When and what to eat

[Jo-n-NY]

Thank you slinkdog, Veronica, & LBTC for your responces. I think we pretty much have been doing the right thing when riding during the day. It was these night rides that we do a few times a week (carmichael climbing dvd) that puts me at a loss because I have always tried to not eat anything after 9:00 needless to say protein. But if that type of workout warrents anything, the hard boiled egg sounds ok or the recovery drink or maybe even a few wheat crackers with peanut butter.

I feel the same way LBTC. I am also wired and not very hungrey right after a ride and I don't really feel like a meat protein at that hour. Now ice cream could be a different story

Now we are on the search for good tasting bars to bring with us in the summer that don't have chocolate as they will for sure melt and trailmix bars get sticky.

[slinkedog]

Hey Veronica... I would like to try the Diablo ride you're setting up, but I can't do Sundays. If you ever arrange one for a Saturday, let me know!

I'm probably not quite ready to do Diablo yet, anyway, but like Jobob said about Hamilton, I'll never make it up unless I start riding!!

[CorsairMac]

Jo - you could also try and apple with peanut butter. I used to eat those in the evenings to help me get through the night without waking up starving! Now I'm allergic to peanuts to that got scratched. I also keep Clif Bars/Luna Bars around - the Luna Bars are lighter in carbs, same protein and tasty. Not too much for an evening snack. A protein drink would probably work better for you if you're trying to avoid "eating" after dinner. But like everyone said - its really truly personal: what works for you may not work for someone else!

[MightyMitre]

Hi Jo - you ask about what you can eat after training at that time of night, but I'd be interested to know what time you go to bed.

I'm a total night owl, completely useless in the morning. In fact I really envy those who can get up a couple of hours early and ride before work. I'd love just to be able to get up a couple of hours early!

I find I can't train/do a hard work out after 8 pm. It just wakes me up way too much and I have to stay up till I'm ready to sleep. How does it work for you training in the evening?
OR
does anyone have any hints for speeding up the 'come down' process as some times when I've got back late from work I've skipped training as it would mean I'd be finishing too late on.

[slinkedog]

Mighty:

"does anyone have any hints for speeding up the 'come down' process as some times when I've got back late from work I've skipped training as it would mean I'd be finishing too late on."

Yeah... a big glass of Merlot.

No, really... how about a bubble bath by candlelight with lavendar scented bubbles? Lavendar really helps me relax.

[LBTC]

MM
I bet the glass of merlot isn't a bad thing...heh

sometimes I teach night courses and come home at 10:30 pm very wired. since wakeup is 6:00 am I need to wind down fast. my fix is licorice tea. it's very soothing to my digestional tract (which is usually pretty weird during teaching), and, it turns out, it's pretty relaxing too. I buy the Stash brand Licorice Spice.

I wouldn't be surprised if doing some light stretches and taking 1000mg of calcium (works best with magnesium and zinc) might help relax you, too.

I know what you mean about not being a morning person, though. whew! I need 8 hours sleep and usually get 7. good thing I dye my hair blonde to make up for the early morning stupids!

namaste,
~T~

[KTeach]

I got some good advice on this board when preparing for the Tour de Tuscon. I'd bonked at 30 miles!!!! on a training ride a few weeks before the century - a bottle of Gatorade really helped that day! It's amazing how fast the sugar kicks in - but I knew I had to experiment with my nutrition before the century. So I tried using GU, HammerGEL (love the Espresso flavors not to mention a little caffeine boost) and similar products about every 20-30 minutes and sipped water or a diluted endurance drink (I carry 2 bottles). I'm not sure how to figure out exactly what calories I need as another writer did (would love to...) so it was more trial and error. In any case, eating & drinking often made all the difference and the ride was great!

[SadieKate]

I'm probably not quite ready to do Diablo yet, anyway, but like Jobob said about Hamilton, I'll never make it up unless I start riding!!

Well, that's what I said too but Veronica did Briones on Saturday and thinks Diablo may be easier. I'm still waiting to see 'cause total climbing is greater. Trying to track down the hubby about doing the devil on Sunday (he's AWOL right now).

[Veronica]

I didn't really say easier did I? The climb is much longer. But I know you can do it. Anyone who can make it up some of those hills at Briones has the right stuff to gut out Diablo.

Maybe I'll bring chocolate chip cookies as a reward for those who make it to the top. What do you think Jobob? Will you ride for my cookies?

V.

[SadieKate]

Did someone say chocolate?

[Veronica]

Maybe the lady with the pink panniers will be there. Sh had some excellent brownies!

[SadieKate]

Kinda back on topic (though I believe she likes chocolate also), I personally like the book "Eat Smart, Play Hard" by Liz Applegate.

She's got the academic credentials and the actual athletic experience -- she runs, she bikes, etc. I think the book is very easy to read and understand without needing a science degree. She addresses both omnivores and the vegetarians.

A bio I copied: Liz Applegate, Ph.D., is on the faculty in the nutrition Department at the University of California, Davis. A Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, she is a popular lecturer and has been a guest on Good Morning America, CNN, and ESPN. Dr. Applegate is the author of Power Foods and Eat Your Way to a Healthy Heart. She is nutrition editor and columnist for Runner's World magazine and a nutrition consultant for the U.S. Olympic Team.