Like many sports sometimes there is always a debate about if racing is a true sport, specifically if racecar drivers are actually athletes. I can tell you first hand that drivers are athletes! Let’s get some boring stats and studies out the way. Studies have shown that on yellow a racer’s heart beat and respirations are at a normal number. However upon seeing the green the driver goes into that “fight or flight response” where even their vision is keener, while their heart rate and breathing increases.

I do have an exercise program that my sister, Alexis, has set up. Being a top performing athlete herself she has created a personal exercise for me that not only keeps me shape but doesn’t get boring. I work out consistently five days a week. I love to swim so usually twice a week I am at the Y doing laps for cardio. Swimming to me is so relaxing. Like many people that meditate or do yoga I find that swimming is the best way to clear my mind and relax while getting a good workout. Because of the split second responses I need to make and the mental toll my mind experiences during the race I find that swimming is a great way to train my mind to focus. My favorite strokes are back and breast but I do a 400 fly for my upper body and core.

My sister also works with me on upper body strength. Along with hand weights she has created a small program on machines that I can use when I am at the gym without her. For me these are done for about 30 minutes, using six upper body machines and alternating repetitions. Three repetitions of 12 on each machine using various pounds usually around 40. My core training is different from others because I have two titanium rods in my back from Thoracic 1-12 scoliosis surgery when I was 15. I don’t have much mobility in my back so I can’t do a backbend or a very good sit up. So my core exercises center on plank holds, reverse crunches and scissor kicks.

For other types of cardio, I really enjoy hiking in the desert mountains near my home in Arizona. In the summer it is boring running on the treadmill at the gym but in the fall, winter and spring it is outdoors I go. Changing elevations is great way to really make the work out harder. Pushing yourself up the more difficult trails is not only a workout but a personal accomplishment. A usual hike would have me out for three to four hours stopping in the middle to eat a power bar. Along with the difficulty of the trail walks I enjoy getting out with my dogs. Sometimes I take a run with my puppies along the wash. And my dogs are great at making the workout fun!

For a meal plan I like to eat six small meals a day instead of three big ones. I also must admit I do eat my fair share of junk food, I just don’t eat a lot of it. I am also a regular at the local yogurt shop once a week where I can really pile on the toppings. On a daily basis I have to be sure I include protein in my diet. My sister helps with my meals plans and if I hear her say PROTEIN one more time I probably will scream! The good thing is I really like proteins. I actually like eggs, beef, chicken and pork. I also like to prepare meals for myself and my family. If I do say so myself I am a great BBQer! I eat my fair share of veggies and fruits. I personally prefer complex carbs and use whole grain breads. A typical meal day for me would be:

• a breakfast burrito (whole wheat tortilla, 1 egg, cheese), juice usually 1 hour after rising
• snack-LARA Bar
• for lunch a sandwich (whole wheat turkey, cheese, light mayo), spring garden mix salad with almonds using pomegranate vinaigrette dressing with a sports drink
• water or sports drink trail mix
• dinner chicken, broccoli, carrots
• snack usually a yogurt with fruit added.

l also have to remember to stay hydrated. I am constantly drinking water throughout the day.

So what is typical before a race? I carbo load the night before and drink plenty of sports drinks and water the night before. In our home the usually meal is spaghetti. Upon getting up on race day I start the fluids. I alternate between sports drink and water. I prefer to eat light. I don’t do this for nutritional reasons but the fact that I am usually a little nervous the day of the race and am ready to focus. I am sure some driver may start the day with a heartier breakfast but I personally prefer a lighter meal for breakfast. At lunch time I prefer a light lunch also, usually a sandwich. After the race I am so hungry I can eat a huge meal. My teammates call me “Cassie the Carnivore” because of the amount of protein I can put away. : )

One of the most important things is I lose seven pounds during the race. All in fluids! By the time I get out of my car and unzip my suit I am wet from from head to toe. My body has now sort of adjusted that the day of race day even though I am drinking so many fluids I am not putting it out. Hydrating and staying hydrated is very important.

During the race I experience constant vibrations, mental stress and the heart rate G forces. Heat and the loss of fluids cause me to lose 7 pounds. I know in my heart that without training I would not be successful at racing. Training is only one element of preparation for race day but it sure is important. So for me I believe drivers are athletes. What about you?