Cold Weather Nutrition on the Bike

[Ashley]

My last two long rides in these cooler temps have really been bad. During those rides I used the same nutrition I used on the bike all summer, but it just doesn't seem to be working the same. I've heard that your body burns more calories during exercise in cooler temps. Is this true and if so, roughly how much more do I need to consume? I typically consume 230 calories per hour on the bike. Any thoughts?

Thank you!

[jared]

What has been bad about the rides? If you can be more specific (i.e. GI issues, no energy, etc.) it would be easier to figure out what's going on. I'm not sure about burning more energy on the bike in cooler temperatures, although I think it would make sense because your body has to warm up and humidify the cold dry air you breath in. Your body doesn't, however, have to work on dissipating heat.

You will sweat less in cold weather so you'll need less fluids and will probably need less electrolytes. Have you adjusted your electrolyte intake?

[jared]

If found some good articles that should help out. They're about Winter cycling but it's basically just a degree of the temperature:

* Cold weather fatigue

* 9 Reasons why you're a slower cyclist in the Winter

[Ashley]

Thanks Jared! Those articles look like they will be helpful. To be more specific, I did a 4 hour ride on Saturday and felt really blah on the bike ... low energy, fatigue, and sadness (low blood sugar?!). Those issues are what led me to believe it is, at least in part, nutrition related ... and perhaps I am not fully recovered from my last race. But still, I did an hour long ride last week at a moderate pace and felt equally as blah. I have not adjusted anything with my nutrition, except that I am taking in less water.

Thanks again!