Preseason - Hammer Nutrition

FROM OUR ATHLETES
A change in plan
I'm responding to Brian’s Welcome Letter in EN#81 regarding “Pre-Race Meal—Mystery Solved!” as well as
Steve’s response in “Am I taking too many Endurolytes?” These articles were timely as I received the issue
prior to my endurance test at the 150-mile Warmen 6 Gap Ride in Vermont, which has more than 12,000 feet of
climbing and includes sections with 20%+ grade.
I’ve done this ride a dozen times and this was the best I’ve ever felt at
the finish! I completed the ride in about the same time as usual, but
previously always had cramping issues, started to bonk, or just didn’t
finish that strong. Last year I cramped halfway through the ride, but
decided to stick to the plan; the cramping subsided and I got back on
track. Though I’ve added different supplements throughout the years, I
still maintained the Hammer Nutrition “staples” including hourly doses
of Race Caps Supreme, Endurolytes, Anti-Fatigue Caps, Hammer Gel,
HEED, and Perpetuem Solids. So what was different about my most
recent Warmen ride? That’s where Brian’s and Steve’s articles come in.
Every year I review Hammer Nutrition's website for tips on how to
improve my performance, and every year I think I’m
following the recommendations. This year I
learned something yet again, about how following 90% of the
plan works 90% of the time. In the past, my plan for nine tough
hours of riding with an early start time would have been to eat
oatmeal a couple of hours before the start and then begin fueling
and replacing electrolytes at the two-hour mark or so. That plan got
me reasonable success. This year I had a three-scoop mix of Sustained
Energy and a Hammer Gel several hours before the start (easy to
digest and low in fiber, unlike the oatmeal). I also added Endurolytes
Powder to my initial two water bottles of HEED and then began fueling
in the first hour (plus three Perpetuem Solids per hour starting 60
minutes into the ride). After nine hours, 150 miles, over 12,000 feet of
climbing, ten water bottles,
Hammer Gel, Perpetuem Solids,
three Hammer Bars, and regular
supplementation protocol, I
completed the ride strong and felt
great. My take-away is that even
though I take a pre-ride dose of
Endurolytes, taking them also
within the first two hours was
important for me as well as not
eating breakfast right before the
start. Don’t make the mistakes
I made; follow the simple rules
and get out there. I plan on
doing Warmen again to prove
to myself that all of the fueling
rules are equally important.
Thanks to all at Hammer
Nutrition for my success!
- Bruce Saxton
Photo : Jim Cotton
Fellow cyclist and artist Don Voisine captured a moment from Bruce Saxton’s efforts in the
Killington Stage Race. Yes, it is a painting, complete with Hammer Nutrition water bottles
and socks. Incredible job, Don!
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