Overall Performance
Ashton Dearman had a strong performance in the HYROX race in Dallas, ranking in the top 19% of all athletes and top 20% in his age group. His overall time of 01:32:31 was solid, with a total running time of 00:45:27 – 27 seconds faster than the average. This indicates that he has a good overall fitness level and is particularly strong in running.
Segments to Improve
1. Burpees Broad Jump: Ashton's time of 00:07:56 was 01:54 slower than the average. To improve in this segment, he should focus on both strength and agility training. Incorporating exercises such as burpees, broad jumps, and explosive plyometric movements will help improve his speed and power. Additionally, practicing the technique of the broad jump to maximize distance while maintaining efficiency will be beneficial.
2. Sandbag Lunges: Ashton's time of 00:06:12 was 01:12 slower than the average. This segment requires both strength and endurance. To improve, he should focus on strengthening his lower body, specifically targeting the muscles used in lunges such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Incorporating exercises like weighted lunges, Bulgarian split squats, and step-ups into his training routine will help improve his performance in this segment.
3. Ski Erg: Ashton's time of 00:05:43 was 00:35 slower than the average. To improve in this segment, he should focus on both cardiovascular endurance and technique. Incorporating interval training on the ski erg, alternating between high-intensity sprints and active recovery, will help improve his overall fitness and speed. Additionally, working on his technique, specifically focusing on proper form and efficient use of his upper body, will also contribute to improved performance.
4. Rowing: Ashton's time of 00:05:51 was 00:27 slower than the average. To improve in this segment, he should focus on building both cardiovascular endurance and upper body strength. Incorporating longer rowing intervals, such as 500m or 1000m repeats, into his training routine will help improve his endurance. Additionally, incorporating exercises like bent-over rows, lat pull-downs, and seated rows will help strengthen his upper body and improve his rowing performance.
5. Farmers Carry: Ashton's time of 00:02:46 was 00:20 slower than the average. This segment requires both grip strength and overall body stability. To improve, he should focus on exercises that target grip strength, such as farmer's carries, deadlifts, and kettlebell swings. Additionally, incorporating core stability exercises like planks and Russian twists will help improve his performance in this segment.
6. Sled Push: Ashton's time of 00:03:28 was 00:17 slower than the average. This segment requires both lower body strength and explosive power. To improve, he should focus on exercises that target the muscles used in the sled push, such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts. Incorporating plyometric exercises like box jumps and squat jumps will also help improve his explosive power and overall performance in this segment.
Strategies
- Ashton should focus on maintaining a consistent pace throughout the race to avoid burning out too early. Pacing himself during the running segments will allow him to maintain his speed and energy for the strength-based segments.
- Prioritizing efficiency in transitions between segments will help minimize time spent in the roxzone. Practicing quick and smooth transitions during training will help improve his overall race time.
- Incorporating regular strength training sessions, focusing on the specific muscle groups used in each segment, will help Ashton build the necessary strength and power to excel in the HYROX race.
- Ashton should also consider working with a coach or trainer who specializes in functional fitness and can provide personalized guidance and programming tailored to his specific strengths and areas for improvement. This will ensure that he is training effectively and efficiently to maximize his performance in future races.