Just did a century this morning. Not used to the longer stuff but need to get it in for IM Austria. Rode 101 miles, 5:14 minutes, took in 5 -24 ounce bottles of electrolyte and water mix plus bars and Gu 175 calories per hour (180 lb body weight). Every hour I was off the bike peeing. It was a lot of urine and it was clear. Temp was 60 degrees and I was not over dressed. I could have easily peed on the bike if I was racing but I am just curious if this is “normal”. Maybe I dont need to be taking in quite so much fluid, even though i felt strong throughout the ride and held my wattage from beginning to end.
I weigh in at 185 and generally consume 3-4 750ml bottles of Infinit mix over a 5 hour ride without having to stop to pee. It really depends on your sweat rate and by the time I’m done, I’m fairly crusty with salt. With this said, by the time I get home I’m running to the bathroom once I park the bike.
During IM Florida in 2006 I had to pee/urge every 15 minutes. Found out afterwards I had prostate cancer. Really messes with your racing. I did 17 IMs prior to Florida and normally peed maybe twice during the bike.
Jeff - I think you’ll find your hydration efforts a bit over enthusiastic and that you consumed liquid that you didn’t need. Other than peeing a lot, in some the risk of hyponatremia (low sodium) is real and in certain cases lethal. I’d suggest you poke around the net and see what Tim Noakes or Joe Friel have to say about rehydration as it would help you significantly. Also, spend some time with hyponatremia and these two searches will direct you fluid wise. Good luck.
For the low temps, 5 bottles seem too much…thus you peed. Heck, I have one kidney, and a bladder that doesn’t empty (getting older). I usually will pee one during a long ride in training but in a race will have to go mulitple times…My IM bike split would improve 7-10 minutes if I could just pee on the bike - somebody please help me learn to do this.
5 bottles for a 5 hour ride doesn’t really sounds like overkill, although I probably would have been in the 3-4 range. If it’s not too hot out and you aren’t at risk of dehyration or bonking, just try drinking for thirst or maybe 1 bottle every 75-90 min. Although I’d rather overdo it with the liquids than underdo it (within reason, of course). Salt tablets can help with absorption too.
Maybe once, depending on the day. For me 5 bottles would be way too much, especially just for a ride with no run afterward. For a ride of that length I’d hydrate well before the ride, drink 3 bottles at most during, and hydrate again after.
Peeing on the bike, without “exposure” as might be the case during a “natural break” on the TdF is really simple. As it was explained to me, on a long gradual downhill, you just put your weight on the pedals and let it fly. Don’t compromise control of the bike. Once complete, a good dowsing of water from your water bottle takes care of the clean up and you’re good to go. I’ve only done this on IM distance races, particularly in Hawaii where you’re soaking wet from sweat anyway. A different technique may be appropriate in colder climate races.
during a race this wouldnt be a problem. but at 60 degrees youre probably not sweating very much. just hold back on the liquid.
yeah, usually when the temp is lower i have to pee more because i take in too much liquid out of habit…normally in the summer i can go 5 hours without stopping no problem.
In five hours I drink five liters of water without needing to piss. Depending on your age, your problem is either an enlarged prostate if you’re older, or an irritated prostate if you’re younger. If you’re younger you might try an Adamo saddle. If that doesn’t work then get some god damn Flomax.
