Excited to Compete Locally
I was super excited to sign up for my very first Hyrox competition. What better place to do it than right where I live, Barcelona. Staying local meant more support and less stress especially since I was a total newbie.
A Friend’s Encouragement and New Challenges
My fitness background is mostly strength training at my local gym and running, with a few triathlons thrown in here and there. I gave CrossFit a try for about a year, but it wasn’t really my thing. It felt a bit too intense, and I was worried about getting injured. Since running is my main sport, I didn’t want to risk anything that might jeopardise it. Then Hyrox came into the picture, thanks to a friend who encouraged me to sign up as a mixed doubles team. At the time, I didn’t think I’d be ready. But I’m learning to give myself credit; all those years of training had quietly prepared me more than I realized. Still, without his encouragement and that initial push, I wouldn’t have had this experience.
It’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to surround yourself with people who see your potential, challenge your limits, and help you break out of routines you didn’t even know you were stuck in.
Training at Hybrd Academy and Teamwork
Despite my fitness background, Hyrox was a whole new challenge, with its own rules, structure, and intensity to get used to. The journey became a steep learning curve, not just about the sport, but about myself too. I suppose one of the biggest lessons I learned was that you don’t always have to go it alone in races. There’s something powerful in trusting someone else, that you’re both showing up for each other. In solo events, it’s all on you, which can feel safe in a way. But letting that go, and allowing someone to share the load, was a good reminder that leaning on others can be just as rewarding as pushing through on your own. I began training specifically for Hyrox in February and joined the Hybrd Academy in Barcelona to get a feel for the format and to adapt to a higher training intensity alongside others.
When you surround yourself with people who share your goals and values, you rise together.
That couldn’t have been more true than at Hyrbd Academy.
Research and Preparation
There was also the fun of diving into YouTube videos and soaking up tips from Hyrox experts on social media, learning how to conserve energy on the machines through proper technique, and picking up clever hacks to race smarter, not just harder.
That said, it’s important to be mindful of where you source your information, especially on social media, where everyone seems to be an expert. So take what serves you, cross-check what you can, and always listen to your own body and experience.
Race Day
After weeks of interval sessions and partner workouts at Hybrd, race day finally rolled around. By then, my teammate and I had figured out how to play to our strengths dividing the stations based on who handled what better, and backing each other up when energy dipped.
Arriving at the arena, the nerves really kicked in. The place was buzzing, people sprinting laps, others going all-out on the SkiErg. Suddenly, my usual 10Ks and half marathons felt simple in comparison.
Our finish time was 1:20, and after reviewing our time, we realised we could easily shave off 10 minutes next time especially factoring in our mid-race hydration breaks in the Hyrox zone. Looking back, I think we might’ve been a little too kind to ourselves there.
By the end of the day, I was absolutely wiped. I also reckon the whole experience could be made even better with a few simple touches, like a proper cheering zone or a bigger warm-up area. Little things like that can help athletes stay focused and connected. Hopefully, those improvements will come in time. And perhaps other races in other arenas are set up to accommodate this.
Women Embracing Strength
One thing that really stood out to me was seeing so many women embracing strength, unafraid to lift heavy, push hard, and build muscle. It’s not just about endurance; strength gives you an edge in sport and in life. I’ve never feared the weight room myself, but I can totally understand how intimidating it might feel for someone new.
Hyrox feels more accessible and encouraging, inviting the average woman to lift more, challenge herself, and truly appreciate just how powerful being strong can feel.
That’s why I think Hyrox is such a brilliant gateway. It feels more accessible and encouraging, inviting the average woman to step in, lift more, challenge herself, and appreciate just how powerful being strong can feel.
Looking Ahead: Hyrox in Rome
So, what’s next? I was one of the lucky ones who managed to grab a ticket, and I’m already setting my sights on Hyrox Rome this September, four months of training to go. I’m also excited to travel with the Hyrox team. We’ll be each other’s support crew, which makes the whole experience even more special.
Special thanks to @okayproduction for capturing the day on film. It was amazing to watch the footage back and see everything from a different perspective, especially since, in the moment, you’re so deep in the zone you barely take it all in.
