From HYROX to Viper Challenge: How Mohd Shahrin Balances Two Very Different Challenges
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For Mohd Shahrin bin Salim, the journey from fitness racing arenas to muddy obstacle courses is not a question of either or. It is simply how he has learned to navigate life: by embracing challenges, staying adaptable, and finding strength in movement.
His story did not begin with high-performance competitions or world-class fitness events. It began with something far more personal. After the pandemic, battling depression and anxiety, Shahrin signed up for his first obstacle course race. It was the Viper Challenge Comeback edition, and it became the catalyst that pulled him out of his darkest moments and back into the world.
“That was the turning point. I started to find joy again in pushing myself physically and mentally,” he shares. From there, his journey unfolded naturally. He went from Viper Challenge to Spartan Race and eventually discovered HYROX.
What drew him to HYROX was its structured nature. It is a precise combination of running and functional fitness stations designed to test power and endurance in equal measure. “HYROX feels like a natural progression. It is intense, structured, and every detail matters, from pacing to transitions. I love how both sports complement each other,” he explains. Where obstacle course racing builds mental toughness, adaptability, and agility, HYROX develops raw strength and muscular endurance. For Shahrin, balancing the two offers a more complete approach to fitness.
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That balance extends into his training. His weekly routine shifts depending on the season, but the foundation remains steady. Strength training takes up two to three sessions a week, focusing on squats, sled pushes, and carries to build overall power. Endurance sessions happen two to three times a week, split between interval runs for HYROX pacing and longer trail runs or hill sessions for obstacle racing conditioning. Grip strength gets one or two dedicated sessions, with dead hangs and farmer carries. Mobility work is non-negotiable and happens daily, focusing on hips, shoulders, and ankles. “It is all about staggering intensity and listening to my body. I adjust based on whether I am building, peaking, or tapering.”
Although these disciplines seem worlds apart, Shahrin points out how each sharpens the other. “HYROX taught me discipline. It forces you to be efficient under fatigue. That mental focus carries over to obstacle races, how I tackle transitions and how I manage energy mid-course. I am not just reacting anymore. I move with intention.”
Conversely, his background in obstacle racing shaped his performance during HYROX Bangkok 2025. Years spent crawling through mud, climbing walls, and navigating unpredictable terrain built a kind of resilience that no structured gym workout could replicate. “When the fatigue hit during lunges or wall balls, that OCR grit kicked in. It reminded me to stay calm, even when my legs were giving out.”
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With Viper Challenge 2025 approaching, Shahrin is not chasing personal bests or podium finishes this time. “This round is about enjoyment and connection with the course, the people, and myself. I have done races where I chased time. Now, I want to soak in the experience and have fun with my teammates.”
That said, some things never change. He admits there is still a small nervous excitement about grip-heavy rigs and high walls late in the course when fatigue sets in. But he is quick to add that this is part of the fun. It pushes you to dig deeper and trust your training.
Beyond physical preparation, Shahrin sees his role and that of other hybrid athletes like him as helping evolve Malaysia’s obstacle racing culture. By blending structured fitness with the raw, unpredictable nature of outdoor races, he believes hybrid athletes are changing perceptions. “We show that fitness is not one-dimensional. You do not have to choose between strength, endurance, or agility. We raise the bar, but we also keep the heart of obstacle racing intact with the community, the grit, and the adventure.”
He often shares advice with athletes considering switching between disciplines. Respect the differences, he says, but trust the crossover benefits. “Do not try to be perfect at both at once. Focus on what your next race demands. Trail runners might need to build sled power for HYROX. HYROX athletes need to hit trails and work on grip for obstacle courses. Be patient. Your first few races in a new format might humble you, but that is part of growth.”
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Outside of HYROX and Viper Challenge, Shahrin has his sights set on something even tougher. He hopes to complete a 100-kilometre trail run. He has already completed an 80-kilometre race, driven not by mileage goals but by the desire to push his mental resilience. “Trail running forces you to adapt, stay present, and embrace discomfort. It is not about getting fitter. It is about growing tougher inside and out.”
Asked how he stays motivated balancing training, racing, and everyday life, Shahrin answers simply. Discipline is the key. “There are days I feel fired up and days I am just drained. On those days, I remind myself why I started. It is not about medals anymore. This has become part of who I am. It grounds me.”
As for why he keeps returning to events like Viper Challenge, the answer is not about obstacles or finish times. “The atmosphere, the energy, the strangers who become teammates, that is what makes it unforgettable. Every Viper Challenge is a checkpoint. It shows me how much I have grown, not just physically but mentally. That is why I keep coming back. To prove to myself that I am tougher than any course.”
