
11. QSource/Rest Day
12. BHM
13. ShoreCard
14. ShieldLock Lift
15. Rest Day
16. Sparta
17. Cherokee
18. QSource/Rest Day
19. DiamondHead
20. WIB
21. ShieldLock Lift
22. SharkTank
23. Rest Day
24. Mustang
25. QSource/Rest Day
26. SplitEnds
27. Black Widow
28. ShieldLock Lift or Audible
29. Rest Day
30. Worm

Giddy up
-TD