Today was our HYROX Simulation Race, and I was SO excited to finally get a taste of what race day might feel like! Before we started, Coach ‘Em brought in energy Stingers and electrolytes for the HYROX team. I was so humbled by that thoughtful gesture because it also reinforced something our coaches keep teaching us—fueling and hydration matter, especially for a workout like this. My partner Norma and I were in the 11:05 AM wave—the final heat of the day! So after watching everyone else go before us, by the time our name was called we were READY. BEAST MODE UNLEASHED. 😂🔥 This SIM was a shortened version of HYROX: 🏃‍♀️ 8 × 600m runs ⛷️ 650m SkiErg 🛷 Sled Push 🛷 Sled Pull 🔥 Burpee Broad Jumps 🚣‍♀️ 650m Row 💪 Farmer’s Carry 🦵 Sandbag Lunges 🎯 60 Wall Balls And let me tell you…it was HOT 🥵 and SPICY 🌶️! Going into it, I honestly thought it might take us around 1 hour 50 minutes. We finished in 1:01:46!! 😳🔥 I was also watching the clock because I had a flight to Sacramento later today and needed to leave my house by 2 PM, so seeing that finish time was an extra relief! I approached the SIM at about 85–90% effort because this was my first time doing one and I had no idea how my body would respond. I didn’t want to come out too hot and completely gas myself before the later stations. I felt really good through the first half, but around the rower I could feel my energy beginning to fade. That was the moment I thought, Okay…THIS is where that energy gummy would come in handy. 😂 Definitely something I’m learning about fueling as these workouts get longer. One thing Norma and I learned today is how our strengths complement each other. She has more endurance, while I bring more strength. Afterward, Coach Bobby asked how the workout felt and gave us some great strategy for our next SIM. He suggested having Norma start and finish some of the work, which could give me a little more recovery before heading back into the runs. He also reminded us that if our goal is improving our overall time, we have to be strategic—not necessarily destroy ourselves at every workout station. Pace the stations, manage the energy, and know when we can push harder on the runs. Those little coaching tips are exactly why these simulations are so valuable.

Almost to my goal, friends!! I haven’t weighed 110lbs since I was in high school! Also, 6 raccoons visited my house last night. They are multiplying!! It’s kind of alarming to see that many raccoons walk up to your front door. Not sure what there is to do about that. On my way to smashing my goals!! If I ever get there I might cry! 😂