Building Confidence and Crushing HYROX Training in Las Vegas
Building Confidence and Crushing HYROX Training in Las Vegas
If there’s one thing I’ve come to realize while training for HYROX, it’s that the effort you put into your workouts reflects how you tackle everything else in life. It’s not just about hitting the sleds, the wall balls, or the ski erg—it’s about taking pride in how you show up for yourself. Pride in your training bleeds into pride in your work, your relationships, and your personal growth. When you put in the work and go all in, it shows. And trust me, it’s worth it.
I recently had the opportunity to host a seminar in Las Vegas, focused on programming effective workouts for HYROX training. It was a chance to share my approach to balancing intensity, recovery, and race-specific preparation. But here’s the thing: public speaking makes me more nervous than standing at the start line of a HYROX race. There’s something about getting up in front of an audience that mirrors pre-race anxiety. You know the stakes are high, and you want to perform your best, but those nerves don’t always play nice.
The Mental Game: Public Speaking and Race Day Nerves
For me, public speaking has been a journey of preparation and persistence—just like training. I’ve worked hard to overcome insecurities around communication and self-expression. In school, I struggled academically, and for a long time, I let that define my self-perception. But over the years, I’ve come to understand that intelligence isn’t just about books or grades. It’s about how you learn, adapt, and grow. And the same goes for speaking—it’s a skill you can refine, just like your race pace or sled push technique.
Speaking to an audience that shares my passion for HYROX was a game-changer. It reminded me why I’m so invested in this sport. HYROX isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s a mental one too. And the way you train your mind to handle those tough moments—whether it’s a 1000m run or a public speaking gig—makes all the difference.
Programming for Performance: The Vegas Seminar
The seminar was all about programming workouts to simulate race conditions and optimize performance. One key focus? Understanding thresholds. Balancing your aerobic and anaerobic efforts is crucial for managing fatigue and maintaining performance throughout a race. Knowing when your body transitions between these states helps you push harder without overexerting yourself. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you can sustain effort and stay in control.
I shared some of my go-to strategies, like incorporating various exercises—running, skiing, sled pushes—to replicate race scenarios. These workouts aren’t just about building physical endurance; they’re about training your mind to stay focused and resilient under pressure. One of the key takeaways? Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) is your best friend. During high-intensity training, aim for an RPE of around eight. It’s challenging but sustainable, and it helps you build the confidence to tackle race-day intensity.
The Training Grind: Sled Pushes, Wall Balls, and Everything In Between
Now, let’s talk about the workout I tackled after the seminar. It was a brutal session designed to push my limits and simulate the demands of a HYROX race. Here’s what it looked like:
High-Intensity Sled Pulls and Runs: These combine strength and cardio, forcing you to manage your anaerobic threshold while maintaining speed.
Balancing Intensity and Recovery: The session included strategic recovery periods to prevent overtraining while still maximizing performance gains.
Unbroken Wall Balls: 75 reps. No breaks. This was the ultimate mental test, and completing it felt like crossing a mini finish line.
The goal of this session was simple: to build confidence. Confidence in my ability to handle the race, no matter how tough it gets. Confidence that comes from knowing I’ve put in the work. And confidence that I can push through when my body and mind are screaming for me to stop.
Why Sled Pushes Are a Game-Changer
Sled pushes are a HYROX staple, and for good reason. They’re a full-body exercise that tests your strength, endurance, and grit. But beyond the physical benefits, sled pushes teach you something invaluable: how to embrace discomfort. When you’re midway through a heavy sled push and your legs are on fire, it’s easy to want to quit. But if you can push through that moment, you’ll come out stronger—not just physically, but mentally.
That’s what makes sled pushes so powerful. They’re not just about building muscle; they’re about building character. And in a sport like HYROX, where mental toughness is just as important as physical fitness, that’s everything.
Balancing Training and Recovery
One thing I emphasized during the seminar is the importance of balancing training and recovery, especially leading up to a big race. Late races, like the one in Vegas, require a different approach. You need to manage your energy levels and prioritize recovery to ensure you’re peaking at the right time. It’s not just about training harder; it’s about training smarter.
For me, that means being intentional with my workouts. If I’m going hard on sled pushes and runs one day, I’ll follow it up with an active recovery session the next. Maybe some light biking or swimming to keep my body moving without overloading it. And, of course, I make sure to fuel properly. Nutrition plays a huge role in how you perform and recover, so I’m always mindful of what I’m putting into my body.
Small Victories Build Big Confidence
One of the highlights of this training block has been those small victories that add up over time. Like completing 75 unbroken wall balls at the end of a grueling workout. That’s not just about strength; that’s about mental grit. Knowing I can push through fatigue and hit a goal like that gives me the confidence to take on even bigger challenges.
These moments remind me why I train. It’s not just about race day; it’s about the journey. The little wins along the way that keep you motivated and hungry for more. Every time I hit a milestone, it’s a reminder that the hard work is paying off. And that’s a feeling that never gets old.
Coffee, Conversations, and Community
Let’s not forget one of the most underrated parts of training: coffee. I’m a big believer in finding joy in the little things, and for me, that often means exploring new coffee varieties. Whether it’s a bold espresso before a workout or a smooth pour-over after, coffee is my go-to pick-me-up. It’s a small ritual that keeps me grounded and motivated.
But it’s not just about the coffee. It’s about the conversations and connections that come with it. Sharing a cup of coffee with fellow athletes, talking about training, and swapping tips—that’s what makes this journey so rewarding. HYROX isn’t just a sport; it’s a community. And being part of that community is what keeps me coming back.
Preparing for Vegas: The Final Countdown
With the Vegas race just around the corner, excitement is building. There’s something about race week that’s electric. The anticipation, the nerves, the final touches on your training—it all comes together to create an unforgettable experience. And this time, I feel ready. The hard work, the tough sessions, the small victories—it’s all led to this moment.
As I gear up for the race, I’m reminding myself of one thing: the way I’ve trained is the way I’ll race. I’ve put in the effort, taken pride in my work, and stayed consistent. And no matter what happens on race day, I know I’ve done everything I can to be my best.
What’s Your Story?
Now, I want to hear from you. What’s your approach to training? How do you stay motivated and focused when the going gets tough? And what’s one small victory you’ve celebrated recently that’s keeping you moving forward?
Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other to stay gritty and keep pushing.
See you at the finish line!