Featured Cub - Raman Garimella

Raman Garimella

Introduction

I was born in and have mostly lived in Hyderabad. I'm an aspiring cyclist. So far, I have represented Andhra Pradesh at two National Championships

My motivation

I have always found sports fascinating. It used to be cricket (every Indian boy would agree), then football and now cycling. Maybe something else after this.

Being fit has been very important for me.

My goals 

Podium at the next road national championships

My challenges 

One can't be motivated all the time. Especially if you are training alone. Thankfully I have found company

My training schedule

I wake up at 5AM, go out for a ride. 3-4 evenings of the week are for gym/strength sessions. A good week for me is 20 hours of training.

I can't do too many late nights - parties/movies. If I do, it shows the next morning! Skipping meals is a thing of the past. I sweat a lot, so I have to make it a point to drink the requisite water (an unnatural amount) and salts, even if I don't feel like it.

Surprisingly, I don't have a weekend schedule. Weekends is when I take it easy and weekdays is when I tend to put in long sessions.

Dos and Don’ts of recovery
I use cold/warm water (alternating, to get the blood flowing) in my baths right after a workout. Drinking a litre of water and salts is mandatory (for me). Eating 30 mins after the end of a workout gives most benefit. I eat a lot of fruit and milk with breakfast.

Injury is debilitating. An overuse injury leaves you with no choice but to rest it. But too much rest is not good either. Even a few days off would show a dip in fitness. Engage in another sport/activity to keep the heart fit

Photo courtesy: Hyderabad Cycling Club

Tools, experts I found helpful for your training

My city itself has experts and people to look up to. I look up to my coaches, other athletes (Richard McDowell, Sunil Menon and some others). I look up to these people for their relentless training and commitment. Www.dailymile.com has helped me track my workouts, progress and show off! It helps a great deal to have people applauding you for your daily work.

Achievements I am proud of

Super Randonneur at age 23, Gold Medal at Andhra Pradesh Road Cycling Championships, First place at AP Track Racing trials and I'm most proud of my training miles.

Photo Credit @Rajasekhar B Pai

Advice to newbies

No matter who you are, how old, how many miles you have behind you, you can always go harder than you think. Also, consistency pays. 

Parents, get your kids started early. They (and perhaps the country!) will be thankful