Heat and hills...ever had this happen??

[Celeste]

Thanks for the input ladies! I really appreciate it. Glad I am not the only one these things happen to. We have another big training ride tomorrow and I must say I am a bit nervous.

I have been hydrating really well for the past few days. But tomorrow is to be warm and quite possibly over 86 degrees. Yikes!

Today, I invested in a couple of 24oz Polar insulated bottles that I can load up with ice and water/gatorade mixture. And I will NOT forget my waist Camel Back...that will be another 48oz...So, with 96 ounces of fluid on my person and bike...Hopefully I will make it to the finish...

I gotta finish this week!! Our big ride is June 3rd. I have just been telling myself all day..."You did 50 miles in Chappell Hill last week!" over and over again to remind me that I did not do all that badly.
Psyching myself up...

[maillotpois]

I've coached the Tahoe ride for TNT since about 2001 (this year we're coaching Death Ride instead). Tahoe won't be as hot as it sounds like your training has been - but since it's at altitude you will really have to monitor hydration at that ride.

Here's a thread that recently discussed training for altitude: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...light=altitude

Last weekend, I did DMD and it was mid 90's and just brutally hot on the Hamilton climb - one thing that worked well for me is putting ice in the sports bra. You have to really bring your core body temp down when you are starting to overheat. Keeping your water cool is also going to help so it's good you got those bottles!

Also, think about taking your helmet off and getting your head and hair super wet. (Put your helmet back on of course!) This can really help.

And let your coach know how concerned you are about finishing the ride and ask them to monitor how much you're eating and drinking and see if they think you're getting enough.

Good luck.

Go team!

[Celeste]

Thanks a million Sarah!! I need all the coaching points I can get!

Getting my head wet is a great idea...I only did that *after* the ride last week. I will be sure to keep that in mind for tomorrow *during* the ride. It feels so good to put cold water on a hot head!

I don't think I would have thought of ice in the bra...but another good idea!

I will be sure to talk to my coaches (who ever is riding in the back with me ) about my finishing, hydrating and eating. Yup! I am "Tail-End-Charlie"! But it comes with perks like having a coach with you almost all the time.