Coach Ryan kicks off this episode solo — Rich Ryan is on dad duty (congrats, Rich!), and Meg is out in Madrid casually dropping a 58:40 like it’s nothing. Elite 15? Yeah, she’s back.

Joining the pod:
⭐ Colin Steeper
⭐ Jack Driscoll

Two athletes on a tear, two athletes who keep showing up, and two guys I’ve had the pleasure of competing with over the last few weeks.

The Melbourne Roll-Down That Shocked All of Us

Colin and I both woke up to a surprise email:

“Congrats, you’re in for Melbourne.”

And listen… a 51:30 is not “Elite 15 material.” So to say we were shocked is an understatement. Love the roll-down life, but we’re staying stateside and punching our ticket in Anaheim.

Meanwhile, Jack & Ryan Douglas put down a low 50, fully expecting Phoenix qualification. Long travel days + expensive flights + body wreckage = staying smart.

Sometimes strategy > airplane miles.

Back-to-Back Racing: The Truth About Recovery

Chicago → Dallas → Singles → Doubles… the boys have been BUSY.

And here’s the real talk:

Even Jack — who hasn’t taken a rest day since last year — felt the cumulative fatigue.

Colin? Holding strong.

Me? Yeah… rent came due. Hard. Cold, lethargy, the whole package. Welcome to HYROX in your 30s and 40s.

But here’s what’s wild:

Racing doubles first actually makes your singles race feel better.

Why? Because doubles is V02 max chaos, and singles is basically a hard tempo by comparison.

We wouldn't program it for anyone we coach — but inside the race environment? It hits different.

The Strategy Shift That Changed the Game

Before Chicago, we made a pact:

“56 or 66 — no in between.”

If we blow up? Fine. But we’re not playing small anymore.

And here's the uncomfortable truth:
To break into the elite tier, you must be willing to fail boldly. Playing it safe only gets you more 58s — and no one remembers those.

Course Design Matters More Than Anyone Wants to Admit

HYROX claims all courses are equal.
The athletes competing say: lol no.

Chicago

• Smooth rock zone
• Logical layout
• Cool temperature
• Fast sleds

Dallas

• Hairpin turns
• Rock zone chaos
• Turf peeling off the floor
• Hot venue
• Sleds that felt like dragging a Buick

You want a PR?
Find a fast course. It matters.

Training Volume: What “Elite” Actually Looks Like

Let’s normalize some honesty:

Jack

• 45–50 miles/week
• Double threshold days
• Machine volume stacked like LEGOs
• No rest days since 2024 (lol)

Colin

• 70+ miles/week
• 20–25 training hours/week
• Three sessions a day is normal

Kent

• 40–45 miles/week
• Targeted running + station work
• One rest day… because I’m human

The truth?

Elite HYROX athletes train like it’s their job — because it basically is.

If you think you can crack the Elite 15 putting in 5–6 hours/week… listen, I love you, but no.

What It Takes Mentally to Race With the Best

Every athlete on this episode talked about the mental war inside a HYROX race.

And the universal truth?

Everyone wants to quit in the first 10 minutes.

If you don’t, you’re either a monster or you’re not pushing hard enough.

When things get dark, the top athletes think about:

• family members dealing with real hardship
• battles they've survived
• proving doubters wrong
• honoring the work they've put in
• refusing to let themselves down

HYROX hurts. Every level, every athlete.
But the ones who level up keep moving anyway.

If You’re Stuck at 80–90 Minutes

Do not chase random Instagram HYROX workouts.
Do not go “medium-hard” every day.

Instead:

• Build aerobic volume with easy machines + easy running
• Train stations separately from running
• Use only 1–2 hard days per week
• Follow an actual plan (seriously… please)

Your engine is the limiter — not your wall balls.

If You’re Trying to Go Elite

You need three things:

You must become a runner.

Sub-17 5K.
Sub-35 10K.
Not tomorrow — but eventually.

You must eliminate ALL weaknesses.

Elite 15 = no holes allowed.

You can’t run a 16:45 and also have a 5-minute sled pull.

You must go all-in.

You don’t stumble into Elite 15.
You sacrifice for it.

If there isn’t a fire in your gut… you won’t get there.