With the 2026 HYROX World Championships rapidly approaching, Rich Ryan finds himself in a familiar position: physically prepared, but still questioning whether he has done enough.
The four-time Elite 15 World Championship qualifier recently shared an honest look at his final weeks of training in a YouTube vlog, revealing the mental challenges that often accompany peak race preparation.
“At this point of training, it’s basically done,” Ryan said. “Now I’m having these thoughts like, have I done enough?”
Trusting the Work Already Completed
The final two weeks before a major championship are less about building fitness and more about trusting the months of preparation already completed.
Ryan admitted that uncertainty has crept in despite a strong season that included a Pro Men victory at HYROX Ottawa and several podium performances throughout 2026.
“It’s hard to have these thoughts at this time because there really isn’t much I can do,” he explained.
Instead of chasing last-minute gains, Ryan has shifted his focus toward recovery, mobility work, breathwork, and ensuring he arrives in Stockholm as fresh as possible.
Heat Becoming an Unexpected Challenge
One concern that continues to occupy Ryan’s mind is heat. Training in Colorado has exposed him to warmer-than-usual conditions during several key sessions, and he believes it has impacted recent performances.
To address the issue, Ryan has begun incorporating sauna sessions as part of a heat-acclimation strategy.
“One of my doubts is, how’s the heat going to play a factor in this thing?” he said.
While Stockholm is unlikely to produce extreme temperatures, Ryan views the process as one area where he can still take control during the final stages of preparation.
Testing Potential Weaknesses
Another focus has been identifying areas that could become decisive during the World Championships.
Ryan revealed concerns about his Sled Pull and Farmers Carry performance after noticing changes in body weight throughout the season.
He currently sits approximately five pounds lighter than he was at the 2025 World Championships.
“I’m lighter right now,” Ryan explained. “Now it’s like, am I too light?”
A demanding HYROX simulation session was designed to answer those questions, but the workout did not unfold as planned. Fatigue and heat became major factors, forcing Ryan to cut the session short.
Confidence Despite the Questions
Although the workout added to his doubts, Ryan remains confident that his overall fitness is where it needs to be.
“I need to remember that I am in good fitness,” he said.
With only a handful of key sessions remaining before Stockholm, the focus now shifts from building fitness to refining strategy, managing recovery, and trusting the process.
For one of HYROX’s most experienced competitors, the doubts may still be present. But so is the preparation that earned him a place among the sport’s elite.
About the Author
Jeremiah Oliva
Jeremiah Oliva is a writer passionate about fitness, sports, and active living. He has experience in songwriting and managing content and social media for online radio and magazine platforms.
He covers HYROX, CrossFit®, and competitive fitness, with a focus on performance, mindset, and athlete development.
Outside of writing, Jeremiah trains in boxing, cycles, explores the outdoors with his kids, and plays the guitar.
