Having trouble with the heat....

[anabanana]

It's been really hot in Atlanta these past couple of weeks. I was doing very well when the temperature was in the 80's. I was making steady progress. Now that I'm riding when the temperatures are in the 90's, my average has slowed down quite a bit. I'm climbing very well but I am very short of breath and so so hot.

Is there anything you can recommend to help me with energy and hydration. I take 2 water bottles but midway through the ride the water gets very hot. Any ideas???

Thanks!!

[TrekTheKaty]

It's been in the 80's here in St. Louis. We just hit 90 this week. I found it was a slow acclimation last summer. Just take it easy and hydrate. We get up earlier and earlier--and there are some days it's just too hot and humid. Take it slow. Your body learns to be more efficient over time (I forget the physiology explanation).

[anabanana]

Do you only drink water or do you drink something else?

[TrekTheKaty]

I used to drink Gatorade, but now I drink Cytomax. You need to replace the salt you are sweating out.

[Selkie]

Acclimation. You need to give your body time to adapt to the higher temps. Happens every year, every time the weather gets hot/humid or cold.

Maybe you can freeze the fluid in one of your bottles before you ride, allowing it to thaw out and give you a supply of cold water? Or get an insulated water bottle & use ice cubes?

[TrekTheKaty]

I have 2-24 oz insulated bottles that I fill with ice, cytomax, then water. Ice cream stops help too--cool you from the inside out

[anabanana]

I'll try the insulated bottles and the Cytomax next time. I love the ice cream idea too