from hyrox to her first warrior race
from hyrox to her first warrior race
Marisca reflects on the highs and lows of her first race, and what she’d do differently next time!
Marisca reflects on the highs and lows of her first race, and what she’d do differently next time!
Few things test your limits, your mindset, and your mud-tolerance quite like The Warrior Race. For Marisca, however, it had been a long time coming. After signing up for the Commando in 2024 and pulling out due to a back injury just a week before race day, she’d almost given up on the idea altogether. Almost.
“The Warrior Race has been on my bucket list for such a long time. Last year, I had to pull out, and honestly? I’m glad I did. I don’t think I was ready.”
Few things test your limits, your mindset, and your mud-tolerance quite like The Warrior Race. For Marisca, however, it had been a long time coming. After signing up for the Commando in 2024 and pulling out due to a back injury just a week before race day, she’d almost given up on the idea altogether. Almost.
“The Warrior Race has been on my bucket list for such a long time. Last year, I had to pull out, and honestly? I’m glad I did. I don’t think I was ready.”
A Rookie with a Purpose
A Rookie with a Purpose
After completing her first-ever HYROX race earlier this year, Marisca knew she wanted to take a more intentional approach. So, she rallied her girlfriends, and they signed up for the Rookie challenge. From the moment she arrived at the start line, Marisca knew this race would challenge her in more ways than one.
“I’ve done a few 5km mud obstacle races before – but the Warrior Race? That felt like a different league. I had been going through some personal challenges, and I knew my biggest obstacle would be overcoming my inner voice. So before the race even started, I gave myself a pep talk.”
But just 1km in, a sharp stitch hit.
“I’m convinced it came from a mental block. Luckily, my girlfriends helped me through it, and we walked together until we reached the Mud Monster.”
After completing her first-ever HYROX race earlier this year, Marisca knew she wanted to take a more intentional approach. So, she rallied her girlfriends, and they signed up for the Rookie challenge. From the moment she arrived at the start line, Marisca knew this race would challenge her in more ways than one.
“I’ve done a few 5km mud obstacle races before – but the Warrior Race? That felt like a different league. I had been going through some personal challenges, and I knew my biggest obstacle would be overcoming my inner voice. So before the race even started, I gave myself a pep talk.”
But just 1km in, a sharp stitch hit.
“I’m convinced it came from a mental block. Luckily, my girlfriends helped me through it, and we walked together until we reached the Mud Monster.”
Mud, Mistakes, & Momentum
Mud, Mistakes, & Momentum
The Warrior Race is known for its rugged terrain and unexpected twists and turns, and this is exactly what Marisca experienced. But her joyful slide into the mud pit didn’t go quite to plan.
“Oh boy, how we laughed and loved mud monster! I kept my hands on the ground as I slid into the mud and ended up cutting my hands on a piece of rock. The paramedics were phenomenal and quick to assist, and the adrenaline from the cut made me forget about the stitch. The rest of the race was amazing. I had this newfound energy. That little injury snapped me out of my head and put me back into my body.”
Then came the biggest obstacle of them all – the Tower jump.
“We were so scared of heights, but took the leap of faith anyway! And that moment – the feeling of liberation, of strength – it’s impossible to describe. I felt powerful.”
The Warrior Race is known for its rugged terrain and unexpected twists and turns, and this is exactly what Marisca experienced. But her joyful slide into the mud pit didn’t go quite to plan.
“Oh boy, how we laughed and loved mud monster! I kept my hands on the ground as I slid into the mud and ended up cutting my hands on a piece of rock. The paramedics were phenomenal and quick to assist, and the adrenaline from the cut made me forget about the stitch. The rest of the race was amazing. I had this newfound energy. That little injury snapped me out of my head and put me back into my body.”
Then came the biggest obstacle of them all – the Tower jump.
“We were so scared of heights, but took the leap of faith anyway! And that moment – the feeling of liberation, of strength – it’s impossible to describe. I felt powerful.”
What Marisca Would Do Differently
What Marisca Would Do Differently
As the group neared the finish line, they stopped for their ritual: a set of burpees to celebrate every obstacle they’d faced and conquered.
“It’s our thing. We do it after every race, and this one felt extra special.”
Looking back, she’s got nothing but love for her first Warrior Race – and a few thoughts on what she’d do differently next time.
“If I could do anything differently next time, I’d trust myself more. I’d train a bit smarter, work on my running, and add in more upper body strength, especially for those obstacles that need real pulling power. It’s easy to doubt your strength until you’re in the thick of it, covered in mud, laughing, and realising you’re stronger than you ever gave yourself credit for. I already have plans to do another one later this year. Maybe this time, I’ll finally take on the Commando!”
Do you have a story that screams grit, heart, and mud? Tell us about it here.
Feeling inspired by Marisca’s story? Join the action at the next Warrior Race on 27 September at Riversands Farm Village.
As the group neared the finish line, they stopped for their ritual: a set of burpees to celebrate every obstacle they’d faced and conquered.
“It’s our thing. We do it after every race, and this one felt extra special.”
Looking back, she’s got nothing but love for her first Warrior Race – and a few thoughts on what she’d do differently next time.
“If I could do anything differently next time, I’d trust myself more. I’d train a bit smarter, work on my running, and add in more upper body strength, especially for those obstacles that need real pulling power. It’s easy to doubt your strength until you’re in the thick of it, covered in mud, laughing, and realising you’re stronger than you ever gave yourself credit for. I already have plans to do another one later this year. Maybe this time, I’ll finally take on the Commando!”
Do you have a story that screams grit, heart, and mud? Tell us about it here.
Feeling inspired by Marisca’s story? Join the action at the next Warrior Race on 27 September at Riversands Farm Village.