Overall Performance
Brandon McGhee had a solid performance in the 2020 Chicago Hyrox race, finishing with an overall time of 01:33:01. He achieved an overall rank of 85, which places him in the top 32% of all 263 athletes. In his age group (30-34), he ranked 23rd, placing him in the top 35% of 65 athletes.
His total running time of 00:43:47 was 43 seconds faster than the average for his finish time, indicating that he has a strong running profile. However, there were areas where he could improve, as highlighted by the splits analysis.
Segments to Improve
1. Sled Push: Brandon's time of 00:04:26 was 58 seconds slower than the average time. To improve in this segment, he should focus on developing his lower-body strength and explosiveness. Specific exercises to incorporate into his training routine include squats, deadlifts, and lunges. Additionally, practicing proper sled pushing technique, including proper body positioning and utilizing the legs for power, will help him improve his time in this segment.
2. Roxzone: Brandon's roxzone time of 00:08:34 was 55 seconds slower than the average. To improve in this area, he should work on his overall fitness and transition time between exercises. Incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts into his training routine will help improve his cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness. Additionally, practicing quick and efficient transitions between exercises during training will help him reduce his roxzone time.
3. Burpees Broad Jump: Brandon's time of 00:06:31 was 51 seconds slower than the average. To improve in this segment, he should focus on both his upper body strength and explosive power. Incorporating exercises such as push-ups, burpees, and box jumps into his training routine will help him improve his upper body strength and explosive power, leading to faster times in the burpees broad jump segment.
4. Ski Erg: Brandon's time of 00:05:14 was 44 seconds slower than the average. To improve in this segment, he should focus on improving his overall cardiovascular endurance and technique on the ski erg. Incorporating exercises such as rowing, cycling, or running intervals into his training routine will help improve his cardiovascular endurance. Additionally, practicing proper technique on the ski erg, including maintaining a consistent pace and utilizing the legs for power, will lead to faster times in this segment.
5. Sandbag Lunges: Brandon's time of 00:06:04 was 33 seconds slower than the average. To improve in this segment, he should focus on improving his lower body strength and stability. Exercises such as lunges, squats, and step-ups with a sandbag or weighted vest will help him develop the necessary strength and stability for faster times in the sandbag lunges segment.
6. Running 1: Brandon's time of 00:05:01 was 20 seconds slower than the average. Despite having an overall faster total running time, he could still improve his pace in this specific segment. To improve his running speed, he should incorporate interval training, such as sprints and tempo runs, into his training routine. Additionally, focusing on proper running form and technique, including maintaining an upright posture and utilizing his arms efficiently, will help him improve his pace in this segment.
Strategies
- One strategy Brandon can implement during the race is to focus on maintaining a consistent and sustainable pace throughout. It's important to avoid starting too fast and burning out later in the race. By pacing himself appropriately, he can maintain a steady performance and potentially improve his overall time.
- Another strategy is to prioritize efficient transitions between exercises during the roxzone. By practicing quick and smooth transitions in his training, he can minimize the time spent in the roxzone and maximize his overall performance.
- Additionally, Brandon should consider incorporating specific training sessions that mimic the demands of the individual segments where he struggled the most. This will help him become more comfortable and efficient in those areas, ultimately leading to improved performance on race day.
In conclusion, while Brandon McGhee had a strong performance in the 2020 Chicago Hyrox race, there are areas where he can make improvements. By focusing on specific training strategies and techniques, such as developing lower body strength, improving transition times, and practicing proper technique in each segment, he can enhance his overall performance and achieve even better results in future races.