Overall Performance
Ben Wilson had a solid performance in the 2023 Stockholm Hyrox race, finishing with an overall rank of 151 out of 430 athletes, placing him in the top 35% overall. In his age group of 30-34, he ranked 40th out of 91 athletes, which is in the top 43% for his category. His overall time was 01:24:43, with a total running time of 00:46:05.
One area of improvement for Ben is his total running time, which was 5 minutes and 3 seconds slower than the average for his finish time. This indicates that he may need to focus on improving his running performance.
Segments to Improve
1. Running 2: Ben was 4 minutes and 50 seconds slower than the average time for this segment. To improve this, he should focus on increasing his running speed and endurance. Incorporating interval training, such as tempo runs and hill sprints, can help him build speed and endurance specific to this segment. Additionally, working on his running form and technique, such as maintaining a proper stride length and breathing pattern, can also contribute to improved performance in this segment.
2. Running 1: Ben was 55 seconds slower than the average time for this segment. To improve this, he should focus on increasing his speed and agility. Incorporating agility drills, such as ladder drills and cone drills, can help him improve his quickness and change of direction. Additionally, incorporating plyometric exercises, such as box jumps and bounding exercises, can help improve his explosiveness and power during running.
3. Farmers Carry: Ben was 23 seconds slower than the average time for this segment. To improve this, he should focus on increasing his grip strength and overall strength. Incorporating exercises such as deadlifts, kettlebell swings, and farmer's carries can help him build the necessary strength and endurance for this segment. Additionally, incorporating grip-specific exercises, such as farmer's walks with heavier weights or using grip strengtheners, can help improve his grip strength for this segment.
4. Sled Pull: Ben was 17 seconds slower than the average time for this segment. To improve this, he should focus on increasing his upper body strength and overall pulling strength. Incorporating exercises such as pull-ups, rows, and sled pulls can help him build the necessary strength for this segment. Additionally, working on his pulling technique, such as maintaining a strong and stable core while pulling the sled, can also contribute to improved performance in this segment.
Strategies
To improve his overall race performance, Ben should consider implementing the following strategies:
1. Pacing: Ben should focus on finding a sustainable pace throughout the race, especially in the second part of the race. Starting too fast can lead to fatigue and slower times in the later segments. By pacing himself appropriately, he can maintain a consistent speed and avoid burnout.
2. Transition Time: Ben should work on improving his transition time in the roxzone. This can be achieved by improving his overall fitness and conditioning, as well as practicing efficient and quick transitions between exercises. Incorporating circuit training and interval training can help improve his overall fitness and reduce transition times.
3. Strength Training: Ben should prioritize strength training in his overall training routine. This will help improve his performance in segments that require strength, such as the farmers carry and sled pull. Incorporating exercises that target specific muscle groups used in these segments, such as deadlifts, squats, and rows, can help improve his overall strength and performance.
4. Running Training: Ben should also focus on specific running training to improve his overall running time. Incorporating interval training, tempo runs, and hill sprints can help improve his speed and endurance. Additionally, working on running form and technique, such as maintaining a proper stride length and breathing pattern, can also contribute to improved running performance.
By implementing these strategies and focusing on targeted training for specific segments, Ben can improve his overall performance in future Hyrox races.