Experimental Data and a Longer Ride on the Monkey
Went out today hoping to complete a longer ride than I have done in a while. I also wanted to learn more about my diet and diet considerations for the upcoming Ouachita Challenge. This may sound a bit stupid....
I started the day by eating a small breakfast (couple eggs, and coffee) around 8:00. Did not eat anything else before I started the ride at 1:00. Sound stupid? I wanted to test out the new nutrition items that I bought to consume during the long race. My thoughts were: I normally am nervous so I rarely eat much before a race, and this race is 60 or so miles long...so I am basically going to have to eat on the ride (I can not hope for some large breakfast carrying me through the event).
As I started the ride I took a couple swigs of the endurance drink, took a few electrolyte tabs, and a couple supplement tabs (basically OKG). I also made sure I took a shot of gel about every 45 minutes. I continued to take OKG tabs hourly, 2-3 electrolyte tabs hourly, gels regularly, lots of water, and a pull off the endurance drink every 20 minutes.
I am happy to say, that the little experiment resulted in TOTAL confidence in these supplements. I never cramped, never felt fatigued, and I managed to hold a steady pace (that was pretty close to the pace I set for the marathon race I did at the same trail I rode today.
Things took a slight turn to bad when I heard that sound of gurgling in my pack that signified that I was out of water (this was at the 2 hour 45 minute mark, and the furthest point from supplies and gear). I vowed to continue riding until either: A. I cramp like a banshee, or B. I make it back to the truck.
I am happy (once again) to report that I turned in option B and made it back to the truck without cutting the ride short. Final ride time was 3 hours 30 minutes, and the pace only dropped slightly at the end.
I am pretty stoked about the experience, but I know that I am no where near ready for 60+ miles.
The trails were very wet in places, and stream crossings were deep and very wet. Most of the trails were tacky and fast, but after a lot of time on them you ended up with a nice coating of dirt/mud on your body.
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IME it is prolly more what U
IME it is prolly more what U ate the day before that says how well you will ride today.
Good luck at the Ouachita Challenge
yes, but....
The whole purpose of me not eating beforehand was to see how well I could refill the tanks as they empty. There is little doubt that I depleted what was in my system in the first hours of training, and the endurance drink gave me the nutrients needed to continue....at least that is what my experiences have taught me.
Thanks, I am going to need a little luck!
Oh, and BTW...I ate very little the day before. I am sorry to say the food was way off my diet too. I had an egg souffle for breakfast, actually drank a Dr. Pepper (and less water)in the afternoon after eating a fried chicken strip meal form Sonic (blech!), then for dinner I had an enchilada from the local grocery store....man I am ashamed to admit that!
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