Leadville: Preperation for Altitude
Posted on July 5, 2009, under Uncategorized.
The Leadville Silver Rush 50 is less than a month away now. This is the time to really test fitness. High mileage days on the dirt are important. Figuring out your system on the bike, i.e. hydration pack or water bottles, 1 or 2 tubes, pump or C02. The goal is to simplify your kit that you will have on board during the race.
Racing at altitude presents some obvious challenges. Unfortunately the body reacts differently regardless of preparation, however, there are some things you can do to help your body best manage the altitude.
Hydrate a lot. One of the misconceptions is that you should hydrate heavily the day of your race. In reality you should begin hydrating one to two days before the event. Utilize a drink such as Powerbar Endurance or Hammer Heed to load your body with electrolytes. Two servings of electrolyte drink incorporated into your daily hydrating program will ensure that your body is prepared for the day of the event.
The morning of your race you should consume one serving of electrolyte drink and then plan to drink around 20oz of drink per hour during the race. However, the altitude often has an effect on appetite so if you are unable to maintain your fluid intake rest assured that your preparation prior to the event will help sustain you.
More to follow on eating and cardio preparation.
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