reducing/buffering lactic acid buildup?

are there any supplements and/or foods that promote this?

and as far as training, what would be recommended to raise one's tolerance (not sure how to word it) of "the burn"?

 

Get a small container of Cytomax sport/energy drink and try it on your rides.

Justin is really enjoying the Pomegranate and something flavored one I got from allstarhealth.

Other than that... climb more. Ride lots.

 

thanks allison.

 

+1 for the Cytomax

 

I like HEED better than Cytomax. Cyto was hard on my belly.

 

Justin and I started using Cytomax just before last summer. I don't know if it was just the additional riding, or the drink, but we were able to ride a bit longer without feeling as fatigued.

I'm also a huge proponent of Hammer Nutrition products. I was talking with a buddy that is just getting into riding, but has a few friends that are really into fitness and nutrition. We came to the conclusion/concensus that Hammer stuff is probably the most healthy products for you. HEED is great for energy (their Sustained Energy is similar, not really sure what the differences are, exactly). Perpetuem is really good for long all day rides to take in calories, fat, and protein throughout the ride.

But, Cytomax has really good lactic acid buffering properties. Also, it tastes great

 

Here's a few:

Hammer products, Race Day Boost in particular: http://www.e-caps.com/za/ECP?PAGE=PRODUCT_CATEGORY&CAT=SPEC&OMI=&AMI=14

First Endurance Products:
http://www.firstendurance.com/optygenhp.html

Champion Nutrition's Revenge:
http://www.champion-nutrition.com/champion/products/revenge_sport.php


I've used the RDB and I notice a difference. I used Revenge with success but it doesn't agree with my stomach all that much so I don't use it anymore. I have yet to try the First Endurance products.

 

The man knows his stuff.

 

Nah......I think he is just wingin' it. :lol:

 

+2 on the Cytomax

 

Lactic Acid

My sister who is a Chemist and also was a Cat1 roadie used to take Alka-seltzer before her races. She absolutely swore by the stuff. I was playing semi-pro raquetball at the time and starting using it as well. I don't know how or why it worked but I do know that for exercise lasting 1 to 2 hours it works great.

 

hmm... i wonder if that has anything to do with scavenging ammonia?

i dont know what i'm talking about. #-o

 

Creatine loading will prolong fatigue but will cause quicker dehydration.

 

Interval training.

Cruise along at a somewhat easy pace, then gradually build to a tough pace over 3 to 6 minutes. Recover at the easy pace for the same amount of time as the work interval, then go hard again. Repeat 3-5 times in a workout session.

 

Hammer products are the best for serious endurance. I used to cramp up after 3-4 hour rides. After using Hammer products I don't cramp up any more. I like Cytomax toom but Hammer is what I use when I am on a "serious" ride.

I use a combination of

Heed for < 2 hours rides

Sustained Energy for 3-4 hour rides

Perpetuem for 4+ hour rides with Heed combined

I also use their Endurolyte caps to boost electrolyte intake.

Recently I tried implementing their Anti-Fatigue caps to reduce ammonia build-up in day-after-day training. They seem to help.

PM me if you want to get 15% off your first order from Hammer.

KeepsWhatHappens

 

I use about the same way. Another one to consider is Race Caps, these suckers work.

 

Yep Pain Freak is right. They do work. I also use their Premium Insurance Caps vitamin regimen. I forgot to mention their supplements.

Not to mention making good product Hammer has TONs of info available to help your training/nutrition regimen.

KeepsWhatHappens

 

The effectiveness of Alka-seltzer to delay fatigue is based on acid-base chemistry. Fatigue results from the build up of lactic acid and Alka-seltzer acts as a buffer (A buffer is a substance which can keep a solution from becoming too acidic or basic.) In this case, Sodium Bicarbonate, the active ingredient of Alka-seltzer (and interesting enough, baking soda), acts to lower blood pH, keeping your blood from becoming too acidic. Sodium Bicarbonate and Sodium citrate have been linked to increased performance (although usually in large doses and not in everyone).

Other interesting facts:
-Calcium carbonate (active ingredient in Tums and Rolaids) does NOT lower blood pH
-Baking soda (so by extension I assume sodium bicarbonate) is NOT allowed in the Olympics

Haha yeah I know, I know, I am a nerd :read:


For those of you interested in the hardcore science (non-simplified versions):

Requena B, Zabala M, Padial P, Feriche B.

Sodium bicarbonate and sodium citrate: ergogenic aids?
J Strength Cond Res. 2005 Feb;19(1):213-24. Review.
PMID: 15705037 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
-->"A majority of the studies have suggested that the ingestion of both [Sodium bicarbonate and Sodium citrate] provides an ergogenic effect due to the establishment and maintenance of an elevated pH level during exercise.... Sodium bicarbonate and Na-citrate seem to be effective in activities with a sufficient duration to generate a difference in the hydrogen ion gradient, characterized by a very high intensity and involving large muscular groups."

Bishop D, Claudius B.
Effects of induced metabolic alkalosis on prolonged intermittent-sprint performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2005 May;37(5):759-67. PMID: 15870629 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
--> "The results of this study suggest that NaHCO3 [Sodium Bicarbonate] ingestion can improve intermittent-sprint performance and may be a useful supplement for team-sport athletes."

 

...you lost me at "the" :lol:

 

so is it save to take a table spoon of baking soda? Would that do the trick? or maybe mix it into gatorade?