Wasn’t sure what to post about this day. There are a bunch of things swirling around in my head, but nothing that I want to commit to the keyboard and the archive known as the Internet. Then I happened upon a blog post that took care of it all for me. A special thanks to Hunter Allen for nailing one of my besetting issues.
It all has to do with water — hydration to be exact. I’m not the best water drinker in the world. I don’t drink enough off the bike and I certainly don’t drink enough when I am on it. So, what does Mr. Hunter have to say about that?
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The #1 reason why cycling races are lost is because of improper hydration. #1. Second place is always not as hydrated as first place. So, hydrate plenty. Hydrate before your event, during your event and after your event!!! If you don’t have to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, then you are not hydrated enough! Bring a two liter container of water work each day and finish it off during the day. Have a cup of water beside your bed and when you wake up in the middle of the night, drink some. For every 20-30 miles you ride, you should drink a full water bottle.
This was point number three of “7 mistakes most athletes make.” My teammate, Thomas Smith, posted a link to the article on Facebook. It is found on the official TrainingPeaks blog.
The other six mistakes I’m sure I commit on occasion. However, lack of hydration — and proper fueling on the bike — is one thing I know I mess up on a regular basis. I’m pretty certain that is the mistake that ruined my day at River Falls this year.
Of course, there really is no secret to fixing the problem. You just drink. It is amazing though how often it is easier said that done. Often time gets away from me and I lose track of reaching for the bottle. Sometimes I just am too scared to take my hands of the bar and reach down.
Off the bike my problem is that I don’t enjoy water. I know that sounds like heresy to many — including the Beautiful Redhead. As a teetotaler, it isn’t bear or wine that attracts me. Coffee, root bear, cream soda, iced tea, or chocolate milk are what I would drink all the time if I could get away with it. Still, I know there isn’t anything that replenishes your body better than the straight old H2O.
It is a simple thing. It would be a pity to go through the pain of training just to throw it all out the window due to not drinking enough water. When you think of it that way, it is stupid not to focus on being hydrated.
Okay, Hunter, you’ve convinced me. That is one mistake I should be able to avoid. I’ve got my bottle right now. I’m tipping it up and saying, “This one is for you!” and for successful days ahead.
