Reflections on My First HYROX Race

I’m the type of person who enjoys a challenge and will try almost anything once. It’s probably why I’ve lasted so long as a competitive powerlifter. One lift stuck at a plateau? Challenge accepted. 

That mindset has led to some incredible experiences and helped me appreciate how capable my body is. For much of my adolescence and early adulthood, I lived with metabolic and endocrine conditions without realizing it. During those years, I was focused on shrinking myself and measured success in the gym solely by calories burned and the number on the scale. 

It wasn’t until my late twenties that I discovered fitness could actually be fun; the kind that comes from doing things you never thought possible. The kind where months of hard work pay off and you get to say, “This 36-year-old body did that.” 

I ran obstacle course races, completed several half marathons, tackled runDisney challenges, started CrossFit, and competed in countless powerlifting meets. All because I wanted to see if I could. 

When HYROX took off in the U.S., I knew it was only a matter of time before I signed up. Racing in Boston last week was an absolute joy. From the energy of the event to crossing the finish line, I had a blast. It challenged me physically and mentally (burpee broad jumps can kick rocks, as far as I’m concerned), and I would absolutely do it again. 

If you love setting a goal, doing hard things, and being able to say, “I did the thing,” HYROX is worth considering. Here are a few lessons I learned as a powerlifter training for my first race. 

Small Adjustments to Your Training Can Go a Long Way 

Powerlifters are often quick to dismiss cardio, but strength athletes tend to excel at most HYROX fitness stations. A 102 kg sled push? A 16 kg farmer carry? That’s just a Tuesday. 

The biggest changes to my training were adding more volume to movements I was already doing, such as sled work, farmer carries, and lunges, along with incorporating cardio-focused warmups and finishers. 

Strength athletes should be training their cardiovascular system anyway. A little extra, well-planned conditioning can improve recovery and make you a more well-rounded athlete. 

Footwear Matters: Practice in Your Race-Day Shoes 

I have shoes for squats, shoes for deadlifts, shoes for functional fitness classes, shoes for long days on my feet, and shoes for running. What I failed to fully appreciate was that I’d be doing the entire race in my running shoes. 

I noticed it most during the burpee broad jumps, sandbag lunges, and wall balls. My feet would rock forward, forcing me to readjust my stance. 

If you’re training for HYROX, make sure you're practicing every movement in your race-day shoes, not just your runs. 

Choose a Partner with Similar Goals 

While I’m naturally competitive, my goal for this first race was simply to finish. I knew I wanted to race in the doubles division with someone who shared that mindset. 

We pushed ourselves, but we didn’t obsess over splits or target times. That made all the difference when our pacing plans went out the window thanks to cramps and unplanned electrolyte stops. 

We crossed the finish line proud of what we accomplished, regardless of the time on the clock. 

As a strength athlete, my running pace is slower but consistent. Having a partner who wasn’t determined to sprint every lap helped me stay steady and keep moving. 

Have Fun and Enjoy the Moment 

Whether your goal is to be competitive or simply complete the race, make sure you enjoy the experience. Sing the silly song that keeps your feet moving. Dance with the volunteers cheering you on. Take in the atmosphere and encourage the athletes around you. 

Those little moments of joy and the endorphin boost they provide will stay with you much longer than any individual split time. 

Buy the Pictures 

This might not be everyone's priority, but purchasing the race photos was worth it for me. 

I didn’t have a crew of spectators there to document the day, so those professional photos became a tangible reminder of what I accomplished. Every time I look at them, they remind me: "Hey, I did that. I didn't imagine it. And I looked badass doing it." 

Final Thoughts 

I’m walking away from my first HYROX race incredibly proud of what I achieved and excited to do it again. 

I don’t see myself overhauling my entire training program or traveling across the country chasing top rankings. What excites me is knowing I can continue doing the style of training I love while successfully taking on new challenges. 

For athletes who found their place in fitness later in life, for those still figuring it out, or even folks just looking for the next challenge HYROX offers something special: a chance to test yourself, have fun, and discover you're capable of more than you thought.