Loving the BITE: Big Ride Pre-Load

It’s about 2 hours before your big ride. You’ve planned and prepared. Your bike is ready. But are you? When you face riding in hot summer temps for big mileage, you can do yourself a big favor by consuming a few “advanced ingredients” with your pre-ride meal.  We’ve covered Pre-Ride Nutrition a few times before. But it never hurts to review it and discuss what may work for you this season.

We’ve talked about the carbs. The calories. The timing. The type of foods (easy to digest, and my preference, liquified into a smoothie).

This week, we’ll discuss the addition of some advanced ingredients to take your pre-ride nutrition to the next level. I’ve mentioned each of them individual in past posts.  In this one, we’ll put it all together for your toughest rides.

Recipe of the Week: Advanced Pre-Ride Nutrition Plan

Ingredients

Foundation:

• Pre-Ride Smoothie OR 8 ounces organic Lemonade mixed with 8 ounces water

Advanced Ingredients:

• 2-3 Tbsp beetroot powder*
• 1/8-1/4 tsp. sea salt
• 5 gms each  l-glutamine and BCAAs
• probiotics from yogurt or supplement
• ~200 caffeine from supplement, cold-brew coffee, or natural energy drink

Instructions: Use these advanced ingredients before important training or races (ONLY use before races after practicing in training!). Before a 3+ hour ride, try the pre-ride smoothie with all advanced ingredients added EXCEPT caffeine. Finish consuming the smoothie about 90-120 minutes before the ride. Take the caffeine 15-30 minutes before riding.

If using on a shorter ride (<=3 hours), use the 16 ounce lemonade/water mix with beetroot powder,  1/8 tsp salt, 2-3 gms bcaa’s & l-glutamine, and 100-200 mg body weight caffeine. Finish drinking lemonade water ~45-60 minutes before the ride and caffeine 15-30 minutes before ride.

*Beet powder is a great ingredient, but if you hate the taste of beets, don’t ruin your whole pre-ride meal/snack with it.  Omit it if you don’t like it!

Comments:

Why all the extra, advanced ingredients? The same reason for any of the ingredients. It’s what your body can use to perform it’s best, when it counts the most.  Here’s why each of these amazing ingredients have been included:

Beetroot powder – Beets increase the bodies nitric oxide, which dilates vessels and allows for better oxygen transport. What’s more it, somehow increases oxygen uptake by the muscles as well. Click here for more information.

Salt – especially for those who need more sodium during rides, pre-loading with it can increase blood volume and give you an electrolyte head start. Click here for more information.

Specific amino acids reduce muscle fatigue, improve recovery, and even decrease lactic acid affects. For more information click: Beta Alanine, l-glutamine, and BCAAs.

Probiotics are incredibly useful for cyclists. Not only do they decrease stomach up set and acid reflux, they also improve nutrient breakdown and VO2 Max! That’s right. Click here for more information.

Caffeine can work miracles. It reduces the feeling of fatigue and pain while improving endurance. Click here for all the details.

Why stick with status quo when you can go beyond it to advanced? This week, improve your oxygen transport, reduce fatigue, and optimize your performance. Try them all at once or one at a time. Either way, you’re in for a treat and a great ride!

Fuel Your Ride. Nourish Your Body.

If you’d like to work with Kelli one-on-one with a Custom Nutrition Plan & Coaching, or download one of her acclaimed Instant Download Plans like Fuel Right Race Light, click here: Apex Nutrition Plans for Endurance Athletes. Be sure to use coupon code lovingthebike for a 15% discount!