During our recent effort making Pate’ we had about 45 minutes to use wisely, so we did a 75 Hard Outdoor Workout in downtown Madison. We know that you don’t usually associate working out with one of the most beautiful towns in Georgia but sometimes we’re forced to multi-task.
In this case, since the 75 Hard Challenge allows you to tailor your own workout, and so according to the “rules” you can have an outdoor workout, and the person right next to you can have a pleasant walk around downtown, and that is one of the beauties of the plan.
Hey, we like this. We’re all about the story.
What is 75 Hard?
We talked about this the other day. It’s a challenge invented by Andy Fisella, to develop discipline and mental focus by doing something difficult. We explained it at length in this post:
‘https://www.fireflymadison.com/2023/01/22/75-hard-personal-preparedness/
Starting Point: The Hart and Crown
We hadn’t been in here, and were curious. There was a pleasant buzz in the room, and we do enjoy a good buzz. This crowd was not likely to burst into a chorus of “Purple Rain” though. They kindly let us take in some of their ambiance while we had healthy drinks. The bartender seemed to be a bit baffled at our request for something lean and friendly but came up with something with cranberry in it.
We’ll come back at some point with a recipe for something healthy and more “pub-like” while keeping true to the non-alcoholic requirements of the challenge.
We headed off to start the “workout.”
Stop 1: Madison Standard Time
We introduced this awhile back. We’ve explored most of the county seats in the area and noticed that the more prosperous counties make sure the courthouse clock works.
As this applies to the locals, we walked out of the Hard and Crown we noted the ongoing work on the courthouse and the clock was set to about 2:10, which is the smile position, but not close to the reality of noonish.
Anyway we’ll give them some time to get their project done before we judge.
Stop 2: The Town Park
We like the pleasant open space, and it would be perfect for filming our dance video, provided we respectfully obey the town rule against loud music without a permit.
This would be perfect for a high intensity interval workout (HIIT) if we were inclined.
It’s also perfect for not doing that and taking a pleasant walk. Do the Christmas lights stay up year round? If so we think that is fun. We have lights around our place too.
Stop 3: The Alley behind Bistro 220
Technically we guess that its also the alley behind the James Madison. We like the fact that it was designed for horse drawn carriages, and is too narrow for two giant SUV’s to park in.
Stop 4: Benny Andrews’ House.
We learned about this place a couple of years ago when we tried to take the Madison Walking Tour, which can be accessed via the App.
It’s now the Morgan County African American Museum.
Anyway Benny Andrews was born in Plainview in 1930. He was the first member of his family to graduate from the Burney Street School, and after some time in the Air Force became a self-taught artist by copying illustrations from newspapers and catalogs.
This is a very distinct expressive style, and Benny ended up being critically acclaimed in New York and Philadelphia. He became part of the local art scene up there, and eventually became an instructor for 29 years at Queen’s College and visiting lecturer throughout the country.
Stop 4: The Spooky Jason Lives Cemetery
We have visited this place before too, and have a blog post linked below.
The cemetery scene from “Friday the 13th VI” also known as “Jason Lives” was partly filmed in this cemetery, which is sort of fun to think about.
This is a pleasant place for a stroll on a nice day. The sign says it closes at dark, therefore the Spooky midnight gathering of Friday the 13th fans will have to meet at the Hart and Crown unless they get permission from the city.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CoSsWwaJ7vv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
What always impresses us in these old Victorian cemeteries is the number of children’s graves in the family plot. There is one plot with five children who didn’t make it past 4.
What that makes us appreciate is the fact that the good old days are now. As much as we complain about the system, it’s better now than at any point in history
https://www.fireflymadison.com/2021/10/28/real-life-location-of-a-horror-movie-icon/
Stop 5: Back to the Hart and Crown
Okay this whole trek took us 45 minutes, and therefore meets Andy’s requirements for the 75 Hard outdoor workout.
It is also pleasant enough that if you choose not to call it a “workout” and call it a “pleasant stroll” you’re allowed to do so. And, if the person or people you are with think you have a screw loose, they can come with you without breaking a sweat and not have the mental focus and everyone is happy.
We’re still going to offer the “75 Hard Kickoff Weekend.” You can get away from the pantry full of junk food at your place, and explore the little town of Madison, absorb some of the interesting stories, and develop mental focus that way.
Or, you could just walk around and enjoy the town. It’s all good.
PS: Guess what?
The next Friday the 13th in 2023 is in October. What that means is that the “Conyers Apparition Day” falls on Friday this year. Is that spooky? Hard to say. We are still open minded on the issue, but that might be an excuse to go there instead.
Links and References
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091080/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th_Part_VI:_Jason_Lives
