Fueling bicycle training
Hello,
I am currently training for the STP bike ride (Seattle to Pprtland-204 miles in two days) on a bicycle. I've wanted to do this for years. I was an insulin dependent diabetic and now after SADI surgery, I do not require any meds at all.
So, here's my problem....to fuel this kind of ride it's recommended to eat and drink often. As a WLS patient, I can't eat enough at one time to fuel the exercise and certainly can't drink enough. So I'm having to choose....eat or drink. Lack of energy or dehydration.
I've been trying all the different "energy" bars/chews/gels to see which ones work and how they affect me. I haven't been able to find THE solution. What have you eaten on a high energy endurance program? What electrolyte supplements did you use?
Michelle
Have you tried Tailwind? Its 200 calories with electrolytes mixed with 20 oz of water. If you're having trouble eating and drinking, then just drink. Haven't had any GI issues with it. Does get old if that's all you're using, but it works. I also take electrolyte salt pills on real hot long runs. Or Nuun. I like that stuff too. But yeah, I recommend trying the liquid nutrition stuff like Tailwind. Seems like it would work for you.
VSG: 3/12/15
I wrote this a couple years ago...But it still may apply.
The Amgen California Bicycle Tour was going through Modesto. They had all these booths. This one really caught my eye...I never did buy them, but I thought it was a great idea for people (especially WLS people) who do distance biking or running. Dried strawberries, bananas, apples, and blueberries you can put in your pockets. I do put banana chips, plain nuts and raisins in my pockets for long trips to snack on...Bike riding. Just throwing it out there. Brian
I use gels that I use when I run. No protein in it but gets me through the long runs and rides. I have one that is maple syrup, ginger which helps settles the stomach and sea salt. My trainer wants me to try and add pretzels to my system so I can have it on my 50k race. You will need to do both fuel and drink. Just find something that works for you. good luck you can do this
In my opinion, endurance sports are an area where we just have to bend the rules a bit. You simply can't keep yourself fueled with quality foods AND observe the 30-minute rule. I try to stick to whole foods and fruits - sometimes Cliff bars and the like - but I definitely avoid liquid sugar like gel packs and cubes. I'm a fan of Nuun tablets you drop in water, which you can find anywhere, and it turns your water bottle or CamelBak into an sugar-free electrolyte drink.
As long as you're eating mindfully and measuredly for fuel during the activity I don't really think there's a big concern.
