Preparation Is Everything
Even when you're racing in the open wave as an amateur,preparation is not optional - it's essential. When I wasn't properly prepared,every kilometre felt longer, every station heavier, and every moment harder.Instead of feeling empowered, I struggled. There's a big difference betweensurviving a race and enjoying it.
Training doesn't have to be elite-level, but it has to beintentional. Especially when it comes to running - which, I've realised, is thefoundation that makes the rest of the race bearable. Good preparation meansfewer injuries, better performance, and, more importantly, a better mindsetgoing into race day.
Whether you're an athlete or just a sports enthusiast,training gives you confidence. It's how you earn the joy of competition - notjust the struggle.
Doubles Are My Sweet Spot
I've realised that racing in the Doubles category is what Ienjoy more. Why? Because life is busy. As a mum and a working professional, Idon't always have the time or energy to train at the level required for a solorace. And that's okay for me.
In my last singles Hyrox, I hit a wall - both physically andmentally. I wasn't prepared, and I paid for it. Although I did a PB, the raceturned into something I just wanted to finish, not something I enjoyed. Thatexperience taught me that it is better to choose the version of the race thatsuits your current season of life.
In doubles, you split the workout stations, but the realmagic isn't in the division of labour—it's in the shared effort. You motivateeach other, push through fatigue together, and celebrate every station as ateam. My partner Andrea and I have raced three times together now, and everyrace has been a bonding experience. We've shared sweat and laughter, and pushedeach other all the way through the race.
The Power of a Cheer
Racing can be lonely. Even with hundreds of people around,when you're grinding through the wall balls or willing your legs to keep movingduring the final run, you're often deep inside your own head. That's wheresupport matters most. There's nothing quite like hearing your name shouted fromthe sidelines. It pulls you out of the fog and reminds you why you're doingthis. Whether it's family, friends, or fellow competitors, that encouragementlifts you. It gives you strength when you thought you had nothing left.
Some of my favourite race memories are seeing my daughter'sexcited face in the crowd and hearing my husband shouting with his loudcoaching voice, "Come on! You've got this!", right when I needed it.Those moments carried me more than any energy drink ever could.
Support doesn't have to be grand. Sometimes, it's ahigh-five from a judge or a smile from another competitor. But those smallgestures have a huge impact.
Show Your Kids What Strength Looks Like
One of the most powerful things about competing in Hyrox hasnothing to do with me - it's about my daughter. She's not even five yet, butshe's already seen her dad compete in dozens of different races. She has seenher mum do it too. And that matters. She watches us train, prepare, compete, and recover. Shesees us work hard and support each other. And through that, she's learningabout effort, resilience, and self-belief - not from a book or a classroom, butfrom real life. "When you feel tired, you still keep going!" – that'swhat my husband told her once and I have heard her repeating it many times.
So to all the parents out there: let your kids see you inaction. Let them see your strength, creativity, passion, and even your sillyside. Let them see you struggle and get back up. They're watching, and they'relearning more than you know.
Age Is Just a Number - But Strength Is Earned
At the start of my 40s, I feel stronger than ever - notbecause I've discovered some magic anti-ageing secret, but because I'veconsistently chosen to take care of myself. That includes exercise, nutrition,rest, and doing things that give me motivation - like Hyrox. It’s not alwayseasy to juggle training with motherhood and work, but I make it work, because Iknow I’m worth the effort.
There's a certain narrative we are fed about ageing,especially as women. That our strongest days are behind us, that slowing downis inevitable, that pushing our limits is a young person's game. But that'sjust not true. In fact, I've found that this stage of life is full ofpower. Not only do I know my body better, but I trust it more. I train smarter,recover more intentionally, and participate in sports events with a mindsetrooted in purpose rather than pressure.
Hyrox reminded me that strength isn't something you losewith age - it's something you build with time. And that the best version ofyourself might still be ahead.
