How Cole Learn Learned to Be Elite
Cole Learn wasn’t supposed to run 55:30 in Boston — at least not yet. The Ontario-based coach and gym owner had only recently shifted his focus from CrossFit to Hyrox, a move that turned his long-time strength base and natural running ability into a potent mix. But when the gun went off at his season opener in Boston, everything clicked. The result vaulted him into the elite conversation and rewired how he thought about his own limits.
The Hybrid Letter caught up with Learn to talk about the breakthrough, how he’s learned to race with patience and gratitude, and why he’s more driven than ever heading into the new season.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The Hybrid Letter: How did you first get started in the fitness industry?
Cole Learn: About six years ago, my wife and I opened a gym in a small community called Saugeen Shores, in southern Ontario near Lake Huron. When we first started, it was just the two of us running small classes, with no real idea how big it could become. But over time, the gym began to gain momentum. We added another studio on the same property for boot camp sessions, then built an additional 7,000 square feet and opened a 24-hour gym—turning the place into a full-scale fitness center. Now, we offer everything from CrossFit and Hyrox-style classes to boot camps and a traditional gym space where members can train independently. It’s been incredible to watch it grow. I never imagined we’d reach this point, and we’ve kept reinvesting in the space. It’s become something really special for our community.
THL: And what about you personally—how did you make the shift from athlete to competitor?
CL: I’ve always been an athlete. I played football in university and grew up heavily involved in sports. In my late twenties, I found CrossFit and trained seriously for about seven or eight years, getting close to competing at the top level. My biggest challenge was always heavy lifts, which held me back a bit. So when I discovered Hyrox, it immediately clicked—I knew it was the right fit. Running had always been a strong suit for me, even without much specific training. I signed up for my first Hyrox race in 2023—it was a pro race—and finished in 1:02:24. At the time, I was frustrated not to break 60 minutes, but looking back, that’s a really competitive debut.
After that, I competed at the World Championships in France. It was a tough experience—I arrived just two days before, barely slept, and ended up pulling out halfway through. It was disappointing, but I learned a lot and came away with a deeper respect for the sport. I also got to represent Canada on the relay team, where we placed in the top five, which was amazing. I went back to CrossFit for a bit after that, but I knew Hyrox was where I wanted to focus. By 2024, I committed fully, dialed in my running, and trained more intentionally. That effort paid off: I ran a 57:56 in Houston and later a 55:30 in Boston—a huge leap forward.
THL: Was that race in Boston what you expected?
CL: Not at all—it was completely unexpected. I knew my fitness was in a good place, but I’ve always struggled with self-doubt and believing I could compete at the top level. So putting together that kind of performance was incredibly exciting. It gave me a huge confidence boost and lit a new fire in my training.
Coming from CrossFit, where most workouts are 15 to 20 minutes, jumping into an event that’s nearly an hour of nonstop effort was a massive adjustment. I just remember thinking how hard it was—but also how rewarding it felt. Looking back, part of what made that first race go so well was that I had no expectations. I paced myself intelligently and didn’t go out too fast, which let me stay consistent. In later races, I made the mistake of trying to start faster and hold it, and it backfired. Those experiences taught me a valuable lesson about respecting the race and learning how to pace it properly.
THL: Do you design your own training, or do you work with a coach?
CL: I’ve been working with Michael Sandbach for a couple of years now, and his programming has definitely shaped the way I train. I usually follow his blueprint pretty closely. He’s taught me a lot about structuring effective high and low days and balancing intensity throughout the week. That said, I adjust things based on how my body feels. I’ve become really in tune with what I need, so sometimes I’ll add volume or pull back when necessary. Overall, my training is about fifty percent his programming and fifty percent my own input—a blend of structure and intuition.
THL: What have you had to add or change in your routine to keep improving?
CL: Running is the main focus. When I started, I was doing around 30 to 40 kilometers a week; now it’s about 75, which feels perfect for me. I’ve tried higher mileage, but it just added stress without better results. After my race in Houston, I also started doing a lot more threshold work on the ergs—SkiErg, rowing, and Echo Bike intervals. I used to do easier-paced sessions, but now I focus on harder threshold pieces, and it’s made a big difference. That kind of work gives you the same cardiovascular stimulus as running, but with less impact, so recovery is faster and I can still make solid aerobic gains.
THL: How has your race strategy evolved as you’ve moved up in competition?
CL: My strategy always centers on getting through the SkiErg and sled push while staying in control. I can usually tell how the race will go based on how I recover afterward. If my heart rate comes down on the next run, I know I’m set up for a good race. If it spikes and won’t settle, I know it’s going to be a grind.
I like to start fast enough to stay near the front but not so hard that I blow up before the SkiErg. During the sled push, I take short, intentional breaks to manage my effort. My back-half stations are usually my strength. If I get to the burpees feeling good, I know I’ll finish strong. The lunges and wall balls don’t usually give me trouble—it’s just about getting there with enough left in the tank.
THL: Have you taken any risks in races that didn’t pay off?
CL: Definitely. Some of the top athletes can go out incredibly hard and somehow hold that pace—but that doesn’t work for me. I’ve learned I need to settle into the first few stations, find my rhythm, and then close strong. At the elite level, everyone approaches it differently. For example, in Dylan Scott’s last Hamburg race, he came out aggressive on the SkiErg, fell back after the sled push, then worked his way back into the top three. That’s more my style too.
It’s tough to hold back when the field goes out hot, but patience pays off. In Houston, I came into the sled pull in 12th place and left in second. Then I passed the last guy during the burpees and never looked back. For me, it’s a back-half race—if you can hold yourself together through those later stations, that’s where you win it.
