Most first-time mistakes are about planning, not fitness. Avoid these and your first race will be faster and more enjoyable.
1. Starting too fast
The first run and the SkiErg feel easy, so people push them. The cost comes on the sleds and later runs. Start slower than feels right. See pacing the eight runs.
2. Not practising the sleds
The sleds are unlike anything most people do in a gym. If you have not pushed and pulled a heavy sled on carpet, the race will be your first time. Find a gym with a sled, or read training the sled without a sled.
3. Standing still in the Roxzone
Transitions are part of your time. Walk briskly at least. See Roxzone transitions.
4. Miscounting laps
A missed lap can ruin your result. Decide on a counting method before you start.
5. Going to failure on wall balls
Break into planned sets early. See wall balls strategy.
6. New shoes on race day
Race in shoes you have trained in. New shoes can cause blisters or feel different on the sleds. See breaking in race-day shoes.
7. Not reading the rules
No-reps cost time. Read the standards before the race. See HYROX no-reps.
8. Arriving late
Check-in, bag drop and warming up take longer than expected. Arrive with plenty of time.
9. Skipping the warm-up
A cold start makes the first run and SkiErg much harder. See a HYROX warm-up.
10. Chasing a time
Your first race is for learning. Set a goal about pacing and finishing well rather than a specific time. The time will come in your second race — see your second HYROX.
One more: enjoy it
It is a hard race, but it is also a good day out. Look around, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the finish.