Overall Performance:
Tara, you've done a phenomenal job out there in Stockholm! Finishing in 1:19:46 puts you in the top 17% of 652 athletes and 16% in your age group—now that's a badge of honor! Your total running time of 36:09 is impressive, clocking in at 5:05 faster than average. It’s clear that you have a strong runner's profile, and you capitalized on that with some blistering paces, especially in the initial running segments.
However, I noticed that some segments, particularly the Sled Pull and Wall Balls, were a bit of a struggle for you. Your pacing strategy—going out strong—was solid, but it may have left you slightly fatigued for the strength segments. Think of it this way: you can’t just outrun your problems; sometimes, you have to lift them too! 🏋️♀️
Segments to Improve:
- Wall Balls (06:58): Ouch! That’s a long time to spend on a few squats and throws. Focus on improving your explosive power. Consider adding plyometric squats and med ball throws into your training. Aim for sets of 10-15 reps, focusing on form and power. Practice your rhythm by doing sets of 20 wall balls with strict rest periods to simulate race conditions.
- Sled Pull (06:29): This segment was a bit of a slow burn. Work on your grip strength and core stability. Integrate resistance band pulls and heavy rows into your routine. Practice sled pulls with a focus on minimizing rest and maximizing speed—think of it as a race against time, not just the sled!
- Burpees Broad Jump (05:33): Burpees can be a love-hate relationship. To turn this segment into a strength, incorporate burpee intervals in your workouts. Set a timer for 10 minutes and see how many you can do, focusing on minimizing rest. Work on your broad jump technique—aim for a long, explosive jump while maintaining a solid landing.
- Farmers Carry (02:25): Grip strength and core engagement are key here. Use heavy dumbbells or kettlebells for carries, aiming for distances beyond what you’d encounter in the race. Try walking lunges with weights to simulate the movement and build endurance.
- Sandbag Lunges (04:17): Focus on form and explosiveness. Incorporate weighted lunges and sandbag carries into your training. Try sets of 5-10 lunges with a pause at the bottom to engage your muscles fully. This will also help with overall leg strength.
Race Strategies:
During the race, maintain a steady and controlled pace in your running segments, especially in the first two laps. It’s tempting to sprint off the line, but reserving a bit of energy will pay off during the heavier strength segments. Consider transitioning from running to strength exercises more smoothly; practice your transitions during training to keep your Roxzone time lower. Remember, it’s not just about how fast you run, but how quickly you can recover and tackle the next challenge!
Conclusion:
Tara, you’re already a force to be reckoned with. With your strong running profile, you have the potential to dominate once you fine-tune those strength segments. Remember, “It’s not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” So, let’s get to work on those drills and embrace the grind! 💪
Keep pushing, keep striving, and don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it. After all, who else gets to throw medicine balls around while racing against themselves? Just remember, if you’re not a little sore the next day, you might not have gone hard enough! 😉
Keep smashing it, Tara! The Rox-Coach is here to support you every step of the way! 💥