Luke Sparkes, Head of Technical Paraplanning at In Partnership, and Paraplanner of the Year at the Professional Paraplanner Awards 2024, likens his preparation for a Hyrox fitness race to the focus, skills and attention required in paraplanning.
In five weeks I’ll attempt one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. A bold statement, I know, but it’s true! I shall be doing a Hyrox event in Copenhagen and I’m training hard for it.
For those of you who don’t know, Hyrox is an indoor fitness race that typically combines running 1km and eight functional workouts. It’s designed to be accessible to people of all fitness levels.
In my preparations for the race, I got thinking about the similarities between Paraplanning and Hyrox. There are a few that spring to mind:
Attention to Detail: This is Paraplanners’ bread and butter! How we strive to ensure that clients receive the best experience – accurate reports with the data they’ve given us. Hyrox athletes have to be precise in their pacing, form and strategy to optimise performance.
Endurance & Consistency: Paraplanners have to sustain focus often over long periods, working through complex financial plans. Hyrox athletes must maintain their endurance to ensure consistency in effort across the running and functional threshold activities.
Strategy & Planning: Paraplanners build structured financial plans anticipating future needs and risks. Hyrox athletes must strategise their race approach, balancing speed and stamina to achieve the best results.
Adaptability & Problem Solving: Changes in financial regulations or client circumstances require paraplanners to adapt quickly. In Hyrox, competitors must adjust mid-race if fatigue sets in or unexpected challenges arise.
Performance Measurement: Success in both fields is measurable: Paraplanners work towards financial goals and compliance, while Hyrox athletes aim for specific finish times and rankings.
One things for sure, if I fail to prepare, I will prepare to fail – so focus is key. Out of small acorns, large oaks grow – or so they say… so bring it on!!
I’ll be attempting the Hyrax with my friend, Andy Turnbull.
We’ll let you know how we get on.
Main image: kyle-johnson-Yi-4X9ZJU6Y-unsplash
