cycling and ramadan

[esrite]

So the month of ramadan is about to commence. Am I mad to consider fasting and commuting 9.5 miles each way for the month?

 

[Beebo]

how strict are you? Do you allow yourself to drink water during the day?
If you dont drink water, then dont do it, if you do drink water, be aware that you will be very tired on the homeward trip.

I effectively fast every morning, I cycle without eating breakfast, and the first food and drink I have is at the office, and it is fine for me, I wouldnt want to cycle home without food or drink though

 

[TheJDog]

I'd be surprised if you couldn't do it easily if you just pootled along.

However, on Road Wars I saw a copper who was fasting giving chase to a chav. He lasted about 150 yards before collapsing and retching. Very embarrassing.

 

[ianrauk]

Keep it on topic please.
I have moved to health and fitness section of the forum.
Thanks.
Ian.

 

[TheDoctor]

Personally, I'd try it and see how you cope. But do take it easy, and carry some water. Even if you just tip it over your head, it'll help.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Pardon my relative lack of knowledge on the subject. Can't you eat before dawn?

 

[jefmcg]

with the very long days that's an early start and a late finish. I'm personally not much good with little sleep and 15 hours since the last meal. Don't put yourself or others at risk.

(I've found with muslim colleagues, it's best not to schedule afternoon meetings in Ramadan - if you want them awake, that is)

 

[VamP]

It also depends on how fit you are. If you're quite fit then the homeward journey at a relaxed pace should be fine and you can avoid the bonk. What is scary is that if you do bonk, that will put your fast in imminent danger.

 

[MGBLemonrider]

I work shifts and commute 11 miles each way. So my sleep and meal patterns are a bit strange.
When on nights I don't eat at work, but do drink, though mostly black coffee. So it is do-able.
What might be difficult will be eating once its dark and going straight to bed, risk of indigestion/reflux and then getting up early whilst still dark to eat another main meal to last the day. Sleep deprivation and disturbed patterns may be what hits you hardest.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

A midsummer Ramadan must be a nightmare - I'd suffer badly with the dehydration. And I think that drinking would be the part that would concern me the most. You can drink hunger away to a certain extent but it doesn't work the other way round.

 

[Moodyman]

If you ride with gusto then you will suffer and possible harm your health.

If you pootle along it might just be manageable so long as you drink loads during the pre sunrise breakfast.

I know Ramadan is a self-test but I don't think God would want you to risk your health. Only you can decide if God comes before your love of cycling.

 

[Canrider]

Moodyman is just about right: Take it slower than you do outside of Ramadan and I'm sure you'll be fine (provided that wasn't 9.5 miles up the side of some huge hill).
You have, of course, googled something like 'ramadan and cycling' and read the first page of links, yes?

 

[hobbitonabike]

There is no eay I could do it...I struggle if I miss a meal. My blood sugar drops quickly. I have to eat little and often otherwise I vary from dizzy to very quick tempered lol. I presume you have fasted for ramadan before. Howw did your body cope without the cycling? Might be a gauge for yourself?

 

[mustang1]

Better if you give cycling a break during fasting period.

 

[jefmcg]

btw, Ramadan was clearly designed for countries closer to the equator than we are. It wasn't meant to be that tough. I don't know how muslims in Reykjavik (for instance) are going to survive the next 3 or 4 years.