So finally this event came up on the calendar I had signed up for back in August. I signed up for Pro Doubles and Gabbe Björlin (One of the fastest IM times for a 19yr all time) was keen. But he has been plagued with illness all fall so wasn’t able to build up form. So last minute, 3 weeks out I had to find a new partner who was in good shape and keen for the challenge. The toughest bastard I could think of who is almost always training hard for something was another old IM stud and training partner of mine, Morgan Pätsi. Turns out he had been in the gym a fair bit and in decent run shape and was up for the challenge. Sorted! But with only a few weeks to test-train it was going to be interesting!
Morgan only impressed as he usually does. Pro category is interesting in Hyrox because anyone can sign up for pro if they want to do the heavier weights instead of the Open category weights. In doubles both athletes run the entire distance together but get to split the exercises. So we strategized a bit and then went for it. There were some world class guys in our start block and they took the race out crazy fast and despite planning to control the first run we were kind of dragged along and split 3:29 but were back in about 8th place in our heat. We kept losing time on the heavy exercises and catching them back on the runs. We really struggled on the sled pull – the sleds were so heavy and not gliding very well. Slowly but surely we clawed our way back and Morgan was right there every run and punishing himself to the limit on the exercises! It was so much fun! We had an ultimate goal of 1hr and despite the struggle on the sleds we managed a 1hr 4min so I was super pumped. To top it off we ended up winning the 40-49 age category (they have age categories in the pro division in Hyrox) so we went home with the authentic White flags and qualification to the World Champs in Chicago… I don’t ‘think we are going – maybe next time.
Get in touch if you are interested in testing some Hyrox. I’m going to be starting with some training groups soon and am already writing training programs. It’s an exciting new sport and the training really builds a balanced physique, extra strength and really good fitness and vo2.
