Re: [Paddlewise] Hydration systems/electrolytes

Dan Volker wrote (as part of a dialog with Bill Hansen):

> Many cyclists also have a long slow day in their  weekly training  (LSD
> day) , where they may ride for 4 to 7 hours. Energy expenditures are
> relatively low throughout this long ride (slow speeds relative to
> competitive rides), so the comparison with kayaking becomes far closer.
> Particularly with these long rides, major performance differences occur when
> using the Hydra fuel or Cytomax products over water, as your body's glycogen
> levels in muscles and liver supply drop sharply after 2 hours without
> feeding  (even at low power outputs).
> 
> On these long rides, every 2.5 to 3 hours, a high protein medium carb
> product needs to be consumed (2 to 1 ration, like 30 grams of protein and
> 15 grams of carb. This assumes you maintain a high level of hydration at all
> times. We expect to consume at least a gallon of water in 5 hours, and with
> heat this could double. )
> 
> I am aware of the tendency of some athletes to use carb only in this
> scenario, but there are much better reasons for the protein and carb
> feeding, than I can go into in this short post.  If you like, I can go into
> them with a future post.

Yeah, I like (although we may be the only three interested).  Here's why: 
I have traditionally hit the fluids and mainly the carbos on longer, more
demanding days on the water.  Sometimes I have supplemented the carbos
(candy bars and/or bread stuff) with a little protein (peanuts/hummus,
etc.), but NEVER in a 2:1 protein:carbo ratio.  Not an athlete here, that's
for sure, but adding significant protein would be a big change in my
on-the-water dietary regime.  Is this 2:1 protein:carbo stuff going to make
any difference to the average, out-of-shape nonathletic paddler like me? 
Be kind ...

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************