Everything I needed to race Hyrox Melbourne

As I sit typing this, I'm acutely aware of a dull ache in my quads and hip flexors. I'm also walking with a slight limp, and my legs almost buckled as I stepped off the bus this morning.

You might be wondering what caused such hell across my lower body. Well, over the weekend, I took part in a Hyrox race in Melbourne. You might have seen people – sweaty and often topless – on social media running around in circles, pushing weighted sleds, and throwing balls at a target. If so, then you've watched a Hyrox in action.

Hyrox is a global indoor fitness competition that combines eight kilometres of running and eight functional workout stations, alternating between the two.

After having completed two in London, a friend and I made the (brave) decision to do a Hyrox Doubles Pro together. And since I'm still alive to tell the tale, I wanted to share everything I needed to finish a Hyrox in case you fancy dabbling in one yourself.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

LSKD Accelerate 3" High-Rise Running Short

$75 | LSKD

What I love about the Accelerate 3" High-Rise Running Short is that they are ultra-lightweight and flexible, creating a "barely there" feel. They feel nice and airy, which is perfect for training in the summer season, and when you know you're going to work up a sweat in a workout like Hyrox.

LSKD Functional Training Backpack 35L

$300 | LSKD

I love, love, love this bag. It is spacious enough to not only carry gear essentials, but you can pack whatever else you might need for a weekend away. It is roomy, with useful pockets, zips and compartments to store and separate all the essentials. I love the structural organisation of the backpack; nothing gets lost! It's also bloody comfortable.

LSKD Rapid Sports Bra

$90 | LSKD

A beautiful design with good support? That's my favourite kind of sports bra. I'm a huge fan of LSKD sports bras as I find they never dig or cut into my skin, whilst sitting tight enough to support me through my workouts (which can be hard to come by). With the Rapid Sports Bra, you can also adjust the straps for a personalised fit so nothing gets in the way of you and your race.

Asics Novablast 5 Tokyo

$250 | Asics

I have one word for the Asics Novablast 5 Tokyos: bouncy. As someone who is quite flat-footed, I've never felt so light and springy during my 1km Hyrox intervals. I couldn't recommend these more for anyone looking to inject more energy into their runs.

Nimble In Tempo Ribbed Run Sock

$28 | Nimble

Breathable, well-fitting, and quick-drying are all the things I need from a sock on race day, and it's safe to say that these delivered. No slipping or bunching here.

JLab Epic Sport ANC 3

Was $199.99, now $139.99

When training for a race of any kind, a good pair of headphones to block out the headnoise is essential. The Epic Sport ANC 3 are JLab's most advanced sports headphones yet. Sweat-proof, ergonomic, and with a long-lasting battery life, they're a good quality and good value option for any level athlete.

Eco Style Styling Gel

$11.86 | iHerb

There's almost nothing I find more annoying than my hair getting in my face when I'm in the middle of a workout. That's why I religiously use the Eco Style Styling Gel to slick it all into place. My Hyrox hairstyle of choice is a ponytail into two plaits; it's definitely sports-mode hair.

Garmin Venu X1

$1499 | Amazon

I obviously had to record my race, otherwise it didn't happen, right? A smartwatch isn't a necessity since there are timers along the course, but it helped to track our progress throughout the runs and stations. It was also great to see that my heart rate reached 214bpm. Insane?

Nike AeroSwift Shorts

Was $90, now $63

The Nike AeroSwift Shorts are another favourite. They are apparently 'proven to control body temperature and enhance aerodynamic motion.' I can't say I can argue with that.

Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam

$27.95 | Bondi Sands

I won't try to deny that sometimes doing these events isn't in the name of vanity. I'm joking, but I did obviously have to apply a layer of my favourite fake tan, though... And with the new Ultra Express version, it means I don't have to marinade in it for hours!

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