Heat Issues

[kgyoung]

I have been noticing lately that I have been having problems with the heat.  Anyone who has seen me outside in this weather knows that I sweat A LOT even if I am barely working.  I have found that even if I am drinking electrolytes while riding I still end up light headed and with headache at the end of even a recovery ride (my HR stays low, but I still feel like crap).  In fact the other day when I actually tried to do a workout with some intensity I ended up throwing up afterwards.  The worst part is that the time I have available to ride is from 3-5pm (the hottest part of the day).  Does any one have any suggestions on how to deal with this?  Or should I just give up and ride the trainer until the heat breaks (in October..)

[MichelleD]

i'm not an expert but this sounds like hyperthermia.  throwing up was probably the result of dehydration. try not to ride during the hottest part of the day. ride in the early morning before going into work or in the early evening when the sun starts to set.  if not, drink LOTS of water.

[Jillian]

You can always get up early and ride, that is what I've been trying to do.  Easier said than done though.  

I've been having heat issues too and I also sweat, a lot.  But lately I've been getting it under control by drinking at least a gallon of water throughout the day and then drinking one bottle of water and one bottle of electrolytes per hour of riding.  I've been using a custom electrolyte blend from infinit, designed for the heat.  If you want to borrow a couple servings and see if it helps, let me know.  

[kgyoung]

The problem with getting up early and riding is that I already get up at 5:30 to come into school.  I tried riding at 9:00am on Friday and still felt like crap (still over 90 plus the humidity).  I could try to go out to the park as soon as I get into school, but then I have the issue of being gross for the rest of the day (I guess I could shower at the rec center..)  I do need to be drinking more during the day, but I don't know if I should just be drinking water or if I should try to drink something with electrolytes to build them up before I go ride and have sweat pour off of me.  Thoughts?

[Jillian]

I drink mostly water throughout the day, and don't start the electrolytes til I ride, but that is just me.  I do make sure the first bottle I drink while riding is electrolyte mix and I make sure to finish it within a half hour.  I generally get a 20 minute warm up in, and prefer to have it gone before that is finished.

If I am riding for a long time and sweating a lot, I'll drink my two bottles per hour then stop after every hour of riding to refill my bottles.  I make myself take a little break each time and drink a half bottle before I get back on the bike.  I find that I have to drink to where it seems excessive because even with all the fluid intake, I'm still down a couple pounds after a ride in the heat.  But it is no where near what it was, I was losing 7 pounds after a 3 hour ride, and I would feel like crap the rest of the day.  Now I am not getting the headache and the serious urge to throw up when I ride in the heat. 

[marcela]

Also try to eat more salty foods(such pretzels) during the day. Dont abuse the sports drink. Have you ever measure your sweat loss? 

[luanimal]

On hot days, I would do half of my ride outside and then half on a trainer. Its not ideal, but better than not doing anything or overheating. The ones at the Rec center at school aren't too bad.

[shay]

my ex. Russian coach said to me once. ride no matter what,  suffer if you survive it will make you stronger

[Aiar(Izzy)]

Russians.... no other explanitions needed, but he's right. Just make sure you drink alot.

[Aiar(Izzy)]

talking about heat, Russians are crazy, I will never go ride in the heat again. I just got done with the hottest ride that I have ever done.

[SHASTA]

Well from my experiences as a soldier, we are athletes in our own right! I have to personally make sure that our troops are properly hydrated. We have to train in all sorts of extreme environments, most of that training is within the desert. If my troops can withstand 120 degrees of heat with 100lbs of body armor and weapon systems, you can handle a little Houston heat with almost nothing on.

You must force hydrate yourself, drink water! After you get done training and are at home relaxing, you must drink more water so you can replenish what you lost. You have plenty of salt from the food you eat. Gatorade can be dangerous, it has too much sugar, you must dilute it with water if you drink it. Depending on the temperature and to prevent hyperthermia, you must drink a max of one quart of water every hour exposed to the heat.

Acclimation is another issue. AC can hurt you if you suddenly plan to be outside more often. Try driving with your windows open or walk outside more often, your body will adapt. Give yourself two weeks to adapt.

This has been combat tested, combat proven, and combat recommended by America's Soldiers.

[bmacattak]

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