Can we please put the hydration myth to rest already? For every article, study, or forum post that claims proper hydration has a significant impact on heart rate stability in Zone 2, I find another one that says its negligible or irrelevant. Which is it? Is hydration the magic bullet that allows us to sustain a steady heart rate during endurance rides, or is it just another one of those cycling truths that gets perpetuated by the industry and pseudo-experts?
Ive seen some studies suggest that dehydration can cause an increase in heart rate, but isnt that just a given? I mean, if youre dehydrated, youre not going to be performing at your best, and your heart rate is going to reflect that. But what about the idea that deep hydration can actually improve heart rate stability in Zone 2? Is that just a myth perpetuated by the sports drink companies?
And what exactly is deep hydration anyway? Is it just a matter of drinking a certain amount of water or electrolytes before a ride, or is it something more complex? Do we need to be monitoring our urine output and electrolyte levels to ensure were properly hydrated?
Im not buying the idea that hydration is the key to heart rate stability in Zone 2 until I see some concrete evidence. So, can someone please point me to a study or article that shows a clear, direct correlation between hydration and heart rate stability in Zone 2? And please, dont just regurgitate the same old hydration is important nonsense. I want to see some actual data and research.