Winners: The two people who have won a copy of David’s book are @pinkchick and @Robert. Thanks to everyone who entered and I hope anyone who didn’t win will head over and pick up a copy of The Distance anyway. Have you ever wanted to train for a triathlon or Ironman, but just weren’t...
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For this week’s Make it Happen Monday post, I’m here to let you know how you can Make things Happen with the LIVESTRONG Foundation. I’m pretty sure that any blogger out there would be stoked to get their article published over at www.livestrong.org. If you’re a cycling blogger, it’s likely even more exciting....
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As you’re likely already aware, this whole week we’ve been focusing on Two Wheels, Fast Feet. To wrap up this series, I wanted to focus on some of the great organizations out there that are helping kids through cycling. I know there are a whole lot of them around the world, so please forgive...
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It’s kids week over here at Loving the Bike, and each and every post will be focused around the Two Wheels, Fast Feet program that we’re launching today. Growing up, the beginning of June was always my favorite time of the whole year. School was about to let out, my birthday was coming up,...
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Contest Now Closed: Thanks to everyone who entered our One Good Earbud contest, and thanks to them for supplying us with some sets to give away to y’all. Three winners were randomly selected from those who left comments (using www.random.org). The winners are: @simonro, @egggman, and @ayogist. Please send your mailing address to darryl@lovingthebike.com...
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Friday May 13 Update: Thanks to everyone who entered our Road ID contest, and thanks to Outside PR and Road ID for helping us out with this. A great big Congratulations goes out to Roy Smalley who is the lucky winner of a Road ID jersey and ID. Prior to getting myself a Road ID...
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“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give” – Winston Churchill This week we are the midst of one of the most tightly fought contests since King Arthur took on the might of The Black Knight. The intellectual hammer has been thrown down and it’s time...
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If you haven’t heard of Grease Monkey Wipes, I’d like to introduce you to this good old company located right here in Austin, Texas. Grease Monkey Wipes are “multi-purpose cleaning wipes that use an all natural citrus formula for heavy duty cleaning. Each wipe easily removes grease, grime, oil, paint, marker and other messes...
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There is a whole lot to celebrate today, and I’m happy you could stop by to join in on the party. Celebrating Sweetness First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who submitted their video entry for the “Sweet” contest we ran with our good friends over at Sweet Leaf Tea. Based right here...
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So far we’ve had 11 brave souls send in their video submission as entry into our wicked Sweet Leaf Tea contest. With a prize pack that includes: Cycling Jersey 2 cases of Sweet Leaf Tea A bunch of other Sweet Leaf Tea Schwag (I’ve honestly never used that word before) …..we had to push...
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Tune in to the video below and catch all the sweet details in our latest contest. I’m really loving this one because it’s going to allow me to interact with my readers a whole lot more. Check out the video, submit your entry, and you’re in to win……….. Huge thanks to the great people...
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The T-Shirt Giveaway is officially closed and the boys from Stomach of Anger have selected a winner. Kendall (aka @velofreak) is the winner with his entry of “I Am The Motor“. Good job, Kendall…..I’m looking forward to seeing that one on a T-shirt. Thanks to everyone for submitting your ideas….I enjoyed reading them all....
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Question: Out of habit, I’ve always eaten cereal (granola) before my morning ride. For the last several weeks, I’ve been riding at 6am to avoid the heat, and eating at 5:30 am. I haven’t had any stomach issues, but I am not sure that this is the best pre-ride meal strategy. My legs have felt heavy since starting to ride earlier. My rides are 1.5-2 hours. Should I eat less, something different, or nothing at all? What do you think?
Kelli’s Answer: I think your pre-ride fuel strategy can be improved. The issue with eating a moderately high fiber breakfast within 30 minutes of beginning a ride is that it will likely take too long to digest, absorb, and metabolize to provide any energy to your muscles at all. And, what’s more, if the meal is setting in your stomach, you are increasing your risk of stomach cramps (but it sounds like you’ve been okay here) and a reduced bloodflow to your legs since your body is working at digesting.
Although many athletes feel like they need a full breakfast before a morning ride, I think you’ll have better result with less food, and ones that you can eat quickly and metabolize faster.
My first choice would be 2 Tablespoons organic honey + 0.5 – 1 Tbsp organic coconut oil (all straight off the spoon). Why? These are fast-acting, quick-metabolizing energy foods. The honey provides moderately fast carbs that act similarly to maltodextrin (moderately fast and longer lasting than glucose), natural enzymes to improve digestion, and antioxidants. The organic coconut oil provides fast-acting medium chain triglycerides which are used directly by the mitochondria of cells (energy producers) without the need for bile or slow digestion.
Another option would be a sports food with a moderate amount of protein – something like a Clif bar. Or, a smoothie with 1/4 cup yogurt, 1/2 banana, 1 Tbsp honey, and water. These foods will also digest quickly and provide energy during your ride.
And, don’t forget about 8 oz. of fluid.
During your ride, especially if high intensity and over 60 minutes, or moderate intensity and over 90 minutes, you’ll still need during-ride fuel as well. With all rides in heat, you’ll want fluids and lytes!
