Howdy All-
As the warm weather approaches in So Cal, I have a question regarding electrolyte supplements. I have never used tablets in the past, but soon I will be attempting my first doulbe century as well as some "Death Ride" type events (100+ miles/ 12,000 feet climbing). I have ordered a bottle of Succeed Electrolyte/Buffer tabs. I am curious how many and how often I should take these on long/hot endurance rides. Each tab contains 344 mg of sodium and 21 mg of potassium. I read that an acclimated cyclist will lose on average 1200 mg of sodium and 230 mg of potassium per hour (I do not know body weight/fat etc. for this ratio). Currently my drink mix, gels etc. are supplying me with about 500 mg of sodium and 75 mg of potassium per hour. On long organized rides, I am probably getting more than this from rest stop food (I stick to bananas, fig newtons, pbj and cliff bars). Is one tablet per hour reasonable to start with? I really don't have any idea, I also don't know how easy it is to overload on electrolytes or what the consequences are. What would be the limits as to how much sodium/potassium one would want to consume per hour. I am 6'2" 165 lbs and lean if this helps perscribe a "magic" number. I appreciate any info, especially if you have experience with the Succeed brand. Thanks...Pat
As the warm weather approaches in So Cal, I have a question regarding electrolyte supplements. I have never used tablets in the past, but soon I will be attempting my first doulbe century as well as some "Death Ride" type events (100+ miles/ 12,000 feet climbing). I have ordered a bottle of Succeed Electrolyte/Buffer tabs. I am curious how many and how often I should take these on long/hot endurance rides. Each tab contains 344 mg of sodium and 21 mg of potassium. I read that an acclimated cyclist will lose on average 1200 mg of sodium and 230 mg of potassium per hour (I do not know body weight/fat etc. for this ratio). Currently my drink mix, gels etc. are supplying me with about 500 mg of sodium and 75 mg of potassium per hour. On long organized rides, I am probably getting more than this from rest stop food (I stick to bananas, fig newtons, pbj and cliff bars). Is one tablet per hour reasonable to start with? I really don't have any idea, I also don't know how easy it is to overload on electrolytes or what the consequences are. What would be the limits as to how much sodium/potassium one would want to consume per hour. I am 6'2" 165 lbs and lean if this helps perscribe a "magic" number. I appreciate any info, especially if you have experience with the Succeed brand. Thanks...Pat