Yesterday it was the day. After months of training and a lot of doubt, it was time for HYROX Amsterdam. The atmosphere was great again (as always) but it was even nicer that we were with a mega group of the dear good morning community. And what a superstars they were, each and every one. Both the athletes and the supporters (they have also tested themselves by cheering as loudly as possible).
After warming up, it was time to start. They have adapted the start this year, which gave it even more tension. So I decided not to wait in the group but just outside it. Fortunately, I knew some of the jury members. So one of them kept an eye out for me. Because normally I was here with a buddy, but now alone. And it is precisely at such a moment that a buddy's support is very welcome. Because the tension becomes too high and I suffer from panic.
Then it was time to literally cross the threshold. Because on the ground was a taped line with sensors for the chip. And then it had started. Completely "ran" the first km. I felt like I was going fast, but when I see it again I am shocked by my snail's pace. The ski went well. My heart rate was too high because of all the tension. But I knew how to breathe and took my rest. The 2nd km I could also quite "run" and then time for the sled push.
Luckily my heart rate could drop here because it had reached 186 bpm by now. Then again dribbling/walking the next km. Sled pull went okay but I couldn't find a rhythm. I was already doing the burpees in my head. And the km that followed was fighting the panic. What had I started? Those burpees would never work, because I simply don't have a burpee body... Once in the roxzone, i was slowley walking to workout 4. The burpee broad jump.
With a lot of effort and a lump in my throat I stepped over the sensor. But couldn't start. I went looking for support from my father on the side. Took a moment to feel what the fear did. And hear that I was doing well. (Even as I write this I feel the emotions and tension coming back) Jump by jump I went forward. Luckily I can jump far. Because even though that costs a lot of energy, the burpee itself costs me so much more. In the end I made it to the end of the 80m but don't ask me how. I ate some small pieces of food, blow my nose (emotions and hyrox belong together but the combination is not always convenient) and after some sips I continued.
After that the "running" became less and less. But I kept going. Every km again. You will also eventually reach the finish by speedwalking or walking. I knew the next workout was rowing. A part of which I knew, I would take my rest. There I breathe and recover. So calmly and in a controlled manner at my own pace I completed the 1000m. Didn't want to go too fast. Because I had to restore my heart rate and breathing. Then another km around all workouts. And then on to the Farmers carry.
First 50m in one go and then 25m each time. But every meter was one. I still don't get how people can run this, but I got through it. Some people from hyrox were watching when I crossed the line and set down my kettlebells while puffing. The lunges were hell. So much pain. I thought my legs weren't going to take it anymore. Fortunately a lot of encouragement and also a jury that reassured me through it.
And then do the last km. Unbelievable at its best. Arriving at the wallballs I had a huge team of support around me. First 10. Then sets of 5. Then 3 at a time. Whining, screaming, doubting. The last 10... in one go and then still running (faster than the rest of the race) across the finish line, i only to wanted to sit there and whine. Panic, hyperventilation everything came out.
When I calmed down a bit, the first thing I asked was: "what's my time?"
I said beforehand: I'm going to do it in 3 hours. After making an estimation, I came at 02:49:00 and finally I reached the finish in 02:48:06.
It was so cool to hear so many people cheering. People I know through DGM, through previous times and also people who were unknown to me but follow me through instagram.
My mother was approached by someone. He was following my every workout during this HYROX and he let her know that I motivated him and that he dared to join the relay. My Mom must be very proud of me. And she is.
She used to say, but when do you stop taking hyrox. Because it is expensive and quite intensive. But now she understands very well why I do it and seeing how many people I inspire and motivate, makes her even more proud. She won't be there every time, but she understands very well what HYROX means to me.
And I.... I got a cramp in my calf on the way home, almost fell asleep while eating, couldn't shower myself so needed help, barely got into bed and getting out this morning was even more difficult.
I am proud and have watched my video several times now. I did it! I deviated from my plan to go solo in 2023. And did it now a year earlier. Although I hope iris want to team up in Maastricht again. Because that mental battle I wage during an event... it's easier when you do it together.
Here you can watch my race in 2 minutes.
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