Bonking isn't just about long rides

[Aint Doody]

I usually eat oatmeal--uncooked--mixed w/ fat free, vanilla yogurt, some fresh berries, and some walnuts. It really stays with me and keeps me going. Don't eat that instant stuff. The slow cook kind takes longer to digest and has more fiber.

[geochick]

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. I ended up eating a decent sized bowl of oatmeal (slow-cook, steel cut kind). I had plenty of energy, which I supplemented with a couple fig newtons and a piece of watermelon at the rest stops! It was a GREAT ride - even with the hills. (Had to walk one hill - 8% grade was a bit much for me - but rode all the rest for 24 miles, so I was really happy with myself for that!)

Thanks for the support. I'm learning so much from TE members. All y'all are lifesavers as I try to re-acquaint myself with this wonderful sport.

[nuthatch]

I ended up eating a decent sized bowl of oatmeal (slow-cook, steel cut kind).

Oatmeal triumphs again! Glad you had a great ride!!

[spazzdog]

Taking this really in the direction of bonking not being only about long rides:

Went out to the back yard yesterday at abt 11:30 am to take care of the jungle it had become. I had toast w/butter&jelly and a big glass of V8 Splash abt 30 min prior.

First I used a hand "field wacker"; you swing it back and forth kinda like a putter. Had to do this BEFORE I could attempt to mow (old lawn mower had gone to heaven & took a bit to get new one, thus 3 ft high jungle look).

Then I mowed. Then I raked. Along the way I had put away a couple of liter bottles of Gatorade BUT no food. It's now 6:00 pm.

I sat down in the lawn chair surrounded by my doggies to enjoy the fresh cut grass smell... and woke up at 7:30 pm.

so... well bonking can happen with any activity.

spazz

[SadieKate]

First of all, geochick: Good job! Sounds like you had lots of fun.

Bonking - when I get buried in a project, I've been known to bonk on the drive home. Of course, these are the days when traffic plugs up to a complete stop.

[LBTC]

wow, this is a great thread! Yes, I could tell that there was something different about carbs for women than for men, but I haven't found any place to read about it....so could only go with "this works for me"

just about any workout needs carbs and protein a few hours before, long enough to digest. I prefer potatoes and cheese, and sometimes ham or bacon in there, as it seems to get to me fastest and best. pasta always makes me feel heavy. during rides, I learned long ago I need water and an electrolyte drink. every ride. even the easy ones. I must admit, I often don't eat on a ride, and realize now that I probably should. if only I could find the thing that always tastes good even when all I want is a big juicy steak or sizzling bacon!! has anyone tried beef jerky for that??

what great information! If any of you have a link to an article about glycogen usage, please post it!

many thanks and
Namaste,
~T~

[oroight]

http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/carbo-loading.html

Do we need to eat more carbs ?
Some guy told me that during a long ride we women have "peaks and troughs" in energy level.Well thats what l tell myself to get me home.....