ALEX
SCHUBACH

International Hyrox event featuring a standardised format of 8km running and 8 x functional fitness stations, competed in the Men’s Open division.

First ever Hyrox race. The goal was to get a benchmark. I wanted to understand where my fitness sits in this kind of racing / competition format, and find out where the strengths are and where the work needs to go. A little bit of crosstraining was done in preparation, but this was always about learning more than racing.

Target time: 1:05 to 1:15. Run the 1km segments at 4min/km and see what the functional stations throw at me.

1:13:25. A solid first crack at Hyrox that told me exactly what I needed to know. The running is strong, the functional stations will get stronger with time and practice, and there are some very clear, fixable things to address.

I ran 500m extra, twice, and did too much on the sled pull because I wasn't paying attention and didn't know the exact station distances and lap counts. That's a preparation gap, not a fitness one. Know your stations before you race them. Wall balls need dedicated work. A gel or two mid-race will help keep energy levels up.

The 4min/km runs were easy to hold, which means the ceiling on this format is much higher than this result suggests. First race done. The trajectory from here is clear.

A 12km mountain race ascending Mt. Fuji from Fuji Hokuroku Park to the 5th Station, combining endurance with a sustained elevation gain of 1,300m.

Racing up Mt Fuji. Four words that capture everything about this event. The strategy was straightforward: run fast and easy the first 2km while it's flat, then never give up during the climb - no walking, no stopping, no negotiating with my mind. Full effort from gun to 5th station.

Fuelling locked in: 1000mg sodium and electrolytes the night before, a good breakfast and then a gel every 20 minutes during the race. LFG.

36th out of 1,760 runners on Japan's most iconic mountain. The fuelling protocol worked perfectly. Capitalised on the flat road section with easy, fast running and refused to walk during the climb unless there was a physical blockage from other runners.

Two clear lessons: start at the front. I started near the back and lost significant time navigating around slower runners on a single-file trail where there is no space to pass. That won't happen again. And trail carbon-plated racing shoes are non-negotiable for this kind of event. Road shoes on mountain terrain is a mistake I only needed to make once.

This race showed me what happens when you commit fully to not giving up. The result spoke for itself.

“Beast” (21km) obstacle course race combining trail running with strength and technical challenges. The course features 10km of trail running and then 30 obstacles, testing skill, fitness, and all-around athletic performance.

In Spartan racing, the trail sections are where you can build your lead, and obstacles where you can lose it all.

The strategy was built around my strengths. Run the 10km mountain trail hard, move fast between obstacles, and take five seconds to reset before each station - move through each obstacle once, and once only.

The strategy worked exactly as planned. Attacked the 10km trail section hard, maintained 4:00 to 4:30 pace on the flats between obstacles, and the Salomon belt worked perfectly for carrying nutrition on the move.

The Airbnb setup and consistent breakfasts, made a real difference in controlling pre-race meals. That's the accommodation model going forward for international races.

The key learning from this trip was about logistics. Seven days away is too long for a single international race. It disrupts eating, training, and sleep. Four to five days is the sweet spot: two travel days, one prep day, one race day, one optional recovery day.

And one big race /international race a month is the ceiling. More than that and the consistency that drives long-term progress starts to erode.

An immersive endurance training experience designed to simulate ultra-distance racing in the Japanese Alps. Focused on running resilience and technical trail skills.

Complete the mission (training camp), take these lessons to race strong and hard during the upcoming trail and ultra trail events.

Completed the full workload and handled the conditions well - absolutely bucketing with rain all day. Gear setup performed well overall and nutrition strategy held up. Lighting equipment needs to be upgraded, and additional headwear for sun and rain (keeps both out of the eyes).

Competed in the 35km middle-distance race in Nikko, covering a course with approximately 2,300m of elevation gain. The route combines long climbs and technical trail sections through a UNESCO World Heritage region.

First real trail race ever. Run fast and easy on the flats (while it's flat). Short and light steps on the uphills. Fuel early and often. Test out all my kit and equipment (first time with a full madatory equipment list). Target time sub 4:15.

4:47:11. 18th of 731 overall, 15th male of 571, 8th in the 30s age group. The course delivered everything it promised and more. Fell twice, rolled both ankles badly, and lost 9 places while recovering from the second fall. That hurt in the moment, but it taught me something no training run can: ankle support is non-negotiable on technical mountain terrain. Taping both ankles before every trail race from here. No exceptions.

A traditional Japanese relay race held in the Okutama region, running along winding mountain roads. A well-known and highly competitive event, it brings together large numbers of university teams, reflecting the depth of Japan’s ekiden culture.

Fast start and make the most of the early (only)downhill. First 3km fast and controlled, then hold pace as the elevation builds - 3km, 2km, 1km, 1km, 500m, 500m. Stay light and incrrease cadence on the steady inclines.

30:34 for 8.4km. 3:38/km pace. Happy with that, especially on a leg with sustained elevation and no real flat to reset on. The race plan held up: fast out of the downhill, controlled through the first 3km, and the single-kilometre breakdown worked for staying mentally in the race through the grinding middle section.

Preparation was solid across the board. No ankle issues. The continued build is the goal, and that's exactly what this race served.

A long-running regional road race in Gunma Prefecture, now in its 45th edition. Held in a region known for its onsen culture and konjac production, it attracts a solid field of domestic competitors.

Easy through the first 5km to warm up the ankle. Hold pace over the next 5km while continuing to test it. From 10–15km, lift slightly and decide whether to really race or keep it controlled. At 15km, let it rip or hold steady to the finish. Keep the legs moving light and fast, no pressure. This is about testing the ankle and checking fitness. Target time: 90 minutes.

1:21:07. 6th overall out of 250, 2nd in the 30s age group out of 62. The ankle held. The plan was executed clean from start to finish. The phased approach worked again, and course reconnaissance the night before, even just reviewing a map, made a real difference in reading the race.

An established 10km race with a long history in the Kanto region. Known for its highly competitive field, it regularly features top high school and university teams.

Sub-37 would be good, sub-36 would be excellent. Easy speed through the first 3km, then just lock into pace for the next 3km. Lift the effort over the next 2km, then take it 1km at a time for the last 2km. Build cadence and pump the arms to maintain the pace. Stay steady on the 500m uphill, don't jump the gun pushing too hard too early. Then, let it rip - all out war the final 500m.

35:56. Under the ambitious target. The race plan executed almost perfectly. The phased approach works, and I've learned to trust the structure. The times will come with consistent training, recovery, and sticking to a plan. That's the formula and this race proved it again.