I Think I "Bonked"

[indysteel]

I've read the same thing--about fasting before a morning ride-- in one of my cycling books. Can't remember the title off the top of my head. I understand the logic of it (I guess) but decided that it was something better left to the pros. There's no reason that I can't eat enough both before and during my rides to run on glycogen/carbs. My fat will live to see another day!

I've found myself getting up a full three hours before my last few morning rides so that I can drink a big bottle of water (and spend the next couple of hours going to the bathroom) and to start eating. So far so good. Of course, right now my morning club rides start at 9, so getting up at 6 isn't that big of a deal. Getting up at 5 for 8 a.m. rides is going to be a bit harder. But better to get up early than to bonk. I may have to set the alarm for 5, eat a banana and then go back to bed for an hour!

[jobob]

I think once you get a routine down you can cut the amount of time you need in the mornings to prepare for a ride considerably.

I do some early-morning rides during the week where I try to be out before 7. I have my routine down to where I can get up at 5:30, make some coffee, have my bowl of cereal or instant oatmeal, fill my water bottle - it's generally a short enough ride that I don't need anything else, tho I'll take a gu packet or a couple of mini paydays just in case - and be dressed and out the door by about 6:45 to 7.

I could probably make it even less time than that but I need a little time to wake up, become coherent, lollygag, digest my breakfast, and check the latest goings-on on TE, of course. Not necessarily in that order