What is HYROX?
HYROX is a global fitness race that blends endurance and functional strength. Competitors complete 8 rounds of 1km runs, each followed by a functional fitness challenge like sled pushes, rowing, or burpees. It’s a true test of both aerobic capacity and muscular endurance—challenging even for seasoned athletes.
My HYROX Experience: A New Challenge
I initially signed up for HYROX as a way to step outside my comfort zone. Coming from a background of gym-based strength training, I wasn’t used to functional fitness or high-volume running. My biggest struggle? Building an aerobic base from scratch while managing new training loads.
Throughout my preparation, I faced calf niggles that forced me to modify my running volume, cross-train, and implement a structured calf-strengthening routine. But nothing prepared me for the race itself.
The Reality of Race Day (and the Aftermath)
Over the weekend, I finally competed in my first HYROX race—and my legs are feeling it. Along the way, I picked up a few niggles:
✔️ ITB pain creeping in towards the end of the race—but stopping wasn’t an option.
✔️ TMJ pain from clenching my jaw the whole time (apparently, racing is bad for your jaw too).
✔️ DOMS so bad that walking downstairs became an extreme sport.
Why This Made Me a Better Physio
This experience reinforced something I’ve always believed: getting injured (to an extent) makes you a better physiotherapist.
It’s easy to tell someone to “just do their rehab” or “trust the process,” but when you’re the one in pain, it’s a whole different story. You truly understand:
✅ How frustrating injuries are—especially when they interfere with something important to you.
✅ How hard it is to stay disciplined with rehab—when all you want to do is get back to training.
✅ Why patience and load management matter—because pushing through pain without a plan rarely ends well.
Experiencing injuries firsthand has made me more compassionate, built stronger rapport with my patients, and improved how I coach them through recovery. I now approach injury rehab with an even deeper understanding of what it takes—not just physically, but mentally.
Want to Train Harder Without Getting Injured?
If you’re preparing for HYROX, a marathon, or any fitness event and want to stay injury-free, I can help. Book a physiotherapy session today, and let’s optimise your training so you can perform at your best.