Tag: PR

  • Weekly Roundup: PRs, Deloads, and Partner Grinds for Hyrox (June 29 – July 5)

    Weekly Roundup: PRs, Deloads, and Partner Grinds for Hyrox (June 29 – July 5)

    This past week, from June 29th to July 5th, was a masterclass in varied intensity and strategic adaptation for Hyrox. From smashing personal records in running to navigating deloads, celebrating Canada Day with a monumental challenge, and tackling a brutal partner workout, every day offered unique lessons. This roundup will break down how these diverse training stimuli contribute to building a well-rounded, resilient athlete ready to conquer any Hyrox race. Discover how to integrate speed, strength, and smart recovery into your own training.

    A Quick Note on Volume & Intensity

    As always, the training I describe is tailored to my current goals and experience. It’s shared to provide insight and ideas, not as a direct prescription for everyone. Please listen to your body, scale appropriately, and prioritize good form and recovery. Consistent, smart training is the key to long-term success!

    The Week’s Training Log: Day by Day

    Sunday, June 29th: “Burden of Will” CrossFit WOD (with Jordan)

    Burden of Will WOD Thumbnail

    The week kicked off with an epic CrossFit session with Jordan, tackling “Burden of Will.” This challenging workout, complete with a 20lbs vest and a 1600m run in the heat, pushed our mental and physical limits. We aimed for sub-30 minutes and successfully completed it in 28:46. This intense session of compromised running and weighted movements is vital for building Hyrox resilience. You can read more about this workout in Weekend Warriors: 5km PR & CrossFit ‘Burden of Will’ for Hyrox Resilience.

    Monday, June 30th: When the Easy Run Gets Tough

    Challenging Run Thumbnail

    Even easy runs can become a battle, and Monday was a prime example. A planned one-hour run at a comfortable pace turned into an unexpected grind, highlighting the importance of listening to your body, even when external conditions seem fine. This session was a valuable lesson in adaptability and resilience. Discover how to approach those tough days and regroup for future success in When the Easy Run Gets Tough: Lessons from a Challenging Session.

    Tuesday, July 1st: Canada Day Challenge – Endurance Strength & Stair Climb

    Canada Day Challenge Thumbnail

    Canada Day was celebrated with a challenging two-part workout: a grueling endurance strength session for legs and core, followed by a monumental 60-floor stair climb with 60lbs, celebrating the Canada Flag’s 60th birthday. This session built immense resilience, strength endurance, and mental grit. Learn how these types of sessions can boost your Hyrox performance in Canada Day Challenge: Endurance Strength & 60-Floor Stair Climb.

    Wednesday, July 2nd: Strategic Recovery & Work Demands

    Work and Recovery Thumbnail

    Wednesday was a non-training day, filled with work, including coaching sessions in the morning and evening, and a videography shoot in Kitchener during the day. While no formal workout took place, these busy days often serve as an important form of active recovery, keeping the body moving and aiding overall recovery without additional structured stress. Prioritizing rest and adapting to a demanding schedule is crucial for long-term progress and preventing burnout.

    Thursday, July 3rd: Strategic Deload & Unplanned Intensity

    Deload & Hyrox Class Thumbnail

    Thursday marked the beginning of a strategic deload week and hypertrophy transition with a light back day. Despite planning to take it easy, the Hyrox class I programmed pulled me into an unexpectedly intense session. This day highlights the importance of flexible programming and how high-intensity Hyrox training can still be beneficial even when feeling fatigued. Learn more in Strategic Deload & Unplanned Intensity: Lessons from a Hyrox Training Day.

    Friday, July 4th: Strategic Deload: Shoulder Focus & Active Recovery

    Shoulder Deload Thumbnail

    Friday continued the deload week with a balanced training day, combining a light run with a focused shoulder workout. This session aimed to aid recovery and prepare for increased intensity in the upcoming hypertrophy block. Even on a deload, specific movements like farmers carries can challenge you, building mental toughness for Hyrox. Discover how to effectively incorporate lighter sessions for recovery and preparation in Strategic Deload: Shoulder Focus & Active Recovery for Hyrox.

