Early morning ride fuel?

Gav888
Gav888 Posts: 946
edited September 2009 in Training, fitness and health
Hi,

Im planning on training in the morning before work most weekdays as its become difficult to training in the evening.

I was thinking of getting up at 6am and be on the bike 15min later for an hour of intervals then have my breakfast afterwards. One thing that is worrying me though is fuel for the session and if your joints are properly lubricated at that time of the morning.

Will I have enough stored glycogen in my muscles for a hard hour long session as I wont have time to eat something and let it settle for an hour as I normally would do for an evening session.

Would eating before bed help, or maybe having a carb drink or glucose tablet as soon as I wake up?

And any ideas about your joints as the last thing I want to do is damage my joints...
Cycling never gets any easier, you just go faster - Greg LeMond

Comments

  • nolf
    nolf Posts: 1,287
    In terms of joints, just warmup properly, and make sure you dress warmly. It's a lot colder in the morning.

    For eating, I really would have something before you go out. Just a small bowl of cereal, or a banana will help and it isn't too heavy before intervals. Then eat a proper breakfast when you get back.

    I wouldn't eat before bed as you'll probably find you won't sleep very well as your stomach digests all of that food. Just something small in the mornings.

    Good luck in your training!
    "I hold it true, what'er befall;
    I feel it, when I sorrow most;
    'Tis better to have loved and lost;
    Than never to have loved at all."

    Alfred Tennyson
  • andy162
    andy162 Posts: 634
    Try Allsports winter training formula. Start drinking before you head out & keep swigging it while you do your session. The chocolate flavour tastes best IMO.

    I do a 22mile ride to work from April to Oct & that's what I use in the morning.
  • Gav888
    Gav888 Posts: 946
    Cheers for the advise guys, first session is wednesday, bit nervous actually as im normally in bed till 7am so it will be a big change :)
    Cycling never gets any easier, you just go faster - Greg LeMond
  • mikeq
    mikeq Posts: 141
    Gav888 wrote:
    Cheers for the advise guys, first session is wednesday, bit nervous actually as im normally in bed till 7am so it will be a big change :)
    Wish I could have a long lie like that
    Cycling from Glasgow to Paris to raise funds for Asthma UK

    www.velochallenge.org
  • Bhima
    Bhima Posts: 2,145
    Getting up and riding 15 minutes later sounds painful! :?

    Anyway, flapjacks, rice pudding or 3/4 jam/cheese sandwiches should be good and quick. Make a fruit smoothie the night before. It should give you a good sugar rush when out on the bike, while keeping you hydrated.

    Eating fish regularly will sort your joints out.

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