THL: What excites you most about the possibility of racing with the Elite 15 lineup?
CL: Honestly, so many things. Competing at that world-championship level against the best in the sport is an incredible experience. I’ve also recently picked up a few sponsors, which has helped with travel and expenses—something I never imagined happening. For a long time, I didn’t think I’d reach a point where sponsors would be part of my journey, so it’s been surreal and motivating. The idea of potentially flying all the way to Australia for a race still sounds wild, but if I qualify, I’ll be there without a doubt.
THL: Do you prefer to race often or space them out through the year?
CL: This is the first season I’ve planned so many races close together. Normally, I like to space them out because when you’re racing every month, it’s hard to get a solid training block in. But this year, I knew I needed to break into the Elite 15, and the more opportunities I had, the better. Boston was such a surprise—I didn’t expect to run anywhere near that fast. After that, I immediately booked more races because I realized my fitness was peaking and wanted to capitalize on it. It wasn’t the original plan, but once Boston happened, I thought, let’s see what I’ve really got this year.
THL: Do you have any pre-race rituals?
CL: Nothing too specific. I just stick to my usual pre-race meal—something that sits well and gives me good energy about an hour before. What’s most important is taking a few minutes to think about what I’m grateful for: being healthy, being able to compete, and just having the chance to be out there.
I come from a background of drug addiction and spent a couple of years living on the streets, not knowing if I’d even wake up some days. So before a race, I remind myself how far I’ve come and that no result will ever define me. Early on in Hyrox, I used to put so much pressure on myself to hit certain times or placements, and it just created anxiety and burnout. But in Boston, I remember feeling completely calm at the start line—no nerves, just gratitude and focus—and it showed in how I raced.
THL: What are your plans for the rest of the season?
CL: My wife and I already booked a two-week scuba diving trip to the Maldives from December 17 to January 4, which throws a bit of a wrench into things. I honestly didn’t expect to break into the Elite 15 this quickly, so the trip was planned before that. The timing actually makes the Australian race appealing, since it’s around December 13–14. The idea would be to fly to Australia, race, and then head straight to the Maldives after.
Next month, I’ve got three more races: a doubles race in Dallas with Isaac Sanderson, then solo races in Atlanta and Chicago, where I’m hoping to post a strong enough time to make the Elite 15. If everything goes according to plan, I’ll be in Melbourne for the Elite 15 event. Phoenix probably won’t work timing-wise since I’ll be coming off that trip and won’t have time to properly prepare. If I don’t make it into the Australian race, that’s fine too—I’ll enjoy the Maldives, come back refreshed, ramp up training, and target the regional Elite 15 in Washington with the goal of qualifying for Cologne in April.
It’s full force ahead. Getting that time in Boston gave me a belief in myself I’ve never had before. I’ve always carried some self-doubt, but now when training gets tough, I think back to that race and remind myself how close I am to the top level.
You can follow Cole on Instagram.
New race: The Lifetime Games
A new hybrid race, the Lifetime Games, debuts this weekend in Milwakee, Wisconsin. Some top Hyrox athletes, including Lauren Weeks, Kris Rugloski, Terra Jackson, Dylan Scott, Jack Driscoll, and Austin Azar will be competing.
The format, which has 17 stages, features less running than Hyrox, and the runs are completed on a treadmill. It also incorporates barbell movements. On many stations, athletes have the option to perform fewer reps with a heavier weight or more reps with lighter weights.
For example, Stage 2 is a barbell deadlift. Men have the option of performing 45 reps of 225 pounds, 55 reps fo 185 pounds, or 75 reps of 135 pounds. Women can perform 46 reps of 165 pounds, 58 reps of 130 pounds, or 79 reps of 95 pounds.
Here are the full details (Men/Women):
1. Treadmill Run: 1,000M
2. Barbell Deadlift: Accumulate 10,000/7,500lbs
3. Row Machine: 1,000M/750M
4. Wall Ball: Accumulate 1,000/750lbs
5. Ski Erg: 1,000M/750M
6. Box Jump: Accumulate 1,000/700 inches
7. Treadmill Run: 600M
8. Barbell Shoulder to Overhead Press: Accumulate 6,000/4,500lbs
9. Row Machine: 600M/450M
10. Medicine Ball Box Step Over: Accumulate 600 inches with a 40-pound ball/Accumulate 450 inches with a 20-pound dead ball
11. Ski Erg: 600M/450M
12. Burpee Box Jump Over: Accumulate 600/450 inches
13. Treadmill Run: 400M
14. Dumbbell Ground to Overhead: Accumulate 4,000/3,000lbs
15. Row Machine: 400M/300M
16. Medicine Ball Over Shoulders: Accumulate 400/300lbs
17. Treadmill Run: 200M
There is $20,000 of prize money total, with the male and female winners receiving $5,000 each.
Athlete of the Week: Ashley Robert
Name: Ashley Robert
Age: 27
Hometown: McKinney, TX
When did you start hybrid training? After playing beach volleyball in college in 2021, hybrid training became the perfect outlet for me. I’ve always loved competition and the constant drive to become a better version of myself.
Favorite race to date? My first marathon in 2022, right after I moved to Austin. I went in with zero expectations—just hoping to finish—and somehow felt great the whole way. It was such a fun way to see the city, and the energy was electric.
Race goal? HYROX Pro Solo in Dallas. It’ll be my first Pro Solo race, and my goal is to finish under 1:10.
Favorite station? Burpee broad jumps, because that’s when people start to gas out.
Least favorite station? The sled pull—it’s heavy and deceptively draining.
Things you wish you knew before you started racing? Who you surround yourself with is everything. But don’t let comparison steal the joy from your own journey.