    Saturday, July 5th: Hyrox Partner Challenge: “Expensive Relationship”

    Expensive Relationship Thumbnail

    Saturday delivered a truly tough Hyrox partner workout, “Expensive Relationship,” which I programmed for CrossFit Birch Bender. This session was a masterclass in compromised work and strategic pacing, designed to build unparalleled resilience and simulate race-day demands. Learn how partner workouts can elevate your performance and how to tackle complex conditioning pieces for maximum Hyrox benefit in Hyrox Partner Challenge: ‘Expensive Relationship’ for Ultimate Resilience.

    Overall Weekly Reflections

    This week, from June 29th to July 5th, was a testament to the power of a well-rounded and adaptable training philosophy for Hyrox. We navigated intense CrossFit WODs, strategic deloads, and even an unplanned recovery day, all while making significant progress. The consistent integration of varied stimuli – from pure running speed to heavy functional movements and partner challenges – is clearly building a robust and resilient athlete. The ability to listen to the body, adjust programming, and still push limits when appropriate is key to long-term success and peak performance for the Toronto Hyrox race. Remember, every day offers an opportunity to learn and grow, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.

    Ready for Your Best Hyrox Yet?

    Understanding how to structure a training week with varied intensity, volume, and recovery is key to long-term progress and peak performance. As a certified Hyrox Performance Coach, I can help you build your own effective plan for the October Hyrox in Toronto. Let’s strategize your success!

    Get in Touch
  • Weekly Roundup: Speed PRs, CrossFit Grinds & Active Recovery (June 22-28)

    Weekly Roundup: Speed PRs, CrossFit Grinds & Active Recovery (June 22-28)

    This past week, from June 22nd to June 28th, was a dynamic blend of high-intensity training, personal records, and essential active recovery, perfectly mirroring the varied demands of Hyrox. From hitting a new 5km PR to battling through a tough CrossFit WOD and balancing it all with active recovery days, this week showcased how a holistic approach keeps you moving forward. Here’s a look back at how the week unfolded and the lessons learned for your Hyrox journey.

    A Quick Note on Volume & Intensity

    As always, the training I describe is tailored to my current goals and experience. It’s shared to provide insight and ideas, not as a direct prescription for everyone. Please listen to your body, scale appropriately, and prioritize good form and recovery. Consistent, smart training is the key to long-term success!

    The Week’s Training Log: Day by Day

    Sunday, June 22nd: Active Recovery in London

    London Trampoline Park Thumbnail

    Kicking off the week in London with the kid was a fantastic way to prioritize active recovery. We spent several hours at a trampoline park, which provided a really fun way to get the heart rate up with jumping, obstacle courses, and playful running. The rest of the day involved extensive walking around a museum, contributing a significant number of steps and light aerobic work. This highlights that recovery doesn’t always have to be passive; movement can be medicine.

    Monday, June 23rd: Rest & Rebalance

    Rest and Recovery Thumbnail

    Monday was a non-training day, driven by a busy schedule of two shoots and a coaching session. While missing a planned workout can sometimes feel like a setback, it’s a crucial reminder that life happens. Prioritizing rest and avoiding burnout, especially with a demanding schedule, is paramount for long-term progress and preventing injury. Sometimes, the best workout is no workout at all.

    Tuesday, June 24th: Strength-Power-Run Triplets

    Strength-Power-Run Triplets Thumbnail

    Tuesday brought a challenging session focused on building “compromised running” ability. This workout utilized Strength-Power-Run Triplets to train the body to maintain running efficiency even after taxing strength movements, a direct simulation of Hyrox race demands. It was a tough session that pushed my ability to run under fatigue.

    Wednesday, June 25th: Deadlift PR & Chest Endurance

    Deadlift PR & Chest Endurance Thumbnail

    Wednesday was a big day for strength and targeted muscular endurance. The session started with a deadlift workout where I hit a significant PR, followed by a chest-focused metcon. This workout is fully broken down in my post: Deadlift PR & Chest Endurance Triplet for Hyrox. It was an excellent example of building foundational strength and localized endurance crucial for Hyrox’s pushing and pulling stations.

