Overall Performance
Raimund Ertel performed well in the 2021 Berlin Hyrox race, finishing with an overall rank of 40 out of 190 athletes, placing him in the top 21% of participants. In his age group (35-39), he ranked 8th out of 32 athletes, which is in the top 25%. His overall time was 01:21:12, with a total running time of 00:41:29, which was 02:17 slower than the average.
Looking at his splits, Raimund had a strong performance in the Burpees Broad Jump segment, finishing 00:58 faster than the average time. He also had faster times in the Sled Push and Rowing segments, finishing 00:04 and 00:08 faster than the average, respectively. These segments showcase his strength and power.
However, there were areas where Raimund lost time compared to the average. The segments with the most time lost were the Run Total, Sandbag Lunges, Running 3, Farmers Carry, Ski Erg, and Running 2. These segments should be the focus of improvement to enhance his overall performance.
Segments to Improve
1. Run Total: Raimund's total running time was 00:41:29, which was 02:17 slower than the average. To improve in this area, he should focus on improving his overall fitness and increasing his running speed. Include interval training sessions to improve speed and endurance. Incorporate tempo runs, fartlek runs, and hill repeats into his training routine. Additionally, working on his running form and efficiency can help him cover more ground in less time.
2. Sandbag Lunges: Raimund's time in the Sandbag Lunges segment was 00:05:31, which was 00:47 slower than the average. To improve in this segment, he should focus on strengthening his lower body muscles, specifically his quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Exercises such as squats, lunges, step-ups, and Bulgarian split squats can help improve his strength and stability during the lunges. Additionally, practicing proper form and technique, maintaining an upright posture, and engaging the core muscles can lead to more efficient movement and faster times.
3. Running 3: Raimund's time in Running 3 was 00:05:31, which was 00:20 slower than the average. To improve his running performance in this segment, he should work on increasing his running endurance and speed. Incorporating longer distance runs into his training routine will help improve his endurance. Tempo runs and interval training can also help improve his speed. Additionally, focusing on proper pacing during the race can prevent early fatigue and lead to better overall performance.
4. Farmers Carry: Raimund's time in the Farmers Carry segment was 00:02:25, which was 00:17 slower than the average. To improve in this segment, he should focus on strengthening his grip strength and upper body muscles. Exercises such as deadlifts, pull-ups, and farmer's carries can help improve grip strength. Additionally, incorporating exercises that target the shoulders, biceps, and forearms will help improve overall upper body strength, leading to faster times in the Farmers Carry segment.
5. Ski Erg: Raimund's time in the Ski Erg segment was 00:04:35, which was 00:16 slower than the average. To improve in this segment, he should focus on improving his cardiovascular endurance and upper body strength. Incorporating high-intensity interval training on the Ski Erg can help improve his stamina and speed. Additionally, incorporating exercises that target the muscles used in skiing, such as rows, lat pulldowns, and shoulder presses, can help improve his upper body strength for better performance in this segment.
6. Running 2: Raimund's time in Running 2 was 00:04:55, which was 00:11 slower than the average. To improve his running performance in this segment, he should focus on increasing his running speed and endurance. Incorporating interval training, such as hill sprints and track workouts, can help improve his speed. Additionally, including longer distance runs to improve endurance will be beneficial. Working on proper pacing during the race can also prevent early fatigue and lead to better overall performance.
Strategies
During the race, Raimund should focus on pacing himself properly to avoid early fatigue and maintain consistent performance throughout. Starting too fast can lead to burnout later in the race, so he should aim for a steady pace that he can sustain.
Additionally, Raimund should strategize transitions between segments to minimize time spent in the Roxzone. Improving his overall fitness and transition time will help him reduce the time spent in the Roxzone and maintain momentum throughout the race.
Incorporating specific training sessions that simulate the race conditions can also be beneficial. This can include practicing transitions between different exercises and segments, as well as incorporating race-specific drills and exercises into his training routine.
Overall, focusing on both strength and running performance will help Raimund improve his overall performance in future Hyrox races. By implementing the suggested training strategies and techniques, he can work towards enhancing his strengths and addressing areas for improvement.