Question: My girlfriend and I had problems with fluid intake at the Hotter'n Hell Hundred last summer in Wichita Falls, Texas. We drank lots of water and some sports drink but still hit the wall. The worst problem—we hate the taste of those drinks. I want to give it another try this year. What should we do? -- Bernie J. RBR Replies: I've ridden the Hotter'n Hell myself and I … [Read more...] about How Should I Drink in the Heat?
1Training & Health
Blood Pressure During and After Exercise
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. High blood pressure puts you at increased risk for suffering a heart attack or stroke and damaging every organ in your body. Lowering high blood pressure helps to protect you from these complications (JAMA, 1970;213:1143-52). Blood pressure is usually at its lowest at bedtime. … [Read more...] about Blood Pressure During and After Exercise
Lower Back Pain for Cyclists: Tips for Prevention and Fixes
By Coach Rick Schultz One question that the recreational roadies and racers I coach have in common – and something I hear very often from riders of all ages and abilities – is some variation of: “My lower back is always sore during and/or after a ride. What can I do about it?” In short, there's no magic bullet to address this common problem. Lower back pain is … [Read more...] about Lower Back Pain for Cyclists: Tips for Prevention and Fixes
Nature Breaks and Dehydration
By Coach John Hughes Watching the Tour de France, every so often you'll hear commentator Phil Liggett say that the riders have stopped for a "nature break," and the camera pans to something else. Maybe you've noticed that during a multi-hour race the riders will only stop once or twice. A reader, Andy, emailed me about nature breaks: “I learned how little time one of my … [Read more...] about Nature Breaks and Dehydration
Don’t Get Baked in the Summer
By Coach John Hughes I raced the Furnace Creek 508 through the Mojave Desert and Death Valley in 1989 and 1993. I set a course record and won both times. I raced for over 30 continuous hours in each of those two races. The 508-mile race, with 35,000 feet of climbing, is a qualifier for the Race Across AMerica. I wasn’t the fastest rider—many would have beaten me in a … [Read more...] about Don’t Get Baked in the Summer