So, I turned 45. 🎉
There was no dramatic soul-searching or sudden purchase of a convertible—just a quiet realisation that I want to do something bold. Something that scares me a little. Something that reminds my body and mind that I’m still very much in the game. Enter: Hyrox.
If you’re unfamiliar with Hyrox, think of it as a mad scientist’s beautiful blend of endurance racing, strength training, and a bit of masochism. It's 8k of running, broken up by 8 functional fitness workouts like sled pushes, rowing, sandbag lunges, wall balls… you know, all the things your legs don’t thank you for the next day.
And here I am, seeing if it’s for me.
Why Hyrox? Why Now?
Because I love a challenge. Always have. And because at 45, I’m not about to let the narrative become “slow down.” If anything, it’s time to level up. Also, I figured if I’m going to be midlife-ing, I might as well do it with a timing chip and some sweaty strangers.
Plus, I’ve realised that while I can’t control getting older, I can control how I show up for myself—and I choose to show up strong, capable, and just a little out of breath.
The Hard Work Ahead (Cue the Dramatic Music)
Let’s be honest—this isn’t going to be easy. There are going to be horrid training sessions, lots of stretching and probably a few moments where I question my life choices mid-burpee. My glutes and I are going to have some words.
But that’s the beauty of it. Pushing myself physically has always been a gateway to mental strength. And nothing reminds you of your resilience quite like dragging a 100kg sled while trying not to cry.
Mobility is the New Black
Here’s the thing I’m learning quickly: mobility isn’t optional. It’s mandatory.
At 25, I could roll out of bed, hit a workout, and recover by dinner. At 45, if I don’t stretch properly, I’ll pull a hamstring tying my shoes. So mobility has moved from “something I’ll do later” to “if I don’t do this, I won’t make it through the week.”
Foam rollers, dynamic warm-ups, yoga, and even those weird little resistance bands—they’re all part of my new ritual. Because I don’t just want to finish Hyrox. I want to finish strong, unbroken, and ideally without limping.
Final Thoughts From Your Resident Midlife Maniac
Some people take up pottery. Some learn French. Me? I’m doing Hyrox training in the hope I will make my first competition soon.
Yes, it’s going to test me. Yes, it’s going to hurt. And yes, I’m probably going to spend an unhealthy amount of time Googling “how to recover faster after wall balls.” But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’ve turned 45, and I’m just getting started.
So here’s to the next chapter: one filled with sweat, sore muscles, mental grit—and maybe, just maybe, a shiny Hyrox medal at the end of it all.
Let’s go