feetup69 Posted July 30, 2008 Report Share Posted July 30, 2008 I'm curious about what the top riders do as far as diet is concerned when training for competition. Do they follow a very regimented program all week long, 365 days a year, do they only eat certain foods a couple of days before a meet, and then eat whatever they want in the days that follow? Personally I find that my stamina is one of the biggest factors that cost me points as I go through a competition, because I loose form and can't execute techniques all through the day that I could do the first two laps, etc.. So I'm interested in learning some things I can try to maybe improve from a diet perspective of training. Please be as specific as you can if you don't mind! I may find a great new dish to try as a result! One thing, I hope I don't have to completely give up Ice Cream.. I do happen to have somewhat of a sweet tooth! Thanks in advance for any thoughts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 From what I have seen at events and reading on here, there is a large consumption of Barley and Hops necessary for a good event. Too much of the aforementioned and you get Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chewy Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Bottled fermented grape juice is used a lot on the continent or if its a warm day a mixture of anniseed, water and a smidgen of alcahol is often compulsory. Clearly there are many variations and opinions and you need to experiment and work out what is best for your metabolism; as you have identified a problem with stamina perhaps a few interstitial (between sections) quaffs of a mixture of beverages would help you feel less tired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fivemeister Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 I find that the biggest factor is hydration. Its amazing how much fluid loss you have lugging the bike around a trial and I found my performance dropped off markedly on the last two loops and also travelled home with a headache down to dehydration. If you only take fluid on during an occasional trip back to the car after each lap, you can never equally replace the amount lost through effort. I have found a massive difference using a camelbak hydration system on the event, filled not only with water, but include an electrolyte sports additive to replace salts etc lost from the body when sweating heavily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitley Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 (edited) Guinness and pasta in that order! Plenty of iron and plenty of carbs Get it down ya neck!! Edited July 31, 2008 by pitley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelmoore Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 A Camelback is one of the best investments I've made in riding gear. Before, I spent much of the time thinking about how thirsty I was which didn't help what little concentration I could muster. You'll get a lot of different recommendations on diet, but I suspect that if you go the "good clean nutritious natural food" route you'll probably do fine. When I was working out regularly I tried to balance carbs and protein and that seemed to work both for gaining strength and losing a bit of weight. I don't see any need for fancy/expensive supplements. There are plenty of atheletes who don't use them who seem to do just fine without them. cheers, Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b40rt Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 I would agree with the above, according to "experts" by the time you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated to an extent. I try to eat and drink constantly during longer and hotter events. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nigel dabster Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 I'm curious about what the top riders do as far as diet is concerned when training for competition. Do they follow a very regimented program all week long, 365 days a year, do they only eat certain foods a couple of days before a meet, and then eat whatever they want in the days that follow? Personally I find that my stamina is one of the biggest factors that cost me points as I go through a competition, because I loose form and can't execute techniques all through the day that I could do the first two laps, etc.. So I'm interested in learning some things I can try to maybe improve from a diet perspective of training. Please be as specific as you can if you don't mind! I may find a great new dish to try as a result! One thing, I hope I don't have to completely give up Ice Cream.. I do happen to have somewhat of a sweet tooth! Thanks in advance for any thoughts! Whats your age and fitnes levels, whats your weight and what events are you doing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feetup69 Posted July 31, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 I just turned 39, 5'6, 165 lbs. (11.7857143 stone according to google!) I compete in Advanced in our local club organization's events, however I'm hopeful to reach Expert someday. I don't quite know what these levels translate to for overseas events. I can say that Advanced equates roughly to our USA national 'support' line. I generally eat a lot of fruit, bananas, and yogurt before any event, because I don't handle heavy foods well before a race. I take my time for the first lap, and hydrate with gatorade or something similar as I walk and analyze each section. After that, I leave my bag at the truck to save time on the loop, and hydrate / eat when I return to pick up my next card and re-fuel. I also find that as I go through events, I don't have much time (or desire) to eat too much after the 2nd or 3rd lap (out of 5), maybe a few quick bites of something, but time is often pressing and I'm rushing to get back out on the course. What do you guy's typically eat during the days or nights before a race? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nigel dabster Posted August 1, 2008 Report Share Posted August 1, 2008 (edited) go down the gym 3 times a week for cardio vascular 2hours each for a couple of months and your diet will be immaterial as you will be fit enough for your ride. Assumes you eat "normally". Avoid gatorade. Edited August 1, 2008 by Nigel Dabster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hop blip and a jump Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 Yeah i drank gatorade before and during a quad enduro and it gave me a dodgy guts!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hannon Posted September 22, 2008 Report Share Posted September 22, 2008 Well an intro may be in order here check www.hannonchiropractic.com I have been researching/taking/using nutrition and supplements for many years Your diet seems fair but I would include a few supplements too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hannon Posted September 22, 2008 Report Share Posted September 22, 2008 i forgot to mention that the calcium and magnesium is very important for our muscles normal function and when used right will help prevent arm pump Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docheckle Posted December 27, 2008 Report Share Posted December 27, 2008 12 pints of murphys, not sure it improved my riding , but I didn't care LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
postmanpat Posted December 28, 2008 Report Share Posted December 28, 2008 Here's a good drink recipe.........................1/2 pint pure fruit juice,1/2 pint flat lemonade and a pinch of salt,works pre,during and post ride.and post beer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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