Really Salty Energy Drinks?

[smurfalicious]

The last few miles of my ride the other day I started to feel what I call my 30 mile headache. It was only 70ish and I was at a little over 20 miles. I had already gone through the vast majority of 2 20oz water bottles (one PowerBar Endurance and one Nuun) and I was good and started drinking early.

Admittedly I was "in the hole" a little fluids wise when I left but not bad. Anyway, I get this headache almost without fail regardless of temp or for that matter fluid consumption. I even got it on a ride where I refilled bottles twice thanks to a kindly farmer and local restaurant.

I am also part radiant heater, I do believe. I rode yesterday in just shorts and jersey. My boss rode today in just a hair cooler weather and came back with his arm warmers and vest still on. I was a big red bucket of sweat, he was cool as a cucumber.

The only thing that has ever subdued 30 mile headache is Shot Blox in margarita with the extra salt. So I think as a result of my "uber hotness" and propensity towards sweat (don't worry, not trying to quit, I LOVE SWEATING!!!!) that I need a super salty drink. I have a think of Power Bar Endurance and at first at seemed salty but not any more. I <3 Nuun tabs but they don't seem to do much good for me beyond being flavor to at least make me drink.

I could add salt or something, but I'd rather just have it be right from the get go. Any ideas? Or alternate theories?

[Eden]

How about Elete? It's drops, that I believe are tasteless. You can add them to plain water, but you could also add them to your NUUN and/or Endurance for a little extra punch.

[Miranda]

Hi Smurf...

I have just the thing for you in this link below (E-Lyte Sport)...

http://www.crampnomore.com/

I can not stand the taste of sweet drinks. This stuff doesn't have that, or the sugary calories. Just the salty good stuff. You can pre-load shots, dilute it and mix your own bottles, etc. Plus, if you wanted extra on the ride, you could technically carry some in a small travel size container. Maybe something like those tiny screw cap bottles peeps use for the airplane for shampoo etc. in a jersey pocket. Re-mix a bottle on re-fill, shot, etc.

If you don't like the salty taste so much I think maybe adding a lemon wedge to the bottle, or squeezing some juice in might be a way to add flavor you like. I just do it salty straight up as is.

As far as the guy riding pal... women in general have more body fat (we need it to protect us for bearing babies etc. genetically). The more fat insulation you have on your body, the more you need to sweat to cool yourself off. Our hormones at different times of the month can sometimes play into how hot or cold we feel too (& if retaining H2O, or shedding it in your cycle)--something men don't have to deal with.

Hope this helps some!

[Andrea]

Add an 1/8th tsp of salt to a bottle of powerbar endurance.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I just use some Emergen-C powder in my water for long rides (over 30 miles). It's got plenty of electrolytes and sodium. For shorter rides, just water. Plus, I never ride on an empty stomach.

[Brandy]

Historically, I don't do well in the heat. Last year I was able to manage it much better and I believe it was being pro-active about my electrolyte consumption.

My vote is for Motortabs. I always carry some in my pockets, particularly when I'm training in the mountains. When I was training for Everest Challenge last year, I spent alot of time in the San Gabriel Mountains. There aren't a whole lot of options as far as refilling and on a hot day, I can blow through two bottles on the first climb and still be left with a 12 mile climb ahead of me before I can refill.

I started pre-hydrating on the drive there with 24 oz of water and two Motor Tabs. I can't tell you what a HUGE difference this made in my training out there. I also use them anytime that I don't feel a big need for calories, but need to hydrate instead. I don't go out to the mountains without them now and any longer ride, they are in my jersey pocket.

[sundial]

I second the Elete. I crave salt on a ride and this helps.