oppressive heat

[sundial]

Liza, I can handle temps up to 98 F, and after that I have to start calling it quits because the heat coming off the road is H O T. Ack!!

I'm really bad about not drinking enough BEFORE the ride. I drink plenty ON the ride but I wonder if my cycling would improve with just a little more pre-ride hydration.

Just think, before we know it the time change will be here and we'll have to wait for the weekend rides to get our miles in.

[Kano]

Top temp I've ridden in here has been about 105. As long as I stay hydrated, I seem to do okay, even though this is mighty hot, and the sun is out, and it's DRY here! (for those of you in more moist climates -- I remember thinking it was absolutely hilarious when people started talking about the weather being "muggy" and the humidity was at 29%!!!)

What has made me adjust my riding has been smoky air in our valley this summer. That bothers me far more than the heat! With no end to that in sight, I'm almost to the point of riding anyway, and taking a daily dose of Claritan to keep my sinuses in business! (or would that be out of mischief?)

Karen in Boise

[VeloVT]

I'm really bad about not drinking enough BEFORE the ride. I drink plenty ON the ride but I wonder if my cycling would improve with just a little more pre-ride hydration.

I've started carrying a 24oz water bottle around the house with me. If I'm working on something and I finish a glass of whatever I'm drinking, I'll often wait until I'm at a stopping place to get more... but if I have 24 oz to drink instead of 8-12, and still bring it with me to refill each time I get up, I definitely end up drinking more.

I've found that being better hydrated throughout the day really makes a difference for running in the heat -- probably for cycling also, but it's less noticeable for me because I always have water on the bike, but I only bring water on runs if they're pretty long -- over 12 miles or so. I get calf cramps when I'm dehydrated on runs. Blech!

[bacarver]

Thanks for all the replies! It's great to be connected to such a smart group. I'm 47 and my metabolism/weight is an ongoing mystery to me. I'm 5'5" and holding at 116 lbs. most of the time. I'm a nurse and am familiar with sensible nutrition and dietary guidelines. But, for some reason there is a connection between this stifling weather and the fact that I'm suddenly up 2 lbs. I keep food and exercise logs and everything else is the same. I'm thinking that the heat is changing the way my body processes fluid. I don't drink sugared drinks. No way. I cannot ride early morning because of my night shift job. Can't ride late evening because of family routines. I had a bike wreck 2 years ago and now I always wear an undershirt beneath my jersey in case I crash again. The extra layers will protect my skin. I prefer warm weather but this is beyond my limit. I cannot handle drinking enough to hydrate myself. The water just sloshes around in my stomach and makes me sick. I get migraines if I get too hot. I really respect Tour riders because they have to have so many skills. Eating and drinking on the bike is just one of them. I sure hope we get relief soon!

[Jolt]

Thanks for all the replies! It's great to be connected to such a smart group. I'm 47 and my metabolism/weight is an ongoing mystery to me. I'm 5'5" and holding at 116 lbs. most of the time. I'm a nurse and am familiar with sensible nutrition and dietary guidelines. But, for some reason there is a connection between this stifling weather and the fact that I'm suddenly up 2 lbs. I keep food and exercise logs and everything else is the same. I'm thinking that the heat is changing the way my body processes fluid.

Sounds like maybe you're just retaining fluid?

[missymaya]

I have to agree with the early am rides. I started riding at 4 just so I can ride due to my work schedule and the weather and traffic that I don't want to deal with. It's great, granted it's still humid as all heck, but definately a lot cooler and virtually no traffic at all.
Do you drink enough early enough when you ride? I had to train myself to start drinking water about 1-20 minutes into the rides because I was loosing so much just working in the heat. That can be affecting how your body's reacting to the heat later on in your rides or even after your rides. And I double what liza has said about drinking h2o during the day.

[smilingcat]

Hi Zen,

Really ineresting read. So the reason why swimmers can't lose weight is, they are compensating by eating more food (naturally) and it may have to do with lack of heat causes supression of food intake. Is there a relationship to why the suppression of hunger when one's core temperature goes up? Is it related to wanting to lose the fat for heat regulation of the core body temp? Interesting thoughts with your paper. I wish I could find mine but its been 25 years...

I know from personal experience from running 5k and 10k's during the heat wave in NYC and at other times. I was much lighter during the heat wave of '82? in NYC then at any other time. I was at 106lb during the heat wave compared to normal of 110-114lb in cooler times. I think I still ate like a horse in either periods.

smilingcat

[coyote]

I had a bike wreck 2 years ago and now I always wear an undershirt beneath my jersey in case I crash again. The extra layers will protect my skin.

