Overall Performance
Axel van Schoonhoven performed well in the 2021 Amsterdam HYROX race, finishing with an overall rank of 190 out of 272 athletes, putting him in the top 69%. In his age group (25-29), he ranked 34 out of 58 athletes, placing him in the top 58%. His overall time was 02:19:34, with a total running time of 01:00:17, which was 02:32 slower than the average for his finish time.
Axel's best running lap was 00:05:37, which was 00:29 faster than the average. He also performed exceptionally well in the Ski Erg segment, with a time of 00:05:27, which was 01:07 faster than the average. His performance in the Sled Push (00:03:15) and Sled Pull (00:07:12) segments was also impressive, with times that were 02:18 and 02:49 faster than the average, respectively.
However, Axel struggled in certain segments, such as the Burpees Broad Jump, where he took 00:13:24, which was 04:15 slower than the average. The Wall Balls segment was another area of weakness for him, with a time of 00:18:20, which was 06:10 slower than the average. He also lost time in the Sandbag Lunges (00:10:02) and Farmers Carry (00:03:37) segments, where he was 00:39 and 00:16 slower than the average, respectively.
Segments to Improve
1. Wall Balls: Axel lost a significant amount of time in this segment. To improve his performance, he should focus on strengthening his upper body and improving his endurance. Specific exercises to incorporate into his training routine include wall ball throws, overhead presses, and push-ups. Additionally, he should work on his form and technique during the wall balls exercise to maximize efficiency and minimize wasted energy.
2. Burpees Broad Jump: Axel struggled in this segment, which suggests a need for improvement in his explosive power and agility. Exercises that can help enhance these abilities include plyometric exercises like box jumps, burpees, and broad jumps. Additionally, incorporating strength training exercises such as squats and lunges can help build the necessary lower body strength for explosive movements.
3. Sandbag Lunges: Axel lost time in this segment, indicating a need to improve his lower body strength and endurance. Incorporating exercises such as lunges, squats, and deadlifts into his training routine can help develop the necessary muscle strength. Additionally, focusing on improving his cardiovascular fitness through running and interval training can enhance his endurance during this segment.
4. Farmers Carry: Axel should work on improving his grip strength and overall upper body strength to enhance his performance in the Farmers Carry segment. Exercises such as farmer's walks, kettlebell swings, and pull-ups can help develop these areas. Additionally, incorporating grip strength exercises like plate pinches and hand grippers can further enhance his performance.
Strategies
1. Pacing: Axel should focus on maintaining a steady pace throughout the race to avoid burning out too early. Analyzing his splits, it appears that he started strong but lost time in certain segments. By pacing himself more effectively, he can ensure better overall performance and avoid fatigue in specific segments.
2. Transition Time: To improve his performance in the roxzone (transition time), Axel should work on improving his overall fitness and reducing the time taken for transitions. Incorporating interval training and circuit workouts into his training routine can help improve his overall fitness level and enhance his ability to transition quickly between segments.
3. Focus on Strength Training: Axel's performance in segments such as the Ski Erg, Sled Push, and Sled Pull indicates that he has a strength advantage. To capitalize on this, he should continue to prioritize strength training exercises in his routine, focusing on building both upper and lower body strength.
4. Specific Running Training: Although Axel's overall running time was slower than average, his best running lap was faster than the average. To improve his running performance, he should incorporate specific running drills, such as interval training, hill sprints, and tempo runs, into his training routine. This will help him build endurance and improve his overall running speed.
Overall, Axel van Schoonhoven showed strong performance in certain segments of the race, particularly in the Ski Erg, Sled Push, and Sled Pull. However, there are areas that need improvement, such as the Wall Balls, Burpees Broad Jump, Sandbag Lunges, and Farmers Carry. By focusing on specific training strategies and techniques, Axel can enhance his performance in these segments and further improve his overall race performance.