functional fitness

Finishing my first Hyrox in London, I was instantly addicted. The rush, the people, the sheer grind—I couldn’t wait to do it again. When Málaga came up, I figured I had it all figured out. Turns out, I didn’t.

Racing Abroad: The Spanish Journey

Traveling to Spain for Hyrox was a thrill—the Spanish vibe, the food, the smell in the air and warm weather made everything feel like a mini adventure. But Málaga’s heat is no joke; I quickly learned to pay extra attention to hydration and nutrition, especially compared to London’s cooler climate. I combined the race with a city break, but sightseeing left me more tired than I expected. Next time, I’d arrive just before the event, race fresh, and save the exploring for after crossing the finish line.

HYROX Málaga 2025 at FYCMA, Málaga, Spain – overview of the competition hall with all workout stations and athletes during the event. Photo: wellness vault

I finished six minutes faster this time - 1:44!; but Málaga quickly reminded me that every Hyrox has its own surprises. My biggest mistake? I’d skipped most of the running during simulations, thinking short jogs would be enough—a big miscalculation. I felt it with every station. It wasn’t the running itself, but the station work after each lap that really got to me.

Forget the Time—Remember the Smell

While most people remember their race times, what stuck with me from HYROX Málaga was something unexpected: the fresh, fragrant scent that seemed to linger everywhere in the city. Also, in the race hall as well. Maybe it’s just Málaga, but I’m starting to think Spanish people might just smell the best in the world!

Row station at HYROX Málaga—my machine was set higher than standard, but I couldn’t get the judge to adjust it.

That became especially clear at the rowing station: while trying (and failing) to explain to the judge about the rower’s resistance setting, I was at least distracted by how amazing she smelled. If only communication was as easy as breathing in that scent!

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The Málaga Vibe

The Málaga crowd had a fresh enthusiasm—many seemed like first-timers, cheering with genuine excitement. It was a different energy from London, where the atmosphere felt more seasoned and the athletes looked like veterans of the circuit.

In Málaga, the fitness levels were more modest, but everyone was well-prepared and determined. That sense of collective discovery was contagious. Even with the language barrier, the staff’s warmth and encouragement made it easy to feel welcome and part of something new.

Training vs. Reality: Where I Miscalculated

In the lead-up to Málaga, I thought I was being smart by making my simulations more manageable. I even trained a chatbot with all my health and fitness data to get personalized advice. But Hyrox isn’t just about the stations—it’s about the relentless grind of running and working, running and working, over and over.

By relying on artificial advice and minimizing the running in my simulations (2K instead of 5-8K - one at the beginning, while the other one in the middle of the stations) I underestimated the impact it would have on my endurance during the actual race. This experience reinforced the importance of replicating real race conditions in simulations training; and reminded me that even advanced tools and technology have their limitations when it comes to personal performance.

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Here’s what really stood out:

Ski Erg(05:17): Actually kind of fun—almost relaxing. For a second, I thought, “Hey, maybe this won’t wreck me.”
Sled Push & Pull(03:45, 07:21): The push went better this time, but that pull? Still a nightmare. By the last stretch, my arms were toast. Grip strength is officially on my to-do list.
Burpee Broad Jumps(12:17): Ouch. I kept sneaking in an extra push-up out of habit, which just made everything harder. A judge had to set me straight.
Rowing(06:49): I thought I’d catch my breath here, but instead I spent the time trying to explain to the judge (in English) how to adjust the resistance. No luck. Next time, I’ll check the setup before starting.
Farmers Carry(01:53): Two laps, not one. I spent half the time just figuring out where to go. Mental note: always study the map.
Lunges(07:26): No matter how much I practiced, these still hurt. The finish line felt miles away.
Wall Balls(06:10): Finally, a win—clean reps, decent form. But by then, I was running on fumes.
Best Run(04:35): Running could have been better. With an average pace of 5:31, and considering I was coming off an injury with no track intervals in my training, I’m satisfied with a decent time.

Málaga had its own vibe. New course, language hiccups, and a few unexpected tweaks to the stations kept me guessing. Hyrox isn’t just physical—it’s a mental scramble too. You’ve got to roll with it.

Progress, Setbacks, and Perspective

Looking back, I can see real progress since my first Hyrox. I showed up in Málaga stronger, leaner, and carrying an extra 2 kg of muscle that actually felt like an advantage. My strength endurance had noticeably improved—I could move heavy weights for longer without fading, and my power and speed were both up thanks to more explosive movements and sprints in training.

But I’ve learned that feeling stronger doesn’t always guarantee a better overall result. My aerobic capacity was still below where I wanted it to be, mainly because injuries kept me from doing weekly long runs and zone 2 training. That missing piece was obvious during the race. Still, my mindset has changed: now I see training as a balance, not just about being stronger, but about being well-rounded and resilient for whatever the race throws at me.

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What I Learned

No more skipping the running in simulations. The transitions are what make Hyrox brutal.

Time to attack my weak spots—sled pull, lunges, and those sneaky burpees.
Expect the unexpected. Language mix-ups, new layouts—just go with it.
And hey, six minutes faster! I’ll take that.

Additional Considerations

Fuel Up: Prioritize carbs before and after training for energy; get enough protein for recovery (aim for 1.6–2g/kg body weight).

Hydrate: Málaga’s heat means you’ll need more fluids and electrolytes than in cooler climates.
Rest: Listen to your body—adjust training if you feel worn out.
Mindset: Mental prep matters. Practice visualizing the race and tough moments once a week.

Final Thoughts

Race two was a wake-up call, but I came out stronger. Every mess-up taught me something. Málaga was rougher than London, but I left a better athlete—and that’s why I’ll be back.

At the end of the day, you really have to love this kind of grind. HYROX isn’t just about crossing the finish line—it’s about belonging to a remarkable community. Only a tiny fraction of people (less than 0.01% of the global population) ever step up to compete in events like this. Being mindful of the fact that you’re pushing your limits at such a high level, in such a unique race, is something to be proud of.

If you’re eyeing Hyrox, here’s my two cents: prep for the race you’re actually going to run, not the one in your head. And when it gets tough? That’s where the good stuff happens.

About the Author

Razvan Chiorean is a published author of Wellness Vault and a passionate advocate of sport performance and functional fitness, bringing forth a wealth of knowledge and insight accumulated over more than a decade of dedicated involvement in the fitness space. He’s also an enthusiastic triathlete. Whether it’s swimming, cycling, or running, Razvan champions the idea that endurance and consistent movement is essential for overall health and a resilient mind-body connection. This philosophy not only supports physical and mental well-being but also empowers individuals to flourish in a world increasingly shaped by digital convenience.