At What Point Do You Need More?
No matter how hard I plan on pushing things, I’m able to knock out a ride of 30 miles or less without thinking about it too much. I don’t do any additional preparation, don’t bring extra water, and don’t use any hydration tabs, gels, bloks, or anything else. But, when I go over that distance it often becomes a different story.
I know it’s not just psychological because I’ve read what our nutritionist, Kelli has to say each week in her Loving the BITE posts….and I know that the body needs certain things for each level of fitness output.
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to get out for many long distance rides lately, so I find that the psychological aspect actually does come into play because I’m not doing enough of them to feel confident. So right now I’m relying on nutritional help more than ever on the long rides.
If I’m feeling good, and not going overly far (say, less than 40 miles), then I’ll toss a gel or blok in my back pouch. If it’s extra hot I’ll often put a hydration tab in one of my water bottles.
Anything over 40 miles (at least for me right now) requires a full out game plan. I’ll take along what I mentioned above, and an extra water bottle…but will also add X2PERFORMANCE to the mix. If you didn’t see my post about this product previously, read it over and see what it can do for your energy, endurance, and recovery. The guys over at X2PERFORMANCE are paying me to talk about them, and I’m happy to be working with them……and I’d encourage you to give their free trial a look.
Disclosure: “Statements about X2Performance have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.”
And I am going to try this stuff, I am starting to gear up training, I went to the site and it looks interesting.
Let me know what you think of it when you get your sample, Eric.
I need 50 Plus mile rides to get my confidence to a reasonable point. In my head 30 is still a warmup.
I find the same thing with longer distance running. Now that I’m increasing my mileage in preparation for a late spring marathon, I really have to plan my nutrition, both during and after my longer runs. I am looking forward to trying the X2Peformance, particularly to see how it enhances my recovery between run.
Totally agree about long workouts – it takes a different game plan! I was doing long runs every weekend last summer and took Gu and my mini mule Camelbak with me. I’m training for a triathlon this summer, so that X2 is going to come in handy!
I’m glad to hear that you are planning to overcome the thirty mile wall you feel you are hitting. I’m sad to read you are involving the use of supplements and the like. There is entirely too much of this going on in sports in general, and in cycling in particular.
Reality is this: yes, a carbon fiber, magnesium, or titanium bike is a nice addition to ones arsenal of weapons to increase ones speed, endurance and riding cred.
Likewise, there is some, though very little evidence, and less that is verified or collaborated if the truth be told about how supplements and the like increase ones speed, endurance, or recovery or preride/post ride conditioning.
A lot of ones ability to ride is mind body connected. Equally it is about preparation physically. If one exercises and conditions in preparation for attacking a riding goal, and practices proper nutrition preseason as in post season…in other words, its a lifestyle not an event that you are preparing for. If one does this, they will find their ability to break a wall like a thirty mile barrier “happens” much to their amazement.
Its not so different from most things. You are the engine to the machine. One can put you into any sort of machine and if you are not up the task, you won’t succeed. If you are not up to the task, we can infuse you, drug you, and hyper prepare you, and you will run hard and long and then burn out with the damage to show in the longer run or worse after repeated application.
If you really want to move beyond the 30 mile mark, there is a reason that is the mark. See a medical professional to make sure you are up to the task. Work with a knowledgeable, sport specific nutritionist and coach to prepare, cross-train, and develop a lifestyle conducive to succeeding at moving beyond that goal. Then celebrate your hard earned/hard won success.
I wish you well, and success.
Thanks for the great reply. Going over 30 was never an issue for me before. In Canada and in Austin I would regularly get out for rides of 45, 70, and sometimes 100.
Here in Grenada I like to tell people that 20 miles here is like doing 35 somewhere else. So doing over 30 is like doing 70.
It also comes down to time and having enough of it for the longer rides.
Darryl, I have felt your pain….change in geography can be as important as a change in bike or in this case, nutritional “habit”. Thinner or moister air, requires a different strategy, as does a more mountainous ride. Talk with the locals, including docs, medics, and nutritionists and riders…I’d bet you’ll find the formula for success and easing the effort to success within them. Keep the wheels turning.
I can’t even imagine riding more than 10 miles! You rock. 🙂