jesse_v77

I know I've been told a few times about fatigue, to just ride it out and eventually my stamina will build. I have been riding on and off (unsteadily) for 3 to 4 months now and it has gotten better, but mildly because I havent been consistent in my riding. That being said, Everyone says dont worry about energy drinks (Which I agree with), or protien bars or anything like that for energy on a ride, just ride and be consistent! Especially when my ride home isnt that long. (6 miles, all flat rodes, bike path in the middle of my city.) When I have ridden, usually I do ok in the morning, about 35 - 40 minutes to get to work, then in the afternoon ride home I bomb out with no energy whatsoever, struggling to get home @ about 55 minutes.

I have tried monster energy drinks, (in the past, not currently for energy to ride) and all they have done is upset my stomach, and not given me any energy at all. Pretty much thats what all of them do. My nephew told me to try a rockstar recovery (the yellow one) cuz we were hanging out and I was tired, falling asleep. I tried it reluctantly, knowing that they have never done anything for me, but this one actually did, no jittery cracked out feeling, just energy to stay up and hang out. (im talking waking up at 6 in the morning to go to work, working a full 8 hour day, alot of business after work to take care of, then start hanging out at 11 pm. (I stayed up till 4 am that night playing monopoly, having to go to work the next day at 7 am.)

When it comes to calories and sugar, a 16 oz. rockstar has only 20 calories and 2 grams of sugar. So without knowing every thing else, nutrition wise, it seems ok to drink.

I drank one yesterday before I rode home, to see if it would help and it did! I got home in 40 minutes. My legs were giving out on me near the end of the trip, but I got home, and still had energy to continue the night, and I wasnt extremely exhausted.

I know everyone says to stay away from energy drinks and just build your stamina, but this one doesnt seem to be a bad one, with lots of caffiene (that might be what isnt too good for me, but I usually drink coffee in the morning anyways) B-vitamins, Taurine, Ginseng, Milk thistle, Prickly Pear extract, and all kinds of other additives in it, that from what I know, arent too bad.

It seems to work for me, granted I think I am going to limit myself to only 3 a week, on the days where I ride home from work, but Im just curious at other people's input on this.

Thanks.

10 Wheels

Try a can of Coke, much cheaper

jesse_v77

I dont get energy off of soda like that. Used to be a big pepsi drinker, now I try not to drink any soda at all.

bautieri

Doesn't sound like a healthy thing to be drinking on a regular basis like that. If nothing else, you don't want to become dependent on those things (says the guy who drinks a pot of coffee every single day). All those stimulants can't be good for you.

An apple is an excellent source of energy, eat one before your next ride.

CliftonGK1

If you're struggling against sleep after 55 minutes I'd consider taking a look at your overall dietary routine rather than looking for a quick fix after a workout. Do you eat at regular intervals, balanced meals, etc? Keep up on your hydration throughout the day (1oz water daily per kg body mass, minimum)? I find that I get tired if I'm underfed or underhydrated.

The only time I use energy drinks as a necessary attention booster is when I'm on very long randonneuring rides ( >15 hours saddle time ). 5hr Energy is a favourite for a quick hit of awake. If I need awake and a meal, a friend and I created our 2am concoction; the randoccino. 1 bottle of chocolate Ensure Plus, 1 mocha Starbucks doubleshot, mix it up in a waterbottle and knock back an 8mg ephedrine tablet with it. But I can not stress enough: This is not something to do after 1 hour. This isn't even something to do after 3 or 4 hours. These are things that I've done to stay awake after 15 - 18 hours of riding.

10 Wheels

Actually you need to get in shape for riding. 140 miles is not near enough to be pushing for speed.

Try a Coke or Pepsi you will get the same results.

chefisaac

Are you a heavy person? Do you snore at night? Perhaps it is sleep apnea. I was diagnosed about a year ago and got a cpap. Changed my life. I sleep great and have energy too.

One thing though..... put crappy cals in and get crappy energy out. That's key.

jesse_v77

Im not pushing for speed, just energy to make it home!~ And its for before my ride not after, only on the ride home. And as far as cals in and out, it performs well for energy out. Yes im overweight, 340 @ 5'10. I have a busy life and have a 11 month old son so a full nights sleep isnt always an option. I dont eat regularly, sometimes I dont eat breakfast, and sometimes have dinner really late due to schedule. (I know that can be taken care of if i make prior arraingements for meals but hey, im a guy)

I usually drink 24 oz. of coffee every morning, but thinking of cutting out daily coffee in lieu of 3 of these a week when I ride, I figure that will definetly be better than 24 oz. of coffee every morning. And doing better on hydrating myself.

