Overall Performance
Hannah Preston performed admirably in the 2023 Birmingham HYROX race, finishing with an overall rank of 330 out of 1703 athletes, placing her in the top 19% of all participants. In her age group (25-29), she ranked 50th out of 204 athletes, putting her in the top 24%. Her overall time was 01:37:40, with a total running time of 00:48:00, which was 33 seconds faster than the average.
Hannah's best running lap was an impressive 00:03:52, which was 1 minute and 19 seconds faster than the average. This indicates that she has great potential in terms of running speed and endurance. Her splits throughout the race were generally faster than average, with notable improvements in Running 1, Ski Erg, Running 2, Running 3, Running 4, Burpees Broad Jump, Running 5, Sandbag Lunges, and Wall Balls.
Segments to Improve
Although Hannah performed well overall, there were some segments where she lost significant time. The segments with the most time lost were the Sled Pull, Farmers Carry, Roxzone, Sled Push, and Running 7.
To improve in the Sled Pull and Farmers Carry segments, Hannah should focus on building her strength and endurance. Incorporating exercises such as deadlifts, squats, lunges, and farmer's carries into her training routine will help her develop the necessary muscular strength and stability for these challenges. Additionally, she should work on improving her grip strength through exercises like forearm curls and plate pinches.
The Roxzone was also an area where Hannah lost time compared to the average. To improve her transition time, she should focus on improving her overall fitness and reducing any unnecessary rest periods during the race. Implementing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts and practicing quick transitions between exercises will help improve her overall fitness and decrease her time spent in the Roxzone.
For the Sled Push and Running 7 segments, Hannah should focus on her running technique and endurance. Incorporating interval training sessions and hill sprints into her training routine will help improve her running speed and endurance. Additionally, she should work on maintaining a steady pace throughout the race to avoid burnout during these challenging segments.
Strategies
To optimize her performance during the race, Hannah should consider the following strategies:
1. Pace Management: Hannah should focus on maintaining a consistent pace throughout the race. Starting too fast can lead to fatigue later on, while starting too slow may hinder her overall finish time. By practicing pacing strategies during training and familiarizing herself with her target race pace, she can ensure a well-paced effort.
2. Transitions: To minimize time spent in the Roxzone, Hannah should practice quick and efficient transitions between exercises. This can be achieved through regular practice of transitioning from one exercise to another, focusing on smooth movements and minimizing unnecessary rest periods.
3. Mental Preparation: Mental resilience is crucial for success in endurance events. Hannah should practice mental strategies such as positive self-talk, visualization, and goal-setting to stay focused and motivated throughout the race.
4. Specific Training: Hannah should prioritize training exercises and drills that mimic the specific challenges she will face during the HYROX race. This includes incorporating running intervals, strength training exercises, and practicing transitions between different exercises.
By implementing these strategies and focusing on improving her performance in the identified areas of weakness, Hannah can further enhance her performance in future HYROX races.