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

[gabriellesca]

Hi Everyone ..... I thought I'd post here see if anyone has any advice.

I'm very new to cycling - have joined Team in Training and been training for 14 weeks for my first Century on August 23rd.

I have a problem of getting severely sick to my stomach when I've been on my bike for around 4.5 or 5 hours - so for me around mile 55 or 60. It has happened on the last 4 rides and last Saturday it came along with a pounding headache and no energy (I only finished 78 of the 82 miles scheduled). I have worked so hard with my coach and other teammates on my food - I've tried everything, energy bars, protein bars, granola bars, boiled potatoes, PB&J, fig newtons, Twinkies, Poptarts (my team likes the sugary things), crackers, pretzels, GU ... I've tried combos and nothing seems to help. My coach is at a loss as he sees me eating all along the route and at the stops. I'm drinking all my water - 1.5 to 2 bottles an hour.

One thing I'm not sure might be related is that I do have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) - which means that I am insulin resistant because it takes higher levels of insulin to keep my blood sugar at a normal level. So I know that for me to lose weight (a whole other subject) I'm supposed to focus on a low-carb diet. So I don't know if there is a link to all the high carbs - if it makes the amount of sugar in my blood make me feel that ill. I just don't know. (Do have a call into the doc.)

Just thought I'd post for advice, stories, any guidance?? SO appreciated!

[mimitabby]

It could be you are just eating too much! Were you bonking before?
I'm no expert, others should chime in soon enough that know a lot more. It's been shown that you don't need to eat as much as you are burning while you are burning it; because your blood supply goes away from your digestive system and into your limbs... resulting in an overwhelmed gut, (nausea)

[gabriellesca]

I was wondering that as well - I'll eat a banana between stops, or one PB&J every 25 miles. Maybe 2 granola bars. Some have said I might be eating too much. Other say they see me and I'm not eating enough. Just so totally confused. I'm always fine until around mile 55. On the shorter rides I felt fine. It really started when I hit the 50+ mile rides.

[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~

[martinkap]

Hi,

I use to have the same problem, horrific pain in my lower belly, if I did not get off the bike immediately, it got worse to the point of immediate diarrhea and womiting (yeah, fun if you are in the Central Park).

I tried everything and then I discovered that it happens always when my guts are not completely empty and aggrevate them with continues pounding of my legs going up and down. So, I have moved my handlebars up just about 1 in. My belly has more space, and all the problems disappeared.

I am not sure if that will work for you, but you can try. I sacrificed a bit of the aerodynamics but I am not throwing up on the trail anymore

Martina

[sundial]

....I am insulin resistant because it takes higher levels of insulin to keep my blood sugar at a normal level.

I bought a Gel Bot last year and filled it with natural peanut butter with a dash of raw honey and lemon juice. I nursed on that bottle and I never had a problem with spiking glucose levels and felt it really helped me with endurance rides. I also use Accel Gel as there is protein in it and for a pre-ride meal I eat an egg on wheat toast. I avoid anything sugary as it causes my blood levels to spike too much. Perhaps sticking with protein sources will help your performance.

[gabriellesca]

Thanks everyone so much! It sounds like consensus is that I need to really focus on more natural protein while on the bike. So PB, turkey sandwich on a bagle maybe, PB&J on a bagel? Nuts is a great idea.

I love all the ideas and will pack alot of these foods for the Century. I don't have a long ride now before the 23rd - but will try these suggestions. I also might visit my doctor's walk in clinic - I've been sick to my stomach since Saturday. Argh.

Thank you all so much!

Any more thoughts advice - keep them coming ...

[Chicken Little]

Is this only happening in the heat? No symptoms when it's cooler?

[amy]

My sister has PCOS. She has all the classic symptoms and challenges. Over the last 2 years, she has lost a lot of weight, has walked two marathons, and has done multiple sprint length triathalons. I think that her experience has been that her body has just taken a lot longer than most to adjust to all the exercise. She started much slower than other people might. For example, walking two marathons and not feeling the need to run and being really happy about it. I think when she pushed too hard, her body just couldn't take it. So, she has found her own rhythmn. (And I'm so proud!)

PCOS can be a very subtle thing and the state of gynocological medicine is substandard at best, so getting clear information can be hard.

I exhibited signs of PCOS for years as well. Although my symptoms were all the exact opposite from my sister. And I never had the full endocrine workup because I chose the homeopathic route. For me, I've noticed that my body still needs a lot longer recovery time than others, and I need to listen to my own rhythmn. I build up slowly and carefully. As long as I listen to my body and am honest with what I hear, I'm ok.

My sister has long term plans for an ironman. And I think she'll do it. But she plans to build herself up over the next 5+ years. (She trains year round.) Slow and steady wins the race (or at least let's you finish it).

I have a lot of opinions and ideas about PCOS and complementary healing. If you're interested, feel free to message me. I can help more with that than training info.

Good luck.

[OakLeaf]

I know I'm the only one that's said anything about hydration/hyponatremia... but if you're still sick, that sounds EXACTLY like I get, and it does sound like the one thing you haven't tried.

Ask your doctor or dietitian what hydration solutions are safe for you with your diabetes. Chug three liters as soon as you get off the phone with them and get to the store. I'm not exaggerating. See if you feel better within two hours after doing that.