Isotonic powders

[porshiepoo]

I have my info pack through for a 450km charity ride I am doing in China in 2011.
One of the items recommended to pack are Isotonic powders. Can anyone help me understand what these are for and how/when to use them?

Many thanks

 

[Garz]

Replenishes lost fluids and salts through sweat/exercising. You can also take specific powders to help maintain energy levels, and to recover.

 

[Arch]

I believe an alternative is food and water....


And I think you can, if you must have a supplement, make your own with salt and sugar, there must be a recipe out there somewhere...

 

[TheDoctor]

Last months C+ came with a few free ones in various flavours, mostly awful.
I find isotonic drinks are fairly good when you're hung over, although Irn Bru works just as well for this purpose. Best to leave it to go a little flat first...

 

[Arch]

Recipes here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/healthy_eating/newsid_2132000/2132209.stm

Googling

"isotonic drink recipe" will find more, although mostly they seem to follow the pattern of juice plus water plus salt.

I just think that every penny saved by not buying expensive ready made products is a penny that can be spent on bikes, or cake...

 

[just jim]

There's also Cheapozade, and for serious rocket fuel Cheapozade Plus.

 

[porshiepoo]

Thanks for the replies.
However, I am going to need to take these over to Beijiing with me so I'm not going to be able to load up fluids in my case lol.

Do any of you take these powders? If so which ones do you find to be the best with at least a half decent flavour?

 

[Arch]

Thanks for the replies.
However, I am going to need to take these over to Beijiing with me so I'm not going to be able to load up fluids in my case lol.

Do any of you take these powders? If so which ones do you find to be the best with at least a half decent flavour?

You know, I think it's just possible that the Chinese have water, and fruit juice. Maybe even salt.

You'll have guessed that my answer to the second question is no. But then I'm a cake and tea person. I can still do 60 miles in a day, or 70, or even, just once, so far, 100. I did that on one water bottle, one cheese sandwich, two digestive biscuits and some raisins...

 

[johnnyh]

I buy the Lucozade powder and mix it with water.

if I am going on a long ride or away with the bike I simply make up little "baggies" of the powder.... would be an interesting conversation were I stopped by the police/customs

 

[fossyant]

Isostar Long Energy - quite like it and it's kind to my tum.....used it for a very long time - over 15 years...

 

[zacklaws]

This is what I use to make my own, just mix with water and and some flavour, a bag full of this should fit in your baggage:-

http://www.myprotein.co.uk/bulk-powders/health-and-wellness/electrolyte-powder/

Alternatively just make your own.

 

[TheDoctor]

These are not bad, in the citrus variety. Not as sugary as some - in fact, they're sugar-free. Got the minerals and stuff though. I'd have thought a tube will get you through 5 days. As Arch says, though, it's not vital to have specific sports food and drink. I did Ventoux on Eat Natural nutty bars, coffee and Coke; and my first century on tea and cafe food. With lots of chips.

 

[darkstar]

The chinese are not to bad regarding stuff you have in your baggage, i had a water from UK in my hand and was aloud through security (after a very personal search however!)
But surely taking the sachets of powder will be far easier?
As for getting all your energy rom food over there, the noodles are brilliant but will take you a couple of days to get used to the diet, the first time i had beef noodles at 8am it was a slight shock to the system! Was determined to eat as they do though, not have the pancakes offered by the hostel...
Am very jealous, you'll have a great time, what time of year is it btw?

 

[slowmotion]

I like Dioralyte. The blackcurrent flavour tastes good to me. I do not know if it makes me pedal any better, but it is more interesting to drink than plain water. Give it a try.

 

[StuartG]

Sorry - I am one of the dubious ones too. I cycle, I run. It seems all the young think every outing may include the Sahara with water bottles at the ready. I can't quite follow the logic of shaving extra gram out of the equipment to end up carry a pound and a quarter of liquid. Especially when it is only a two hour run to a cafe or an evening 10k jog.

I suppose it was because we never had 'em that we don't need 'em now. I ran half marathons dry and perhaps 2/3 drink stops (tiny cups half filled) for a full marathon with no ill affects. Those that had more lost even more time in the bushes ...

Elite athletes or extreme weather conditions is another matter. Otherwise if it is supposed to be a pleasure ride/run then the stops to take on board fuel should be integral. Frankly if I'm doing something a bit extreme I pack a banana which gives an instant buzz, is light and comes in its own disposable packing (oh and tastes nicer). Less extreme and my thermos is dedicated to some chilled Rose (how do you do acute accents?). Doesn't help performance but who cares?

So take a container but keep it empty till you know it is going to be very hot or there is no nice place to stop & enjoy.