Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟
In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we kick off our Summer Series - a special “How To” series focused on giving you the tools, info and inspo to get started in a new sport. From running your first 5k to training for a Triathlon, to going deep into the world of freediving, we’re sharing real advice, inspiring journeys, and expert tips to help you get started.
To launch the series, we’re joined by Jess Towl, Head of HYROX at GymNation and one of the top 15 HYROX women in the world. Before we delve into HYROX, Jess shares her own journey into sport including her start as a Team GB triathlete, her arrival as a record-setting CrossFitter and her recent mindset shift when it comes to competition.
Jess also delivers a masterclass on all things HYROX, the global fitness race redefining endurance sport. She walks us through the race-day format, how to train smart (not just hard), and why the sport is gaining momentum across the world and the Middle East. From athlete demographics to the unique accessibility of HYROX, Jess explains how functional fitness is opening doors for both first-timers and elites alike.
We also get into the real talk: performance nutrition, mindset traps, and the fueling mistakes women still make too often. Drawing from her own journey from elite swimmer and triathlete representing Great Britain, to CrossFit competitor and now top-tier HYROX athlete - Jess shares the training wisdom, recovery mindset, and race-day strategies that have shaped her success.
Whether you’re HYROX-curious or simply seeking motivation to move, this episode is packed with insight, tools, and inspiration to help you take the next step in your fitness journey.
Follow Jess on Instagram: @jesstowl
🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset
Credits:
🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.
I hope you enjoy the episode!