I haven't been dining out lately as I'm training for my first cycling event this Fall, Pedal the Cause. It's a great event supporting cancer research and all proceeds stay in San Diego. I plan to ride the 50 mile loop from La Jolla to Encinitas.
So far I've been riding 3-4 days a week and averaging 50 miles by the end of each week. This weekend I rode a total of 32 miles in 4 hours. I'm hoping to finish the event in less than 5 hours. Aside from training every week to increase my endurance, I also wanted other ways to improve my performance. One area I needed to work on was nutrition. I'm not talking about cutting back on what I eat everyday but how my body is hydrated during training and recovery after. I started off with nutrition bars and energy chews but after riding 20+ miles, I needed a boost in recovery. While watching the Tour de France, I discovered a new energy drink company called Osmo Nutrition. As a researcher by trade, I'll research the heck out of a product before I try it. I'll also buy a few samples of everything before committing to a certain brand. What drew me to even give Osmo Nutrition a chance was the science behind the brand. Their YouTube videos were informative too.
After my 32 mile ride, I took Osmo Acute Recovery. I mixed the powder with 50% orange juice, 25% water and 25% milk. The powder itself was flavored with vanilla. The drink tasted like a Orange Creamsicle. It wasn't bad at all. It was pretty good for a powdered drink. My body was very sore on Saturday and by Sunday it wasn't as bad. I had some soreness but it was in minor areas such my neck and lats.
Below are the other products I'm using for nutrition during my rides:
Clif Bars - Organic and many flavors
Clif Bloks - Organic and it tastes like gummy bears. Loving flavor Mountain Berry.
I wasn't interested in using gels nor Gatorade (too much sugar). Below is what is recommended to eat/drink during medium-length rides.
PRIMARY CONCERN: Carbohydrate replenishment
WHAT TO DRINK: 1 bottle water and 1 bottle sports drink per hour, at least
WHAT TO EAT: 30-60g of carb per hour from bars, gels and sports drinks--up to 80g if you're consuming glucose and fructose together
BONUS TIP: Don't dilute the sports drinks--your body absorbs them most efficiently at their correct concentrations.
During long rides, I plan to carry the following with me:
1 Clif Bar
3 Clif Bloks
1 bottle water
1 bottle sports drink
2 packets of Osmo Active Hydration
I'm not loving the taste of the electrolyte tablets so I'm hoping the Osmo Active Hydration will keep me hydrated during my rides. Stay tuned.
