How much does sitting in a car affect one's performance in a race? My team has a championship race on Saturday that is a two hour drive away. I don't want to get there ridiculously early, but at the same time, I think it would be better if they had some time to stretch out their legs and relax before starting their warmup.
i always wear compression socks when i'm flying or sitting for an extended period of time. it prevents blood from pooling in your legs.
they need to do a 12 minute shakeout very soon after getting out of the car and they should be fine if they have a few hours before racing.
If actually can have an effect if you have to race on the day you travel. Most college teams make a lot of long drives, but they get in town the day before the meet and do a shake out after checking into their hotels.
Unfortunately, we had no other options since our athletic director did not want to pay for a hotel. However, the meet is in the afternoon, so I'm thinking if we can get there 2-3 hours before the race it will be plenty of time to stretch out the legs before starting the warmup.
My best friend and I don't have that problem. We can still remain aerobically active on even long car trips.
Haha, well played Barney. Had no clue what you were talking about until I noticed the user name.
The biggest problem is that your hip flexors get tight from sitting for a while, but if you've got a few hours, you'll be fine.
Good luck.
Break up the drive with a pit stop or two - allow them to get out and walk around for a minute or two.
SlipperyPete1340 wrote:
Unfortunately, we had no other options since our athletic director did not want to pay for a hotel. However, the meet is in the afternoon, so I'm thinking if we can get there 2-3 hours before the race it will be plenty of time to stretch out the legs before starting the warmup.
I would think that would be plenty of time. Have you ever gone from class (sitting for 90 min) and then to a hard track workout? That would be comparable.
800 dude wrote:
The biggest problem is that your hip flexors get tight from sitting for a while, but if you've got a few hours, you'll be fine.
Good luck.
I have to sit at a lot at my work.
How does one keep the hip flexors in shape?
2 hour drive is nothing. If it was more than 3 hours than I say get up a few times to shake the legs loose and get blood flowing.
speaking in general wrote:
800 dude wrote:The biggest problem is that your hip flexors get tight from sitting for a while, but if you've got a few hours, you'll be fine.
Good luck.
I have to sit at a lot at my work.
How does one keep the hip flexors in shape?
Me too. It's a problem, but it's something that can be managed.
Recline the chair if you can. Get up from time to time to walk. Close the office door and do a little stretching. I also have a standing desk on one side of the office, and I use that whenever I'm not using the computer.
Also, just generally try to make sure that you focus on having adequate hip flexibility.
Long car rides, especially driving is very bad for track performances.
Its probably worse for sprints though.
2 hours, are you kidding? That is nothing. If you are that worried about it, get out of the car after an hour and walk around for 5 minutes.
5 to 10 min shakeout when you get there and a little stretching will do the trick. have done it and pr'd many a time on trips like that. dont be a sis
Uh Oh, for every minute in the car you will have to add .4 seconds to your time, you are screwed. there is no quick fix, sitting in a car is deadly for an athlete, especially a distance runner. I feel sorry for you, you would be better off walking out there tonight, at least you would maintain good blood flow.
Yes. Two hours is not a long car ride.
A few times I had a 5 hour drive the day of a twilight track meet.
Got there probably 4 hours before the race.
Not an issue.
It's affect, moron.
I don't know, but two weeks ago I drove three hours for a half marathon having to awake at 4am. Almost fell asleep at the wheel, but I ran absolutely great in 1h08', so I am doing it again this weekend with another 3hr drive for a longer race.