    Thursday, June 26th: AMRAP40 Leg Burner

    AMRAP40 Leg Burner Thumbnail

    Thursday delivered a serious leg workout, an AMRAP40 that accumulated over 450 squats and nearly as many deadlifts. This progressive, high-volume session, which I programmed for CrossFit Birch Bender’s weekly Hyrox class, is detailed in AMRAP40 Leg Burner: Building Hyrox Endurance Through Progressive Volume. It was a true test of grit and a fantastic way to build race-day resilience.

    Friday, June 27th: Family Fun & Active Recovery, Plus a Sled Push PR!

    Trampoline Park & Sled Push Thumbnail

    Another active recovery day disguised as family fun! I spent the day at Skyzone Trampoline Park with the kid, enjoying jumping, running, and navigating obstacle courses – a playful yet effective way to move. Following that, we headed to Canada’s Wonderland, where I accumulated a substantial number of steps from walking around. Later in the afternoon, before a personal training session, I managed to hit a significant Sled Push PR, pushing 700lbs for 50 feet! These days are essential for recovery, maintaining general activity, and mental well-being, while also finding moments to push performance limits.

    Saturday, June 28th: 5km PR Run!

    5km PR Run Thumbnail

    The week culminated with a massive personal best on Saturday: a 5km run completed in 22:13, at a blistering 4:27/km pace. This shattered my previous PR by a remarkable 1 minute and 18 seconds! This achievement highlights the importance of consistent running development, even amidst varied functional training. It was a highly rewarding effort that reinforced the progress in my aerobic capacity and speed.

    Sunday, June 29th: “Burden of Will” CrossFit WOD (With Jordan)

    5km PR & Burden of Will Thumbnail

    Rounding out the week, Sunday was an epic CrossFit session with Jordan, tackling “Burden of Will.” This challenging workout, which included a 20lbs vest and a 1600m run in the heat, pushed us both to our limits. We aimed for sub-30 minutes and successfully completed it in 28:46. This intense session of compromised running and weighted movements perfectly rounded out the week, building mental and physical resilience vital for Hyrox. You can read more about this workout in Weekend Warriors: 5km PR & CrossFit ‘Burden of Will’ for Hyrox Resilience.

    Overall Weekly Reflections

    This week was an incredible testament to the power of balanced and progressive training for Hyrox. From setting new running PRs and tackling high-volume strength sessions to integrating active recovery and embracing tough CrossFit WODs, every day contributed to a stronger, more resilient athlete. The progress in my 5km run pace is particularly encouraging, underscoring the importance of building a strong aerobic engine. The consistency, coupled with strategic intensity and recovery, is clearly paying dividends for the Toronto Hyrox race. Remember, it’s not just about what you do, but how you integrate it all for peak performance.

    Ready for Your Best Hyrox Yet?

    Understanding how to structure a training week with varied intensity, volume, and recovery is key to long-term progress and peak performance. As a certified Hyrox Performance Coach, I can help you build your own effective plan for the October Hyrox in Toronto. Let’s strategize your success!

    Get in Touch
  • Weekend Warriors: 5km PR & CrossFit ‘Burden of Will’ for Hyrox Resilience

    Weekend Warriors: 5km PR & CrossFit ‘Burden of Will’ for Hyrox Resilience

    Are you looking to unlock new levels of performance for your next Hyrox race or fitness challenge? This past weekend offered a masterclass in varied training, blending pure running speed with gritty functional endurance. On Saturday, June 28, 2025, I pushed my limits to hit a new 5km personal record, demonstrating the power of dedicated speed work. The very next day, Sunday, June 29, 2025, I teamed up with Jordan to tackle “Burden of Will,” a challenging CrossFit workout that tested our mental and physical fortitude under a weighted vest and in the heat. This post will break down both sessions, showing you how combining these diverse training methods can build the all-around resilience and strength endurance you need to conquer Hyrox.

    A Quick Note on Volume & Intensity

    As always, the training I describe is tailored to my current goals and experience. It’s shared to provide insight and ideas, not as a direct prescription for everyone. Please listen to your body, scale appropriately, and prioritize good form and recovery. Consistent, smart training is the key to long-term success!

    The Weekend Workout Blueprint

    Saturday, June 28, 2025: 5km PR Run

    A focused effort to push my 5km pace and log a new personal best. This session was all about speed and sustained aerobic power.

