Hyrox changed how I train, think and live — and it wasn’t about winning

As over 650 participants take on Alpha’s Hyrox simulation at the Marina Market this weekend, Nadia El Ferdaoussi shares her own story of falling for the world’s fastest-growing sport

Nadia El Ferdaoussi during sand bag lunges while training for HYROX at Back2Basics gym in Tallaght, Dublin. Pictures: Gareth Chaney

When I was offered a Hyrox ticket late last year, I didn’t expect saying yes would change my life. I enjoy a challenge, and I vaguely knew what Hyrox was from social media, a kind of fitness race with some running and different exercise stations. From what I could see, you paired up and it was a bit of fun. 

What I should have asked was what kind of ticket it was — an individual entry. So no partner for me, I’d have to do all the work alone.