Lessons from the Arena: My First Hyrox Experience
There’s something raw and beautiful about standing at the starting line — not to prove anything to anyone else, but to compete with yourself. That’s exactly where I found myself at Hyrox Atlanta 2025.
No nerves. No ego. Just the personal challenge of seeing how far I could go, especially after suffering a groin injury two weeks before the event.
Training leading up to the race was solid.
I kept my usual workouts and added Hyrox-specific training on Sundays. Those Sunday sessions? They were harder than anything the race threw at me. If I could do one thing differently, it would be to prioritize my running and cardio stamina more. The strength was there — the engine needed more tuning.
One thing I didn’t expect:
The overwhelming positivity of the Hyrox community.
I met guys like Mark and Keith, and even strangers who offered words of encouragement when I needed it most. Small gestures — a pat on the back, a few good words — they mattered more than I realized.
I felt strongest at the sled push, sled pull, ski erg, rower, and farmer’s carries.
But right from the first 1K run, I could feel my injury reminding me it wasn’t done yet.
By the weighted lunges, it was undeniable: my body couldn’t go full range.
And in that moment, I made a decision.
Not to push through recklessly. Not to turn a small injury into a long-term setback.
Instead, I made peace with the reality. I disqualified myself from the race — not out of weakness, but out of strength.
It is what it is. No big deal.
It wasn’t quitting. It was fighting smarter.
My biggest takeaway?
The hooks are in.
Hyrox lit a fire in me that isn’t going out anytime soon. Next year, the plan is clear:
Solo run on Saturday.
Men’s doubles on Sunday.
Stronger, healthier, faster.
The comeback starts now.
Zone 2 cardio becomes a major focus. Running, walking, building stamina steadily over the months ahead.
And honestly, what I'm most proud of isn’t a medal or a finish line photo.
It’s being part of a community that chooses to show up — physically, mentally, emotionally.
To challenge themselves. To cheer for others. To stay present, even when the outcome isn’t perfect.
A Note to My Future Self:
Remember the plan. Trust the process. Build the engine.
You have the strength. Now sharpen the stamina.
uAnimal isn’t just about finishing — it’s about evolving.
This is just the beginning. The real fight is ahead — and I can’t wait to meet it.
#uAnimal #HyroxJourney #Resilience #MindOverMatter #ThisIsOnlyTheBeginning