Thanks everyone for replying and your advice, its greatly appreciated. Y

scottsmith

I personally get nothing but jitters from cola (not from coffee, which I drink black and unsweetened), but a rockstar/monster/5-hour energy drink does help me stay alert if I'm really tired and feel like another coffee just wouldn't help.

I stay away from them most days though and end up drinking less than one per week in total, typically on days after my kids (7 & 3 yrs old) have had a rough night or on the very odd occasion that I was out late the previous evening.

I don't think they're bad in miniscure to moderate quantities but I wouldn't want to lean on them too often. Better (for me at least) to get more sleep on the nights I'm able.

When my kids were smaller (mostly from 3&0 yrs to 5&2 yrs) I was WAY more tired A LOT of the time but that's pretty normal I think and it typically does get better as they get older. I also found taking a good quality multi-vitamin semi-regularly made a larger, ongoing difference than any stimulants so maybe that would help you too...?

Good luck, and cheers!
Scott

sjvcycler

People at my work drink coffee like its in limited supply? What is the difference b/t that and a 5 hour energy or rockstar every morning? If it helps use it. If you feel odd stop and tell your Dr. On long rides I always pack a 5 hour energy just in case. That whole drink a coke thing is cycing lore. If you watch european cycling they drink all kinds of soda after (coke, fanta, etc) not just coke. I personally don't like soda and much prefer an energy drink to coffee or soda. Just make sure to stay hydrated before and after riding.

10 Wheels

The Coke thing ( generic is fine) for energy is not cycling lore.

The caffeine plus the sugar provide an energy boost that most LD rider can feel.

bautieri

Because it is in limited supply and we'll gladly trample you and everyone you love to get the last drop . Just kidding...maybe. Coffee drinkers are known to be pretty irritable when they haven't had a cup...or 12.

Not to state the obvious, but the difference between coffee and your typical energy drink is in the ingredients list. Coffee contains coffee and water. Whatever other stuff people put in it is on them. Monster energy drink contains: carbonated water, sucrose, glucose, taurine, sodium citrate, color added, panax ginseng root extract, L-carnitine, caffeine, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, niacinamide, sodium chloride, glucuronolactone, inositol, guarana seed, pyridoxine hydrochloride, sucralose, riboflavin, maltodextrin, and cyanocobalamin.

sjvcycler

I agree they are not the same thing but some people just don't like coffee. I don't like monster, I usually only drink the 0 or low cal energy drinks. If you want a real kick drink mate.

Mithrandir

I personally do not believe in energy drinks for myself; I had a very bad addiction to caffeine a few years back and do not want to get back on that bus.

Having said that, I recently started commuting as well. First trip to work, 19 miles, was great. 1h25m. Ride back home? Not so much. 2h10m. I didn't realise that to work was downhill and from work was uphill, so that was part of it. Another part was the temperature; much higher in the afternoon. That can really sap your energy.

I've commuted 4 times now, and by the 3rd time I had my trip shortened down to 1h15m, and the return down to 1h24m... shorter than the first trip to work. Some tips:

* The vending machine at work carries V8. I don't like the taste but I force myself to drink one after I arrive at work for the electrolyte content; primarily concerned about potassium. It prevents cramps and burning in your muscles. I drink gatorade on the bike as well, but the potassium content in that is so pathetically small it's almost not worth it.
* I bring 4 granola bars with me. Eat 2 of them about an hour before I'm going to leave work. Keep the other 2 for the ride just in case I feel myself bonking. 2nd trip I had to eat them; 3rd and 4th I didn't need them at all.
* Eat a big lunch, but not overly big. Focus on carbs and protein. You want to make sure you have energy for the ride as well as protein to repair your muscles during the day, but you don't want to eat so much so that you're sick to your stomach on the trip back.


I don't know how many of these are necessary for you since your commute is 1/3rd the size of mine, but you should definitely not need energy drinks to complete it.

Mithrandir

That right there is going to be killer. On days when you cycle, make sure you get a big breakfast. I eat 10 more grams of cereal (30->40) than I normally do, 8 more ounces of orange juice (8->16), and an extra slice of ham (1->2). Your breakfast should be your biggest and most important meal because it provides your body with a base of calories for the day.

Additionally, after you arrive at work, make sure you have another ounce or two of carbs to replenish the energy you lost during the commute. Probably just an ounce because you're only doing 6 miles.

sjvcycler

If you have health insurance have your Dr. / Dietitian help you with meals and energy. That is the best advice I can give.

mkadam68

I like an occasional soda myself, But, recently two new studies seemed to indicate that drinking diet sodas may cause weight gain.

