Being Fit = Safe?

[John Cassidy]

Perhaps a driver's/co-driver topic, but thought I'd start it here.

Watch any WRC vid from the 70's-80's and you'll see that fitness was not high on the priority list for the crews. ;-)

Now, every WRC team has a physiotherapist, nutritionist, doctor and fitness specialist.

I was never a fit person. This year has been different and I think it's helped me drive faster and safer.

What's everyone doing? Cardio? Pylometrics? Martial Arts? Nothing?

What's the take on fitness as it relates to safety. Perhaps as it relates to brain fade/fatigue late in the race or in extreme cold/hot conditions?

Cheers! John

[flatOVERcrest]

John, this is more codriver-wise answer.
I was talking about the subject with Nicky Grist not long ago and he suggested that codrivers should really need to focus more on cardio.
Mountain biking, running couple times a week will keep you in good shape for the codriving job and that's what I really do.
I don't do gym, but I have company with a job that involves warehousing duties, so my job includes few hours a day lifting heavy boxes, climbing pallets and such.
I keep close track of my weight and purposely never go over 161lbs.
During a rally I loose in average 3 to 4 lbs, depending on the temperature of the event. I then make them up within 7/10 days past the event.
Diet-wise the usual stuff, lots of water, no alcohol, very little fried food, lots of carbs and fibers.
I know KB on the other hand has a very motorsport focused fitness program with a personal trainer and motorsport specific excercises and diet.

That's what I do.

[Eric Burmeister]

I lost lots of weight this summer by getting on the motocross track about 2-3 times a week. I'd warm up for a few laps, and then time myself for 8 laps at a time. Helped build up my endurance, but also facilitated a few more trips to the chiropractor.

It does 2 things. Yes, it gets me a workout doing something I love to do, but it also provides "seat" time on a machine where maximizing braking and getting the power down and maintaining corner speed shaves seconds. As rally costs escalate, I don't have the facilities or resources to be in a rally car more than a few times a year. The bike ain't a perfect substitute, but it does keep me sharper mentally and helps keep me fit...as long as I don't get injured.

If other rallyists in Michigan area want to come out and ride on my track, just gimme a ring and arrange a time and sign a waiver.

[abumason]

Check out CrossFit.com

Do the workout of the day as prescribed as long as you feel safe with the movements, if you've never done Olympic style lifts, take it slow and use a manageable amount of weight.

These workouts offer a great alternative to the classic reps and sets schemes, and you can usually be finished in less than 30 min.

I've been working out for years (high school athlete and in the Army the last 15 years), and this has been the best program I've come across.

Additionally over the years I've determined that 70% of working out really comes down to what you put in your body and getting enough rest.

The other 30% breaks down as follows: 10% just getting to the gym, 10% for your actual routine, and the last 10% is the intensity you dedicate to it.

Being in shape has been proven to increase your ability to operate under stressful conditions, helps maintain your focus for longer periods of time, and improves your ability to concentrate on the minor details that often mean the difference between mission success and failure.

I can't imagine it would hurt your driving and as an added plus you'll get all the rally chicks checking you out in your fitted suit...

just my .02

-Thor

[dazed driver]

oh man, crossfit can kick your ass. We did it in fire and life safety.

Myself personally, I mountain bike, run, and just generally play different sports when i can. All I know if less weight = higher power to weight ratio! haha

[Jens]

Watch any WRC vid from the 70's-80's and you'll see that fitness was not high on the priority list for the crews. ;-)

Now, every WRC team has a physiotherapist, nutritionist, doctor and fitness specialist.



Times change and people learn things. I used to smoke on transits, waiting for a stage start, etc. Man, it was a bummer driving on a transit trying to find a cigarette lighter that fell under a racing seat.

Subaru used to accept cigarette advertising "555". Maybe they still do (I don't follow WRC).

Subaru (and others) accept "energy drink" advertising. Time will change how people feel about that too.

[John Cassidy]

It seems that there are a few commonalities about the fitness replies.

1.) Do something you enjoy. Seems like a no-brainer, but I think some people feel they need to follow a specific program only.

2.) Variety helps keep you interested.

3.) Watch what, and perhaps as importantly, how much you eat.

