Schuy Loves the Challenge of Hyrox
When Schuyler Nunn's gym buddies started talking about Hyrox, an indoor race combines running with functional fitness, she was intrigued.
For those who haven't heard about the latest fitness phenomenon, competitors run (or walk) 1,000 meters, then finish 1,000 meters on a SkiErg; run 1,000 meters, then push a 225-pound sled 50 meters; run 1,000 meters, pull the same sled 50 meters; and on and on until you have covered 8,000 meters total and finished 8 strength stations.
"I like the idea of combining running and functional fitness," says Schuy, an endurance athlete for most of her adult life. A friend asked her to train for the Hyrox race in New York City in 2025, and Schuy, a 56-year-old Director of Community Outreach and Events for B Inspired in Philadelphia, was psyched at the idea of polishing up her burpee broad jumps—and taking on a brand new challenge.
Her friend became injured, but Schuy kept training, and attended the race solo. "I crossed the finish line completely depleted and swore I'd never do another one," she admits, "It was the hardest thing I've ever done."
A few weeks later, a knee injury sidelined Schuy for a few months. Unable to run, train, or challenge herself the way she loves to do, she made herself a promise: If she got healthy enough to run and train again, she would enter another Hyrox.
She kept that promise. She nailed two Hyrox races in 2026—Miami and NYC—and is here to tell us about them.
Hyrox and learn: When I recommitted to Hyrox, my training became much more intentional and consistent: I trained for six straight months. I focused on building strength, improving my fitness and learning from the mistakes I made in my first race. I paid much closer attention to pacing, fueling, hydration, and recovery. During the first race, I didn't eat along the way. Lesson learned. For the second and third races, I devised a plan that had me eating and drinking along the way and at specific times during the race (prior to the row and lunges, if needed.)
Push and pull? Yes please.: My favorite stations are the rower and sled push. You have to row 1000 meters as fast as you can, and push a 225-pound sled 50 meters (broken up into four segments of 12.5 meters). SCHUY: WHY DO YOU LIKE THESE?
Squat and throw? Not so much. My least favorite station is the wall ball; you squat and throw a 9-pound medicine ball to a specific target 100 times. have to complete 100 throws with a 9-pound ball. It comes at the very end of the event, when your body is fatigued. It's as much of a mental battle as a physical one. There are judges at each station making sure you follow the requirements. I've had many wall balls not count. Either because my squat wasn't deep enough or my ball didn't hit the target. Totally deflating.
Ring that PR bell: In New York City 2026, I PR'ed four stations: Ski Erg, Lunges, Sled Push, and Farmer’s Carry.
Running 1,000 meters after 100 meters of sandbag lunges feels...like your legs are Jell-O. Running after the lunges is the hardest. Otherwise, if you find the right pacing, the runs can feel ok.
Don't believe what you see: If you only look at social media, it can seem like Hyrox is filled with twenty-somethings who have zero percent body fat. The reality is very different. At every event I've attended, I've seen athletes of all ages, body types and fitness backgrounds.
The vibe at a Hyrox is competitive, but also incredibly supportive. You feel like you're part of something really cool.
(And yes, there are people who walk the running portions.)
Hyrox-curious? My advice.
1. Just sign up. Seriously.
2. Don't wait until you feel ready because you may never feel completely ready.
3. Start where you are and learn the movements. Train consistently.
4. Remember you're never too old or too slow or too inexperienced to try something new.
Yep, still smiling.
I'll step off my pedestal after I say this: At age 56, I feel stronger than I've ever been. Hyrox pushed me way out of my comfort zone, and has given me a level of confidence that extends way beyond fitness. My main goal is to finish with a smile, be injury-free, and have gratitude for my body that allows me to do fun and amazing things.
A pep talk Schuy gave to her fellow mid-life athletes pre-Hyrox: ⬇️. Yep and yep.
