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

[gabriellesca]

Thanks OL - I'm not diabetic but do have PCOS so I am insulin resistant. I'm not really sure what you mean about my hydration - I've been drinking, what I'm told and what seems to be the right amount.

CL - No, its happening hot or cool.

Amy - Thanks very much. This is very interesting to me about your sister - she clearly is very motivated. I've been doing a bit of on-line research and if I could get in with my doctor I might try to see her (although she's booked).

[Sing&Ride]

I have a tendency to get hypoglycemic so I've had my share of blood sugar crashes too, but mostly off-bike, thank goodness. I second everyone's advice about protein, though I'd caution against cutting out carbs entirely - your muscles need the glycogen. (A friend on Atkins tried to eat protein-only on-bike and couldn't last past 50 miles.) But, according to my endocrinologist, by adding protein to your intake, you establish a base of slower-releasing energy going on underneath the quick-release simple sugars, and that helps keep the insulin levels more consistent. You might try a sports drink with protein in it. I use the PowerBar "Recovery" mix (marketed for use after rides) while riding because has protein in it. It's never made me feel sick to my stomach, doesn't taste too sweet, and I don't get crashes. I start with a bottle of it, and bring a baggie with enough powder to mix a second bottle half-way, instead of drinking the Gatoraide offered at most rest stops.

I also carry a little baggie of Snyder's of Hanover peanut-butter pretzel sandwiches on longer rides. They're super-yummy, bite-size (more convenient to nibble on on-bike), and a good mix of protein with carbs.

Hope this helps - and good luck on the century!

Jennifer

[gabriellesca]

Thanks Jennifer - I'll try to find the 'Recovery' Drink and the pretzels with peanut butter is a great idea.

I love the advice guys - I think the protein will really help me as I haven't had any protein on my rides at all (except for the bananas - which I think are a source of some protein). Any other protein suggestions - keep em' coming.

On top of this ... I slipped and fell this morning going into work and my ankle, foot, and knee are bruised and swollen! Argh!

[tc1]

Anyways, on rides I do best with a mix of protein and carbs. Subway brand sandwiches are a perfect blend, just don't eat all the sandwich at once. No veggies or roughage except olives on the sandwich, the time for that stuff is off the bike. Or, leftover steak rolled up in a tortilla is *****in'. Energy bars are a waste of time for me, I don't digest soy very well so feel no energy when I eat one. And (shudder) no bananas on the ride, I am "sensitive" so they give me the gastric symptoms described by other riders.

I love the shot blocks, I get the margarita ones with extra salt, or the orange with caffeine, when I can find them.

[Sing&Ride]

Sorry to hear about your ankle - I hope it heals up quickly!

[RolliePollie]

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

Hang in there...you'll get this figured out! I basically lose my appetite on longer rides, but it doesn't sound as severe as what you're experiencing. I don't really get nauseous, but a lot of foods I'd normally love are impossible for me to eat.

I've experimented with different things and I've found that Gatorade, black cherry Cliff Shot Bloks, and a few select flavors of gels work great for me. But getting solid foods down that I actually have to chew is quite difficult. Sandwiches, for example, are not something I can eat while riding. I can't make myself swallow the bread. But turkey cold cuts go down easily. I've can also tolerate cashews and almonds, but peanuts make me gag. And Red Vines and chewey cookies work for me too (but crunchy cookies would be gag-worthy). I think it's really an individual thing. A friend of mine can eat anything while riding. I am surprised by how little I eat during a long ride. But believe me, I make up for after the ride when I'm a bottomless pit!

Good luck figuring this out...I have found it frustrating and it sounds like you're frustrated too!

[Angy]

Sorry to hijack..

Amy: I wanted to contact you about pcos, but i can't find a way to contact you through here. If you can email me, I'd love to chat! Thanks! adsnoop@mchsi.com

[Flybye]

Hello!
I have PCOS as well and have been diagnosed as borderline on insulin resistance. I have it under control with diet and exercise. I have never felt better once I started eating right and exercising.

I second what Amy said about having to work harder to get to the goal and that recovery might take a little longer. That just makes the victory sweeter!

One thing that I am wondering as I read through your posts... are you taking Metformin? There is a possibility that medication is causing the problem.
http://www.medicinenet.com/metformin/article.htm
I took it for two days b/c a Dr. recommended it. I threw it away and haven't looked back. I am assuming that during exercise, the body becomes more efficient in it's use of insulin and if you throw a medication in the works, it could really cause some havoc. Might be a good question for a Dr. that is knowledgeable as both a physician and an athlete. Or a pharmacist that is an athlete.

As an aside, I have found that I can eat pretty much any amount of carbs that I want while I ride as long as I have some protein to go with them or if I alternate a snack with carbs and one with protein. I tend to reach for a protein bar b/c they are easy to put in a jersey.

Good luck!

[gabriellesca]

Thanks Flyby - I don't take Metformin. I tried it for a while but the side effects were harsh for me.

I think that making sure I have some protein while I ride - although not too much (from what I'm reading) - is going to be really key next weekend.

Today is our last training ride - a very easy and flat 15 mile ride to lunch and then 15 miles back. I'm looking forward to something flat for once!

Thanks everyone for your help! My fears about next weekend and my first (and maybe only) Century are mounting. But my ankle, knee, and foot got the okay from my ortho which is great!

[Kvixen23]

I'm trying to get to Wichita Falls next weekend for my century, Hotter'n'Hell!! While I don't have any medical issues (diagnosed anyways) It will be my first and I am nervous. Since it is the same date you posted, I was just wondering if it is the same ride.

In any case, listen to your body!! It will tell you when you've had enough. Take a lot of breaks and be safe. Most important, HAVE FUN!!!!