4.) Cardio is good

5.) Core strength is good.

I wanted to see what others had been doing and really like Eric's motorcycle work. I'm sure it hits a lot of areas and helps keep you sharp.

I joined a gym last spring and knew I'd need a trainer to spank me a bit. ;-)

The gym participates with the Les Mills fitness programs(Body Combat, RPM, Body Pump). Group activities that are driven by cool tunes. Classes are included in membership, which is really cool.

I picked my trainer because his last name is Kahkonen. Sounded like the perfect rally trainer to me. :-)

I brought him the "Fit for Motorsport," book and let him look it over.

First training session I nearly passed out, that's how out of shape I was. I'm still not as fit as I'd like, but I'm 30 pounds lighter(trying for 40) and my stamina and core strength is much better.

Weekly routine is a Body Combat class, an RPM class(one hour of cycling), one hour of personal training and 2-3 nights of Karate.

My trainer's thoughts after seeing videos and speaking to me, that we really needed to work on the core strength and upper body. Given that we don't have much padding in our seats, our trunk and abdominal muscles really engage a lot over the bumps.

The cardio is really key for me though. Doing an hour of RPM is pure hell for me, but I hop on every week. I know it's going to be nasty, but I also know that when I start that 5km or 50km stage that I'm much better able to stay focused, and be less fatigued throughout.

I've been doing a lot of reading lately about, "functional strength," as opposed to just increasing muscle mass. Also been looking at doing some Kettlebell training, which works many muscle groups(including cardiovascular) at once.

My 40-something frame does complain occasionally. My shoulders have suffered injuries over the years of racing and I'm post one carpal tunnel release, someday to have another. There are a few cervical discs that aren't necessarily in the same shape they were when I was 20.

So, trying to answer my original question. Does my increased fitness make me safer?

At NEFR this summer, we posted our best finish in a National event in our career. Granted, there was heavy attrition throughout the final day. But, what happened in the car was incredible. There was no drama in the car. I was focused and felt fresh the whole weekend. It was an elevated state of focus and concentration that I've never had before. I certainly want to find that again.

I have to attribute some of that just to pushing a bit harder than usual, but I also attribute it to NOT being distracted by fatigue, pain, dehydration, etc.

I keep mentioning the book, here's the link for it:

http://www.amazon.com/Fit-Motorsport-Performance-Physical-Training/dp/1859608760

A lot of it pertains to rally.

Oh yeah, I haven't felt like passing out in a training session for at least 6 months! ;-)

Cheers! John

[Jason_Grahn]

Like Alex said, cardio focus (i've been riding a stationary bike at my gym). Also, living in hilly seattle I briskly walk probably 15 miles a week; 2 per day plus longer walks on saturday and sunday.

Yoga 2 or 3 times a week for flexibility and strength.

[dazed driver]

Yoga 2 or 3 times a week for flexibility and strength.

Dont lie, you go for the girls.

[granthughes]

I try to swim twice a week, don't eat excessively, try to ride my bike to work on occasion and walk at least 6 blocks every day. I'm not quite as good at doing all of it as I'd like to be, thanks to busy life with being single, being employed full time, and being a full time grad student.
I do drink alot of beer and smoke cigs which isn't very conducive to fitness, but okay.

[Jens]

.....I do drink alot of beer and smoke cigs which isn't very conducive to fitness, but okay.


My doctors keep trying to get me to start smoking to relieve the stress I get from reading Special Stage.

[Jens]

It seems that there are a few commonalities about the fitness replies.

1.) Do something you enjoy.


Okay I'm not a super jock example from years past (or present), but since I now do exercise.....

I bought a Concept2 rowing machine last year
http://www.concept2.com/

Last year I also got a hardly used Nordictrak cross-country ski machine made in 1994 for free, tried it out, and use it, because it gets my cardio really cranking. It's kinda boring, but I don't have to go anywhere to use it.

I use them both almost daily.

[Jason_Grahn]

Dont lie, you go for the girls.

That certainly doesn't hurt.

[granthughes]

Dont lie, you ______ for the girls.

Insert just about anything you can think of in there and it applies to me.

