Overall Performance
Matthew Shewan had a solid performance in the 2023 Glasgow Hyrox race. He finished in the top 25% of all athletes, both overall and in his age group. His overall time of 01:19:22 is commendable, and he showed strength in various segments of the race. However, there are areas where he can improve to enhance his performance.
Segments to Improve
1. Run Total: Matthew's total running time of 00:41:52 is 03:12 slower than the average. To improve this segment, he should focus on improving his overall fitness and transition time. Incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions into his training routine can help improve his running speed and endurance. Additionally, practicing quick transitions between exercises will help reduce his overall time spent in the roxzone.
2. Running 8: Matthew's time of 00:06:46 in Running 8 is 01:08 slower than the average. To improve his performance in this segment, he should focus on increasing his running endurance. Long-distance runs at a steady pace will help build his endurance, while interval training can help improve his speed. Incorporating exercises that target the muscles used in running, such as lunges and squats, will also help improve his running performance.
3. Running 1: Matthew's time of 00:04:48 in Running 1 is 00:35 slower than the average. To improve this segment, he should focus on increasing his running speed. Incorporating sprint intervals into his training routine can help improve his speed and power. Additionally, practicing proper running form, such as maintaining a forward lean and driving his knees forward, can help improve his running efficiency.
4. Ski Erg: Matthew's time of 00:04:48 in the Ski Erg is 00:31 slower than the average. To improve this segment, he should focus on improving his upper body strength and endurance. Incorporating exercises such as rowing, push-ups, and shoulder presses into his training routine will help strengthen the muscles used in the Ski Erg. Additionally, practicing proper technique, such as maintaining a smooth and controlled motion, will help improve his efficiency on the Ski Erg.
5. Best Lap: Matthew's best lap time of 00:04:37 is solid and faster than the average. He should continue to focus on maintaining his speed and efficiency during this segment.
6. Running 7: Matthew's time of 00:05:29 in Running 7 is 00:27 slower than the average. To improve this segment, he should focus on increasing his running endurance. Incorporating hill sprints and stair workouts into his training routine will help improve his endurance and leg strength. Additionally, practicing proper breathing techniques, such as deep belly breathing, can help improve his endurance during running.
7. Rowing: Matthew's time of 00:04:58 in the rowing segment is 00:23 slower than the average. To improve his performance in this segment, he should focus on improving his rowing technique and upper body strength. Practicing proper form, such as maintaining a straight back and a strong core, will help improve his efficiency on the rowing machine. Additionally, incorporating exercises such as pull-ups and bent-over rows into his training routine will help strengthen the muscles used in rowing.
8. Sandbag Lunges: Matthew's time of 00:04:45 in the sandbag lunges segment is 00:11 slower than the average. To improve this segment, he should focus on improving his leg strength and stability. Incorporating exercises such as squats, lunges, and single-leg deadlifts into his training routine will help strengthen the muscles used in lunges. Additionally, practicing proper form, such as maintaining a strong core and an upright posture, will help improve his stability during lunges.
Strategies
1. Pacing: Matthew should focus on maintaining a consistent pace throughout the race. Starting too fast can lead to early fatigue, while starting too slow can result in wasted energy. By pacing himself appropriately, he can maintain a steady performance and avoid burnout.
2. Transitions: Matthew should practice quick and efficient transitions between exercises to minimize time spent in the roxzone. This can be achieved through regular practice and familiarity with the equipment and movements involved in each exercise. By reducing transition time, he can maximize his overall performance in the race.
3. Mental Preparation: Matthew should mentally prepare himself for the race by visualizing success and staying focused on his goals. This can be done through positive affirmations, visualization exercises, and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the race. Mental toughness and resilience are key factors in achieving optimal performance.
4. Nutrition and Hydration: Matthew should pay attention to his nutrition and hydration leading up to and during the race. Proper fueling with balanced meals and staying hydrated will ensure he has the energy and endurance to perform at his best. Experimenting with different hydration and fueling strategies during training will help him find what works best for him.
In conclusion, Matthew Shewan had a strong performance in the 2023 Glasgow Hyrox race, finishing in the top 25% of all athletes. He showed strengths in several segments, but there are areas where he can improve to enhance his overall performance. By focusing on specific training strategies and techniques, as outlined above, Matthew can improve his running speed, endurance, and overall fitness, leading to better race performance in the future.