Overall Performance
Michelle Fetzer had a solid performance in the 2019 Leipzig Hyrox race, finishing with an overall rank of 83 out of 313 athletes, placing her in the top 26% of participants. In her Age Group U24, she ranked 13th out of 25 athletes, placing her in the top 52%. Her overall time was 02:16:55, with a total running time of 00:44:06, which was 20:14 faster than the average.
Michelle's performance highlights her strength in the running segments, as she achieved a total running time that was significantly faster than average. This suggests that she has a strong running profile and could focus on maintaining and improving her running abilities. Her best running lap was an impressive 00:02:35.
Segments to Improve
Based on the splits analysis, there are three segments where Michelle lost the most time: Wall Balls, Running 3, and Running 2. These areas should be the focus of her training to improve her overall performance.
1. Wall Balls:
Michelle's time of 00:50:03 for the Wall Balls segment was 41:46 slower than the average. To improve this performance, she should focus on building her upper body strength and endurance. Specific exercises to target this area include:
- Medicine ball squats: This exercise will help improve leg and core strength, which are crucial for maintaining stability during wall balls.
- Overhead presses: Strengthening the shoulders and arms will help with the lifting and throwing motion required for wall balls.
- Burpees with a medicine ball: This exercise will help simulate the movement pattern involved in wall balls and improve overall conditioning.
Additionally, Michelle should work on her technique for wall balls to ensure she is using efficient movements and conserving energy. She should focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and using her legs to generate power, rather than relying solely on her upper body.
2. Running 3:
Michelle's time of 00:09:40 for Running 3 was 01:09 slower than the average. To improve her running performance in this segment, she should focus on building endurance and speed. Specific training strategies include:
- Interval training: Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions into her training routine, alternating between periods of intense effort and recovery. This will help improve her speed and endurance.
- Hill sprints: Incorporating hill sprints into her training will help build leg strength and improve her running power.
- Long distance runs: Including longer runs in her training regimen will help improve her endurance for sustained efforts during the race.
During the race, Michelle should focus on maintaining a steady pace during Running 3, avoiding starting too fast and burning out before the end of the segment. Pacing herself and finding a comfortable rhythm will help her maintain a consistent speed and finish strong.
3. Running 2:
Michelle's time of 00:08:14 for Running 2 was 00:29 slower than the average. To improve her running performance in this segment, she should focus on building both endurance and speed. Training strategies to consider include:
- Tempo runs: Incorporate tempo runs into her training, where she runs at a comfortably hard pace for an extended distance. This will help improve her stamina and race pace.
- Fartlek training: Incorporate fartlek training, which involves alternating between periods of fast running and slower recovery running. This will help improve her speed and ability to handle changes in pace during the race.
- Plyometric exercises: Include plyometric exercises such as jump squats and bounding to improve running power and efficiency.
During the race, Michelle should focus on maintaining a consistent pace during Running 2, avoiding starting too fast and burning out. Pacing herself and finding a comfortable rhythm will help her maintain a steady speed throughout the segment.
Strategies
To improve overall performance in future races, Michelle should consider the following strategies:
1. Pacing: It is important for Michelle to find a sustainable pace early on in the race to avoid burning out later. Starting too fast can lead to fatigue and a drop in performance. She should aim for a steady and consistent pace throughout the race, focusing on maintaining energy and endurance.
2. Transitions: Michelle should work on improving her transition times in the roxzone. This can be achieved by improving her overall fitness and specifically targeting her transition time during training. Incorporating exercises that simulate the transitions, such as quick changes between different exercises or movements, will help improve her efficiency during the race.
3. Strength Training: Michelle should continue to focus on strength training to improve her performance in the strength-focused segments of the race, such as Wall Balls and Sled Pull. Building overall strength and targeting specific muscle groups used in these segments will help improve her performance and reduce time lost.
4. Endurance Training: To improve performance in the longer running segments, such as Running 3, Michelle should focus on building her endurance through longer distance runs and interval training. This will help her maintain a steady pace and finish strong in these segments.
By implementing these strategies and incorporating the suggested exercises and training routines, Michelle can work towards improving her performance in future Hyrox races.