by Big Diff
My F3 journey started when I went to my first F3 workout by an invitation from my brother in law, Bret Hammons “Swiper” from F3 Alpharetta. He explained that it was a free workout that met at a local park. Sounded good to me. It was here I got my nickname, Big DIF (the Digital Integration Facility or DIF is where I work). I was pretty much hooked after the first workout. A great workout, good guys and free!
Bret explained that F3 was all over the southeast and got me entered into the F3 app. When I got back to Charleston, I showed up for my first F3 Charleston at the Hills of #parkwest ( aka Lower Awendaw (LA). Daisy served up the workout and Mustang was my partner for the day. By the end of the workout, I knew I had plenty of work to do to get back in shape and had to learn the new names of familiar exercises.
Not sure what was harder at first, the workout or the alarm clock. The morning wake up was tough at first, but I set a goal to go 3 times a week. Thanks to the comradery of my F3 brothers at Park West, it quickly became my favorite part of the day and an opportunity I couldn’t miss.
I grew up running and started joining Dirty Bird for some extra credit before the workouts. Even though I was waking up earlier, my energy during the day was better. My attitude at home and work improved as well. I found it was worth losing that extra few minutes of sleep.
My story is probably similar to yours in that life gets busy with work and family responsibilities. I often put myself and my health last trying to juggle everything else. I began to ignore the need to work out, which at one time was a big part of my life.
Being formal military, the boot camp format of F3 was familiar to me. I enjoy meeting with a great group of guys in a group led workout. Accountability and relationships are something not found in a gym. I quickly realized this was not just a regular workout group.
In addition to the daily workouts, I’ve enjoyed the different events F3 gets involved in. I highly recommend getting involved in the Mud Run, P200 or other group events and races F3 is part of.
I am so glad my Brother in Law introduced me to this great organization a few years ago. It’s improved my life in more ways than I can count. I hope to be bringing the pain well past my Respect years!
SYITG,
-Big Diff