How to Prepare For a MX Race
By Tom Stark
Get in shape !
Before you go to a race you must first be in good physical shape. This means that you should be able to at least complete the required laps without slowing down or getting lazy. By doing that you must be exercising and working out almost everyday. This doesn't mean it has to be intense training, but it does require some effort. A good workout would be going for a long or fast bike ride that requires more strength and gets your heart pumping faster. Swimming is also great because it works every muscle in the body.
Running helps a lot too if you have the time to do that. And of course, there is always riding your dirt bike that will help. The more you ride that the longer you should be able to last during a moto. Practicing in the heat can be difficult, but it will be an advantage in those longer motos when the heat starts getting to the riders. Working out is good, but if you it too much to the point that you are sore for more than a day after doing so and continue to work-out, then it does not help you. In fact, it's bad for you because you don't let your muscles heal from working before. So I suggest that you find a good routine that gets you working harder, such as going to a gym if you have the time, running, swimming, or riding your bike.
Mentally prepare
Now many people don't realize it, but being mentally strong for a race is just about as important as being physically strong. You have to have confidence in yourself to race at your full potential. Getting nervous right before the race is a very common thing for pretty much every racer, but that's because we are all human. You must be able to focus and block out all other things before the gate drops. If you are thinking about what's going to happen, what you're going to eat after the race, or whose in the stands watching, then those are going to distract the entire race if you can't get them out of your head. The goal for me is to not think about anything except what to do when the gate drops. My mind should be on the hole-shot and getting the that first corner ahead of everyone else. If you are both physically and mentally strong, then you are more than likely a step ahead of your competitors. Good luck, and have fun racing!
