So, you’ve just signed yourself up for a global fitness race that combines running and functional fitness exercises? Wahoo! Great news!
But, what’s that? The nerves are starting to set in at the thought of what you’ve just put yourself forward for? Breathe, this feeling is completely normal.
Training for the challenge
It’s important to remember that cardiovascular endurance is key when preparing for HYROX. We recommend including running into your training sessions that gradually increase (intensity and distance) as you progress. This, along with HIIT sessions are beneficial as it mimics the race’s structure. A lot of people enter HYROX blissfully unaware that running actually makes up half of the event.
Functional strength training movements need to be included into your training too to build the necessary strength and muscle memory needed for the race. These should consist of the exercises featured in the race for practice - such as sled pulls and pushes, farmers carry and sandbag lunges.
It’s also beneficial to throw in some conditioning workouts that blend functional movements and running too. This will give you a feel for what to expect on the day and also help you with elements like pacing and transitioning.
Be sure to include proper rest days outside of training sessions and ensure your diet supports your training regime with a good balance of protein - for muscle growth and repair and carbohydrates and fats - to provide metabolic fuel for your body during exercise, enabling you to work out for longer, or at a higher intensity.
Prioritising sleep is essential, especially the night before. Quality sleep improves athletic performance, so by getting enough shut eye, you can be sure to perform to the best of your ability when it really matters!
On the day
Plan to arrive early to give yourself enough time to register, familiarise yourself with the venue and check out the layout of the course… and, it goes without saying, to warm up properly too!
Make sure you wear clothes that are both comfortable and suitable for both running and functional movements. Wear something brand new on the day without wearing it beforehand, just in case the material was irritable or it didn’t fit properly and ruined the whole experience… consider the same about your footwear too!
Pace yourself!
On the day, it’s going to be far too tempting to go in all guns blazing, especially with all that adrenaline kicking in at the start line. But you must remember HYROX is a marathon, not a sprint.
Starting out too quick early on will inevitably force you to burn out, which will generally produce a disproportionate slow down towards the end.
If you’re still feeling fresh towards the latter stages of the race, you can always push yourself harder there and still finish strong!
HYROX is a thrilling challenge for anyone looking to test their physical limits. All this preparation will pay off when you reach the finish line! If you're getting involved in HYROX, check out our specific training classes!
