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 between surviving a race and enjoying it.
Training doesn't have to be elite-level, but it has to be intentional. Especially when it comes to running - which, I've realised, is the foundation that makes the rest of the race bearable. Good preparation means fewer injuries, better performance, and, more importantly, a better mindset going 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 - not just the struggle.
Doubles Are My Sweet Spot
I've realised that racing in the Doubles category is what I enjoy more. Why? Because life is busy. As a mum and a working professional, I don't always have the time or energy to train at the level required for a solo race. And that's okay for me.
In my last singles Hyrox, I hit a wall - both physically and mentally. I wasn't prepared, and I paid for it. Although I did a PB, the race turned into something I just wanted to finish, not something I enjoyed. That experience taught me that it is better to choose the version of the race that suits your current season of life.
In doubles, you split the workout stations, but the real magic isn't in the division of labour—it's in the shared effort. You motivate each other, push through fatigue together, and celebrate every station as a team. My partner Andrea and I have raced three times together now, and every race has been a bonding experience. We've shared sweat and laughter, and pushed each 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 moving during the final run, you're often deep inside your own head. That's where support matters most.
There's nothing quite like hearing your name shouted from the sidelines. It pulls you out of the fog and reminds you why you're doing this. Whether it's family, friends, or fellow competitors, that encouragement lifts you. It gives you strength when you thought you had nothing left.
Some of my favourite race memories are seeing my daughter's excited face in the crowd and hearing my husband shouting with his loud coaching 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 a high-five from a judge or a smile from another competitor. But those small gestures have a huge impact.
Show Your Kids What Strength Looks Like
One of the most powerful things about competing in Hyrox has nothing to do with me - it's about my daughter. She's not even five yet, but she's already seen her dad compete in dozens of different races. She has seen her mum do it too. And that matters.
She watches us train, prepare, compete, and recover. She sees us work hard and support each other. And through that, she's learning about effort, resilience, and self-belief - not from a book or a classroom, but from real life. "When you feel tired, you still keep going!" – that's what 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 in action. Let them see your strength, creativity, passion, and even your silly side. Let them see you struggle and get back up. They're watching, and they're learning more than you know.
Age Is Just a Number - But Strength Is Earned
At the start of my 40s, I feel stronger than ever - not because I've discovered some magic anti-ageing secret, but because I've consistently chosen to take care of myself. That includes exercise, nutrition, rest, and doing things that give me motivation - like Hyrox. It’s not always easy to juggle training with motherhood and work, but I make it work, because I know 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 down is inevitable, that pushing our limits is a young person's game. But that's just not true.
In fact, I've found that this stage of life is full of power. 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 mindset rooted in purpose rather than pressure.
Hyrox reminded me that strength isn't something you lose with age - it's something you build with time. And that the best version of yourself might still be ahead.
