HYROX Reflections: A Mental Race, and a Coaching Reminder
Honestly speaking, I only signed up for HYROX because I’m extremely susceptible to peer pressure. My gym friends at F45 convinced me to give it a go, and before I knew it, I was doing weekly drills with a running club (I know, how stereotypical) in addition to upping my HIIT training. But as the event drew closer, I started to feel the same nerves I used to experience before tennis tournaments. The big difference? This time, I wasn’t competing against anyone but myself.
That realization shaped my entire HYROX experience. The goal wasn’t to beat others; it was to show up, do my best, and push myself a little further than before. It’s a mindset I often encourage in my coaching practice: focus on your growth, not on comparison.
The Mental Race
HYROX was tough—physically, yes, but more so mentally. I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn’t about perfection; it was about persistence.
One foot in front of the other.
One more rep until the station was done.
That’s how I got through. Each station felt like its own mini-challenge, and when I got to the infamous wall balls, the mental test really kicked in. Every time I missed the target, my instinct was to get frustrated. But I quickly realized that frustration wasn’t helping me—it was holding me back. So, I paused, reset, and reminded myself to focus on what I could control: the next rep, the next throw.
It’s a lesson I often share with clients: Progress happens one small step at a time. When setbacks come, reset and refocus. Keep going.
The First Thought vs. The Bigger Picture
When I crossed the finish line, my first thought was, “Damn, I could have broken 1:40.” Classic, right? Focusing on what I didn’t achieve instead of celebrating what I did. Thankfully, my husband reminded me to take a step back.
I trained for this. I showed up. I finished. And that’s something to be proud of.
It’s easy to get caught up in the “what ifs” or focus on the gap between where we are and where we want to be. But what I preach (and try to practice) is this: the journey matters more than the destination. HYROX wasn’t just about the time on the clock—it was about the discipline I built, the mental strength I tapped into, and the pride of knowing I accomplished something I worked hard for.
Coaching Takeaways
HYROX reminded me of so many truths I emphasize in my coaching practice:
Comparison is the thief of joy. Compete against yourself, not others.
Break it down. Progress is about taking small, manageable steps forward, even when it feels overwhelming.
Reset when needed. Frustration is natural, but you can choose to pause, refocus, and keep going.
Celebrate the wins. Don’t let perfectionism rob you of pride in what you’ve achieved.
And, of course, hydrate! (Seriously, I can’t stress this one enough.)
Whether it’s HYROX, a career challenge, or a personal goal, the process teaches you so much more than the outcome ever could. Reflect on the journey, cherish the growth, and don’t forget to appreciate how far you’ve come.
Will I do HYROX again? Maybe. But for now, I’m proud of this moment—and I’ll carry its lessons with me, both in my own life and in my work with clients.
