Part 2:

You don’t have to “be ready” to start.

One of the first things I hear when I talk to someone about doing a Hyrox is:

“I could never do that. I’m not fit enough.”

Or maybe it sounds like this:

“I’m not a runner.”

“I’m too old.”

“I need to lose weight first.”

“I’d be too slow.”

“I’ve never done anything like that.”

“I don’t want to be last.”

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to be ready before you start.

Training is what gets you ready.

Think about someone signing up for their first 5K. You wouldn’t tell them, “Don’t sign up until you can already run the entire thing.”

The race gives them something to work toward.

HYROX can be the same way.

You Don’t Have to Start With a Solo

I’ve done HYROX solo 3 times, 2 times with my husband, and 1 time with a female partner, and they are very different experiences.

If doing an entire HYROX by yourself sounds completely overwhelming right now — don’t!

Do Doubles.

Find a friend, spouse, coworker or someone from your gym and do it together.

Or grab three friends and do a Relay!

There isn’t one “right” way to do your first HYROX.

Your first goal doesn’t need to be a certain time.

Your first goal can simply be to finish💪

But What If I Can’t Run?

This is probably one of the biggest fears people have.

Yes, there is running in HYROX.

But here’s a secret:

People walk.

People slow down.

People take breaks.

People struggle at stations.

I’ve done enough races to tell you that there are all kinds of athletes out there. Not everyone looks like the people you see on social media.

And that’s one of the things I love about it.

You don’t have to earn the right to be there because you’re fast.

You signed up. You trained. You showed up. You belong there.

Stop Comparing Your Beginning to Someone Else’s Middle or End 

This might be the most important part.

Social media can make it look like everyone is running six-minute miles, flying through burpees and pushing enormous sleds without breaking a sweat.

That’s not what most people’s race looks like.

And it certainly isn’t what your first race needs to look like.

If you’re starting with a 15-minute mile, start there.

If you’re alternating walking and running, start there.

If your goal is your first 5K instead of a HYROX, start there.

Meet yourself where you are — and then move forward.

That’s how people become runners.

That’s how people become stronger.

And that’s how someone who says, “I could never do a HYROX” eventually finds herself standing at a starting line.

Being Nervous Doesn’t Mean You Shouldn’t Do It

I think we’ve gotten this idea that confidence is supposed to come first.

It usually doesn’t.

Sometimes you sign up while you’re scared.

Then you start training.

You get a little stronger.

You run a little farther.

You learn the movements.

And somewhere along the way, fear starts turning into excitement.

That’s confidence.

Not knowing you’ll succeed.

Knowing you’re willing to try.

So if you’ve been waiting until you’re “fit enough”…

MAYBE STOP WAITING.

Pick the race.

Put it on the calendar.

Find someone to do it with you.

And give yourself enough time to train.

You might surprise yourself.

And remember — maybe HYROX isn’t your thing.

Maybe your challenge is your first 5K, your first strength class, or simply doing something you’ve been afraid to try.

Whatever it is, don’t wait until you feel completely ready.

Start where you are.

Tip: Hyrox races fill really fast! Sometimes it’s hard to know when they will open for registration. I recently asked ChatGPT to alert me when the race opens for registration that I want to register for  

Coming in Part 3:

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone — How to Find a HYROX Partner or Team