Running Through It: Embracing Challenge, Finding Myself 

 A few months ago, I closed the chapter on a 15-year career and began exploring what might come next. And just weeks before starting my new role at Cloud Perspective, I found myself at the start line of HYROX Birmingham at the NEC, facing yet another challenge, this time physical. 

It was a season of change: personal, professional, emotional. With so much in motion, training became my anchor. Running helped me stay focused, grounded, and mentally strong while I researched my next career move. Fitness wasn’t just a goal—it was a lifeline. 

I’d signed up for the doubles race with a friend, ready to take on 8K of running and eight gruelling fitness stations. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d love it. 

We finished in 1 hour and 30 minutes, not quite the 1:20 we’d hoped for, but enough to spark something in me. I walked away feeling strong, capable, and curious: what could I do solo? 

Out of My Comfort Zone, Into My Power 

I’ve always been active, but this was different. HYROX pushed me physically and mentally. I trained for months, and committed to a fitness journey that’s become deeply personal. I want to stay mobile, strong, and ready for whatever life throws at me. That includes the quiet challenges, like caring for loved ones, navigating change, and staying mentally resilient. 

The race itself was far more enjoyable than I expected, especially as I was paired with a friend who is equally as competitive as myself, so we cheered each other on and managed some jokes along the way. adrenaline.  Unlike most people my favourite station is  the wall balls, 100 squats and throws with a weighted ball. It was the final station, and I powered through with zero no reps. I can’t wait to test myself and my time again with that station especially. .  

Tracking Progress, Fueling Passion 

One of the things I love about HYROX is the data. Every split, every rep, every station is tracked. I wear a Garmin, and the official app logs everything. I can compare my performance across age categories, cities, even globally. A friend spotted my sled push time on the leaderboard and said, “That was fast.” That kind of feedback fuels me. 

It’s not just about finishing, it’s about improving. I want to be 15% faster here, 10% stronger there. The numbers help me stay focused, motivated, and accountable. 

What’s Next? 

I’m planning another doubles race with my original partner, we’re determined to beat our time. I also want to compete in a relay but combine it with a mini break with my team in the sun perhaps Italy or Spain. But the next big milestone is already locked in: I’ve signed up for my first solo HYROX event at the end of January. It’s a whole new level of challenge, and I’m excited (and a little nervous) to see what I’m capable of on my own. 

HYROX came into my life at a time of transition. It gave me structure, purpose, and a sense of control. And now, at Cloud Perspective, I’m bringing that same energy into my work, learning, adapting, and pushing forward. 

Stay tuned. Next milestone: sub-1:20 as a double. Then a solo race with a wall ball time I can be proud of. 

Author

1 thought on “Running Through It: Embracing Challenge, Finding Myself ”

  1. Thank you for sharing this — it’s an inspiring read. The way you describe using training and running as an anchor during such a major life and career transition really resonates.

    At Kenfit UK Ltd, we work with athletes and everyday competitors who see fitness not just as performance, but as resilience, structure, and mindset — exactly what comes through in your HYROX journey. Your focus on data, measurable improvement, and pushing beyond comfort zones mirrors the same principles that drive progress in both sport and professional life.

    Best of luck with your upcoming solo HYROX in January — that’s a huge milestone. Wishing you continued strength and success both on the course and at Cloud Perspective.

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