Overall Performance
Steven McKirdy performed well in the 2023 Dublin Hyrox race, finishing with an overall rank of 749 out of 1139 athletes, placing him in the top 65% of participants. In his age group (40-44), he ranked 133 out of 198 athletes, placing him in the top 67%. His overall time was 02:12:08, with a total running time of 01:07:42. However, his total running time was 09:00 slower than the average for his finish time.
Based on his splits analysis, Steven excelled in the Ski Erg and Sled Push segments, where he was faster than the average by 00:25 and 01:06, respectively. He also performed well in the Running 1 segment, finishing 00:44 faster than the average. On the other hand, he struggled in the Burpees Broad Jump, Running 5, Running 7, Running 6, Farmers Carry, Running 2, and Running 8 segments, where he was slower than the average.
Segments to Improve
1. Running 5: Steven was 01:45 slower than the average in this segment. To improve his performance, he should focus on increasing his running endurance and speed. Incorporating interval training, hill sprints, and tempo runs into his training routine will help him build cardiovascular fitness and improve his running speed. Additionally, he should work on his running form and technique to optimize efficiency and reduce energy expenditure.
2. Running 7: Steven was 01:24 slower than the average in this segment. Similar to Running 5, he should emphasize endurance and speed training. Incorporating longer distance runs and tempo runs will help him improve his endurance. Additionally, interval training and fartlek runs will enhance his speed. Strengthening his leg muscles through exercises like squats, lunges, and plyometrics will also contribute to improved performance in this segment.
3. Running 6: Steven was 00:42 slower than the average in this segment. To improve, he should focus on both endurance and speed training. Incorporating interval training, hill repeats, and tempo runs will help him build both cardiovascular fitness and running speed. He should also work on his pacing during the race to ensure a consistent effort throughout.
4. Burpees Broad Jump: Steven was 00:30 slower than the average in this segment. To improve his performance, he should focus on both strength and agility training. Incorporating exercises like burpees, plyometric jumps, and agility ladder drills will improve his explosiveness and power. Additionally, practicing proper form and technique for burpees and broad jumps will help him execute the movements efficiently and save valuable time during the race.
5. Farmers Carry: Steven was 00:27 slower than the average in this segment. To improve, he should focus on building grip strength and overall upper body and core strength. Exercises like farmer's carries, deadlifts, pull-ups, and planks will help him develop the necessary strength for this segment. Implementing grip-specific exercises like towel hangs and plate pinches will also improve his grip strength.
6. Running 2: Steven was 00:22 slower than the average in this segment. To improve, he should focus on increasing his running endurance and speed. Incorporating longer distance runs, tempo runs, and interval training will help him improve his cardiovascular fitness and running speed. Working on his running form and technique will also contribute to improved performance in this segment.
7. Running 8: Steven was 00:21 slower than the average in this segment. Similar to Running 5 and Running 7, he should emphasize endurance and speed training. Incorporating longer distance runs, tempo runs, and interval training will help him improve his endurance and speed. Strengthening his leg muscles through exercises like squats, lunges, and plyometrics will also contribute to improved performance in this segment.
Strategies
1. Pacing: Steven should focus on maintaining a consistent pace throughout the race. Starting too fast can lead to early fatigue and a decline in performance towards the end. By pacing himself strategically, he can ensure a more optimal performance.
2. Transitions: Steven should aim to minimize the time spent in the roxzone (transition zones) during the race. This can be achieved by improving his overall fitness and specifically working on his transition time. Incorporating interval training, circuit training, and specific drills that involve quick transitions between exercises will help him become more efficient in these transitions.
3. Strength vs. Running: Based on his total running time being slower than average, Steven should focus on improving his running performance. Increasing his overall running volume, incorporating speed work, and focusing on running-specific drills will help him improve his running endurance and speed.
In conclusion, Steven McKirdy performed well in the 2023 Dublin Hyrox race, but there are areas for improvement. By targeting specific segments where he lost time and implementing the suggested training strategies and techniques, he can enhance his performance in future races. Focusing on endurance, speed, strength, and efficient transitions will contribute to his overall improvement.