Hyrox, the fitness race that combines running and functional fitness, has been taking the fitness world by storm. As someone who loves lifting and running, I was intrigued by the challenge and decided to give it a go. My first race didn’t exactly go to plan, but the experience taught me some valuable lessons that I’m eager to share.
The day of my first Hyrox competition was one I’ll never forget. It took place in the bustling convention center in Berlin, Germany, on a crisp Saturday morning in late October 2024. The city was alive with excitement as athletes from all over gathered to test their strength, endurance, and grit.
I woke up that morning in a cozy hotel room just a few blocks from the venue. My alarm buzzed at 6:00 AM, but I was already half awake, my mind racing with anticipation. The soft hum of early morning traffic outside matched my rising energy. I rolled out of bed, stretched, and checked my bag one last time—hydration pack, energy gels, a towel, and my trusty training shoes were all ready to go.
Breakfast was a carefully chosen meal of oatmeal, bananas, and black coffee. I ate slowly, savoring the calm before the storm while going over my mental checklist. My playlist, full of pump-up songs, played softly in the background as I visualized the eight grueling rounds ahead.
When I stepped outside, the chilly air jolted me to life. A light fog hovered over the streets as I jogged toward the venue, my breath visible in the morning light. The convention center loomed large as I approached, the entrance flanked by flags bearing the iconic Hyrox logo. Inside, the atmosphere was electric. The scent of sweat, energy drinks, and determination filled the air. The hum of excited chatter mixed with announcements over the loudspeakers: “Athletes in Wave 3, please proceed to the starting area.”
After checking in, I found a quiet corner to warm up and focus. My heart was racing—not just from nerves, but from excitement. This was it: the moment I had trained for over the past six months. Countless early mornings, late evenings, and weekends spent pushing sleds, running intervals, and perfecting my burpees had all led to this day.
As my wave was called, I joined the other athletes at the starting line. The announcer’s voice boomed, “Are you ready?” and a roar of cheers erupted from the crowd. The countdown began: “Three… Two… One…” and we were off, sprinting into the first kilometer.
The next 90 minutes were a blur of sweat, determination, and sheer willpower. Each 1K run felt harder than the last, but the adrenaline carried me through. The sled push nearly broke me, and the burpees tested every ounce of my stamina. Yet, the energy of the crowd, the camaraderie of my fellow competitors, and the thought of crossing that finish line kept me moving.
Finally, as I completed the last wall ball and sprinted across the finish line, an overwhelming wave of relief and pride washed over me. I had done it—I had finished my first Hyrox competition. My time wasn’t record-breaking, but it was mine, and I had given everything I had.
Later that day, I stood outside the venue, wrapped in my finisher’s medal and sipping a well-deserved recovery shake. The sun had broken through the morning fog, and I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. This was just the beginning of my Hyrox journey, but the memory of that first competition—the sights, the sounds, the struggles, and the triumph—would stay with me forever.
Here are 6 things I wish I knew before that first Hyrox race:
1. Run Your Own Race In the excitement of the start, I got swept up trying to keep pace with a faster runner. This sent my heart rate soaring and left me struggling to maintain a consistent pace throughout the race. Lesson learned: focus on your own pace and strategy.
2. Read the Race Day Guide. Twice! I missed crucial information in the event guide specific to the Manchester venue, resulting in me running shorter laps and incurring time penalties. Familiarize yourself with all the details of your specific event to avoid unnecessary setbacks.
3. Fuel Up Properly My pre-race breakfast was insufficient for the demands of the race. By the later stages, I was running on fumes. Proper nutrition is crucial for optimal performance. Plan your meals carefully to ensure you have enough energy to power through.
4. Enjoy the Experience Getting caught up in my mistakes, I forgot to enjoy the incredible atmosphere and camaraderie of the event. The cheers from the crowd and the support from fellow competitors are truly uplifting. Remember to soak it all in and have fun!
5. Dress Appropriately 90 minutes of intense exercise in a sweaty t-shirt left my nipples feeling rather sensitive. Lesson learned: choose comfortable, breathable clothing that minimizes chafing and discomfort.
6. It’s Okay to Make Mistakes My first Hyrox was a learning experience. I made mistakes, but I also discovered a newfound appreciation for this unique and challenging sport. Embrace the learning curve and use it as motivation to improve in your next race.
Overall, my first Hyrox race was tough, rewarding, and surprisingly addictive. Despite the challenges, I was bitten by the Hyrox bug and am already planning my next race. If you’re looking for a fitness challenge that pushes your limits and tests your overall fitness, I highly recommend giving Hyrox a try. Just remember the lessons I’ve shared, and you’ll be well on your way to crushing your first race!
