Be That Guy

Perrysburg, OH - Every now and then we need a reminder of how great we have it. The tweet below comes from Smuckers of F3 Black Swamp (Perrysburg, OH). JonMarc Grodi, a 35 year-old husband and dad of six shorties under the age of 12, is a leader in his community. He also happens to be only two week’s into his F3 journey.

What brought Smuckers out into the Gloom was hearing about it from a local priest and friend. A “man’s man” as he described him. With his brother-in-law in tow, Smuckers made his first post on an early Wednesday morning. The guys introduced themselves, handed him a ruck and they just walked and talked. As Smuckers tells the story, you can see how great it was to just be one of the guys. 

Grodi is the Executive Director of a Catholic apostolate called “Coming Home Network International” that offers a network of support for those converting to Catholicism. He also hosts a television program on EWTN (The Catholic Television Channel) inviting people to tell their faith journeys. On a local level, he and his wife have a passion for family ministries. As a leader in his local diocese, people come to him often for advice. He’s the guy that facilitates discussion. 

But at F3, he’s just a guy. “The ease of the camaraderie and friendship just came together because we were doing something together. I enjoyed the simplicity - no equipment needed, no specific facility, and it is outdoors.”

Smuckers and I talked a while about what it means to be a leader for our kids, the value of doing hard things, and why men need to live in community together. He gets it.

As we talked about our sons leading the future generations, he helped remind me that we set their course. “It all comes down to what we do. We can want our boys to have less screen time or to be more active, but ultimately it comes down to us. They are going to do what we do. We have to model it. It can't be fake, they can sense inauthenticity a mile away. Boys really need fathers to challenge them and bring them up. You have to be who you want your sons to be. I want my son to be happy and healthy. I want him to be outdoors and I want him to accept and welcome challenge and encouragement from other men.”

So how does F3 do that? Sometimes it's doing difficult things in the elements and outside of our comfort zones. His second post took the outdoor core principle to the extreme. The Tabata workout started with a drizzle and went full downpour halfway through it. Then came the lightning. “It made a strong beginning to a good day.” 

Other times it's about doing the hard thing. “There’s a thin membrane between our comfortable life and the life of adventure that we want. Sometimes you need a tiny push to go there. It doesn't take much. It just takes a friend - a brother - to push you over the edge and then you're having an adventure.”

This isn’t just in the Gloom. Men were designed to live in community. We hunted in packs. We had skills that were beneficial to our communities. Some were builders, smiths, bakers, masons, and farmers. Others were educators, pastors, fishermen, and tailors. We survived because we worked together.

We continue to read about the loneliness epidemic in men, but as Smuckers puts it, “We know we were put on this earth to be men for others - to be warriors, to be builders, and to be  leaders. We can talk about the lack of community all we want and the need for true friendships, but if we’re not doing those things together, it's artificial. We can feel it. It's just another thing on our schedule. So we need to be doing things together as men.” 

That’s why F3 works. Men build relationships over shared suffering or shared purpose. “We share the ups and the downs. We live the faith together. The Psalms remind us of the happy and the sad. Some days you’re David dancing in the tabernacle and other days you’re asking why and feeling forsaken. We must live together sharing each other’s wins and commiserating in defeat.”

So tomorrow when you’re wondering if the wake-up is worth it, know that a man out there needs you and you need them. In my ten years of F3, I’ve never regretted posting. As for Smuckers, he says he’ll keep coming back. He likes the fitness, but realizes the challenge is what will keep him going. Be that guy.

- Italian Job 

My Why

Morris County, NJ - I found my squad, and a part of my heart has come to life.

I'm incredibly grateful for the camaraderie, support, and encouragement I've found within the F3 community. These men have shown me the true power of brotherhood. Together, we push each other to be better versions of ourselves, both physically and mentally.

In the early morning hours, we gather to push ourselves through challenging workouts. Through the shared sweat, struggles, and triumphs, we forge bonds that go beyond mere acquaintances. We have created a space where vulnerability is welcomed, where we can share our fears and insecurities without judgment. It's a place where we can be ourselves, flaws and all.

Beyond the physical fitness aspect, F3 has taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, responsibility, and serving others. The principles of F3 extend far beyond the workout itself. We strive to lead by example, not only within our group but also within our families, workplaces, and communities.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the men of F3 for accepting me into their fold and embracing me as a brother. You have filled a void that I didn't even realize existed.

If you’re searching for a squad and that sense of belonging, I encourage you to explore the possibilities around you. Look for those groups or communities that align with your values and provide the support you crave. It may take time and effort, but finding your squad is worth it.

- Hei Hei (F3 The Ward)

The men of F3 The Frontier and F3 Morris teamed up with "More Hearts Than Scars" to aid in getting our own Hei Hei (seated)  through the Spartan 5k Sprint.

3rd F Spotlight

Hoover, AL - Where there's a need, the HIM of F3 step up. A friend of F3 Birmingham recently lost her son. A woman who's smile lights up the post-Gloom mornings at the local Panera could use a little love and prayers. So they took up a collection. $1,720 later, they presented Carrie a check, and a hug. They didn't do it to be recognized. They didn't do it for themselves. They did it out of love. Well done, men. Well done!

Grow Ruck Update

July and August are quiet on the GrowRuck front, but September and October registrations are open!

GTE 38 Boise "The Confluence" registration is also open for those ready to tackle what the Gem State has to offer September 15-17. We have a very experienced team combined with an all-star cadre cast putting together a typical GTE 14-hour experience as well as the first 24-hour GrowRuck event.

We hear Savannah is nice in early October. Why not check it out under ruck at GTE 40 hosted by the Coastal Empire?

Every wanted to cross the pond and meet some of our English brothers? Ever wanted to do it for FREE? Free registrations for PAX traveling (does not include travel, meals, and incidentals - that's on you). If so, register for GTE 42 - The Hills in Guildford, England.

F3 Expansion

F3 Nation now has:

• 333 Regions across five continents
• We now offer 3,987 free workouts world-wide
• We believe we are now serving over 83,000 men across the globe!

If your region isn't on the site, contact [email protected]

For more inquiries regarding expansion efforts, please email [email protected]