This Single Mom Conquered HYROX: Here’s How She Balanced a Demanding Job & Parenting to Train
HYROX, the global fitness race that combines grueling runs with functional workouts, is often described as a sport for all, and Angela Keet is living proof. A single mom with a demanding job at Red Bull, Angela hadn’t anticipated the physical and mental challenge of HYROX when she signed up for a doubles race. Yet, despite battling illness and an injury in her first attempt last year, she crossed the finish line, showing that with determination and consistency, anyone can conquer this inclusive race. Her story is an inspiration for women who think fitness challenges are out of reach. We sat down with this everyday athlete to hear more about her HYROX experience, how she trained, and what’s next for her on the HYROX dancefloor.
Angela’s journey to HYROX began with a nudge from a colleague who saw her potential, sparking her curiosity about the race’s unique blend of running and strength exercises. Initially unaware of the intense running demands, she describes how she dove into training blindly, only to discover her own resilience.
Balancing a high-pressure job, motherhood, and training was no easy feat. She meticulously scheduled workouts like meetings to ensure consistency, even training in hotel gyms while travelling. Her determination to compete in both the Doubles and Relay categories in Cape Town this year reflects her newfound belief in her capabilities, inspired by HYROX’s supportive community and the lack of pressure to chase a finishing time.
Keep reading to hear about Angela’s HYROX journey in her own words:
WomenStuff: What inspired you to take on the challenge of entering HYROX?
Angela Keet: It actually started off with someone in our office asking me if I have heard about HYROX as we as a brand (Red Bull) have a global partnership with HYROX. Seth, our Sports Specialist, shared some info about it and told me that he thinks I would be perfect for this and that I must give it a go. So I started training blindly for it, would research what the stations were and just put my mind to it. The first one I did last year I ended up having to pull out of singles and do a double due to an ITB Injury. In hindsight it was probably the best, because this race seems easy on paper but is a demon in real life! Also it seemed like an interesting event or race so I just thought why not, this isn’t a race to race against others, it is a race for yourself. So there was no pressure.
WS: HYROX is called a sport for everyone. How did this event prove that to you personally, and what surprised you most about your own capabilities as you trained and competed?
AK: Going into HYROX, I didn’t realise that the main race is about running and just how much running was needed. I hadn’t prepped my training to incorporate so much running. But, looking back I proved to myself that I can actually run that much and do all these strength exercises as well. HYROX is a daunting race and I still have days where I train and look back and say to myself, I can’t do this, it is too hard. But then I reminded myself that not every training day needs to be a good day, but it must be a consistent one.
WS: Training for HYROX is no small feat. What was the toughest part of preparing for the event?
AK: Mentally I think is probably the hardest part about training for this event. I have a very demanding job and am a full time single mom. Work sometimes requires me to travel for long periods at a time then there is having to be home on time to sort out my daughter. Balancing the work, mom life, and training is probably the toughest part of the training. I am so mentally aware of missing a day of training that I have made sure that I block out my time in my diary as a meeting to make sure that no matter what I will leave work on time to hit training. And, if I end up travelling for work, I have made sure that the hotel has a gym and that if I do complete a session, even if it is just running, I have worked on some element of my training.
WS: How did it feel to cross the finish line — can you take us back to that moment? What emotions were running through you as you completed the race, and what did that achievement mean to you?
AK: Thinking back on last year’s race, seeing the finish line was such a relief. I went into the race with flu and got food poisoning the Wednesday before the actual race, so I was hurting really bad and the lack of food and liquids definitely played on my mind and the elation of finishing the race alive. It is a feeling that is very hard to explain but I do know I look back and think I actually did it, I completed something that seemed easy. When I signed up but felt like I was dying and contemplating my life decisions during the race. Nothing can compare to actually realising that you have done it. So much so that on Sunday morning I worked up with the HYROX Blues and could have done it all again! It does seem like the HYROX Blues is real, I also felt it this year after our PFT.
WS: For other women who might feel hesitant to try something like HYROX, what advice would you give them, and how has this changed your view of what’s possible for you in the future?
AK: I tell everyone that asks about HYROX and if they have the ability to do it, to take the leap and do it. It is a race about yourself and not about time, it’s great to go in there wanting to smash a PB but also remember that being able to cross the finish line and hold the patch in your hand is a massive achievement. I have never believed so much in a sport like I do with HYROX and what it has done for me mentally. It has made me believe in myself and push myself to do better. It has also allowed me to gain fitness friends where we are all like minded and support each other.
WS: What’s your go-to race day tip for anyone doing HYROX for the first time?
AK: I am an amateur so I have gone in there with what I know and what I feel comfortable with. What I did learn though, is to make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing and also you have trained in your shoes. Also my plan is to go into the race not to beat anyone, or to smash amazing times, I want to go in there to enjoy the experience and the atmosphere. There is nothing like a HYROX event and its atmosphere to get you all pumped up! Also after last year and the flu and food poisoning, I am definitely not going to be ordering any takeaways that week, everything is going to be home cooked. So best is to not deviate from your usual habits.
Angela Keet’s HYROX journey is a powerful reminder that fitness isn’t reserved for the athletes or those who seem “naturally athletic.”It’s a race for anyone willing to take the leap. Her story of overcoming illness, injury, and the demands of single motherhood to cross the HYROX finish line inspires us all to rethink what’s possible.
Whether you’re hesitant about your fitness level or juggling a busy life, Angela’s advice to “take the leap” and embrace the HYROX community could be your first step toward discovering your own strength. So, grab your sneakers, find your rhythm, and let HYROX show you that you, too, can be a finisher and grab hold of that coveted HYROX finisher’s patch.
For more from Angela, follow her journey on Instagram and Twitter.
How to enter a HYROX South Africa race
Need inspiration to enter? Read the full account of my first solo race at HYROX Johannesburg for training tips, gear suggestions, and more!
HYROX South Africa has confirmed the next HYROX Cape Town event for the 19th and 20th of July 2025. Registration is now open with many categories already sold out. Find out more here on the HYROX South Africa website.
For updates and confirmations on upcoming HYROX races in South Africa be sure to follow HYROX South Africa on Instagram at Hyrox_SA.
