Friday 2.9.2018
Janielle
“Open Test”
20 Minute AMRAP:
50 Wall balls (20/14)
50 Double unders
40 Box jumps (24/20)
40 T2B
30 C2B pull-ups
30 Burpees
20 Cleans (145/100)
20 Jerks (145/100)
10 Snatches (145/100)
10 Ring muscle-ups
Box Brief:
Congrats to Krista Pool for being the February Member of the Month at Apollo! Scroll down to learn more about Krista.
Krista
As you know you have been given the great honor of being the Apollo member of the month for February. With this achievement comes instant celebrity, any available parking space of your choice, valued input on all warmups you are participating in and many warm and fuzzy feelings. How do you think your life will change from here?
I must admit, I was pretty surprised when you informed me that I was elected with this great honor. I was 2 rounds deep into one of the worst workouts I’ve done in a long time(think back on those rounds of 40 burpees…) and it was just the boost of confidence I needed to push through. I mean, I’m a role model now, I have to represent.
But in all honestly, I’m really just your average Joe who shows up to Crossfit on the daily just looking for a good workout and a good time. I like to push myself a little harder than I think I can, and love I surprising myself with a decent score every once and a while.
You are married to the infamous Apollo coach known as “Strong Chad”. So people want to know, is it cool being married to Mr. Buffness?
I mean, I won’t lie, I’ve always been attracted to a man with muscles. I first set eyes on Strong Chad in the high school weight room ironically. I was doing crunches on the floor and he walked by looking all strong. Haha. I thought he was cute and low and behold we ended up together a few years later. He’s a lucky man!
You never workout in his classes. Is it because he’s harder on you than others or do you just like Monica’s classes better?
Obviously it’s not a scheduling thing. Before Apollo, poor Chad was my personal coach in our garage gym every night. I really struggled learning the basic lifts but boy he was patient. It was pretty awesome for me, and he taught me a lot, but it’s nice to get to learn from others now. I’m lucky because I get to go to Monica’s classes most nights, but I occasionally catch a class or two from Wes when I have to pop in early. Since joining Apollo a year ago this month, I’ve certainly progressed a lot, and I guarantee you it has a lot to do with having access to additional coaches now. Strong Chad is awesome and all, but the quality coaching and different perspectives Apollo has given me is pretty undeniable.
Ok, Seriously now. You’re really starting to hit that next level with CrossFit. You RX many of the wods these days and your work capacity is really growing. What are your thoughts about this journey you’ve been on to get in shape after having 3 beautiful children? Has it taken as long as you thought it would to get where you are?
It is pretty exciting to get to put those two letters (RX) next to your score more often than not, but I have no problems modifying when needed. Heck, I used to modify EVERYTHING. Had I known all the cool modifications Apollo keeps up their sleeve back in my garage gym days, I’d probably be going to regionals for sure by now! Haha.
I’ll be honest, I struggled for a loooong time after having babies to get back in shape. I will never forget how hard it was to jump up on the box after having my last child 2 years ago. I just felt heavy and so defeated. I gained a lot of weight with my pregnancies (40-65 pounds with each). I’m not exactly sure what kept me motivated other than knowing it would only get easier. I stepped up on that box in WOD’s for months before I eventually jumped. Chad used to tease me about how hard I would land on our homemade boxes. Haha. I can still hear the thud in my memories. Fast forward to today and I can jump over them with ease. Heck, I even pushed my limits with the box jump challenge a few days ago! Who would have thought that girl doing step ups all the time would eventually be stacking the plates on boxes!?
It may have taken me a long time to get back in shape, but the great thing about Crossfit is I was continually improving and breaking old personal records. It easier to stay motivated when you’re clearly making progress and modifying less and less as the months go by.
What has been the most important factor in improving your skill and strength since you started?
he consistency of showing up to the gym everyday since joining Apollo and the level of intensity that you just don’t find at home. As much as I loved the convenience of doing CF in my garage for all those years, I just wasn’t pushing my limits enough on my own.
What would you say to people who don’t “try CrossFit” because it’s too crazy or intense?
I feel like if your workouts don’t scare you a little, they probably aren’t worth doing. I love the nervous, yet excited feeling I get when I see new workouts posted the night before. I know any workout is only going to be as challenging as I choose to make it. If it’s something that I know is too crazy or intense for my abilities, I simply modify. There is always a modification for everything so there really is no reason to feel pressured into doing something you’re not comfortable with. Crossfit is functional and for everyone at any level.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know and might find surprising?
I tried out for Spectrum (a singing and dancing group) my freshman year in High School. Oh boy I’m a terrible dancer and singer! I cringe still thinking about it. Needless to say, I didn’t make the cut. Haha.
Ok. Hollywood is making a movie about Krista Pool. What actress do you want to play you and why?
Jessica Biel. She’s a total babe and doesn’t look like the typical underfed actress.