Need help for training

[Honda Rippin']

Hey guys. I'm planning to start racing this year and my dad told me that I can race if I'm in shape to do so. With that said, I was wondering was you guys do to get in complete shape. I know this kinda sounds corny, but what should you really work on to be in the best condition for a race? Thanks guys!

 

[Anssi]

It depends on what you have previously trained or where you are otherwise talented. I had pretty good muscles from weight training, so I had to concentrate on cardiovascular conditioning.

Running, indoor rowing, inline skating, bicycling are what I did, and had to use a heart rate monitor to keep in my zone (otherwise I went too fast to go long enough (at least 30 min+warming up+cooling down+stretching)).

You don't need that much muscle to ride, just loose the fat (if you have any), get fit, and work on those areas that get tired when you ride (often forearms).

 

[bbbom]

A good all around conditioning program includes both cardio and strength training of some type.

Besides the cardio, I would at least add some pushups, situps, pullups and dips a couple times a week.

Weight training/strength training is not just for building muscles. It is actually a very good way to prevent injuries and will help you recover easier from most injuries.

I've been involved in sports since I was 8 years old and started training with weights at age 14. I attribute my lack of serious injuries and health problems over all my years of playing sports to my use of strength training for all those years.

You need to take into consideration how the lifting will affect you since you are still growing. I lifted pretty heavy when I was in high school (very long ago) and had no ill effects. I would try to find some information on lifting at whatever your age is.