Electrolyte replacement?

[e3rdpower]

I believe Skratch is fairly sensitive to humidity, they do sell a canister for it. Should be ok in a ziploc for a ride i would think.

[tangentgirl]

+another on Nuun.

Anyone use salt tablets? Anyone know where to find salt tablets? I've been running a lot lately, did my first half marathon, and everyone was all about the salt. They literally had packets of salt at one of the aid stations. I avoided it because, nothing new on race day, but people who took it swore it helped a lot.

That all reminded me that years (like 20+) ago, Trader Joe's used to sell salt tablets in the vitamin section. They don't anymore, and I haven't seen them anywhere else, but I remember that, working outside on hot days, they were lifesavers. But not Lifesavers, cause those are candy.

Anyhoo, that's my answer. And my question.

[tzvia]

I use GU in the second water bottle on long rides or hot days. In the winter, I just take Clif Shot Bloks and water unless the ride is really long, and then the second bottle gets electrolite. If I am riding back to the car, I leave a protein bar there as a pick-me-up for after the ride, but I will take one, and a banana, on long rides with me if I know I am going to take a mid ride break.

Cytomax now uses stevia for a sweetener and I guess some people can't stomach it. I already use stevia in my morning brew instead of sugar and it does not bother me. So I bought a big can of Cytomax on sale to try after the GU is finished, I hope it tastes ok.

I used to poo poo the electrolyte 'nonsense' and just drink water, but a bad stomach cramp on a hot ride brought me around to try some in the second bottle. Have not had a cramp on a ride since, and maybe it's all in my head, but adding the electrolytes to my rides makes me feel fresher longer. It really helps curb the bonk and the deep thirst.