Ten, nine, eight… The countdown begins. On the start line, tension is at its height. And everyone releases it in their own way. Some encourage each other by “checking” with their fists – a reminder of the health crisis? -Others are jumping up and down. We also see several competitors from our wave applauding loudly, no doubt to motivate themselves. Three, two, one…go! It’s high noon and we’re off for the second edition of the Fitness Park HYROX Paristhe Paris event for hybrid running – eight kilometers divided into eight one-kilometer laps – and functional exercise. For us, it’s a (real) leap into the unknown. Sure, we’re (somewhat) sporty, but we’re totally unprepared for the efforts that await us.

A (too) cautious start

The start is quick. Within the first few seconds of the race, people were overtaking us on our right and left. After a few dozen metres, we find ourselves at the back of the group…while…