In this honest episode of the Hybrid Heroes Podcast, Damian opens up a conversation that every HYROX athlete, runner, and hybrid trainer needs to hear: how to know when to be kind to yourself… and when you actually need to be better.

After 18 years of coaching thousands of people — from first-timers to elite athletes — Damian has seen the same pattern on repeat:

most people aren’t stuck because their body isn’t capable…

they’re stuck because their mindset, lifestyle, and emotions are out of alignment with their goals.

Inside this episode, we dive into:

The reality of the modern “always on” culture — run clubs, events, social media, and constant comparison

Why HYROX is not just physically demanding, but mentally and emotionally heavy too

The “Be Kind or Be Better” framework — how to use it in real time when you’re tired, stressed, or doubting yourself

When you genuinely need rest, recovery, and compassion (burnout, poor sleep, life stress, kids, work, injuries)

When you’re not burnt out… you’re just uncomfortable and need to step up, stop making excuses, and raise your standards

How sleep, lifestyle, Netflix, nights out, and nutrition quietly sabotage progress — and what to do about it

Why reaching out for feedback (from a coach, friend, or professional) is a strength, not a weakness

The importance of emotional regulation in HYROX training, performance, and everyday life

This episode is for you if:

You feel tired, flat, or overwhelmed and don’t know if you should push or pull back

You’re constantly comparing yourself to others on Instagram, at the gym, or at races

You’ve had a few “off weeks” and are questioning whether HYROX is even for you

You want a simple mental tool to check in with yourself and make better decisions.

Damian’s message is clear:

🔹 Sometimes you need to be kind — create space, recover, and protect your mental health.

🔹 Sometimes you need to be better — tighten up your habits, stop hiding behind excuses, and lean into the work.

Learn how to tell the difference, how to check in with yourself honestly, and how to keep progressing without burning out.

Keep training hard. Know when to be kind. Know when to be better.

And we’ll see you on a HYROX start line soon. 💪