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CROSS-TRAINING
You ’ re Next , Jozi !
If you haven ’ t already done so , book the date of 1 March 2025 in your calendar , because HYROX Johannesburg is coming , and if you haven ’ t got your tickets yet , I suggest you move fast ! – BY CAMERON CLEAVER , HYROX ATHLETE & BRAND AMBASSADOR
The author in action at HYROX Cape Town
The global popularity and growth of HYROX can be seen in the London HYROX at the end of November , with three days of racing that featured over 15,000 athletes . By comparison , HYROX in South Africa is still in its infancy , yet the interest has been huge from the outset , and the explosive growth is incredible . That saw more than 2000 athletes taking part in the inaugural HYROX Cape Town event in October , and the event was met with rave reviews from both athletes and spectators .
Now we have the inaugural HYROX Johannesburg event to look forward to at the beginning of March . Fortunately , we ’ re at the back end of Spring and heading into another beautiful South African Summer , so it ’ s a great time to strap those running shoes on the hit the picturesque trails or scout out new road routes as we get in our run training for the event . Of course , HYROX is about much more than just running , but adding additional strength training for HYROX will be easy to get yourself ready in time for HYROX Johanneburg .
The event will take place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre ( Nasrec Road ) and more info will become available in coming weeks , but for now , the important thing to note is that tickets are selling super-fast , and total entries have already pushed past the Cape Town numbers . The HYROX revolution is sweeping the country , and with less than three months to go , race preparations are in full swing . So make sure your training is also in full swing .
Training Advice
For those who have been training for HYROX – in fact , this is aimed at those of you more focused on running , too – I would like to encourage you to make sure you add lateral movement and strength training to your exercise regime . HYROX and running are linear sporting codes , meaning they move in straight lines , and the risk of injury would be greatly reduced in both by adding lateral movements to
strengthen your joints , ligaments and ancillary muscle groups that support your body ’ s athletic functions . Think side lunges , pop squats , banded steps , etc .
Secondly , anyone who tells you that there is one correct way to train HYROX is talking rubbish . We learn as the sport grows , and your personal growth is also work in progress . What we do know is that it ’ s an endurance sport , that volume training is important , and that intensity can be added later , closer to race time .
Also , you need to run as part of your HYROX training , including at least one long run of 90 minutes per week . ( Don ’ t worry about pace or distance , focus on time on the legs .) You should also look to do track sessions or interval training , and then a couple of faster runs ( depending on your running proficiency ). Keep in mind that the world ’ s best HYROX Athletes recover on the running segments between the various sets , so get your running and pacing correct , and that ’ s 70 % of the battle won !
PS : Many functional fitness gyms and Crossfit boxes around South Africa are now offering HYROX sessions , and the traditional gyms like Planet Fitness and Virgin Active also cater to the HYROX training requirements leading up to the race . Make the most of these .
Ready to Rumble
Personally , I cannot wait for the Johannesburg race , because HYROX is so addictive . From the training to the racing , to the community , HYROX is for everyone ! To be honest , in Cape Town , I wasn ’ t ready fitness-wise after a long layoff with sickness , so I focused on the Doubles and Relay event , which were a great place to start while gaining both experience and confidence ! HYROX Johannesburg will be my first HYROX Men ’ s Pro Singles race , and I will be looking for another podium and flag , to qualify for World Champs in Chicago , USA in June 2025 .
But remember , tickets are selling fast , and you need to get your entry in soon if you want to join me on the start line on the 1st of March next year in Jozi . This is your chance to be part of South African HYROX history as the ultimate fitness challenge makes its exciting debut in the City of Gold !
52 ISSUE 175 | www . modernathlete . co . za
HYROX is partnered globally by PUMA ( merchandise and fo