Training & Nutrition - Aspirin before a ride?

Im now in my 50's and have been doing the daily aspirin thing since about age 45, but now that I'm getting back into cycling I'm wondering if I'm the only one that times my aspirin use to about 30 minutes before the ride. As an older guy the aspirin thing has some benefit with respect to heart issues and even if there was little actual benefit the mental aspect just makes make feel safer riding. I can also imagine that the slight blood thining effect of aspirin could reduce HR during a ride and promote fasters times due to reduced oxygen starvation at higher output levels.

OK, I'm no doctor and can't say there's any proof to the cycling benefit but would appreciate any ideas from anyones that knows.

Who else takes an aspirin before a ride?


Brian

Is the aspirin actually advised by your medical practitioner? Or are you picking up on something you've read?

For a start, aspirin does not thin the blood. It reduces the blood's coagulation or clotting action.

Do you take an enteric coated aspirin dose, or do you just take off-the-shelf, ordinary aspirin? If the latter, you are liable to sustain stomach problems in the long term. The enteric coated aspirin is designed to bypass the stomach and dissolve in the small intestine to overcome this risk.

If you read the instructions contained with the aspirin designed as a defence for heart attacks and strokes, you will note that it is advised to take the pill at the same time every day. Its timing before riding a bicycle is irrelevant.

As far as I am aware, there is no performance enhancement in using aspirin. However, there is a risk of excessive bleeding and bruising should you be involved in a bike accident (or any sort of accident) and it is prudent in that case to advise whoever is treating you (provided you are conscious).

You also should not take additional aspirin as a pain reliever. Other types of pain relief drugs should be used.

I have been using the appropriate aspirin for 12 years as a result of a heart attack and on the advice of my then-heart specialist and my medical practitioner. I also read instructions carefully.

I often take it before, and sometimes in the middle of, a long ride, but to reduce pains, not for circulatory reasons.

Viagra. Off-label use. All the "pros" use it. :rolleyes:

It seems to cause problems with me when ever I take it before doing any event. For some reason I just dont feel 100% if I take it before activites.