    • Distance: 5.03 km
    • Time: 22:13
    • Pace: 4:27/km

    Sunday, June 29, 2025: “Burden of Will” – Weighted Vest CrossFit WOD

    This partner CrossFit workout was a test of full-body endurance and mental toughness, especially with the added weight of a vest. The goal was to complete the entire sequence as fast as possible.

    With a 20lbs Vest:

    • 100 Pushups
    • 75 Air Squats
    • 50 Situps
    • 50 Walking Lunges
    • 25 Burpees
    • 25 Pullups
    • 1600m (1 mile) Run

    Goal Time: Sub 30:00

    My/Our Time: 28:46

    Movement Breakdown & Rationale

    Here’s a deeper look at why these movements and workout types benefit your Hyrox performance:

    • 5km Run (Pure Pace Work): Achieving a new 5km PR demonstrates improved cardiovascular capacity and the ability to sustain a faster pace. This translates directly to more efficient running between stations in Hyrox, helping you maintain a quicker overall race time.
    • Pushups: Essential for building pushing endurance, crucial for the sled push and burpee broad jumps. High reps here build resilience under fatigue.
    • Air Squats: Develops quad and glute endurance, vital for the wall balls, lunges, and general running fatigue management in Hyrox.
    • Situps: Strengthens the core, which is fundamental for stability and power transfer in all Hyrox movements, from sleds to burpees.
    • Walking Lunges: Builds unilateral leg strength and endurance, mimicking the sandbag lunges in Hyrox and improving overall leg stamina. The weighted vest increases the intensity significantly.
    • Burpees: The ultimate full-body, high-intensity exercise that tests both muscular endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Directly prepares you for the dreaded burpee broad jumps.
    • Pullups: Develops upper body pulling strength, beneficial for transitions and maintaining posture. While not a direct Hyrox station, overall strength contributes to efficiency.
    • 1600m (1 mile) Run: Placing a significant run at the end of a demanding WOD is a perfect example of compromised running. It forces you to push through fatigue, a core skill for Hyrox’s run-workout-run structure. The vest adds another layer of race-specific challenge.

    My Experience & Key Takeaways for Your Training

    This weekend was a fantastic blend of specific Hyrox preparation, offering valuable insights for your own training. Hitting a 5km PR on Saturday felt incredible and directly reinforced the importance of dedicated running speed work. For your Hyrox success, remember that strong pure running ability forms the essential foundation that translates into faster transitions and overall race times. Then came “Burden of Will” with Jordan on Sunday. That 20lbs vest and the challenging heat made every single movement, especially the run, an absolute grind. This experience highlighted the critical role of mental and physical resilience in pushing through discomfort—a direct parallel to the later stages of a Hyrox race. We aimed for Sub 30:00 and hitting 28:46 was a huge win, proving that consistent, challenging training pays off. For your training, embrace weighted work and compromised running; these are where you truly build race-day grit. And remember to train with a partner when you can – the shared experience and mutual encouragement make tough workouts more manageable and enjoyable, pushing both of you to new limits!

    Scaled Options

    If you are looking to take on these workouts, here are a few ways to scale them to your fitness level:

    • 5km Run: Adjust your target pace to a challenging but sustainable effort. You can also focus on maintaining a consistent heart rate zone or simply aim to complete the distance.
    • “Burden of Will” (Weighted Vest WOD):
      • Vest Weight: Reduce the vest weight, or perform the workout without a vest entirely.
      • Reps: Reduce the number of reps for each exercise (e.g., 75 Pushups, 50 Air Squats, 35 Situps, etc.) to reduce overall volume.
      • Exercise Modification:
        • Pushups: Incline pushups (hands on a box or bench) or knee pushups.
        • Air Squats: Reduce depth or use a box to squat to.
        • Situps: Standard crunches or butterfly situps with reduced range of motion.
        • Walking Lunges: Bodyweight walking lunges, or stationary lunges.
        • Burpees: Step-back burpees (no jump or pushup) or burpees to a box.
        • Pullups: Jumping pullups, banded pullups, or ring rows.
      • Run: Reduce the distance (e.g., 800m or 1200m) or perform the run on a treadmill at a challenging incline.
      • Time Cap: Introduce a strict time cap (e.g., 25 minutes) to ensure you don’t overdo it.

