GSAstuto
Maximum Pace
- Oct 11, 2009
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- 253
Nutrition for event related activities may likely vary considerably than for general fitness. For example, a key benchmark for competitive athletes is their total water consumption rate based on a test that measures body weight before and after a set duration (generally on a trainer). Then a calculation is made to determine the optimal replacement volume. (Oftentimes including electrolyte analysis too). As you ride more and more strenuously your blood plasma volume will increase - and decrease afterwards. So, it's natural to weigh a little more after you've had a hard workout of a couple or several hours simply due to this. Assuming you've been hydrating 'properly' to begin with. Then a few hours (or day) later, that plasma volume will naturally reduce and so will the weight it carries. Professional and serious amateur athletes train based on very critical programs that are constantly monitored and adjusted according to a variety of data such as the above and regular analysis blood work. For general fitness almost anyone can do a little more on the hydration side of things (as FE aptly notes). Just very basically if your urine is dark colored, you are probably on the dehydrated side of things. Increase your water consumption until your urine is pale or near-clear. Over consumption of water has its own hazards, but is generally rare amongst casual cyclists. I wouldn't worry too much about water weight --- it's not permanent. And also as you work out more, you may actually find yourself gaining weight due to increased lean muscle mass. That's not a bad thing, either. Again, very big difference in requirements for those engaged in casual or recreational cycling and those competing at national or professional levels.