Overall Performance:
Based on the race results, Jewel Balendonck showed a strong performance in the 2024 Amsterdam HYROX race, finishing in the top 24% of all athletes and top 27% in her age group. Her overall time was 01:45:55, with a total running time of 00:57:06, which was 03:29 slower than the average. Despite the slower running time, she managed to excel in the roxzone, where she was 01:54 faster than the average, suggesting strong fitness and efficient transition times.
Her best running lap was 00:06:43, and she started off strong in the first segment, running 1, with a time 00:52 faster than average. However, her pace gradually decreased in comparison to the average times in the subsequent running segments, indicating that she might have started too fast.
Interestingly, Jewel's performance was better in strength-based exercises like the Sled Push, Sled Pull, and Farmers Carry, where she outperformed the average times. This shows that Jewel has a more strength-based profile and might benefit from focusing more on her running training.
Segments to Improve:
- Running: With Jewel's total running time being slower than average, there is potential for improvement here. Incorporating interval training, where she alternates between high-intensity and low-intensity running, can help improve her speed and endurance. Fartlek runs, which involve varying pace throughout a long run, can also be beneficial. Additionally, hill sprints can be introduced to boost strength and power.
- Wall Balls: Another segment where Jewel performed slower than average was Wall Balls. She can work on improving her form, focusing on using her hips for power rather than just her arms. Additionally, incorporating exercises like squats and thrusters into her strength training can help improve her performance in this segment.
- Burpees Broad Jump: While her time was faster than average, there is still room for improvement. Practicing the movement separately - the burpee and the broad jump - can help her gain efficiency in this exercise. Plyometric exercises, such as box jumps, can also help improve her explosive power for the broad jump.
- Ski Erg: Jewel was slower in this segment. To improve, she should focus on her form, ensuring she is using her entire body for the movement, not just her arms. High-intensity interval training on the Ski Erg can also help improve her speed and power.
Race Strategies:
Given Jewel's strength-based profile, she should consider pacing herself more conservatively at the start of the race to conserve energy for the later segments. Focusing on maintaining a steady pace in the running segments, rather than starting off too fast, can help improve her overall running time.
During the race, she should also focus on efficient transitions between running and strength segments to cut down on roxzone time. This can include strategies like jogging, not walking, between zones, and practicing smooth transitions between exercises in training.
Lastly, incorporating more targeted strength and endurance training based on the segments identified for improvement can help Jewel enhance her performance in future races.