Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

This is a bit "after the fact" but I didn't read my ridecamp this 
weekend (Bad girl, bad girl!)

On staying hydrated..... I have suffered from heat stroke several times 
in my life, and it's not fun.  A couple years ago, I took a trip to 
Kwajelein *grin* Where the hell is Kwajelein!?  It's about halfway 
between Hawaii and Australia, 8 degrees off the equator. It's HOT! 
about 85-105 ALL the time, and HUMID, like 90-100%.  I was to be there 
for three weeks, and I was terrified.

Right after I landed on this rock in the ocean (It's three miles long, 
half a mile wide, and 11 feet above the water) we went golfing. Gods, I 
was mentally freaking out!  But, you know what?  I survived, 
beautifully.  I drank 5 pints of water and two beers in two and a half 
hours.  I only peed twice.  I felt wonderful!

The whole time I was there, I drank, and drank and drank.  I ALWAYS had 
four water bottles with me, two with water, and two with Gatorade 
(which I love *grin* (I love Power Bars too.... except a couple of 
flavors))  I limited my alcohol consumption (well, except for a couple 
nights, *giggle) and had a great time.  I've never drank so much liquid 
in my life!

I was pretty active while there.... there aren't any cars on the 
island, one travelled by bicycle.  Riding a bike in that weather, 
coupled with 15-25 mph prevailing winds is very dehydrating.  My 
bicycle baskets were always full of water bottles.  I walked the 
beaches, swam in the HOT water (I thought the water off Hawaii was 
warm, but it's about 10 degrees warmer off Kwaj) and was outside quite 
a bit.  I NEVER had a problem.

So, All you people who train and ride in the hot weather need to drink 
a hell of a lot more than you think.  Seriously.  If my experience is 
any indication, you should be drinking at least 3 pints an hour. More 
would be better.  Just drinking at stops is not enough.

And Jeez guys, what's wrong with Power Bars and Gatorade!?  Really!!!!  
I could live for weeks on that! *grin*

Julie

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One would think that logic would prevail. But then, if logic did prevail,
men would ride sidesaddle. 
~  Bob Morris

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