09 steps to fuelling up

01________

Find the sodium balance

After 20mins of scientific wizardry, it transpires that I’m a salty sweater. “You lose 1,290mg of sodium per litre of sweat,” states Andy. “Very low is 200-300mg/l; very high is 2,000mg/l. The average is 970mg/l.” The numbers show the range of sodium loss in athletes and explain the white sweat marks on my jersey. The result means I should use Precision’s higher PH1000 and PH1500 electrolyte tabs. But why is sodium loss important?

Sodium helps to maintain blood plasma volume and transport water from the bloodstream to working muscles. If a rider’s drink contains liquid with little sodium, the body won’t retain it. Sweat contains salt, comprising 40% sodium/60% chloride,