Autocrossing and the heat

Graham Jagger · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 12:53 am **Posts:** 1718

Good discussion. I too used to hate water. Over the past years I have trained myself to get used to it. Like others have said, suck it up and do it. In the beggining I used to take Cranberry juice and add a little (couple of ounces) to all my bottles of water. Gave it a little taste without it drinking just juice or all plain water. Then ween yourself of the flavoring. Just make a couple of bottles flavored as a treat and the rest plain water.

Like Wes said. There isn't really much to electrolytes. It's not like Gatorade owns them or has a patent on them. Just a very simple chemical. Add a pinch of salt to your bottled water mixed with a couple of ounces of juice.

I remember in the military they used to give us salt pills when we were out in the field in hot weather. Haven't tried those for years though.

Wes Eargle · **Joined:** Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:47 am **Posts:** 3683

John Ventevogel wrote:

Does anyone know a good/trusted place to buy coolmax t-shirts? I checked online at REI and Dick's and they both dont seem to offer regular t-shirts. I saw some online at other sites, though it is a little hard to judge if the shop is reputable or not?

Thanks,

John

http://stores.ebay.com/GK-Factory-Outlet

This is a link from anysoldier.us , where people can send packages to any soldier in the US armed forces. I think that I'd trust them.

robharvey · **Posted:** Sun Aug 28, 2005 8:37 pm

Mike Whitney was wearing one of these type shirts at the RallyX today and said that it work really well. He also said that he picked it up at Kohl's. I stopped by Kohl's on my way home from the RallyX and they had their short sleeve performance (i.e., quick dry, breathable, wicking) shirts on clearance. They have several different brands, but the "Tek Gear" brand which is normally $18 was marked down to $5.40. Needless to say I picked up a couple. I also picked up a couple of the Russell brand (just to see if there is any difference). They were normally $25 and were marked down to $17.50.

CosbyWood · **Posted:** Sun Aug 28, 2005 8:45 pm

Looks like Kohls might need to be visited.

jimpastorius · **Posted:** Sun Aug 28, 2005 9:02 pm

My only disappointment with my UnderArmour wear is my abs do not look like Ray Lewis' in the commercials!

Todd Breakey · **Posted:** Mon Aug 29, 2005 8:14 pm

Just saw in the Dick's ad this week that they have the one that Jason Mauldin has on sale for 2 for $20. And they have yellow! :thumbsup:

Also Wally World has the Starter version for $10 each. No yellow though! :thumbsdown:

Wes Eargle · **Joined:** Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:47 am **Posts:** 3683

Bringing this back up due to the upcoming Greenville event and my personal experiences this weekend.

Saturday, I started out and went through a half gallon of Gatorade, and subsisted for the rest of the day on water. Having frozen bottles of water is the best thing, and I only finished one (liter) before the ice melted completely. I made the mistake of wearing a cotton t-shirt, and I was wet and miserable the whole day, because I never got dry. The small rainstorm didn't help matters.

Sunday, again, I had a half gallon Gatorade before getting on the road and went through even more water. Wore the Climalite. When I got home, I had another quart of the sweat in a bottle, but woke up later in the night screaming like this guy <----- with a calf cramp. I don't know what I need to do to add more electrolytes into my system to keep that from happening again. Bananas? Better pace the salt and sugar water throughout the day? Salty cashews or something?

Stephen Westerfield · **Posted:** Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:24 am

Just an FYI....

We are working on having water provided for the Greenville event. This doesn't mean don't bring your own beverages....but we should have a good supply....coolers ready for you to grab one as you go out to your work station.

jimpastorius · **Posted:** Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:52 am

The secret is to start with the hydration at least 36 hours before the event. For Greenville, start increasing your fluid intake on Friday night. Do not drink alcohol any time on Friday or Saturday....save that cold beer for Sunday evening.

Eat a lot of light meals. Don't have a heavy dinner Saturday night or go crazy at McDonalds on the way to the even Sunday morning. A couple of energy bars will go a long way on Sunday.

