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HCT changes due to Hydration


bikerider233
(@bikerider233)
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Hi guys. I'm wondering for those who measure their HCT regularly:

-What time of day do you take your blood and measure? Do you notice any difference based on time of day or how much water you may have had?

-Have you checked HCT on a really hot day - say well hydrated before a ride and then after when you are dehydrated?

Thanks!


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madtrack
(@madtrack)
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Always test first thing in the morning;dehydration will raise Hct so do not test after ride as reading will be higher and always keep well hydrated ;any endurance athelete should keep well hydrated anyway.I drink at least 1litre cold water before breakfast (gets metabolism going)and approx another 2 during the day.Water is boring ,so i have a soda maker and just add a dash of lime juice or soluble vit C tab tastes great.M/track


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Realgains
(@realgains)
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Posted by: madtrack
Always test first thing in the morning;dehydration will raise Hct so do not test after ride as reading will be higher and always keep well hydrated ;any endurance athelete should keep well hydrated anyway.I drink at least 1litre cold water before breakfast (gets metabolism going)and approx another 2 during the day.Water is boring ,so i have a soda maker and just add a dash of lime juice or soluble vit C tab tastes great.M/track

Good tips...

But Mad...have you ever tested your crit after a hard ride or race? I think this is important to do once in a while because it tells you if you have drank enough fluid.
Also, if a person is 52-55% and then gets even slightly dehydrated his crit can climb a lot and into the sludging zone and that obviously is really risky.

RG


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madtrack
(@madtrack)
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Oh yes i do test now and again after efforts and in the evening .I can usually feel if i am dehydrated and crit definitely rises.I have found normal evening Hct readings can be up tp 3-4 % points lower than in the morning.M/track


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adrazor
(@adrazor)
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Same here....around 1 hgb lower in eve.


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puddinpop
(@puddinpop)
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While on an e cycle, are you suppose to take in more water than usual to prevent the "sludging"? I'm talking about during the day as well as riding?


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Realgains
(@realgains)
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Posted by: puddinpop
While on an e cycle, are you suppose to take in more water than usual to prevent the "sludging"? I'm talking about during the day as well as riding?

YES! You can get somewhat dehydrated without training bro.

..and a BIG glass of water before bed....and be sure to take 80-120mg of aspirin too.

RG


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