This is the first time I tried Diane. I've always looked at this Workout of the Day with equal parts awe and envy of those that could do the fully prescribed workout. I tried it, but it just wasn't happening. Even though 225 lbs is around two-thirds my deadlift max, lifting it forty-five times was too much. Ditto on handstand push-ups. These require every muscle in your body to act in concert--equal parts balance and strength.

Proper breathing during WODs continues to plague me. I've had some very negative experiences in the past, resulting in pressure headaches. Audible breathing in yoga and breathing ladders have helped, but it's a skill I need to keep improving.

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Warm-up: 3 sets

50 jump rope
10 squats
10 push-ups
10 pull-ups
1 Sampson stretch (each side)

Medicine Ball Catch (10 minutes)

We also tried something new today. Stand on a 2x4 balance beam about 8 feet apart and play catch (overhead, underhand, each side) with a 12# med ball. The last 5 minutes we tried to knock the other off. The catcher tried to absorb the blow without falling.

WOD: Modified Diane

18 hspu + 3 inverted L pu
145 DL

15 inverted L pu
135 DL

9 inverted L pu
135 DL

Time: 10:50

Rx'ed: 225# deadlift, handstand push-ups) - 21-15-9