How do you recover from really tough workouts?

[Eli Alexander 316]

I pushed myself harder today than I have in the past decade on my bike ride. It was a beautiful day here in Portland Oregon so I just kept pushing. In the end, I biked 54 miles with decent hills, at over 12mph average. It's over 4400 calories and I feel like I can't quite recover, I feel nauseous and can't stop sweating even though I've been home for an hour and took a long cool-down shower. I've eaten 860calories of very healthy Protein rich foods, and some sugars which I just felt I needed. But I'm full now. Also, I've had 96ounces of Water so far today. (I currently weigh 235lbs, 55 pounds from my target)

Any suggestions?

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

It may be your electrolytes. Try some coconut Water, Gatorade or a banana and see if that helps.

[Luvin_Life125 558]

It may be your electrolytes. Try some coconut Water, Gatorade or a banana and see if that helps.

Those are great suggestions! You may also need a few extra complex carbs. You burned off a lot of calories (energy units) and your body needs to replace the energy it expended. You have to replace what your body lost so it can get back to its balance point.

[Big_Mama 511]

You're still sweating because your body is still in fat burning mode! That was indeed an awesome workout! Replenish as much as you can and get lots of rest. Good job!! I bike 10 miles at the gym and I'm dying! I can't imagine 54!

[Eli Alexander 316]

Thanks!

I'm actually starting to feel better. I had a Gatorade (good suggestion) and 4 fig newtons. But boy, I am still sore, thought that's expected. The nausea is gone and the sweating is dying down. I think I'll make tomorrow a light day.

[Eli Alexander 316]

So it's 7pm here and I have logged 1000 calories today so far. I don't think I've broken 1000 calories since I was sleeved in January, and I'm pretty sure I'm still going to have a few bites more later. I know my body needs the nourishment but I can't help feeling guilty for eating this much, even though pre-sleeve I often had more by 9am and never worked out.

Edited March 30, 2015 by Eli Alexander

[snickysnack78 131]

Believe it or not, eating half a pickle or drinking a little Pickle Juice will help. I know they are high in sodium, however they have potassium which will help. Anytime I overwork myself and my legs are sore, I will do that. if I don't, I sometimes get charlie horse cramps in my legs at night

[OKCPirate 5,323]

My serious answer is be sure to take some antacids like tums. It will help keep the lactic acid from building up in the muscle.

My less serious answer: favorite post workout is Protein drink (25-40g) followed by bourbon - I earned it.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

So it's 7pm here and I have logged 1000 calories today so far. I don't think I've broken 1000 calories since I was sleeved in January, and I'm pretty sure I'm still going to have a few bites more later. I know my body needs the nourishment but I can't help feeling guilty for eating this much, even though pre-sleeve I often had more by 9am and never worked out.

No need for guilt. My calories are always higher on a more active day. (not that high, but still..)

Believe it or not, eating half a pickle or drinking a little pickle juice will help. I know they are high in sodium, however they have potassium which will help. Anytime I overwork myself and my legs are sore, I will do that. if I don't, I sometimes get charlie horse cramps in my legs at night

I've heard this a well.

[Eli Alexander 316]

My serious answer is be sure to take some antacids like tums. It will help keep the lactic acid from building up in the muscle.

My less serious answer: favorite post workout is Protein drink (25-40g) followed by bourbon - I earned it.

I'm actually having. A bourbon now out with a friend, he went to the bathroom I checked in here and saw your post. It's the third alcoholic beverage I've had since my sleeve, but I felt if ever I deserve one, it's now,

[catfish87 3,471]

Lots and lots of water/fluids....maybe some gatorade or Powerade. IMO, 96 ounces isn't near enough fluids in a full day, when you've went 4 hours of hard riding/sweating. The simple test = URINE COLOR.

I found myself waking up in the ER a couple years ago after a long/HOT day of riding.... Trust me, you don't want that.

You'll probably be fine without any more to "eat" today if you're not hungry.

And congrats on the nice ride!

[Eli Alexander 316]

Thanks for the help. I ended up drinking 140oz of fluids yesterday, by far the most I've had in a day since being sleeved. It's the day after and I'm feeling quite good. I thought I'd be extremely sore, but soreness is mild. I'll work out different muscles today.

I'm actually going to Tucson on vacation with family in a couple days, and will rent a bike. I hope while there, to go on a few nice rides. My brother is an avid cyclist, I can't keep up with him, but I'll go biking whenever he does. Vacations are going to be much more active now than pre-sleeve.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

You might want to get one of those backpack for cyclist so that you can drink as you ride. Fill it up with Water or a water/gatorade combo (Personally I prefer coconut water over gatorade) so you can stay hydrated during the ride.