Nutrition and Hydration

 

Nutrition and Hydration - Hydration Advice from Mike Watson

Pre Race and Race Day

Prior to competing in a long event it is necessary to hydrate well…

Something that has worked very well for me when doing the Rainbow Rage, the Lake Taupo Challenge, the Grape Ride etc is to start drinking the Leppin Enduro Booster electrolyte and mineral replacement drink or Peak Fuel Hydration Sports Drink the day before the ride.

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I’ll drink a couple of litres as well as my normal cups of tea during the day and evening. The morning of the event I’ll drink a bottle full before the start. That way you start your event with a properly fueled up tank. You must drink regularly like every quarter hour and take an energy shot of Leppin Squeezy or PeakFuel Gel every half hour to stay on the game. These are my recommendations and I have tried to follow them over the course of 13 Rainbow Rages, 3 Taupos, all the Grape Rides and Around Brunners etc that I have ridden.

If you have done long rides before and have your own system that works for you, then that’s fine. This advice is more for newer riders and maybe for those who have done long events before and found they suffered more than they thought they would. Remember, if you were going to drive a long route you wouldn’t start with less than a full fuel tank in your vehicle, would you? It’s never too late to try these ideas as you go on your training rides gradually perfecting them. It is important to try these products out so that you are used to them rather than finding on the big day something you have selected doesn’t agree with you.

  

 

  

 


Post Race

After the event you need to drink recovery formulas within half an hour, take Leppin Recovery pills or just have a little more of what you have just been drinking. This is to prevent your muscles from being depleted as your system looks to replace what you have used. If you take recovery products post event the next day your body will feel great.

Recovery Formula


If you only drink water in events that take longer than 2 hours your body will not hydrate correctly as the water just goes straight through. The formulated products tell your mind which controls your body to take onboard those much needed specialized nutrients and restores to your body what you are depleting it of.

In store we are very happy to provide samples and in any case several of these products come in single sachet servings which you can try out quite cheaply.

 

 

Peak Fuel Powder


Post and during Race

We also stock Cramp-Stop Spray in store if you can’t quite get it right.

KEY BENEFITS:
* Fast acting
* Easy to use oral spray
* Legal to use in sport
* Contains no drugs or stimulants
* Has a good safety profile

 

CRAMP-STOP is an anti cramp formulation designed to restore normal muscle function during an acute muscle spasm, and in some situations may help prevent the onset of cramp.

CRAMP-STOP is New Zealand’s leading product for the treatment of cramp. Cramp-Stop is widely used both in New Zealand and internationally during professional and amateur sports of all kinds. Many of New Zealand’s top rugby players and multi-sports athletes use Cramp-Stop.

At the onset of symptoms spray once into the mouth and repeat in 30-60 seconds if immediate relief is not felt. In a situation where you know you are likely to cramp take a dose as close to the onset of symptoms as possible. Repeat as often as required.

Ideal for use in all sporting activities, is safe for use during pregnancy, and gives fast relief to those who suffer from cramp at night.
    
"I was introduced to Cramp-Stop while training for the 2005 New Zealand Ironman. Up until that point I thought cramp was just something that you had to get used to and hope not to get on race day. Now with Cramp-Stop I find that if I begin to cramp during a race I am able to relieve the symptoms easily and rapidly. It is great to have it on hand for any training or race day. Cramp is something you don't want to have affecting your performance. A lot of people suffer from cramp, the smart ones use Cramp-Stop"

ROB DALLIMORE B.H.Sc Podiatrist, Triathlete, Ironman – New Zealand, Hawaii

Enjoy the ride…Mike Watson

Cramp - what is it and how can you prevent it?
Go to this interesting article on the Peak Fuel website that covers the topic of cramp and how proper hydration and electrolytes can help prevent it.