A Tribute to F3: Finding Brotherhood, Purpose, and Strength at 77
When I moved to Florida in 2023, my sons Wayne and Brian encouraged me to join a workout group called F3. Brian was participating in Illinois, and Wayne was active in Florida. At first, I wasn't sure what to expect, but looking back, it has become one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
For those unfamiliar with F3, it stands for:
Fitness – the physical workout
Fellowship – building a supportive male community
Faith – not tied to any specific religion, but a belief in something greater than ourselves and living for the greater good
F3 is built on five core principles:
Always Free – There are no membership fees, dues, or hidden costs.
Open to All Men – Any man can participate, regardless of fitness level.
Always Outdoors – Rain or shine, hot or cold, workouts happen outside.
Peer-Led – Workouts are led by volunteers from within the group.
Circle of Trust – Every workout ends with a gathering where men connect, welcome newcomers, discuss community needs, and often close with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
My First Beatdown
I was extremely apprehensive when I attended my first workout—or "beatdown," as it's called in F3.
I was out of shape, carrying extra weight, and significantly older than most of the men present. Many were in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. A handful were in their 50s and early 60s. Then there was me—a 74-year-old bald, overweight man wondering if I belonged.
The answer came immediately.
I was welcomed with open arms and made to feel like I had always been part of the group.
Every newcomer, known as an FNG (Friendly New Guy), receives an F3 nickname. Since I had previously served as Mayor of Texarkana, Arkansas, I was given the name "The Mayor."
I also quickly learned that F3 has its own language. For example, when the leader announced we were going for a "Mosey," I soon discovered that meant we were going running.
Our local post, known as Badlands, held workouts on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Each workout was unique because it was led by a different volunteer leader, known as the Q.
One phrase became especially important to me:
"Modify if you need to."
For the first six months, I definitely needed to.
Leave No Man Behind
On Tuesdays and Fridays, men could choose between rucking (walking while carrying a weighted backpack or vest), running, or attending another workout.
One of F3's guiding principles is:
"Leave No Man Behind, But Leave No Man Where He Was."
I experienced that principle firsthand.
Many times during a run, the faster men would circle back to encourage me and bring me along. They didn't leave me behind. More importantly, they didn't allow me to stay where I started.
Over the past several years, I have lost more than 30 pounds. Today, I can "Mosey" without having to stop and walk. Occasionally, the group still circles back for me—but far less often than before.
That is progress.
Taking the Next Step
From 2023 through 2025, I steadily increased my participation from one or two workouts a week to four or five.
Then, in 2026, the men encouraged me to take another step: become a Q and lead a workout myself.
In March 2026, I completed my first workout as a leader—what F3 calls a Virgin Q.
I was deeply honored when another F3 group, the Thursday Morning Runners, ran three miles to celebrate and support me on that day. It was a powerful example of Fellowship in action.
When I turned 77 in May 2026, I decided to lead another workout.
Twelve additional HIMs—High Impact Men—showed up to support me. Once again, the Thursday Morning Runners made the three-mile run to celebrate my birthday and encourage me as I led.
Their presence meant more than they know.
Triple Respect
Today, I am currently the only man over 70 regularly participating in our Nocatee-area F3 group.
In F3, men over 50 earn the designation of Respect. Men over 60 are known as Double Respect. At 77, I am considered a Triple Respect.
Throughout my journey, every man in F3 has welcomed and supported me.
Few organizations exist where men separated by 50 years in age can work out together, encourage one another, and build genuine friendships. Fewer still can make a man old enough to be someone's father—or grandfather—feel fully included and valued.
F3 has done exactly that.
A Special Moment
At the conclusion of my workout on May 28, something remarkable happened.
As we stood together in our Circle of Trust, an owl quietly flew into our gathering and landed just a few feet away.
For many of us, it felt like a special moment—a reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate the blessing of brotherhood.
My Encouragement to Other Men
If you're a man reading this, regardless of your age, fitness level, or life circumstances, I encourage you to give F3 a try.
You don't need to be fast.
You don't need to be strong.
You don't need to be in shape.
You just need to show up.
I am not aware of any other organization where men with a 50-year age difference can regularly come together, challenge themselves physically, support one another personally, and leave better than they arrived.
F3 changed my life.
Perhaps it can change yours too.
N Wayne Smith / 77 / Mayor
F3 - JAX