Wear loose fitting cotton clothing. Try and avoid hats...they help trap heat. That is why you wear a hat in the winter. If you don't like a sweaty t-shirt all day, bring extras. A damp t-shirt goes a long way in helping to cool you.

I played 6 years of Rugby in this North Carolina heat and never had an issue with cramping. By the way, if you are out of shape, take extra precautions.

Finally, if you find that you are not sweating any more or that you are feeling the least bit light headed, please seek out some help. You have crossed that line! If you don't seek help, the best is your are dangerous trying to drive and the worse you can end up dead or in the hospital.

Graham Jagger · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 12:53 am **Posts:** 1718

There are 2 things you shouldn't be drinking. Alcohol and Caffeine. That means no drinking booze or coffee or soda. A tall order but you need to get it under control. I'm amazed when I go to track events and see a guy bring a cooler with a six pack of Coke!

Like Bernie said previously. You should be urinating a fair bit. If it's clear your doing good. If it is a dark color you are dehydrating. If you aren't going at all you are dehydrating. Also the cold towel routine helps. I keep a small towel in my bag. As the ice melts in the cooler it leaves some nice cold water for you. Dip the towel in it and wrap it around your neck or over your head. It helps draw the excess heat out of your body and it feels good.

These wicking shirts. They work. I started using them this year and it helps. You can find them at Kohls for about $15. One thing I see people doing that I disagree with. Some people get these shirts and then wear a cotton t-shirt on top of them. You are defeating the purpose of a wicking shirt, it needs airflow. You wear the wicking shirt by itself.

As the doctor told Stephen. Based on the heat index he needed 4 gallons of fluids. I'm going through 10 x 20oz bottles a day, alternating Gatorade and Water. That's 3 gallons and it is just barely enough based on my weight.

And as Jim mentiond. Loading up on Ronnie Macs and.or 1 big meal is not the answer. Bring some energy bars and eat more small meals. If you start feeling really bad. Don't try and be macho. Tell someone and get some help immediately.

I know it's easy to say all this but not so easy to do. But try anyway. Even with this regimen I still hate the heat and it still wears me down. I've skipped my last sessions on track late in the day because I didn't feel mentally or physically up to it. If you are plain worn to the point of being exhausted then driving a car in anger is probably not a smart or safe idea for you and everyone around you...

Rick Butters · **Posted:** Mon Jul 17, 2006 1:10 pm

Graham said

Quote:

I'm going through 10 x 20oz bottles a day, alternating Gatorade and Water

Good suggestion. Intake of something in addition to water is important, as these large amounts of water tend to dilute your electrolyte concentration.

AndersGreen · **Posted:** Mon Jul 17, 2006 1:22 pm

Karl Shultz wrote:

- I've taken to walking around with a large golf umbrella. Looks a little goofy, but I've got portable shade.

I hear that!

Anders

MarcusMcRae · **Posted:** Mon Jul 17, 2006 1:27 pm

Forecast is calling for low 90's and afternoon thunderstorms. Should not be too bad. I saw a couple of forecasts that were even saying high 80's. Whoot!

Bernie Baake · **Posted:** Mon Jul 17, 2006 2:58 pm

I was there last Tuesday, temp was 91. pulled a three hundred foot measuring tape to figure shape and dimensions of the lot. spent about one hour on the lot (dantes inferno all right). There was not one dry piece of clothing on me after only one hour of walking the perimeter and writing down dimensions. Don't expect it to be tolerable and you won't be disappointed. Take precautions that place is hotter than hell.

Johnathan Eshleman · **Posted:** Mon Jul 17, 2006 4:51 pm

Since I seem to get heat sickness at the drop of a hat (Sanford comes to mind) I figured I'd post some good articles that wikipedia has on the subject.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehydration
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperthermia

Also, remeber to make sure you keep you electrolyte's in balance...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_intoxication

I've also found that a cold/wet towel around the neck does wonders for cooling you down..

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