I used to do Yoga with an ex. I enjoyed it and found it helped with my flexibility. I should go again.

[Jason_Grahn]

The way I think of it, being flexible/plyable/bendy is a huge contributor to surviving a big fall, rollover, collision, or accident.

[JBeck]

I have found that wall climbing is a great work out. Core, flexability, upperbody, legs, concentration, stamina. It hits everything but cardio. Plus you'd be suprized by the very attractive girls that frequent the climbing wall at the health club on my college campus.

[RichardM]

Jason,
I find almost all girls on college campuses to be attractive. But then when I grow up, I want to be a dirty old man. :)
Richard

[Jason_Grahn]

wait, which jason are you referring to? ;)

[sleonard]

I have found that wall climbing is a great work out. Core, flexability, upperbody, legs, concentration, stamina. It hits everything but cardio. Plus you'd be suprized by the very attractive girls that frequent the climbing wall at the health club on my college campus.

I agree that climbing is good cross-training

I think that balance is important to how well you feel what the car is doing. to improve balance, strength, and coordination do your weight routine with dumbells for as many exercises as possible, one hand at a time WHILE standing on one foot on those fit balls with one flat side.

mountain biking and skiing are excellent crosstraining as the "vehicle dynamics" are the same and you have to read terrain and anticipate what's coming at you.

check out this video about how Kimi Raikononen trains...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETO6MD5S8gQ&feature=related

[ajax]

Jason,
I find almost all girls on college campuses to be attractive. But then when I grow up, I want to be a dirty old man. :)
Richard

You clearly haven't walked around Michigan Tech's campus during LSPR...
Speaking of the great white north, snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing (and drunk walking during winter carnival) will all make you ask "why am i so sore?" the morning after.

Paul

[JBeck]

You clearly haven't walked around Michigan Tech's campus during LSPR...
Speaking of the great white north, snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing (and drunk walking during winter carnival) will all make you ask "why am i so sore?" the morning after.

Paul

I could tell you about girls on the MTU campus, went there for two years before transfering out to Fargo. :p Their mascot is the husky for a reason. ;) Granted now I go to NDSU (I acualy work at the climbing wall/health club), the mascot here is the bison, thankfully less representative of the female populous.

[Ziptie186]

I could tell you about girls on the MTU campus, went there for two years before transfering out to Fargo. :p Their mascot is the husky for a reason. ;) Granted now I go to NDSU (I acualy work at the climbing wall/health club), the mascot here is the bison, thankfully less representative of the female populous.

Ha! And I can STILL tell you about the MTU girls...not done yet! The advice I offer incoming students is to find the hottest girl they can during freshman orientation and never give her up, else you face slim pickings and cold winter nights for the next four years.

On the health topic, ditto on my end for mtn. biking (awesome single track here in the Keweenaw), ski racing, paintball, and climbing - gotta mix it up to keep it interesting.

Heath

[ajax]

Ha! And I can STILL tell you about the MTU girls...not done yet! The advice I offer incoming students is to find the hottest girl they can during freshman orientation and never give her up, else you face slim pickings and cold winter nights for the next four years.

Heath

Or snag a transfer student. It worked out really well for me until she started going to frat parties. Then I was hosed.

I was also in the swing dance club which ended up being a good warm up before going to the gym. Now there's a way to pick up girls. Unfortunately you have to be a good dancer and most of the girls fell from the crazy tree.

Paul

[Billy Elliot]

I jsut got a GF downstate when I went to school at MTU. Much easier and a lot cuter than anything available at MTU.

Then again, my current GF was a girl who wasn't interested in me while I was up there (we both went to MTU) and then we started dating after both of us graduated and were living downstate.

[granthughes]

Unfortunately you have to be a good dancer and most of the girls fell from the crazy tree.

I don't think that this statement only applies to dancers or transfer students, but to all girls.
Sex is a great cardio workout, though a bit difficult when you're single.
We went skateboarding yesterday for a few hours. I was a bit sore today in my legs as it'd been years since I really went out. Jeremy Wimpey ended up with a injured bursa sac in his knee and Jon Bernard with a twisted ankle though. I want to get some cross country skis for this winter though.