Winter Hydration

navrig

With winter looming I am trying to discipline myself to better hydration practice.

Normally I take a few long sucks on the water bottle rather than lots of small sips. Probably not the best way to do it but it works for me and rarely have hydration problems.

In very cold weather however it doesn't work because if I drink lots at one go it chills my stomach and is uncomfortable. Other than trying to sip frequently is there anything else I can do.

I did, once, fill the bottle with warm water but with temepratures near zero and wind chill the water soon cools.

Insulated bottles don't hold enough and will chill eventually.

What do you do?

LiamW

I drink when i'm thirsty and eat when i'm hungry, simple really.

Monty Dog

LiamW wrote:

I drink when i'm thirsty and eat when i'm hungry, simple really.

Not really, otherwise you'll dehydrate and probably 'bonk' - the key to nutrition and hydration is a little and often from the beginning of the ride to keep your reserves topped-up. The trigger to your hunger response is your blood sugar / insulin response - it takes a good 15-20 minutes from the time you eat until it has a benefit to your blood sugar, particularly if you want to prevent 'spikes' in your blood sugar which can make you feel worse. Overloading your stomach also diverts blood flow from your CV system, impacting on performance.

LiamW

Funny how that's never annoyed me before then.

navrig

LiamW wrote:

Funny how that's never annoyed me before then.

I think it all depends on the individual and where they sit on the beginners - elite curve.

Some metabolisms will react less to water/energy shortage and spikes whilst others will certainly show a reduced performance. The general thinking is little and often which is where I go wrong.

Certainly overloading the stomach with copious amounts of gulped, very cold water when the wind chill temp is below 2 degrees is NOT good.

Stuuu

I thought I'd read take a sip every 10 mins and eat every hour. This may only be for correct for summer. I've found so far this winter that I barely touch any water once I am an hour in. Maybe down to once every 30 mins. (Not precise and off the top of my head).

It hasn't been cold enough to think about a warm drink yet. Perhaps a nice cafe stop?

ilm_zero7

winter - oh bliss, when you realise you no longer have to remember to put the drinks bottle in the freezer the night before - nearly at that point now - 4 good months of riding ahead!

Anonymous

I read in a team Sky article, that in the winter they make sure the water is warmer as cold water has a chilling effect on the body. You could buy some of those lined bottles, I think halfords do the camelbak ones for about £7.

drlodge

I drink a lot less during Winter, I think because I sweat a lot less. Simple logic really.

diy

I agree with the little and often. When I do endurance MTB rides I eat before I am hungry and drink when not thirsty. You have to be quite mindful to keep it up. But as long as you don't excessively need a pee it's ok. Could try a couple of drink pouches in the back pocket or dare I say a hydration bladder.

Philinmerthyr

Use a camelback. The drink stays warmer close to your body and its easier to take sips without having to reach for a bottle.