Training & Nutrition - slow rider

I was wondering if anyone has the same problem as me. I'm a slow rider. Part of the problem I think is that I'm hypoglycemic (opposite of diabetic) and it seems that I use up my energy very fast and therefore my sugar level drops suddenly. It's hard to participate in group rides because I'm so slow but I get there which counts. Any suggestions?

I was wondering if anyone has the same problem as me. I'm a slow rider. Part of the problem I think is that I'm hypoglycemic (opposite of diabetic) and it seems that I use up my energy very fast and therefore my sugar level drops suddenly. It's hard to participate in group rides because I'm so slow but I get there which counts. Any suggestions?

Congrats on "getting there." That is truly what counts.

My wife is hypoglycemic, and I am most definitely NOT! I can go for hours with absolutely no nutrition, while she is like a traveling snack bar. She loads up on protein-type foods and whole grain oatmeal prior to biking, and takes a variety of snacks, both carbs and protein which she eats along the way. SO, it makes for interesting biking between her stopping and eating and my not eating nor needing the stops! Anyway, we work it out just fine. But, we find the same problem on group rides. The Type A non-hypoglyccemic folks haven't a clue about my wife's nutrition needs, and they keep chomping at the bit to get going while she replenishes herself. Actually, we no longer go on group rides.

I think there is no set eating rule for someone who is hypoglycemic - each person finds their own combinations of foods which keeps them going.

Good luck.

Thanks DnvrFox. It's also nice to know that they are guys like you out there. My last boyfriend dumped me because I couldn't keep up with him on his century rides. I too take a lot of snacks. It takes longer to get my food together than the bike.

Thanks DnvrFox. It's also nice to know that they are guys like you out there. My last boyfriend dumped me because I couldn't keep up with him on his century rides. I too take a lot of snacks. It takes longer to get my food together than the bike.

That wasn't much of a "boyfriend!"

You are much better off being rid of him.

Keep looking - there are good guys out there.

You might also try carrying a bottle with sports drink. I use Powerade that I mix at home before starting out. That has the stuff to keep you going. At sag stops, replenish with something solid. Congrats on keeping at it. It only gets better the more you ride. And yes, there are some good guys out there. Where, I don't know. But they're there!

Did you ever try coke (the soda)? Of course, your not going to carry a can of soda on your bike but pour the can into a water bottle and shake it (to make it flat). You might have to water it down because flat soda tasts very sweet, at least for me.

For that matter, why not just fruit juice? I've even heard people water down fruit juice 1:1, to get just the right sugar/electrolyte level. I'd strongly recommend staying away from carbonated sodas as they tend to dehydrate you more than hydrating, and the CO2 leaches calcium from the bones.

That was smart of you, BTW, to dump your last "boyfriend" for not being willing to go your speed on century rides ;) .

I'm hypoglycemic too. I do the protein bars, found a great one at GNC and the powerbar protein bars. I also use Accelerade in my hydration pack. I last until 30 miles and then need food. On group rides I keep one of the Powerbar protein bars in my jersey pocket just in case.
My favorite breakfast is real oatmeal with a couple of tablespoons of yogurt and some cut up apples and then a protein shake (milk, yogurt and fruit).
Accelerade includes some protein which is why it works for me.
Stay away from anything high in sugar, such as instant oatmeal, cookies, donuts, etc. it just causes to fast a rise in insulin levels.
I'm glad to hear others have this problem, its such a pain and there isn't much information available.
Also, make sure you eat enough the day before you ride.
I just saw in Performance catalog that Powerbar has a new protein bar that doesn't have the sugars that affect a rise in blood sugar. I haven't tried it but it looks like a good option.

Kathi

Here's my two cents and it's what helps me: "hypoglycemic" means you have too low a blood sugar or that you are having insulin surges. You DO want some carbs in you...yes, you do...especially on a long, sustained ride. I've bonked before (as just a recreational rider) and it ain't fun, believe me.

Even on shorter rides, I do this: carry along snacks such as granola bars, fig bars, bananas, pb&j sammiches, fruit bits. Snarf some of this every 30"-60". Drink plenty of water (some sips every 20") and carry along some Gatorade (replenishes your electrolytes, especially if you're sweating a lot or it's hot). One bottle of each with ice. THEN I also use GU and ClifShot gels. Started this after bonking. When I feell weak, I snarf one of these with water. Great flavors are banana, Sonic Strawberry, Mocha Mocha. I use one before I start the ride and take in one for each hour of riding on long slow trips (20+ miles) and one for each 30" if I am just out for a brisk (12-17mph is brisk to me) fitness ride of 10-12 miles, like after work when I'm on a tight schedule.

Key here in all this is keeping your blood sugar level and not having it drop suddenly to lows...steady intake of these suggested items will help. Also, at the end of the ride, I snarf one last gel to replenish my carb level.

As for speed, it's over-rated IMHO. Ride for pleasure and adventure at YOUR own pace. Stop whenever you feel like it and enjoy the ride. These speed demon fitness freaks probably won't be riding in 5 years after they burn out. Tour/recreational cyclists got it right: if it ain't fun, don't do it! Glad you dumped the loser...you deserve better! :D Ride on, sister!!!

[
As for speed, it's over-rated IMHO. Ride for pleasure and adventure at YOUR own pace. Stop whenever you feel like it and enjoy the ride. These speed demon fitness freaks probably won't be riding in 5 years after they burn out. Tour/recreational cyclists got it right: if it ain't fun, don't do it! Glad you dumped the loser...you deserve better! :D Ride on, sister!!![/QUOTE]

I agree-I'm riding my bike so I can SEE the country-not to flash through it!
American Sensei