Race To Fitness

Takale,who has won the Malaysian rally,the Thailand Rally and is currently the defending champion of Raid De Himalayas,says that he prefers to eat at home than anywhere else. “The day begins with a simple breakfast of a few slices of bread,egg and a fruit. Lunch usually comprises a couple of chappatis and vegetable along with dal. I avoid eating out as the food is not nutritious. Dinner is also simple like my lunch. It is only on weekends that I indulge in chicken and a protein-heavy diet as that helps maintain the muscles.”

Unlike circuit racing,which has a predictable route,rally racing is more difficult as one has to battle with inhospitable terrain and the vagaries of nature. “We need to be more alert because the terrains are highly unforgiving,” he says. During the race,the drivers and navigators tend to lose up to five kgs of their body weight. Thus keeping oneself hydrated is important. “We lose a lot of body salts during the race because the cabin temperatures in the car can go up to 70 degree Celsius. That,coupled with the fire proof clothing we wear,makes us lose water. This has to be replenished by energy drinks and water,” he says. While racing,he drinks up to 12 litres of liquids in a day. “It keeps the muscles from cramping and going into spasms,” he says.

Now focused on the upcoming Raid De Himalayas next month,Takale says that exercising is as important as a healthy diet. “I work out six times a week,play tennis thrice a week,and do yoga regularly. All this keeps me balanced and disciplined. In rally racing,the most important part is finishing the race. For races like the Raid De Himalayas,we take half a tablet of crocin and lymox everyday as it keeps the blood thin and free flowing and prevents the driver from falling unconscious,” he says.