Zen and the Art of Triathlon

Hey There -- I have been timing my hydration on the bike pretty good, but now, all of a sudden, about 18-20 k into my 40k bike, a have to pee and it becomes quite distracting, uncomfortable and annoying.

I would tend to think I am not over hydrating, because I am just sipping throughout the ride and not really gulping anything down at any point. Hydration begins a few minutes into the bike and I sip as necessary during the ride. I alternate between Sports Drink and Water, depending on the how I am feeling and the kind of thirst I am feeling.

Any suggestions on this pee dilemma. What to do.

Cheers,
BC

Actually, hydration starts at least the day before, if not a couple of days before. Add to that any coffee or other diuretics and you'll be wanting to pee soon into the bike ride.

You might also have to pee when you get excited about racing/riding. The adrenaline causes a "fight or flight" reaction and the body decides to dump any excess stuff. Pee is a great candidate for this reaction.

So... make sure you start the day relaxed, don't drink too much the day before, don't drink too much the morning of, and skip the caffeine and you should not have to pee on the bike for a while longer than usual.

Understood, Coach. Thanks for the reply. It's definitely coming from the hours before my training then, because the mornings of the days I am doing my long training rides I always try to make a point to drink up. I am going to moderate that intake now and see how I go with drinking less the morning of, while still hydrating efficiently and not over doing it.

Thank you, coach. Understood. Whiz watching will be more thorough!