Ai-Ai delas Alas proved that age is just a number after completing the HYROX Solo race in Rome despite experiencing intense cramps in her legs.
The 61-year-old actress shared her experience through Instagram on September 26, posting a compilation of clips from the fitness event and reflecting on what it took for her to reach the finish line.
“I am almost 62, I challenged myself to race HYROX Solo. ❤️,” she began. “The cramps in both my legs, from top to bottom, were so painful that I wanted to quit. But I reminded myself why I started and fought until the very end.”
READ: Ai-Ai delas Alas clarifies she did not have Gerald Sibayan deported from the US
According to its website, HYROX "combines both running and functional workout stations, where participants run 1km, followed by 1 functional workout station, repeated eight times."
For Ai-Ai, completing the race was less about how fast she could finish and more about pushing herself through the physical challenge.
“It took me almost 3 hours, but I survived, I finished, and I proved to myself that age is just a number when your heart refuses to give up," she wrote. “This race was never about the time. It was about courage, resilience, and the strength to keep going when everything tells you to stop.”
Adding a personal touch to her race-day look, Ai-Ai wore pink activewear bearing the words “Atletang Ina,” which seemed to be a nod to her iconic character Ina Montecillo from the Ang Tanging Ina film series.
After crossing the finish line, Ai-Ai thanked the people who supported her throughout her preparation, particularly her fitness coaches who helped her train for the demanding event.
She also credited her faith for helping her push through the difficult moments during the race.
“Almost 62, still fighting, still dreaming, and still proving that I can. 🥹... kahit nasusuka na ko laban lang... Thank you Lord and Mama Mary you helped me to finish this... and to Hyrox Rome thank you so much for your support and cheers and respect ❤️I love you Roma,” she ended.
Her accomplishment drew congratulatory messages from fellow celebrities, who celebrated her determination and achievement.
“Grabe Mamaaaaa!!! 👏👏👏,” actress Shaina Magdayao wrote.
“Congrats ate!! 🔥🔥🔥,” Kim Rodriguez added.
“I’m so proud of you ate . Ginalingan mo ❤️,” another commenter said.
This was not Ai-Ai’s first HYROX experience. She previously competed in the Hong Kong race in May.