Commuting: building mileage and managing cold

[ladyjai]

hot liquids and a personal space heater on your toes :-D

[nuthatch]

I've got the same problem - almost like that efficient furnace turns itself down to "vacation" setting when I stop moving (whether from an actual commute or my morning trainer ride). I load on the clothes and everyone at work laughs at me. The only thing that works is getting up and doing a few jumping jacks or such to rev things back up. I don't think I'm the ultra-fit athlete or anything but my heartrate goes way down, body temp way down and brrrrr!! Maybe an electric blankie at work??

[mainerider]

I have this problem too. I haven't thought too much about what I eat and drink after a ride, usually whatever is on hand, will give the hot stuff a try.

[thinpaperwings]

I figured I should give an update, and thank you all for your wonderful advice.

I found a Novara waterproof windbreaking jacket that, while rather large on me, breaks the wind very nicely and makes a huge difference for my ride. The weather hasn't been as cold as it was before, so I don't know if it will stand up to near-freezing temperatures, but so far it has been great.

I've also gotten a better water bottle and am drinking more on my ride: I've noticed a big difference there, too. Thanks for pointing out how important drinking is during the ride.

A third difference is that I've changed my commute so that I don't ride through downtown anymore, and I have fewer lights to stop at. Most of the ride is along the river, and while it gets windy, I stay warm because I don't have to stop.

Overall, I think the biggest improvement is the windbreaking jacket.

Thanks again!
Sara