From: "Jeff Clark"
To: "Dan Fallon"
Dan, your stomach will want something to gnaw on other then the liquids and soup.
Some of the riders that I have crewed for become aware that they have only had water with electrolytes, gels, P.B.&J's and bars all day. They then want solid food and are really looking for it.
I personally think that a primal urge in the recesses of the mind is triggered by the setting sun. At Sebring there is a concession stand that has hot dogs and hamburgers etc. both day and night. And after awhile that warm food in your tummy is very satisfying.
I wasn't able to crew at Sebring this year but if i was going to be there I was going to ask Allan's wife, Cindy, to make some small containers of Allan's favorite meals. Then the plan was to microwave them and serve they over the night time hours. This I thought wood serve two purposes: first, warm solid food; second (and probably most importantly); food for the mind and soul.
Allan had stomach problems on his FL record ride early in the day and I think that effected his ability later on into the evening as well as the over night. Another thing is when are on a liquid diet that will be all that your body will be eliminating.
Something that you need to start thinking about is some solid and warm foods along the way. I don't know if you eat at burger places but it doesn't have to be a meatball sub.We could hit a restaurant for a "kids" pasta to go. Many things are possible. You need to get some ideas going so we, as the crew, can help keep you rolling with the fuel tank full of many different things besides gels, soups and bars.
MY REPLY TO JEFF:
You know, Jeff, I'm pretty much thinking along the same lines as you. I've never done even a 24 hour ride, not to mention a 24 hour race. But with the recent longish training rides I've done I've found myself, after the rides, wanting to `munch' on something solid. Like a big honkin' greasy piece of dead meat :)
Two things:
1. My innards want to eliminate solids when I ride on the recumbent.
This is a physical phenomenon called `peristalsis,' i.e., the movement of solid remains of meals through one's intestines and bowels and out the anus. Often, for me, the first 90 minutes of a long training ride can include one or two stops at a roadside port-a-potty to completely empty me out. (Unless I've been disciplined enough for the 48 hours previous to consume only a liquid diet).
The surprising and very welcome consequences of this are: a) my breathing improves (less effort by my diaphragm to flex, less contents in my gut to interfere with the diaphragm); b) more capacity of my midsection/core muscles to integrate and coordinate in providing watts and balanced and controlled breathing. My riding is much, much more relaxed and comfortable.
2. I can't wear bib shorts if I have to worry about stopping to defecate every few hours. Waaaayyy too much hassle.
- pull off the jersey,
- pull off the shoulder straps of the bib,
- do my b'ness,
- re-do what I just undid.
- the sweat is burning my eyes,
- the sweat is messing up my glasses,
- I'm banging my head and helmet into the walls of a port-a-potty
- and I just dropped my car keys into the poop hole!!!
I'll come up with foods that will not be fiber-thick and heavy but tasty and midway between liquid and t-bone steak :))))