Do cold temperatures impact your performance?

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2012-04-15 9:38 AM

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Subject: Do cold temperatures impact your performance?

I had several family things to do yesterday morning and afternoon so I started my long ride at 4:00 AM. It was 38 when I started then dropped to 32 about 2 hours in then got back up to 38 at 4 hours in. When I finished at 9:03 it was 44 degrees. I know this because my computer tracks the temperatures. I am trying to figure out my performance was a mental issue or a physical issue. I could not feel my fingers (I am not exaggerating) for much of the ride and my toes were very cold as well. I wore full finger gloves and boot covers over my shoes. I did not start to feel comfortable in terms of temperature until the last 25 miles. Even though I felt warmer my legs started cramping about the time I felt like I was warming up. It was my first 100 mile ride at those temps. I have ridden for an hour and 30 minutes at temps under 40 without issue. I have always associated cramps with warmer temps and fluid balance. I was not pushing the pace and aside from being cold I felt good and I feel really good today.

Kevin 

2012-04-15 9:58 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Do cold temperatures impact your performance?
If I had those conditions in mid April I would move! 80 degrees today some thunderstorms and tornadoes here and there but at least it is comfortable!
2012-04-15 10:02 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Do cold temperatures impact your performance?
I can't remember cramping on a colder ride. I just get might cold and most always lose energy faster. How much different from normal conditions was this for you?
2012-04-16 9:22 AM
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Subject: RE: Do cold temperatures impact your performance?
chevy57 - 2012-04-15 10:38 AM

I have always associated cramps with warmer temps and fluid balance.

Cramping is generally associated with fatigue.  Your experience is not unusual in that sense.  That said, if you were very uncomfortable for large portions of your ride, you may have been 'tensing' up more than usual.  That can sometimes be another way to trigger cramping.  Some combination of those factors seems plausible.

2012-04-16 11:44 AM
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Subject: RE: Do cold temperatures impact your performance?
All I know is that earlier this year I did the same ride two days apart, at roughly the same temperature (thinking high 30s, low 40s). First one without shoe covers, second one with, and I was measurably faster and more comfortable on the second one.
2012-04-16 1:17 PM
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Subject: RE: Do cold temperatures impact your performance?
I'm actually faster in the cold because my body doesn't overheat when running.  If its under 50 degrees I tend to keep my ride on the trainer


2012-04-16 9:08 PM
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Subject: RE: Do cold temperatures impact your performance?
In general I perform better in the cold, though getting down below 40, the effect of added clothing and numbness can become an issue.  The cramping is almost definitely a fitness issue rather than a temperature issue.  Good on you for getting out there and getting it done.
2012-04-17 8:18 AM
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Subject: RE: Do cold temperatures impact your performance?
I do better in warm/hot weather than I do in very cold weather.
2012-04-17 12:16 PM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Do cold temperatures impact your performance?

I can only speak for myself, but I don't like cycling in temps under 45F and not being comfortable absolutely affects the quality of the workout.  If you're giving attention to how cold your face or your fingers or your toes are, then that's attention that's not focused on workout goals.

Worst cramp I've ever had in a race was due to cold water, btw, so it isn't just a fatigue or heat related issue.

2012-04-17 2:21 PM
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Subject: RE: Do cold temperatures impact your performance?
JohnnyKay - 2012-04-16 9:22 AM
chevy57 - 2012-04-15 10:38 AM

I have always associated cramps with warmer temps and fluid balance.

Cramping is generally associated with fatigue.  Your experience is not unusual in that sense.  That said, if you were very uncomfortable for large portions of your ride, you may have been 'tensing' up more than usual.  That can sometimes be another way to trigger cramping.  Some combination of those factors seems plausible.

X2

2012-04-20 9:22 AM
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Subject: RE: Do cold temperatures impact your performance?
I am not sure how it would affect cramping but when it is cold like you experienced your body requires a lot less water but a lot more calories.

2012-04-22 10:26 AM
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2012-04-22 2:04 PM
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Subject: RE: Do cold temperatures impact your performance?
Thanks for the responses. I have decided that the temp does effect performance and that it is probably mental like some of you indicated. When you spend energy thinking about how cold you are you take the focus away from riding. I was not relaxed and I think that was a big factor.Kevin
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