I am 38 years old today, and in better shape than I have ever been in my life.

Yesterday I discovered a great way to scale and practice pistols.  Hold a plate out in front of you.  It helps to keep your weight forward so that you don’t fall backwards (which is what normally happens to me when I get really low).  Here’s a video:

This is the first time I have ever done pistols without holding on to something stationary.  This is progress.  I love it.  Onto today’s training:

• Front Squat 1RM; 5 x 2 @ 85%
• EMOM 8 Minutes – 2 Pistols

Big Front Squat PR! 275#!! Boom!  That’s a nice birthday surprise, and redemption from the shitty back squats on Monday!  Reps done at 235# and were tough, but I powered through them.  Pistols were done exactly as shown in the above video.  Felt great!

Then…the birthday WOD.  I started doing this last year (at 37) and decided to add a rep every year:

38

Buy In:  Row for 38 Calories

• 38 Box Jumps (24″)
• 38 Sit Ups
• 38 Kettlebell Swings (53/35)
• 38 Lunges
• 38 Knees to Elbows
• 38 Push Ups

Cash Out: Row for 38 Calories

Finished in 16:05.  Clock started before the first row.  I don’t think I timed the rows last year, but will from now on.  It’s funny how hard rowing a simple 38 calories can be.  I’m not sure what the distance was.  I’ll have to measure that next time.  Anyway, I’m off to enjoy the day…

-LHRL