[No. 335] My Experience with HYROX: The Boundary Between 'Running' and 'Training' 🏃♂️🔥
I recently participated in a HYROX practice session.
I had heard the name, but
this was my first time actually experiencing it.
For the record, I have no plans to compete in the tournament myself.
However,
'I wanted to experience it once to evaluate where I am now,'
so when a friend invited me, I decided to join.
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The Sport of HYROX 🏋️♂️🏃♂️
HYROX is a sport that progresses by alternating between
'RUN' and 'station exercises'.
In the actual event, it is structured as:
1km RUN → Station
1km RUN → Station
This is repeated throughout the course.
In this practice session,
the entire format was compressed into about 40 minutes.
RUN approx. 400m × 8
8 Stations
Rotating through RUN + 1 station every 5 minutes
was the content.
The exercises performed were as follows:
SkiErg
Sled Push
Sled Pull
Burpee Broad Jumps
Rowing
Farmers Carry
Sandbag Lunges
Wall Balls
For those interested in the details of the competition,
please check the official website or similar sources.
The first thing I thought after trying it 💦😵
It's tough.
Honestly, that was the only word for it (lol).
I was born in the early Heisei era,
and I experienced club activities that still had a bit of a Showa-era feel.
Maybe that's why.
During this practice session,
I was reminded of that 'club activity' feeling.
After receiving the initial explanation,
the moment I heard, 'There are 8 events in total.'
And there's running in between them, too.
Early on,
you realize 'how many events are left.'
That length ahead.
That distance to the finish line.
Honestly, it gets pretty depressing (lol).
It was different from my usual training 🔥🏃♂️
Personally,
I run regularly and keep up with strength training.
However,
the intensity of HYROX was something else entirely.
During the competition, and after it was over.
I couldn't stop sweating.
The sensation of my entire body remaining this hot
is something I rarely experience in my regular training.
During the competition, I didn't even have the luxury of thinking about which muscles I was using.
It felt like I was using everything all at once.
Legs.
Back muscles.
Arms.
Shoulders.
I didn't even have the luxury of thinking about where I was using my strength.
Anyway,
on to the next.
On to the next.
Keep the body moving.
That was the feeling.
Even so, here is what I felt 💪🌱
However, there was one other thing I felt this time.
That my regular training
was not in vain.
I have
zero interest in the debate over
'functional bodies' versus 'non-functional bodies'.
But,
because I run and train regularly,
I felt I was able to cope to a certain extent.
That is precisely why
the physiques of the athletes were so convincing.
After finishing this practice session,
I also watched videos of the top athletes.
And,
they had incredible bodies.
It wasn't just about muscle mass.
It wasn't just about running ability either.
Because it is a sport that demands both at a high level,
I felt that the 'competitive nature' was reflected in their very bodies.
The place I want to head toward 🚶♂️🔥
After participating this time, I feel like I caught a glimpse of the direction I want to aim for.
Just a little bit.
However—
It's tough (lol)
It's really tough.
That's why I don't intend to enter any competitions.
It's amazing to keep challenging your limits, though.
And this time, I felt it once again.
Bodybuilders. Marathon runners. HYROX athletes.
Even though the sports are different, I think they are all truly incredible worlds.
Building the body. Athletic ability. Mental strength.
None of these are things you can reach easily.
And that applies not only to top-level athletes.
People who work hard toward their respective goals while balancing their daily jobs and lives are also truly amazing.
That is precisely why I feel such strong respect for each sport and the people who dedicate themselves to those worlds.
But for me, I want to continue to value 'engaging with training in a fun way.'
With that said, I have heartfelt respect for my friend who will be competing in a tournament in Chiba in August.
Right now, they are adjusting their body and preparing for the big day.
I hope they stay injury-free and can give it their best.
I am rooting for you.
⚠️ Caution
💪 This article is based on the author's experience and personal opinions.
🏋️♂️ There are individual differences in training effects and methods.
⚠️ Please perform exercises safely according to your physical condition and environment.
✅ Please take responsibility for your own decisions and actions.
Underlying × Cultivation
Fields, bodies, and investments—a way of life that keeps on tilling.
Renji Enko