Heat??

[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 I also believe Hammer products are made with natural ingredients but do not quote me on that.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