Michael Collins @ Irvine Cyclocross!

MOTOR TABS coach/athlete Michael Collins, founder of MultisportsOC.com,enjoyed a trip to the podium on his first attempt at Cyclocross on Saturday.Collins, a top swimming and triathlon coach in Orange County, used a somewhat bulky, full suspension mountain bike, but skillfully navigated the tight course with ease and claimed a solid 3rd place. Collins relied on MOTOR TABS before the race as a means by which to properly hydrate to combat the unseasonably warm temperatures.

MOTOR TABS & Bike Religion Cyclocross Race

This Saturday, November 20th, MOTOR TABS will be sponsoring the Irvine Lake & WCCC Cross Race! Click here for the flyer with details. Good luck to all the racers!

Friction Freedom

Go check out our friends over at Friction Freedom! They say that their chamois cream is the best on the market, and you know what, it is!

"Friction Freedom chamois cream was developed by cyclists, for cyclists. Not only is Friction Freedom great for cyclists, but it is also used by horsemen, motocross'rs, runners, rowers, triathletes, and surfers to relieve the pain of friction and chaffing."

Does Proper Hydration Play a Significant Role in Training and Performance in Cooler Environmental Conditions?

By Ronald Mendel, PhD

Now that summer is over and we are heading into the winter months, how many of you are already changing some of your exercise related habits? In particular, what is your thought process regarding proper hydration and energy needs? Even though winter (colder environmental conditions) is upon us, proper hydration and nutrition should not be ignored. In fact, you might be surprised to know that there are more environmental issues that must be addressed for athletes to maintain their performance levels in the cold than in the heat.

Here’s what we know…..

Cold exposure has been shown to cause fluid losses on the order of 2-5% of body mass (O’brien et al. 1996). Many reasons have been linked to this dehydration induced by cold exposure including reduced voluntary fluid intake, poor access to water, reduced thirst sensitivity, sweating due to exercise and clothing (O’brien et al. 1996, Ramanathan 1964, Freund and Sawka 1996, Wyant and Caron 1983).

Kenefick et al. (2004) examined whether hypohydration (dehydration) altered thermoregulation and cardiovascular responses to exercise in the cold. We know that these responses are altered in the heat, but it was unclear in the cold. The data demonstrated that moderate intensity exercise while dehydrated did not alter metabolic heat production, skin temperature or heat loss. It also did not increase thermoregulatory or cardiovascular strain. Despite these findings, one thing remains clear. It is imperative to maintain hydration status even in cold environments.

From a practical standpoint, prolonged exercise in the cold can still produce heat at a greater rate than heat is lost. This will obviously lead to heat storage and a subsequent increase in core temperature. This increase in core temperature can, and will, be compounded by dehydration due to any one of the reasons noted earlier.

Ventilation (breathing) increases in the cold. Most people don’t realize how much fluid is lost through ventilation even normally. So when ventilation is increased due to cooler temperatures, the amount of fluid loss just from breathing has the potential to be rather significant.

Reduced voluntary intake is also a major factor that may lead to dehydration of athletes while exercising in the cold. Athletes tend to think less about fluids and proper hydration because they don’t perceive themselves to sweat as much when they train in the cooler environment, and therefore, have a tendency to consume less fluid. This may or may not be true depending on the clothing that is worn. An overall reduced sensitivity to thirst is also a contributory factor in not consuming enough fluids while exercising in colder environments.

Also of significance, and maybe even more important than hydration, is the metabolic response to training in cold temperatures. Cold exposure increases the use of carbohydrates as a fuel. Even during light exercise, muscle glycogen decreases at a faster rate in colder temperatures than warm temperatures. This increases reliance on glycogen reduces the ability to exercise at a higher intensity for extended periods of time because carbohydrates fuel intense exercise. Therefore, ingesting fluids and carbohydrates prior to and during exercise in cooler environmental conditions seem to be quite prudent.

Let’s not forget about those that take their training indoors during the cold times. Environmental conditions may more closely mimic those of summer, but one can still make the argument that hydration is still less of a concern. Because of this, athletes may not properly hydrate themselves prior to training and therefore be setting the stage for sub-optimal training. With potentially higher sweat rates during high intensity indoor training, optimal hydration, adequate carbohydrate intake and replacement of lost electrolytes still remain a priority for optimal performance. Fortunately, a product like Motor Tabs fits the bill. Don’t be fooled by the weather outside - let Motor Tabs help you continue to train optimally by providing you with the proper hydration and fuel to be a winner!

Not just for the track or trail...

On Wednesday the 22^nd of October, I woke up to severe stomach pain. I'd never been in so much pain that I shook or begged for an ambulance before, but I did and it turns out this would be a day of many firsts for me. Many of them I hope never to repeat in my life.

After an hour or so in ER and after several tests, it was determined that I was suffering from acute pancreaititis.

I would spend the next seven days in the hospital tied to IV's and pain medication. When I was finally released, and free of the constant blood tests and examinations, I was stoked. I had to continue my low fat diet and stick with soft foods for awhile, but at least I was home.

On day three of being home, my wonderful wife bought me a veggie sandwich. I ate it and I tried to eat it slow, but I ended up destroying it in record time. I felt great, but I failed to increase my water intake to compensate for the solid food. Five hours later, I was back in the hospital. I was dizzy, light headed, my pulse was racing, and my mouth was dry. I didn't know what was going on, but I knew if anything changed in my health, I was supposed to go back to the ER.

Once back at the ER, the doctors quickly determined my problem. Too much solid food with out enough fluids. Back on the IV.

Two (2) liters of fluids later, everything had returned to normal. Heart rate, blood pressure, and O2 were back to healthy levels.

My doctor released me with orders to stay hydrated. Keep the water going and use an electrolyte drink to help get back on the road. I asked him if I could use Motor Tabs instead of the other electrolyte drinks and, after looking at the package of Motor Tabs, said he uses the same product (the doctor is a triathlete and uses Motor Tabs) and said this would be perfect!

I started drinking my Motor Tabs, just one tab a day, on Saturday. It's Monday now and I honestly feel so much better. Motor Tabs helped me stay hydrated which helped my body to recover which means I'll soon be able to return to work and I'll be back on the bike much sooner!

Thank you Motor Tabs. Not just for the track or trail!