Originally Posted by
Machka
NO retaining water is not being well-hydrated!!
Being well-hydrated means that you're peeing fairly frequently and peeing clear. If you're peeing dark in the morning, you're either not well-hydrated or you've eaten something affecting your urine color.
Drink 8 glasses of water-based (non-caffienated, non-alcoholic) beverages a day ... and drink one 750 ml bottle of water and/or sports drink every 1 to 1.5 hours on your ride, and you should be in pretty good shape.
The 8 glasses of water dictum is at best thoroughly misleading. Indeed, even caffeinated beverages provide some measure of hydration, as does the food we eat.
Drink until you are peeing clear, and fairly often. If it takes "8 glasses," then fine. If it takes less, also fine.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/...=mostpop_story
http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283
For example, many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and tomatoes, are 90 percent to 100 percent water by weight. Beverages such as milk and juice also are composed mostly of water. Even beer, wine and caffeinated beverages — such as coffee, tea or soda — can contribute, but these should not be a major portion of your daily total fluid intake