Training for Century - Feeling Very Sick on the Bike - PCOS? HELP?

[maillotpois]

You can only absorb 250 - 300 calories per hour on the bike. All the rest just causes bloat and discomfort. Also, I really prefer people to eat on the bike, a small amount at a time, instead of waiting and eating a lot at the stop.

I don't know how hot it was, but 2 bottles per hour is a LOT. Again, you can only absorb so much water on the bike as well (and I generally push people to take an electrolyte beverage instead of water).

What TNT chapter are you training with? (I'm a long time TNT coach.)

[gabriellesca]

Thanks Sara ... I'm with the Massachusetts Chapter.

I'm probably overestimating my water - its hard to tell because I fill up with the Sag and I'm rarely at the bottom of my bottle when I do fill up. But I would say at least a bottle an hour. SO I might have had that wrong.

I've tried eating less and I still feel sick - which is why my coach says the same thing - eat tiny bites every 15 minutes. Other mentors have thought that was insane. So I've tried it both ways and I still get so sick.

[OakLeaf]

Actually, for me, if the weather is hot, 2 bottles an hour is just barely enough. If I'm not replacing electrolytes along with it, I will notice it on a single ride or immediately afterward. Headache and nausea sure sounds like dehydration and/or hyponatremia to me.

Do you sweat heavily? Is your coach in a car, where he could carry a scale? How about weighing yourself for fluid loss at each food stop?

[maillotpois]

You have tried the small bites every 15 minutes thing?

I don't know anything about PCOS, and it seems that perhaps you should consult with a doctor or nutritionist who specializes in the effect that may have on your system. However, if you do have a sugar tolerance issue, what about trying some lower glycemic index type foods? Whole wheat bagel with PB only, for example (instead of white bread with PB and jelly), or Turkey sandwich on wheat bread, eaten a bite at a time every 5 minutes or so. Also balancing things out with some other sources of protein and fat - nuts, for example. I see you've tried "protein bars", but I am talking protein in a more non-process version. Many bars have added ingredients in them which may be contributing to your symptoms - so start simple, with the basics to see if you can narrow it down to something that works.

Some of the items you listed as having from your SAG stops sound like WAY too much sugar even for someone who doesn't have an insulin issue (twinkies, poptarts, etc.) Even pretzels, while great for salt, are just quick absorbed white flour.

[Smilie]

If I eat too many sweet things I get nauseous. Protein is what gets me through, have you tried to eat more protein rich foods?

[LBTC]

I was thinking protein, too. I think there are a couple of protein drinks designed for drinking while exercising. These may still be too high in sugar, so experimenting with protein first, and if it seems to be better, it might be worth it to try these out.

Generally speaking, I eat a lot of protein off the bike, and on the bike have really only found on thing that sits well for me. cliff shot blocks. yes, mostly sugar, but I find I need something on any ride that is more than an hour. I tend to fuel lightly once during a window of 30-50 minutes. the blocks say a serving is 3, I usually have 1, sometimes 2. I drink only water as the electrolyte drinks are awful for me. Plain electrolyte drops would be an alternative, and I'd use them if the blocks weren't working.

I hope you find a solution! Your goal is great, but it's no fun to be out there and feeling nauseous! I've been there plenty of times, and it really does take the shine off the experience!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~