    Ready for Your Best Hyrox Yet?

    Understanding how to structure a training week with varied intensity, volume, and recovery is key to long-term progress and peak performance. As a certified Hyrox Performance Coach, I can help you build your own effective plan for the October Hyrox in Toronto. Let’s strategize your success!

    Get in Touch
    Workout Data Block (June 28th & 29th)

    June 28th: 5km PR Run
    Time: 01:21 PM
    Duration: 22:27
    Distance: 5.03 km
    Pace: 04:27/km
    Calories Burned: 360
    Average Heart Rate: 168 bpm
    Max Heart Rate: 191 bpm
    Elevation Gain: 14.36 m

    June 29th: “Burden of Will” CrossFit WOD
    Time: 01:13 PM
    Duration: 28:46
    Calories Burned: 393
    Average Heart Rate: 155 bpm
    Max Heart Rate: 187 bpm
    Min Temp: 27°C
    Max Temp: 30°C

    Workout Details (with 20lbs Vest):

    Exercise Reps / Distance
    Pushups 100 reps
    Air Squats 75 reps
    Situps 50 reps
    Walking Lunges 50 reps
    Burpees 25 reps
    Pullups 25 reps
    1600m (1 mile) Run 1600m

    Goal Time: Sub 30:00
    Actual Time: 28:46
  • Weekly Roundup: June 9th – June 15th

    Weekly Roundup: June 9th – June 15th

    This past week of training (June 9th – June 15th, 2025) was a fantastic block of layering different types of stimulus, from trail running and focused strength work to high-intensity intervals and a massive partner challenge. It was all about building a well-rounded fitness profile for the demands of Hyrox Toronto this October. Here’s a look back at how the week unfolded.

    A Quick Note on Volume & Intensity

    As always, the training I describe is tailored to my current goals and experience. It’s shared to provide insight and ideas, not as a direct prescription for everyone. Please listen to your body, scale appropriately, and prioritize good form and recovery. Consistent, smart training is the key to long-term success!

    The Week’s Training Log: Day by Day

    Monday, June 9th: Trail Running Safety & The Unexpected

    The week kicked off with a 12km trail run. This session turned into an important lesson on safety and navigating the unexpected when out in nature. It became more about problem-solving and being prepared than hitting specific paces, which is a crucial skill in itself.

    Read the full story and safety takeaways: [June 9th – Trail Running Safety: Navigating the Unexpected]

    Tuesday, June 10th: Forced Rest Day

    Tuesday was an unplanned but helpful recovery day. I was booked solid with work and didn’t have time to get a workout in. While it wasn’t my choice, getting that extra recovery time was definitely beneficial for the hard sessions planned for the rest of the week.

    Wednesday, June 11th: Training the Ego – Push/Core & a 5km Tempo Run

    Wednesday was a great lesson in smart training. I hit two distinct sessions with a clear theme: training for the intended stimulus, not just for heavy weight or max speed.

    • Workout 1 (Push & Core): A quick but intense session with three supersets (Push Press/Toes to Bar, Bench Press/GHD Sit-ups, Neutral Grip DB Incline/Tricep Extensions). The main takeaway was “checking my ego” by lowering the weight on several exercises to ensure I could complete all 20 reps per set unbroken with good tempo.
    • Workout 2 (5km Tempo Run): The goal was a sub-5:00/km pace, but not all out. It was a huge confidence booster to find I had to actively hold myself back to stay in the tempo zone, finishing with an average pace of 4:52/km.

    Read the full breakdown and my thoughts on smart training: [June 11 – Training the Ego: Push/Core Workout & 5km Tempo Run]

    Thursday, June 12th: Pull Strength & Lactate Threshold Intervals

    This was another multi-part day. It started with a 10km BikeERG warmup, followed by a pull-focused strength session with supersets (Barbell Rows, Ring Rows, Cable Pulldowns, various curls). The day finished with a brutal but effective lactate threshold running workout, consisting of two blocks of five 40-second hard intervals, which were hitting around a 3:19/km pace.

