Operation: Driver Weight

With the possibility of getting to drive a top fuel dragster on the horizon, I am following the example set by nitro Funny Car driver, Mike Ashley, and how he approaches his training with a fit mind, body, and soul. I blogged earlier last year about how he approaches his driving, and its something I’ve vowed I would do to be the best I can possibly be as a driver. There is much discussion that follows women in the nitro classes as to whether they have the upper body strength required to handle these beasts. I want to make sure that I do what it takes to be successful, and that includes beefing up my exercise and training regiment to prepare for that opportunity.

Taking some cues from Mike’s training article, I’ve developed my own personal strengthening plan for the next 3 months. It involves getting me back in shape cardiovascularly, as well as strengthening my core and upper body to handle the additional stresses of driving. I plan to take it a step further and meet with a nutritionist to work on my dietary needs as well. That’s one area I have never really put any focus in, and its a very important aspect.

 I am not new to atheletics or strict training, in high school I was a 3 sport athlete: Volleyball, Basketball,Track. Besides academics and some part time employment at the local Target, my whole life was one big training schedule back then. I would attend practice after school for about 2 hours in whatever sport was in season, then often attend open gyms for the other two for 2 hours after that, or would come home and run, cycle or play pickup games at the local park. My spring breaks had me at the beach too, but unlike many of my classmates, I was stationed at the beach volleyball courts entering tournaments and winning prizes with my high school pairs partner, Crystal. We did a lot of damage on the courts on Daytona Beach in 1996-1998. Oh to be 16 and have THAT much energy again! But, I had drive that has never died in me, and I’m very excited about reigniting that burning desire inside me to achieve.Tonight’s my first night back at the gym since I moved 8 months ago. Wish me luck and I’ll report on how it went after I get home!