From PBs to Parenting: Behind the Scenes of Training, Coaching and Balance

In this conversation with Ciaran Parkinson (ciaran_fit4rox) he talks candidly about his priorities and the challenge of balancing fatherhood, coaching and elite-level Hyrox competition. We discuss a wide and varied range of topics including event travel logistics and sponsorship realities, race strategy and nutrition and supplement habits, his priority for individual client attention in his coaching business. We look at what success means for Ciaran and his goals for the coming season.

In a wide-ranging episode we cover Hyrox' "Ultimate Package" and whether VIP add-ons are worth the cost, concerns over data scraping and third-party apps being forced to remove live results, rules and control around elite athletes and videographers, and a discussion on World Championships qualification standards and should there be a minimum qualifying time. We also touch on race-day logistics, sponsorship kit rules, training mindsets, gimmicky fitness products and the revelation Gerry won't go the World's if she qualifies...perhaps.

We unpack an episode covering the various way that life's stresses can impact performance. We look at a customs perfume false alarm and the toll of family life and emotional stress on training and the non-stop nature of social media. Plus the increasing stress on Elite 15 as they have to travel the world for points. We look at the tough choice between pushing for performance or prioritizing recovery.

With Michael competing in Bordeaux we are delighted to welcome Gerry back as co-host. In a packed hour, aside from finding our shared cynicism for nose strips and crocs, we cover training routines and the need for honesty, nutrition, supplements, the effect of stress and travel on recovery, Hyrox competition culture and escaping instagram algorithms.

In a packed hour we cover all things hybrid! Gwen & Myles share their individual paths from running, rowing, bodybuilding, ultras and cross‑training into hybrid events, and how they formed a successful mixed doubles pairing breaking the age group world record in their first race together. Our conversation compares personal experiences of Deadly Dozen and Hyrox formats, race strategy, supplements and training, and highlights issues around event organisation, podium recognition and equipment inconsistencies. We look at the important role of aesthetics for the three of us and perceptions surrounding aging in sport, the need for greater age‑group recognition, and finally their plans for upcoming competitions, including another Hyrox world record attempt for Myles.