I spent a lot of time training for this—5 days a week for over 12 weeks. Because it’s a hybrid sport, there are so many different elements to train for. When running hasn’t been part of your routine for years, that becomes the biggest beast to tackle.
My first run was a rough 1km slog, and I spent weeks hovering around the 2-3km mark before finally hitting 5km of unbroken running. Running just takes time and consistency. You can’t rush it, or you’ll end up injured. And if you miss too many sessions you lose progress fast. In the past, I trained for speed with hill sprints and intervals, but this time I focused on pace and distance—which turned out to be a way more enjoyable approach.
Then there were the stations: Ski Erg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Row, Burpees, Lunges, Farmers Carry, and Wall Balls. I train a lot of these already, but the sleds? Completely different story. At 103kg for the sled push and 70kg for the sled pull, they were awkward and hard to train for because not many gyms have them.
HYROX Women’s Doubles Breakdown
Here’s what the race looks like for women’s doubles:
- 1km run
- 1000m Ski Erg
- 1km run
- 103kg Sled Push
- 1km run
- 70kg Sled Pull
- 1km run
- 1000m Row
- 1km run
- 80 Burpee Broad Jumps
- 1km run
- 200m Farmers Carry (2 x 16kg)
- 1km run
- 100m Lunges (16kg plate)
- 1km run
- 75 Wall Balls (4kg)
I teamed up with a great friend for my first HYROX. We were on the same page—just out to finish and experience it, no pressure. We completed everything in 2 hours and crossed the finish line feeling like champs. Absolutely wrekced, but champs none the less.
The Event Process
Booking tickets in advance is key—HYROX is wildly popular and sells out fast. On the day, you queue to register, get your ankle chip, wristband, and start-time number written on your arm. There’s a warm-up area with all the equipment you’ll see on the track, which is worth using before your start time.
You kick off with a run and finish with wall balls before running up onto the stage to cross the finish line. You’re greeted with a Red Bull, a recovery area, and your HYROX finisher patch.
Recovery
It took me about a week to fully recover. I couldn’t train, was completely wiped, and felt dehydrated despite drinking about 5L of water on race day. The NZ running track was outside in the full summer sun—brutal. Luckily I went crazy with sunscreen before starting.
My HYROX Tips
- Focus on running: Build your run fitness because the stations are doable, but the runs (especially in the heat) are killer.
- Time your arrival: We flew into Auckland and arrived hours before our start wave. Next time, I wouldn’t head straight to the venue—it was overstimulating with all the people, noise, and waiting around. Five hours pre race was too much.
- Communicate with your partner: If you’re in a doubles team, check in with each other constantly. It can make or break the experience.
- Plan your food: Know what you’re eating on the day and right before the race.
- Skip the photo package: Honestly, the photos were terrible. Save your money.
Supplements I Used for Training
These made a noticeable difference during training and on race day:
- NZ Muscle PreUltra — A solid pre-workout that gave me the energy I needed without the jitters.
- Simply Nootropics NMN & TMG — NMN supports energy and recovery, while TMG helps balance things out. I noticed better stamina and less post-workout fatigue.
- Dr Hydrate Electrolytes — These kept me hydrated during sweaty training sessions and on race day.
None of these are magic fixes, but they definitely helped me feel stronger and more prepared.
What I Wore for HYROX
Comfortable, functional gear is everything for an event like this. Here’s what worked for me:
- Puma Nitro Shoes — Lightweight and cushioned, perfect for both distance runs and quick transitions.
- Do Better CoLab Socks — No blisters, no slipping—absolute lifesavers.
- Aimn Shorts — Comfortable, squat-proof, and stayed put through everything.
- LSKD Tank — Light, breathable, and great for layering.
- CLQ Sports Bra — Supportive without being restrictive—a must for running and jumping.
- Garmin Watch — Helped me track distance, pace, and heart rate, which was a game-changer for pacing myself.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I had the best time and would 100% do it again. It’s a great sport for people like me who aren’t athletes but love fitness and have a competitive streak. Even if you’re not competitive, it’s an awesome personal achievement.
With events that can be completed solo, in doubles, or even as a relay team, there’s something for everyone. I loved seeing so many women of all ages, shapes, and fitness levels out there smashing it. The spectators were amazing, and the vibe was on point.
Just one heads-up: the merch is wildly overpriced—like $80-$90 for a t-shirt and $600 for a backpack. Unless you’ve recently won the lotto, maybe skip that part.
If you’re on the fence about HYROX, I say go for it. And if you have any questions, just ask!