Heat??

[Deborajen]

Don't be embarrassed. Staying hydrated is important, but you have to get your body used to heat. Expect to ride less and exert less at first, then gradually ride longer and more strenuously as your body has been exposed to the heat more. And keep listening to your body - If you get dizzy, get chills, etc., it's time to call it a day.

[Blueberry]

Sometimes it's just acclimation. Are you NC (your user name)? If so, the air quality may be hurting you (not that it isn't bad other places). Sometimes it happens, despite our best preparation.

Hang in there - I've had to shortcut several rides in the last couple of weeks. The weather is BRUTAL!

[westtexas]

I second the acclimation statements. Out here it's been over 100 degrees everyday for the past few weeks. And it's dusty to boot and half the place is usually on fire at one point or another (literally.) My first ride in the 100+ heat I got really really cold feeling and had to stop and turn around. But working a little everyday outside has really helped, especially with dealing with the bad air quality we have (lots of dust at least makes for beautiful sunsets!) The heat takes a lot out of you in a short amount of time so start slowly on your ride and warm up well before riding hard and fast.

[jlnc]

Thanks for the feedback all. Yes Blue, I am in NC and it was ridiculously hot today. I rode all last summer and never had this happen. @Katz, I only made it about 6 miles (it is a beginner 14 mile ride). I guess I am now feeling really nervous because it is only June, and it will only get hotter here!! I think i might have pushed myself a bit too hard in the beginning...I was cooped up in the office all day and just so excited to be on the bike after a long work day. I am hoping that what you are all saying about acclimation is true.

[Owlie]

You'll get used to it, to a degree. Even heat-intolerant me managed 36 miles in 90+ degrees with some ridiculous humidity. My build-up was a bunch of short loops in the morning or evening. Try doing some short loops (a couple of miles max) in your neighborhood, so you can stay relatively close to home lest you need a break from the heat.

[KatzPajamas]

glad you are OK! It has been more like 90 or less when I have been out so not been out in 95+ yet. My very brief experience so far this year is that the effects of the heat sneaks up on you and kicks your butt. recovery for me has taken days too

[Catrin]

Acclimation is very important as the others have said. It is also early in the season for it to be so hot, and at least around here, less than a month ago I was still having to pull out my tights for some rides...that is a pretty big change...

[jlnc]

Muirenn, i was just down on Fripp Island! We went into Beaufort a few times, what a great town! Had so much fun. The week started out nice there, but it was HOT by the time we left.
Thinking back to yesterday...I hadn't been on the bike in almost 2 weeks, hadn't really ridden in that kind of heat yet this year, and rode much faster than i should have been in the first part of the ride. So, lessons learned I guess....need to build up to that kind of riding. Thankfully I was with some really great and helpful people, and the leader was smart enough to tell me, No more for you!

[zoompastmykids]

.... @Katz, I only made it about 6 miles (it is a beginner 14 mile ride). ..... I am hoping that what you are all saying about acclimation is true.

Yes... acclimation makes all the difference. I moved from Tokyo (climate similar to NC), with 4 distinct seasons, to Texas - souteast. It's been 95-100 every day now for a month. The real feel or heat index has been near 98-104 often. I couldn't handle the heat when I got here two years ago but now it's ok. I actually feel comfortable on the bike with the breeze I generate pedaling at 15-18 mph. I did 25 miles last Friday. Before the crash. But generally I bike 10-14 some days, 14-17 others and then one day 20-30 and 1-2 off the bike. I certainly didn't start that way and had to work up. 4-6 was a big day and the day I managed 14 was a red letter day. You'll be fine once you acclimate.

In the meantime like the more experienced riders say.... take it easy.

[Jo-n-NY]

Great article Emily. At the end of last year and now this year we use a couple of products from Hammer. Electrolite pills. If going for a long ride we take a couple before then depending how long we ride and how hot is during and after. For long rides we use Pertetrum (sp?) and we switched from Gatorade which I always deluted to Powerade. I buy the powder and mix it myself so I alter how many scoops by how hot and how long a ride I am doing. It contains a lot less sugar than Gatorade. I also believe Hammer products are made with natural ingredients but do not quote me on that.

[marni]

+1 on the electrolytes and minerals, especially in the heat. Since the mastectomy surgery is thursday, I have been off of everything for over a week. This includes all electrolytes, sports drinks, pain relievers, vitamins, minerals, anti coagulents etc. I have been cramping and charlie horsing since Sunday in spite of drinking water, fruit juice, and milk non stop. Not much fun but at least it is an interesting illustration of how much difference they make to me, especially in the heat. Since our temperatures here have been above 90 with high humidity since the beginning of June, and 12 out of the 14 days, the temp has been at least 8 degrees higher than normal, I am forseeing spending a lot of my recovery time indoors. To facilitate that, tonight the SAG guy helped me set it up under an ac vent, and close enough to the table fan to reach and adjust easily. Plus there is room for a cd player and I have a couple of spinerval tapes. That's all for a couple of weeks from now, but it is motivating to look at.

marni

[KatzPajamas]

jlnc~ sorry that the heat got to you. I am wondering for my own safety, just how far did you go?

[Tri Girl]

It just takes time to get used to the heat. 2 weekends ago I had to sag in on a ride at 42 miles. I couldn't ride the last measly 15 because I had a horrid heat headache that made me cry in pain. I get that way for about the month of June until I acclimate. Doesn't matter how many electrolytes I take, or how much I drink and eat- I get horrid heat headaches.
Just keep riding, slowly, until your body adjusts. At least you knew when to say when and stop! Pedal on!