If you’ve ever tried to balance being a full-time physical education teacher, a small business owner, a personal trainer, a husband, a father, and an athlete—then you know how hard it is to make time for yourself. You also know how important it is.
That’s part of why I signed up to compete in my first HYROX race.
This event pulled me back into the world of competition. It challenged me to be more than just a coach or teacher—it made me become a student again. The format is brutal in the best way: running mixed with functional strength stations that test everything from endurance to grit. It reminded me of what I loved most about track and field—pushing your body, trusting the process, and showing up no matter how tired or busy life gets.
The Motivation: More Than a Race
At first, it was about testing myself. Could I still train at a high level? Could I still compete?
But very quickly, the race became about something more. It became about setting an example for my kids. About showing the athletes I coach that age, stress, and busy schedules don’t have to be excuses. It became about proving to myself that I could still prioritize me without compromising everything else I care about.
One of the most powerful moments was seeing my kids’ faces light up when they saw me compete. The way they cheered, the way they bragged to their friends, the way they looked at me—it reminded me that sometimes, our actions speak louder than any lesson we teach. When they see me push through tough workouts or cross a finish line, they see what it means to be resilient, disciplined, and proud of your effort.
And there’s one phrase I’ll never forget hearing from the sidelines: “Go Baba, go Baba!” Their little voices echoed through the crowd, and no matter how tired I was, it gave me fuel. That chant stuck with me through the toughest parts of the race—and it still plays in my head every time I think about quitting. If I can show them what it means to keep going, even when it’s hard, then I’ve already won.
The Mental Shift: From Darkness to Purpose
What most people didn’t see behind the training posts and race-day photos was the mental battle I was fighting. Like many who juggle so many roles, I found myself slipping into a place where I was just getting through the day, not truly living it. I had lost sight of my “why.” Everything started to feel like a task, and not a calling.
Getting back into competition changed that. It gave me something to fight for—not just physically, but emotionally. HYROX became more than just a fitness challenge; it was my lifeline out of a dark place. Training gave my days structure again. Racing gave me goals that felt personal and real. And in the hardest moments—when my legs were burning or when life felt overwhelming—I reminded myself: don’t give up. You still have so much more to give.
That mindset started to bleed into everything else—how I showed up for my family, how I coached, how I led in my gym. Rediscovering that competitive fire helped me reconnect with the part of myself that believes in growth, in resilience, and in purpose.
The Training: Highs, Lows, and Everything in Between
The first few months of training were a shock to the system. Teaching all day, training clients, running the gym, and then trying to squeeze in a serious workout at the end of it? Some days I felt unstoppable. Others, I dragged myself through the door.
There were days I missed workouts because of my kids’ school events or late-night lesson planning. There were weekends I felt guilty for spending hours training when I could be with my family. But I learned to shift the mindset: I wasn’t taking time from them—I was investing in being the best version for them.
HYROX training forced me to be more intentional with my time. I learned to prioritize recovery, manage energy, and adapt when life threw curveballs. And every session—easy or hard—brought me one step closer to feeling like an athlete again.
The Race Day—and Beyond
Race day was electric. The nerves, the adrenaline, the community. It wasn’t just about how fast I could run or how heavy I could push—it was about how far I had come. Competing reminded me of who I am at my core: an athlete. A competitor. A guy who loves a challenge.
Crossing the finish line wasn’t just the end of the race. It was the start of something bigger—a renewed sense of purpose, confidence, and self-belief.
Final Thoughts
HYROX isn’t just a race—it’s a mirror. It shows you what you’re made of when things get uncomfortable. It reveals your weaknesses and celebrates your strengths. But most importantly, it gives you the space to grow.
If you’re thinking of stepping back into something competitive—or doing something just for you—I encourage you to do it. Your job, your family, your responsibilities—they’ll still be there. But you’ll come back to them stronger, sharper, and more fulfilled.
And if your kids are watching, cheering you on with “Go Baba, go Baba!”—you’ll know you’re not just racing. You’re leading.
