F3 Vocabulary

F3 RELEVANT VOCABULARY AND TERMINOLOGY: 

Let’s address the terminology of F3. A shared “secret” language is not just for fun; it’s a way of building connection and camaraderie. The vocabulary of F3 is borrowed from the military, other organizations, and the fertile imaginations of some creative and funny dudes. This language is a big part of the culture, so it’s important to know the most common terms. 

There is actually a Lexicon (list of terms with definitions) and even an Exicon (list of exercises with definitions), but there are literally hundreds of words that you may never encounter, so let’s just stick with some of the basics. If you hear a word you don’t recognize, just ask the guy next to you. You’ll pick up the lingo before you know it. 

The 450 or so terms in the Lexicon are a bit overwhelming. Here are some of the most common terms and abbreviations you’ll encounter:

  • AO or AREA OF OPERATIONS: The geographical location at which an Event takes place. Abbr: AO.
  • BACK BLAST: A written account of a Workout or Event that the Q Posts to a public forum, usually the day of or the day after. Abbr: BB.
  • BB: Short for BackBlast.
  • BEAT DOWN: A very difficult Workout delivered by a Q with Zeal.
  • CADENCE: The count used in most exercises. The Q calls out “1, 2, 3” and the Pax then counts “1”. The Q continues with “1, 2, 3” and the Pax then counts “2,” etc. The count should be on each end-point of the exercise, but compliance to this rule varies wildly.
  • COUPON: ~38lbs of cementitious love. aka Cinder Block
  • COT: The Circle of Trust. The terminating stage of each Workout, wherein the PAX form a circle and conduct Counterama, Namerama, Announcearama, etc.
  • FARTSACK: Bed. A PAX missed the workout by sleeping in.
  • FARTSACKING: Staying in bed instead of posting.
  • FELLOWSHIP: A healthy relationship with those in Proximity. The second F of F3. AKA: the SecondF. AKA: 2F.
  • FNG: Short for Friendly New Guy. Your designation until you get a nickname.
  • FREED TO LEAD: The F3 bible (of sorts). Order your copy today!! Abbr: FTL.
  • GLOOM: The murky pre-dawn in which the PAX gather around the Shovel Flag in preparation for a Workout.
  • KOTTER: A PAX who posts to an F3 workout after a prolonged absence.
  • MOLESKINE: That portion of the BackBlast in which the Q describes interesting things about the workout that are at least partially true.
  • MUMBLE CHATTER: Talking incessantly during the workout to Inspire the Q, encourage the other PAX and/or connect with FNGs.
  • NAME-O-RAMA: That stage of the COT during which each PAX announces his Hospital Name, his age and his F3Name.
  • PAX: The members of F3.
  • POST: Verb. To appear and participate in a workout or event.
  • PREBLAST: The Twitter post (with the hashtag #pb) that confirms the following day’s workout at each AO. Not always posted, but usually there before 9:00 the previous evening. It’s a good idea to check it before going to be to ensure that no changes have occurred. 
  • Q: A Leader who takes responsibility for the outcome of a workout.
  • RESPECT: A PAX who has reached his 50th birthday. You add a “Respect” for ever decade over 50.  E.g 60 = Double, 70 = Triple “Respect, Respect, Respect”
  • SECOND F: Fellowship. AKA: 2F.
  • SHOVEL FLAG: Old Glory on top of a long-shaft shovel. Although not mandatory, each F3 Workout seems to own one. The Q pounds it into the ground to provide the Faithful a point in the Gloom around which to rally.  SIX: Your posterior end, or the PAX at the trailing end of a run.
  • THIRD-F: Faith. AKA: 3F. Outside of the COT, third F events could be a bible study, community event, or fundraiser.
  • VQ: Virgin Q. A PAX’s first Q of an F3 Workout. Abbr: VQ.
  • AOVQ: First Q at a specific AO
  • YHC: Short for Your Humble Correspondent. The author of the tweet, backblast, etc. A marginally acceptable way to refer to oneself in the third person (for those opposed to using “I” for some reason).