I recently completed my first Hyrox race in Manchester. It was challenging but fun, which is to be expected from a race. I participated in the event to determine if Hyrox could potentially become my new sport and replace my beloved physique bodybuilding. Now, I would like to summarize my findings from the first event.
Hyrox is a well-organized event that runs like clockwork. As a first-timer, I never got lost because everything was numbered, and my name was displayed on the screen, directing me where to go. The judges were always present to guide me, so all I had to focus on was racing. Despite some criticism that some judges are very strict, I don’t think this is the case. I followed the movement standards and rules throughout the entire race, and no one pointed out any mistakes or missing reps. If anything, the judges were very encouraging and provided me with a lot of positive energy.
Hyrox is an inclusive event where people of all shapes, sizes, ages, performance levels, and some with disabilities too, participate. However, it is a challenging race that requires plenty of preparation. More than half of the race involves running, so you need to spend a considerable amount of time on your feet running. It was particularly challenging for me as I had been unwell for a few weeks before the event, and I also didn’t have a chance to lose the extra weight I had gained during the Christmas period. The burpees defeated me completely. Although I managed to complete the station with some difficulty, I started feeling very weak after finishing the last burpee. This was my biggest crisis, and it was also a bit of a mental struggle, as I have been teaching BodyCombat and HIIT classes for years, and I should have been able to complete the burpees effortlessly.
Here is MyZone split:
I was a bit disappointed with my finishing time as I was hoping to complete the race in under 90 minutes. However, considering the circumstances, I give myself some credit. I finished the race in 96 minutes, which sets a benchmark for future events or simulations.
Here are some key points after the first event:
I like Hyrox, but I’m not sure whether I want to participate in the sport or just be a spectator and support my friends who compete. The sport is growing, and I think it’s a good way to increase pressure on movement standards and make sure that reps are not missed. However, I’m not happy that there isn’t a clear stance on anti-doping.
Hyrox is what I would call a ‘strength endurance’ sport. For people like me who have trained for years to increase muscle size, it can be challenging to switch to a training regimen that focuses on gaining speed and endurance. The body needs time to adapt to these new training regimes. It’s important to invest time in running, but keep in mind that this type of running is affected by all the functional stations.
Hyrox season runs from September to June, and if you’re like me, you may find it more challenging to race during the second half of the season. Winter tends to bring nasty infections, and Christmas indulgences can lead to some unwanted weight gain. And as we all know, the heavier you are, the slower you move. So, if I plan on sticking with this sport, I will be aiming for the first half of the season. That way, I’ll have plenty of time during the summer to prepare.
I have a few more events to race in, observe others as a spectator, and evaluate my love for the Hyrox sport. It’s not just about physical exertion, but also about building an incredible network and community. I believe that anyone can take up this sport with dedication and preparation. The time taken to complete the race is insignificant when you give your best shot and strive to finish with all your heart.
See you in the Rox Zone,
Vic
