Train/ work through physical fatguie during a race? In other sports you train when your hurting so you don't make errors. How do you battle it while u ride?
nothing like getting a charlie-horse right when you pull up to the grid. :)
Mel, you seem like you are in pretty good shape. I am fairly certain that I overwork myself while racing. I am trying to get better about it, but I can do a half dozen laps and I look like I've been beaten up by a hockey team when I get back to the pits.
I've seen quite a few fast guys who aren't in the greatest shape (including my teamate who races a TLR with his steering damper set on full stiff and is still WAY faster than me) who get off the bike after 20 laps and aren't even breathing hard.
It seems that being smooth is a big key. Smooth racers seem to waste much less energy and have the bike behave better in the long run because of it.
I think being smooth helps, but relaxing while on the bike instead of holding on tightly for dear life also helps tremendously so that you don't overwork yourself (as well as it improves the way the bike behaves).
Breathing properly is also key. Many people "forget to breathe" while racing.
Back to the original question, I think that training so that you don't fatigue is the best answer here! Any kind of physical training for stamina will work. Dirt biking is a real good way to train. You get pretty tired out on a dirtbike and it's so much fun, you forget you are actually doing it for exercise.
Riding motocross is the key-- it builds stamina and also gives you excellent skills in bike control, sliding, getting the bike out of shape and teaching you how to control it. You will never come close to the physical exhaustion you experience on a motocross track while roadracing... when others are complaining of arm pump after 16 laps you'll be smiling and asking "is that all??!!"
The other important factor is keeping a clear head-- I've told you that before... if you get frustrated while practicing/ racing than you'll start making mistakes and over-analyze everything... which I think slows people down.
So, to summarize: ride motocross for body fitness and stamina; keep your head clear for mental clarity; and have fun!! If you do this you'll make it through any length race and fatigue level.;)
A lot of good things i need to work on:
Relaxing
Breating ( I do forget some times; then on the thrird lap I take a big gasp of air)
I did want to learn how to ride a dirt bike. I think the wife would kill me if i take up another sport. I just joined a gym to get my cardio up.
The smooth thing will come in time I hope
Racing is both physically demanding and mentally demanding. Besides exercising your body you should exercise your brain. How many of you practice concentrating for 20 or 30 minutes at a time? I solve physics problems to stay mentally sharp.
P. O. R. N.
Proper Set-up.
Oxygenated blood.
Rest.
Nutrition.
Bike set-up is the quickest way to the finish line.
The easier the bike turns/performs, the easier on your body.
Cardio training and light weights will prepare your
heart/upper body for the stamina needed to finish strong.
Obviously rest will help rebuild the cells both broken down by mental stress and physical exhaustion.
Nothing will keep you in better race shape than
nutrition. Electrolytes vs sugar/carbs are best for
long term endurance. Red Bull is ok for 1 race a day,
but for a full schedule, water with a mixture of electrolytes is the key. Stay away from sugars. Drink
plenty of H20. Malic acid will help with the cramping.
No pop, dairy, or juices high in sugar. We all know the effects of adrenalin on the body..high amountsof sugar/caffein will amplify the effect. Giving you a distinct "Hyper" feeling, then a reverse
spike on the way down. Remember, when you feel thirsty, it is too late. I run 9 races a weekend, and still have energy for the strip club ;D
QuoteOxygenated blood.
Who sells that stuff, VP, Nutec, ? :)
Eniva...
let me know if you want some info Mike...
I feel like Lance Armstrong, the energizer bunny, and
a roadracer all wrapped up in one. Maybe I've said too much ;) ;D
Benj.