Overall Performance
Betsy Matthews had a strong performance in the 2023 Birmingham HYROX race, finishing with an overall rank of 131 out of 1703 athletes, placing her in the top 7% overall. In her age group (35-39), she ranked 31 out of 356 athletes, placing her in the top 8% of her age group. Her overall time was 01:24:06, with a total running time of 00:45:27, which was 03:01 slower than the average for her finish time.
Betsy's best running lap was 00:04:02, which was 00:37 faster than the average for her finish time. She also performed well in the Ski Erg and Sled Push segments, being 00:07 and 00:37 faster than average, respectively. However, she struggled in the Running 2, Running 3, Running 4, Running 5, Running 6, Running 7, and Running 8 segments, being slower than the average time for her finish time.
Segments to Improve
1. Run Total: Betsy's overall running time was 03:01 slower than average. To improve this segment, she should focus on improving her overall fitness and increasing her running speed and endurance. Incorporating interval training, hill sprints, and tempo runs into her training routine can help improve her running performance. Additionally, working on her running form and efficiency can also contribute to faster running times.
2. Running 4: Betsy's time in Running 4 was 00:37 slower than average. To improve this segment, she should focus on endurance and speed training. Incorporating longer distance runs and interval training specific to this segment can help improve her performance. Additionally, working on her running technique and form can also contribute to faster running times.
3. Wall Balls: Betsy's time in Wall Balls was 00:35 slower than average. To improve this segment, she should focus on developing upper body strength and improving her technique in wall balls. Incorporating exercises such as shoulder presses, push-ups, and kettlebell swings can help improve her upper body strength. Additionally, practicing wall balls with proper form and focusing on efficient movement can also contribute to faster times in this segment.
4. Running 3, Running 5, Running 6, Running 7, and Running 8: Betsy's times in these running segments were all slower than average. To improve these segments, she should focus on improving her overall running endurance and speed. Incorporating interval training, tempo runs, and hill sprints specific to these distances can help improve her performance. Additionally, working on her running form and efficiency can also contribute to faster running times.
5. Farmers Carry: Betsy's time in the Farmers Carry was 00:11 slower than average. To improve this segment, she should focus on building grip strength and overall strength in the lower body. Incorporating exercises such as deadlifts, farmer's walks, and kettlebell swings can help improve her grip strength and lower body strength. Additionally, practicing the Farmers Carry with proper form and focusing on efficient movement can also contribute to faster times in this segment.
Strategies
- One strategy Betsy can implement during the race is to pace herself properly. Analyzing her splits, it appears that she may have started too fast, which could have contributed to slower times in later running segments. By starting at a more sustainable pace, she can conserve energy and maintain a consistent speed throughout the race.
- Another strategy for Betsy is to focus on efficient transitions during the roxzone. As her roxzone time was 01:03 faster than average, she can use this time to her advantage by minimizing rest and maximizing efficiency during transitions between exercises. Practicing quick transitions during training can help improve her overall race performance.
- Betsy should also consider incorporating specific training sessions that mimic the demands of the HYROX race. This can include combining running with functional exercises such as wall balls, sled pushes, and burpees to improve her ability to perform these exercises under fatigue.
Overall, Betsy had a strong performance in the 2023 Birmingham HYROX race. By focusing on improving her running performance, developing upper body strength, and optimizing her transitions, she can continue to enhance her performance in future races.