Originally Posted by
Bald Paul
Water is good, but you have to replace the electrolytes you are losing through your sweat (that gritty salt thing.) I will usually bring some packets of Gatorade powder to add to my bottles at refill stations, when I can find them.
Heat exhaustion is no laughing matter. I keep an eye on my heart rate with a HRM and display on my Garmin. If I notice my recovery time after a short effort starts to get too long (and 6 hours post ride is WAY too long) I know it's time to back it down, maybe even find a shady spot to sit and drink a bottle.
I knew I had issues when I could tell my heart rate up still when I got home. As a medical professional with 3 decades experience I should have known better. The problem was it was about 78 when I started and I didn't know it was going to get so damn hot. I just geared up and went. I may have to bite the bullet and get up as early as possible...which I hate as I am in no way a morning person !! That is good advice tho. The Gatorade powder would be a smart idea as well.