Belle of the bonk...
Did you know that you can bonk trying on bathing suits? I didn’t, until it happened to me Monday night.
If you’re not familiar with the term, “bonk” is used in cycling and other endurance sports when you suddenly lose energy and fatigue sets in. You essentially run out of gas. When I work out or do an event, I try to be mindful about staying fueled up and hydrated. During the century on Sunday, I was definitely en route to hitting the wall when I realized what was happening and got some extra carbs in me -– more than I usually need. That showed me big time that I could have used a lot more long distance cycling training prior to the ride. But, when it was all said and done, I felt fine and had a healthy dinner that night with a balance of carbs and protein to help my muscles recover.
Back to Monday. I was ravenous all day and ate something every couple of hours. A bowl of oatmeal, a piece of fruit, yogurt, a Lean Cuisine and green beans, a salad, more fruit, a bag of 94% fat free popcorn… it was good-for-you food, but I couldn’t believe I was stuffing all that in there and still hungry. I was drinking plenty of water too.
Usually on Mondays I take a Spin class followed by one hour of core conditioning at my gym. The thought of getting on a bike, even a stationary one, made my tush ache, so I went easy during a Step Aerobics class and did some low-weight arm exercises. Then, I drove over to a nearby sporting goods store because I needed a new bathing suit and they were having a sale. Mine has seriously deteriorated to flasher stage.
Anyway, I go in to the shop and it feels warm in there. I grab an armful of suits, head in to a changing room and I start getting a gross clammy sweaty feeling. But, I proceed to try on the suits cause dang it, I love a good sale; and secondly, I don’t want to be arrested for indecent exposure the next time I go to the pool.
I got dressed again and returned to the rack for some different sizes. Whoa, head whirl, clammy, a little shaky –- I needed to sit down. I went back to the dressing room, plopped on the floor and put my head between my knees. Full on bonk.
By this time, the announcements start coming over the loud speaker, “the store will be closing in 20 minutes… the store will be closing in 15 minutes… ” I’m having these thoughts that it’ll be like that episode of General Hospital when Luke and Laura get trapped in the department store overnight except, in my case, I’m Luke-less and that would be boring.
Well, I pulled myself together, went to the register and bought a gel and a Clif bar (since I am at a sports store), ate them in my car and waited for the energy to kick in. Feeling better, I drove home.
Oh, I also bought a bathing suit. I’d never let a little bonk beat a bargain.
P.S. Found this on the ironpower.com website: to fuel muscles during exercise, athletes should consume carbs at a rate of 30 to 60 grams per hour. If you weigh 100 pounds, that target is closer to 30 grams per hour. If you weigh 200 pounds, the target is 60 grams per hour.
For all the left-brainers out there like me, who will never be hired for their math skills, just remember to eat something and drink water. Personally, I like Accel chocolate Gel, Clif Cranberry, Apple, Cherry Bars and Clif Cran-Razz Shot Bloks. Experiment and see what you like and what sits well in your gut when you exercise. Some of my product test drives haven’t been pretty. ‘Nuff said.
P.P.S. You didn't really think I was going to show you a photo of me in my bathing suit right? Heck no!
