Keely Hodgkinson Prepares for Athlos NYC Challenge

Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson is set to compete in the all-female Athlos new York City event this autumn. This marks her return to competition after a break.

Athlos is an innovative project supported by Seven Seven six, the venture capital firm co-founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The event is scheduled for October 10.

Hodgkinson has not raced as claiming 800m gold at the Paris Olympics last August. She recently withdrew from the London Diamond League meet due to a hamstring tear sustained in February.

Joining Hodgkinson at the event will be other prominent athletes. British 400m record holder Amber Anning and American 200m Olympic champion Gabby Thomas are also confirmed participants.

The Athlos event offers substantial prize money, with last year’s winners securing $60,000. This places it among the largest prize purses in athletics.

Alexis Ohanian, a notable figure in the tech and sports world, is married to tennis legend Serena Williams. He also recently acquired a meaningful stake in Chelsea Women.

The upcoming Athlos meeting will expand beyond track-only events. It will now include the long jump, with American Olympic champion Tara Davis-Woodhall expected to headline the competition.

How does Keely Hodgkinson’s interval training specifically prepare her for the varied demands of the Athlos NYC event?

Hodgkinson’s Training Regimen: A Deep Dive

Keely Hodgkinson, the British middle-distance runner and Olympic silver medalist, is gearing up for the Athlos NYC challenge, a unique event combining track running with strength and obstacle elements. Her readiness isn’t solely focused on speed; it’s a holistic approach encompassing strength training, agility work, and mental fortitude.

Here’s a breakdown of key components:

Interval Training: A cornerstone of Hodgkinson’s program, focusing on high-intensity bursts followed by recovery periods. This builds both speed and endurance – crucial for the varied demands of Athlos. Expect sessions like 400m repeats at race pace with short recovery jogs.

Tempo runs: Sustained effort runs at a comfortably hard pace. These improve lactate threshold, allowing Hodgkinson to maintain a faster pace for longer.

Strength & Conditioning: Beyond traditional weightlifting, Hodgkinson’s program incorporates functional strength exercises. This includes:

Plyometrics (jump training) to enhance explosive power.

Core work to improve stability and running form.

Olympic lifting variations (clean & jerk, snatch) for overall strength and power advancement.

Hill repeats: Building leg strength and cardiovascular fitness, hill repeats are a brutal but effective training method.

Adapting to the Athlos Format: A New Challenge

The Athlos NYC event presents a departure from Hodgkinson’s usual 800m focus. The inclusion of obstacles and strength challenges requires a importent adaptation in training.

Obstacle Course Integration

Hodgkinson’s team has incorporated obstacle simulations into her training.This isn’t about becoming an obstacle course specialist, but about building the necessary upper body strength, grip strength, and agility to navigate the challenges efficiently without significantly impacting her running performance. Specific drills include:

1. Rope Climbs: Developing upper body and grip strength.
2. Wall Scaling: Improving agility and coordination.
3. Sandbag Carries: Building functional strength and endurance.

Strength Component Focus

The strength elements of Athlos necessitate a shift in emphasis within her strength and conditioning program. While maintaining her base strength, the focus is now on:

Grip Strength: Essential for obstacle navigation.

Upper Body Power: For tasks like rope climbs and wall scaling.

Functional Strength: Exercises that mimic the movements required in the event.

Nutritional Strategies for Peak Performance

Fueling for the Athlos NYC challenge is a precise science. Hodgkinson’s nutrition plan, overseen by a sports nutritionist, prioritizes:

Carbohydrate Loading: Maximizing glycogen stores for sustained energy. This is particularly vital in the days leading up to the event.

Protein Intake: Supporting muscle recovery and repair.

Hydration: Maintaining optimal hydration levels is critical, especially during intense training and the event itself.

Electrolyte Balance: Replenishing electrolytes lost through sweat.

Mental Preparation and Race Strategy

The Athlos NYC challenge isn’t just a physical test; it’s a mental one. Hodgkinson is working with a sports psychologist to develop strategies for:

Managing Anxiety: The unfamiliar format and competitive pressure can be daunting.

Maintaining Focus: Staying present and executing the race plan effectively.

Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks during the event.

Her race strategy will likely involve a balanced approach: pacing herself effectively during the running segments,conserving energy for the obstacles,and maximizing her strengths in the middle-distance running portions. Analyzing the course map and identifying key transition zones will be crucial.

Hodgkinson’s Recent Form & Competitive landscape

Keely hodgkinson has consistently demonstrated world-class form in the 800m, including a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics and a gold medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Her personal best of 1:55.77 places her among the fastest 800m runners in history.

While the Athlos NYC field is diverse, including athletes from various disciplines, Hodgkinson’s speed and endurance give her a significant advantage in the running segments. Key competitors to watch include athletes with strong obstacle course racing backgrounds and those with exceptional all-around fitness.

Benefits of Cross-Training for Elite Athletes

Hodgkinson’s participation in Athlos NYC highlights the benefits of cross-training for elite athletes:

Reduced Risk of injury: Varying training stimuli can help prevent overuse injuries.

Improved Overall Fitness: Developing strength and agility can enhance running performance.

Mental Stimulation: Trying new challenges can reignite motivation and prevent burnout.

* Enhanced Adaptability: Cross-training builds resilience and the ability to adapt to different demands.