Just thought I'd put it out there.

ErickSaint

Have you maybe considered an energy gel as an alternative? I found a recipe on the web (youtube I think) using organic rice syrup, molasses and honey as a base, then flavor to taste with citrus or other flavors. Seems to work for me. My commute is 6-8 miles depending on route and I'll take a shot of gel before leaving work if I feel I need it.

jesse_v77

A gel is too much work for me, Im not trying to do all that. It seems to work well for me, and I honestly feel like if im getting increased performance, (40 minutes vs. 55) with energy after ride (only fatigue is sore legs) and removing coffee from my daily intake, we will say 300 calories a day, verses 20 calories every 3 or 4 days is a huge difference.
Before I would be dead tired, and have to take a shower (not just cuz i stunk) but just to wake up again and continue doing whatever I was going to do after bike ride home.

Rockstar Recovery 16 OZ. Can = 20 calories, 2 g. of sugar, Vitamin B3,5,6,12, Sodium 80 mg.taurine 2000 mg. caffeine 160 mg. panax Ginseng Extract 100 mg. Prickly Pear Extract 50 mg (good for hangovers although I dont drink anymore) Milk Thistle Extract 40 mg.

then Purified water, lemon juice, sucrose, citric acid, sodium citrate, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, magnesium lactate, gum arabic, calcium lactate, ester gum, monopotassium phosphate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, cyanocobalamin.

Ok after that list that sounds pretty scary, but id say its equivalent to the side of a soda can, minus the calories and sugar.

Thanks all for advice, I am going to continue to use the RockStar Energy + Recovery drink, and if I never post again, then you can assume it killed me!

Mithrandir

The soda itself is not what causes weight gain... the soda has 0 calories, and it's physically impossible. However, the artificial sweetener sends a signal to your body that calories are forthcoming, so it prepares for them. When no calories actually arrive, it starts sending signals to your brain that something is wrong, and you should seek more food because you didn't get enough. For someone who can count calories and manage their intake, you will not gain weight with diet soda.

bautieri

Drink your coffee black. You would have to drink 150 8oz cups to hit 300 calories. I don't think anyone said your energy drinks would kill you, at least not until you're drinking 3-4 per day. Makes no difference, if this energy drink is what you need to get you through your rides then go for it

GeoBigJon

I know you have taken kind of a beating, but if it works for you then go for it. Just remember moderation and try not to rely on it all the time. I would hate to see you get up in the morning drink one, then about 1500 or 1600 hours drink another to get ya home, and then on more just to make it to bed. I am sure that would be worst case scenario but it could happen if your not careful. Keep after it and maybe one day you won't have to use it all.

Pistard

I am a nutritionist, I got to tell you, just the name "Rockstar" would scare me away from it, this stuff will destroy our kids, at 340lbs and 5'10, I would seriously recommend a visit to a qualified Doctor/ nutrition and holistic type MD, I applaud your decision to ride to work. Get a serious opinion, and tell them what you are doing. You run out of steam because your body gets used up during the day, and does not recover properly.
Rockstar, Monster, NOS, Amp, Red Bull, all catchy names for young individuals, your kids at School, their biggest target the jocks.

LarryMelman

Anyone can easily do a 6-mile flat ride in 30 minutes. But even it takes you an hour (how on earth do you ride on flat ground at a 6 mph pace? It makes me sleepy just thinking about it.), it is totally pointless to wonder about so-called "energy drinks" and gels and etc. You just don't need them. Again - they do nothing for you, the effect is completely in your head.

You really should get checked out for general health and nutritional issues. You sound like several accidents waiting to happen.

jesse_v77

GEEZ!
Take it easy guy, Im just beginning, I guess im not the 200 lb. lightning streak like you are (Assuming your in that weight range, this is the clydesdayle forum) sorry that my riding speed makes you sleepy. Its definetly not in my head, as I said, I tried monster before, not because I needed energy, just to try it, and it only made my stomach upset. Ive tried others, again only because they were there and someone offered them to me, and none of them had any effect. The only reason I started this post is because this one energy drink really worked and seemed healthy for me. as far as general health and nutritional issues, I just recently got a check up and everything is ok, blood pressure, cholestorol, etc. so I am healthy, just overweight. It is a big concern for my doctor who told me I am now at an age to where I either get in shape or start having alot of problems, and its something Ive been trying to do.

Sorry Im not mr. lightning like you.

Thank you everyone else for your input and advice.

God Bless !