In this episode of the RMR Training Podcast, Rich Ryan sits down with Meg Jacoby fresh off her half marathon PR to unpack what distance racing feels like through a HYROX lens. They compare the “grind” of a half marathon versus the constant high-threshold demand of HYROX, why heart rate behaves so differently in each event, and what that means for pacing and expectations.Sponsored by Roxopt — the #1 HYROX analytics tool to help you train smarter and race better. Free custom report in the show notes. https://www.roxopt.com/00:00 – Roxopt sponsor + intro, Meg fresh off a half marathon PR07:45 – Half marathon “grind” vs HYROX grind: why they feel totally different18:30 – Should HYROX athletes run a half/full marathon to get faster? Real tradeoffs33:10 – Taper talk: why not tapering is “tomfoolery” + how Meg tapered for the half45:20 – Fueling & recovery: gels, carbs per hour, sodium/magnesium, and common mistakes

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HYROX elite Rich Ryan breaks down his training evolution—from mastering sleds to dialing in threshold sessions and mindset. A must-listen for athletes chasing faster, smarter racing.

0:00 – Why This Episode Matters
Rich kicks things off solo while Meg and Kent are away racing, sharing why this conversation with strength coach John Patton hits differently—because he’s the one getting grilled this time.

4:20 – Reflecting on His Fastest HYROX Season Yet
Rich talks improvements, racing with confidence, and why going out hard at Worlds wasn’t a mistake—but a milestone.

17:55 – The Sled Push/Pull Blueprint
From fear to domination: Rich breaks down the exact process he used to become one of the strongest sled athletes in the sport, including the 3 pillars of sled training.

36:10 – The Threshold Training Revolution
Rich explains how tracking time in low Zone 4 completely redefined his HYROX fitness—and why these long, grindy sessions might be the key you’re avoiding.

1:07:40 – Mindset, Longevity & What’s Next
How Rich handles pain, avoids overtraining, and stays competitive at 39. Plus, what he’s experimenting with next (VBT, lactate testing, and maybe even VO₂ masks).

Ready to Dominate the Sled? Get Your Free Guide →https://www.rmr.training/the-ultimate-sled-push-playbook

In this episode, we break down two very different race stories with one common theme — resilience. Ryan reflects on his race in Atlanta, where an unexpected obstacle early on forced him to adjust on the fly and test his mindset mid-race. Meanwhile, Meg came out swinging in Maastricht, putting together her best race yet after nearly a year of rebuilding.

We unpack what these performances mean, how each athlete’s training will change (or stay the same), and what lessons you can take into your own prep — whether you’re racing through setbacks or building back stronger.

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00:00 – Intro & Roxop Shoutout
Why race analytics matter and how data helps you become a smarter HYROX athlete.

05:40 – Sled Lane Controversy & Race Frustrations
Kent breaks down the infamous “rippled carpet” issue and how uncontrollable factors affect elite races.

25:15 – Meg’s Training Discipline & Ego-Free Approach
How Meg rebuilt her fitness post-injury through consistency, intentionality, and boring-but-brilliant training.

47:30 – Mindset, Faith, and Overcoming Fear of Failure
Meg opens up about self-doubt, rebuilding confidence, and choosing faith over fear in elite sport.

1:05:00 – Race Strategy, Recovery & What’s Next
Kent and Meg preview Chicago, Dallas, and Anaheim — plus insights on how to stay ready for every start line.