Hyrox - Valencia
So, I 'competed' at a functional fitness event a few days ago called HYROX.. Those that are familiar with Hyrox will know that it is much like CrossFit in that, the first rule of CrossFit is, you never shut up about CrossFit! Hyrox is much the same! Needless to say, the conversations in the Myers household have been very limited over the last few months.
Anyways, last Saturday I stumbled around the event (which consists of 8 x 1K runs sandwiched between 8 functional fitness exercises) and managed to sweat, cry and hobble past the finishing line one minute quicker than my previous time! Initially I was well pleased that I beat my previous time, however it quickly dawned on me that, the 1 minute represents less than a 1% improvement in performance over the year? Maybe I should have done better?
Over the last few days I have had time to think about Hyrox and the whole process of training and keeping fit and healthy. I am on reflection pretty happy with my 1% improvement and in fact I've taken several positive take-aways from it all......
Consistency - The key to it all is consistency! Whether that is being consistent with your nutrition, consistent with your training, consistent with your daily walks. If you want to see progress or even if you just don't want to go backwards, you have to be consistent. For me, this has never been more true when it came to Hyrox. My prep was pretty catastrophic! Two months out I did not know if I could compete at all, due to some knee issues. When I did get the all clear to train again, I had a very limited window to get it done. I had however been super consistent with my training for the last year and even during the period where I could not put full weight through my knee I was able to do some light cardio and upper body stuff. This meant that on game day I was still able to get it done. I love the fact that by being consistent, I'm ready (ish) for most things - be it a run with a mate, long walks with the family or a silly fitness competition!
Only compete with yourself - I love the Hyrox format! When you start, you start with 20 other random blokes, all of different ages, body shapes, and fitness levels. This in itself is quite levelling, but as soon as the gun is fired and your swept on to the track, you join hundreds of other competitors that have already started the race, be it 10 mins before you or 90 mins in. This forces you into a position where you cant race against anyone else - you are immediately only competing against yourself!
The second thing Hyrox has in common with CrossFit is, the 2nd rule of CrossFit. That being, all the male competitors have to compete with their tops off. I don't know if you have to sign something when you attend a CrossFit gym to the effect of 'I do solemnly swear to take my top of at least 90% of the time'? However, Hyrox is no different. All the fellas with half decent rigs strut around with no top on and to be honest it can be pretty intimidating. I think its natural to compare your body with other people and the lads with their tops off are the easiest people to compare against. It takes a concerted effort to look elsewhere, but when you do, you realise that the majority of people are just like you, or certainly just like me. I don't have a 6 pack, I'm not blessed with particularly athletic genes, and from an age perspective I’m certainly passed my best. So, really what's the point in comparing yourself with the young, chiselled dudes that strut around the arena. Its like comparing apples and pears. The only thing you can do is assess yourself by the metrics that are important to you. Did 'I' improve from last time, what can 'I' do better next time. Being in competition with anyone than yourself is a sure fire way to fail!
Everything in balance - I was luckily enough to compete at Hyrox in Valencia, Spain, which for me gave the perfect context for the event. Yes I trained hard for it, yes I stayed pretty consistent over the months leading up to it but ultimately the event and the trip to Spain with my family was meant to be fun. And it was (minus our luggage not turning up - another story!) After the event, I drank a little too much, I ate a lot too much but, certainly didn't worry about over consuming or if my plate didn't have enough protein or healthy fats! Life is for living and for the large majority of us we are not training to compete at a professional level, we are not models, or actors who get paid to look like Greek gods. We are normal people who understand the benefits of keeping active and eating a healthy diet but also the joy and pleasure of having a pint with your mates, an ice cream with your three year old or a glass of bubbles with the wife. Work hard, be consistent but ultimately enjoy it!