    My Takeaway: This day was all about building capacity at both ends: muscular endurance under load and the ability to handle and recover from high-intensity running efforts.

    See the detailed data for all three sessions: [June 12 – Hyrox Prep: Pull Strength & Lactate Threshold Run]

    Friday, June 13th: Partner WOD & a Sled Pull PR!

    Feeling a bit sore from the lactate run, I started with a deliberate 10-minute BikeERG warmup (holding >200W). Then, I teamed up with fellow coach Jordan for a massive “100 Rep Partner Challenge” (1km Row, 100 Wall Balls, 100 cal Echo Bike, 100 Box Jumps, 100 Burpee Pull-ups, 1km Row), which we finished in 27:09. The highlight of the day came afterward when I decided to test a heavy sled pull and hit a huge PR of 610 lbs for 100 feet!

    My Takeaway: A fantastic reminder of how training with a partner can push you to new levels, and that sometimes, even when you start out sore, you can hit a massive PR if you’re smart about your warmup and approach.

    Read the full story of the partner WOD and the PR: [June 13 – Partner WOD & a 610lb Sled Pull PR]

    Saturday, June 14th: Active Recovery Run

    After a big week, Saturday was a dedicated active recovery day. The only goal was an easy 6km run, holding a steady 6:02/km pace to get the blood flowing and flush out the system. This was crucial for setting up Sunday’s session.

    Sunday, June 15th: Quad Endurance Finisher

    The week finished with a time-crunched but intense quad-focused endurance workout. After a high-rep squat warmup, I hit two tough supersets: one with Barbell Bulgarian Split Squats and Air Squats, and another with Slantboard Goblet Squats and Barbell Reverse Lunges. This session was a real quad-burner and a great example of how a well-planned recovery day can lead to a high-quality performance the next day.

    Read the full breakdown of the recovery/performance combo: [June 15 – Recovery Run & A Brutal Quad Endurance Workout]

    Overall Weekly Reflections

    This week was a fantastic blend of high-intensity work, strength endurance, and smart recovery. It highlighted the importance of adapting sessions based on how the body feels (like dropping weight on June 11th) and using lower-intensity days to set up bigger efforts (like the June 14th run leading into the June 15th quad session). Every workout, whether a PR effort or an easy recovery run, served a specific purpose in the bigger picture of preparing for Hyrox Toronto.

    Ready for Your Best Hyrox Yet?

    Understanding how to structure a training week with varied intensity, volume, and recovery is key to long-term progress and peak performance. As a certified Hyrox Performance Coach, I can help you build your own effective plan for the October Hyrox in Toronto. Let’s strategize your success!

    Get in Touch

    How was your training week? What were your biggest wins or challenges? Share in the comments below!

  • June 13 – Partner WOD & a 610lb Sled Pull PR

    June 13 – Partner WOD & a 610lb Sled Pull PR

    Today, Friday, June 13th, 2025, was all about teamwork, grit, and hitting a big personal record. I was feeling quite sore after yesterday’s lactate threshold run intervals, so the day started with a deliberate, focused warmup before teaming up with my fellow coach Jordan for a huge partner workout we had planned. The day ended on a high note with an unexpected PR that I’m incredibly stoked about!

    A Quick Note on Volume & Intensity

    As always, the training I describe is tailored to my current goals and experience. It’s shared to provide insight and ideas, not as a direct prescription for everyone. Please listen to your body, scale appropriately, and prioritize good form and recovery. Consistent, smart training is the key to long-term success!

    Workout 1: The Warmup – Priming the Engine

    Given the soreness from yesterday, getting properly warm was non-negotiable. I hit a quick 10-minute session on the BikeERG with a specific goal: maintain an average power output above 200 watts. This helps elevate the heart rate, get blood flowing to the muscles, and prepare the body for the intense work to come, all while being low-impact.

    My Experience: Goal achieved! I held an average of 205 watts for the duration, which felt great. It was the perfect way to shake off the soreness and get mentally dialed in for the main event.


