B12 for Upcoming 1st Century

[gabriellesca]

Hi everyone ... I've been lurking and reading for months but finally have a question I need advice on. (Actually, there have been tons of questions but my teammates have covered some of them.)

I am currently 3 weeks from my first Century with Team in Training. Last Saturday the team rode 75 miles but I could only do 25 due to dehydration and being very sick last week. I am now having alot of problems with my allergies, which I take medication for. I'm very nervous that I'll continue to feel so sick while I train and for this weekend's 80 mile final ride. My century is August 23rd.

So ... I'm reading alot about B12 and thinking of taking it. Does anyone else take it? If so what is a good oral amount to take? I know I can get it as a patch or injection - I don't think my doctor will give me the injection so I'm wondering if anyone has any information/advice on this. I have been training all summer and get sick frequently - I want to feel the best I can and am wondering if it will help.

Thanks!

[kie_fujo]

i take it in my multivitamin, but that's it. i've tried b complex separately and i don't know which one it is but they always upset my stomach. and i didn't notice any benefits so i just take my multivitamin.

[Blueberry]

I can't take a B complex - my tummy does not favor it

CA

[Zen]

So in effect you're looking for your own 'poor mans version' of doping?

There are no shortcuts. You can only do the best you can. There's always next year.

[KnottedYet]

I take honkin' huge amounts of oral B12 because I have a gut disease that won't let be absorb it well.

If your doctor has already talked to you about shots or patches, your doctor is the best person to talk to about how much oral B12 you need to be taking.

Everyone's needs are different. The amount that one person takes to make them better could make another person very sick.

[ny biker]

If you have been sick a lot, you should be talking to your doctor about why you are getting sick and what you should do about it. This may have nothing to do with your training but it could be that the training has been weakening your immune system and making it harder for your body to deal with whatever is making you sick.

At this point you're probably better off just resting, drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy diet and just generally trying to get as healthy as possible. I'm actually surprised your group is doing an 80 mile ride two weeks before the century - I would think you'd be tapering at this point. The training you've been doing all summer is what matters most, and now you need to rest to make sure you're not worn out for the big ride.