Perhaps the extra undershirt is contributing to the heat? Is it one of the moisture wicking ones or is it cotton? Nylon is also really hot and may not wick moisture. It gets really hot here, I normally ride in 105-110 weather in the summer. The first week the temps are like that I want to cry but I get used to it. If you are getting migraines then you are probably dehydrated. I usually try to hydrate the night before but I imagine that would not be comfortable for you at work?

Hang in there and I Hope the heat passes soon for you.

[bacarver]

Thanks for the really good idea regarding buying a moisture-wicking undershirt. I'll look for one soon. I bet that will be much more comfortable than the cotton athletic undershirts I've been using. I'll also search for a light-weight summer jersey. OOOOHHHH. Buying more cycling clothes!!!
One problem that exists with me is that I drink diet mountain dew during my night shifts so I can stay awake. I know the caffeine is contributing to my fluid challenges. But I have to stay awake for 14 hours straight 3 nights a week. Not sure how else to do it. No coffee for me. Thanks for the ideas.

Barb

[northstar]

Target's C9 stuff is pretty decent, and affordable as far as wicking shirts go. Might want to check there!

When I think it's too hot to ride, I think of all the ladies riding in the south, where it's dreadfully hot! That gets me off the couch!

[indysteel]

Thanks for the really good idea regarding buying a moisture-wicking undershirt. I'll look for one soon. I bet that will be much more comfortable than the cotton athletic undershirts I've been using. I'll also search for a light-weight summer jersey. OOOOHHHH. Buying more cycling clothes!!!
One problem that exists with me is that I drink diet mountain dew during my night shifts so I can stay awake. I know the caffeine is contributing to my fluid challenges. But I have to stay awake for 14 hours straight 3 nights a week. Not sure how else to do it. No coffee for me. Thanks for the ideas.

Barb

Hi Barb. As someone also suffering through Indiana's heatwave, I feel your pain. I rode last night beginning around 6:15. The heat index was close to 100 if not above. I definitely went through more water than normal and was drenched in sweat but it really wasn't that horrible. Okay, it was, but I survived! My post-ride shower was heaven, let me tell you!

I would second the recommendation that you use a moisture wicking base layer of some kind, along with a well-ventilated summer jersey. Also, I found this from one nutrition expert on Velonews.com

Java jive
Monique,
Regarding your latest web article on eating before training: What effect does caffeine have on the morning workout especially with regards to hydration. Not that I am a huge coffee drinker, but my morning training ritual does include the old cup of java.
Darryl

Hi, Darryl,
You should definitely focus on hydrating in what time is available before training in the morning. However, many nutritionists and readers would understand and sympathize with the need for a morning cup of coffee when starting your day. While I would not advise that you pre-hydrate with only coffee, the belief that caffeine actually accelerates fluid loss beyond the actual volume that you consume is no longer considered valid. Caffeine is not highly dehydrating, and can be consumed in moderate amounts before training. However, you can also hydrate with a nice homemade smoothie, juice, or just good old water. With limited time to fuel and hydrate before morning training, make sure that you consume a sports drink to provide fuel, sodium, and fluid during training. And keep in mind that the most important time to avoid caffeine because of its potential adverse effects on hydration is after training. So no caffeinated fluids after your morning training; save any subsequent java fixes for later in the day.
Monique

If I understand her correctly, then, you can probably counteract whatever effect your Mountain Dew is having by making sure you drink something in addition to it, especially before any given ride. I, too, like coffee in the moring, but I start off with a bottle of water when I first get up. Granted, it requires multiple potty breaks, but it's better than the alternative.

K-

[silver]

Ditto on the Ohio Valley/Indiana heatwave. I can usually train through heat, but with my Triathlon coming up on 8/18, I've been really watching it. Even though I can train in the heat, I do feel that it wears me out more and I don't want the extra fatigue to wear me down for my triathlon. I've been training pretty hard.

It does seem particularly steamy this week. And this is from a gal who has survived Memphis summers. Uggghh!

Hey Barb! good to hear from you! Hope that all else (besides the weather) is well!

[Jolt]

Liza, I can handle temps up to 98 F, and after that I have to start calling it quits because the heat coming off the road is H O T. Ack!!

Wow, you're a lot better with the heat than I am!!! I start feeling it when it gets into the low 80's, although I have found that I can tolerate the heat better on the bike than running (maybe it has to do with going faster and having that breeze). And yes, the hot blacktop is the pits!