    Workout 2: The “100 Rep Partner Challenge”

    This was the centerpiece of the day’s training – a massive chipper-style workout that Jordan and I tackled together. In partner workouts like this, you split the work as needed to keep moving as efficiently as possible. It’s a fantastic way to push yourself harder than you might alone.

    The Workout Blueprint (For Time):

    • 1000m Row Erg
    • 100 Wall Balls (20 lbs)
    • 100 cals Echo Bike
    • 100 Box Jumps (24″)
    • 100 Burpee Pull-ups
    • 1000m Row Erg

    Movement Breakdown & Rationale for Hyrox Prep:

    This workout is a phenomenal test of work capacity, directly applicable to Hyrox.

    1km Row Erg: A staple for building the aerobic engine and full-body endurance required for the start and end of any Hyrox race.

    100 Wall Balls: This is a full Hyrox station. Completing 100 reps, even split with a partner, builds the muscular endurance in the legs and shoulders needed to get through this station efficiently under fatigue.

    100 cals Echo Bike: While not a Hyrox machine, the Echo Bike is arguably one of the toughest conditioning tools out there. Building capacity on this machine makes every other erg feel more manageable.

    100 Box Jumps: Develops explosive leg power, which translates to better running economy and more efficient movement through stations like the Burpee Broad Jumps.

    100 Burpee Pull-ups: An incredibly demanding combination of a full-body metabolic movement (the burpee) and an upper body pulling strength test (the pull-up). This builds a massive engine and serious grit.

    My Experience: Jordan and I pushed hard and finished in 27 minutes and 9 seconds. Splitting the work as needed allowed us to keep the intensity high. The Burpee Pull-ups were, as expected, the toughest part and took the longest chunk of time (8:28). I was particularly stoked about the final 1km row, which we completed in just 3:27 – a great sign that we were able to dig deep and find another gear at the very end of a punishing workout.

    Workout 3: The Sled Pull PR! (A Part of the Crossfit Birch Bender WOD)

    A little while after the partner challenge, feeling good, I decided to test a heavy sled pull.

    The Lift:

    • 100-foot Sled Pull @ 610 lbs

    My Experience: This was a GRIND. My shoes were slipping pretty badly on the surface, which made getting traction difficult, but I managed to pull it the full 100 feet. It felt incredibly good to hit such a massive PR! It’s a huge confidence booster for my overall strength and for Hyrox stations like the sled pull and push.

    Overall Reflections:

    Today was a fantastic reminder of the power of training with a partner to push your limits, and the importance of listening to your body (with a good warmup) while also taking opportunities to test your strength when you’re feeling good. After all that volume and a heavy PR, a rest day from resistance training is definitely in order tomorrow. Plan is to hit a nice active recovery run to flush things out and let the body rebuild.

    Partner Workouts & Pushing Limits for Hyrox

    Training with a partner can be a game-changer for pushing past your perceived limits, a key skill for race day. As a certified Hyrox Performance Coach, I can help you build the strength and work capacity needed for the October Hyrox in Toronto. Let’s find your next gear!

    Get in Touch

    Do you prefer training solo or with a partner? What’s the craziest partner workout you’ve ever done? Share in the comments!


    Workout Summaries (June 13, 2025)

    Warmup (BikeERG):

    • Activity Name: Indoor Cycling
    • Duration: 10m 1s (Moving Time)
    • Distance: 5.0 km
    • Calories: 139 C
    • Avg HR: 129 bpm
    • Max HR: 146 bpm
    • Avg Power: 205 W

    100 Rep Partner Challenge:

    • Activity Name: ROXFIT(15)
    • TOTAL TIME: 27:09
    • Calories: 421 C
    • Avg HR: 162 bpm
    • Max HR: 181 bpm
    • Training Effect: Tempo (Aerobic: 3.3)

    Detailed Log (Partner Challenge)

    # TYPE TIME HR
    11km Row Erg03:41138
    2100 Wall Balls03:08156
    3100 cals Echo Bike04:37164
    4100 Box Jump03:48163
    5100 Burpee Pull Up08:28169
    61km Row Erg03:27173

    Sled Pull PR:

    • Lift: 100-foot Sled Pull
    • Weight: 610 lbs
    • Note: Unlogged by watch, performed after the partner challenge.