I did it: I rose (literally) to the occasion and successfully completed a series of pistols. Thirty unassisted to be exact, the other twenty from the WOD I dropped to med ball and back up – but who cares?! It happened finally!
I always knew I was capable of doing a pistol, but I also admit to having poor ankle mobility. During previous pistol WODs, it always took a solid set of reps before they started to feel easier — reasons being my tight hamstrings and cankles. Yes, I’ll admit, I have ZERO calf definition. Even after years of competitive soccer, I still have serious calf envy. I’m going to blame my dad’s chicken leg genes. Knee to foot, thank you.
Have ankle mobility issues (aka your ankle tight/limited range)? Check out this video for some helpful stretches:
Kelly from San Francisco CrossFit is my mobility hero, plain and simple. I need to go to one of his seminars ASAP. Anyways, back to the pistols – I have poor ankle mobility, but with proper stretching/soft tissue adjustment I can make this movement happen. Yippeee!
For inquiring minds, here’s the WOD from yesterday:
- rxd
- run 400m
- 25 GHD Situps
- run 400m
- 25 Hip Extensions
- run 400m
- 25 Ring Dips
- run 400m
- 25 Toes to Bar
- run 400m
- 25 Pistols (each leg)
Not going to lie, I was looking forward to an endurance combo WOD and this one felt great. Not to mention, I spent some extra time working on my double-unders before helping with on-rampers yesterday. They are becoming easier and easier – I just need to relax more and focus on wrist movement (rather than freakishly swing my arms).
Moving on to a couple exciting developments. First, I’ve been selected as a Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador and I feel incredibly honored to be included with a group of inspirational women who love being active as much as I do. Check out the site and make sure you look through some of the other blogs!
Second, drum roll…my custom design Reebok CrossFit Nano 2.0s came in the mail! And by surprise! I wasn’t expecting them until the end of the week. Hooray! This is going to sound a little strange, but my heart was POUNDING when I opened the box and when I peeled back the tissue paper, I eyes almost became teary. Who am I?! Yes, I had an emotional reaction to CrossFit shoes. Weirdo.
Aren’t they purrrddy?? I just love them. I haven’t had the chance to workout in them yet, but rest assured these babies are making a grand entrance into my 7am class manana.
Now, am I turning a little obsessive about this whole CrossFit thing? Yes, no, maybe so… Between going to train in the morning and starting to coach at night, I certainly feel like this has become ingrained into my life. Luckily for me, I have the most support boyfriend in the world who shares the same passion for fitness as I do.
Seriously, without Dave pushing me, I would have never stepped foot into a box. I give credit when credit is due and certainly blame credit him for jump-starting my dreams.
Now I can’t write a post about pistols without mentioning one the coolest country girl groups since the Dixie Chicks. I think I’ll start a competitive women’s team called Pistol, Annie. Get it?? LOL.
How’s your ankle mobility? What body movements do you struggle with?