What does a bonk feel like?

[Duck on Wheels]

woops. Hadn't thought of that one. Guess I was focusing narrowly on the context. But thanks for the definitions and descriptions, everybody. Brings to mind one olympic marathon I watched once, ages ago, with one woman struggling to finish, wobbling all over the track, stumbling, getting up, falling over again. I think a functionary finally held her up and walked her over the finish line ... and then straight to the medical tent. So now I'm wondering how useful the definitions and descriptions are. If I get to that point, I won't be in a rational state and won't be able to process the knowledge to do the right thing about it. So what I need to know is what it feels like enough BEFORE "the bonk" that I can still do something about it (such as get off the bike, eat, drink, and rest).

[Dogmama]

So what I need to know is what it feels like enough BEFORE "the bonk" that I can still do something about it (such as get off the bike, eat, drink, and rest).

If you begin to feel fatigued more than your normal a$$-whoopin' tired, you need to get some extra quick carbs in. I like a liquid drink or a gel, as they assimilate quickly. Take into consideration your recovery from your last ride (or lack thereof), your current carb intake and how hard you are pushing. If you even suspect you could bonk - stop & get some quick carbs in. Better safe than sorry. I always carry a water bottle of accelerade or cytomax to keep electrolytes, hydration and carbs flowing. I make sure that every 30 minutes or so, I take a couple of big swigs - more if I'm pushing uphill, in a headwind or towards the end of a ride.

Anything over 2 hours requires a quick stop with some gel-goo & a few fig newtons (my current energy faves.) Your mileage may vary.

[sundial]

OK, today I did 40 miles after being off for a week. I tried to eat something after 30 minutes or so and kept putting in fuel--Sport Beans, cheese and pb crackers, Hammergel, etc. However, I was cycling during the heat of the day and I was starting to really feel the heat from the road. I wouldn't have kept going if my hubby wasn't following with the *courtesy* wagon.

I had to take several breaks just to stretch and really hydrate. But the heat was really taking a toll on my performance. My heart rate was pushing the upper limits constantly and after pulling into the parking lot at the end of my ride, it was 98 F. Jeepers! I really didn't think I could do another 10 miles in the heat. Ack! I felt nauseous after the ride while I was cooling off in the car. I don't think I'll be putting in the long miles until the weather breaks.

[sundial]

Dogmama, I think I had a nice break at 2 hours too. I've wondered how often cyclists eat on the road and how often they stop during long ride.

[Dogmama]

Dogmama, I think I had a nice break at 2 hours too. I've wondered how often cyclists eat on the road and how often they stop during long ride.

It depends on the cyclist, her level of hydration & carbs for that day, etc. I would think that every 1.5 to 2.0 hours would be reasonable, but I know some people stop every hour. If you are newer, I'd err on the side of caution & stop every hour.

Your food might have had too much fat (peanut butter & cheese.) You want quick carbs which means food that doesn't have a lot of fiber or fat. Both fiber & fat will slow down the uptake of carbs.

Of course, 98 degrees is brutal too!