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Sweat Test Math Question

OK, so a lot of you folks with high sweat rates will probably hate me, so don't read this....

I just did the sweat test and I gained 1.2lbs.  My question is how does the formula work (and does it work) in this scenario?  The instructions assume a loss so I'm not sure if the numbers I'm getting are accurate.  My total workout time was 2:45 and I drank about 72oz., gained 1.2lbs.  It was actually pretty hot and humid (50% humidity)  (Maybe it wasn't that hot, but it felt it cuz of the humidity!) So in doing the formula, it tells me I need 33-36oz an hour, but I think that is if I LOST 1.2lbs. 

How do I make this work?  Anyone having flashbacks from algebra class?  If two trains leave the station heading in opposite directions....

Also, on a related note...  I am also trying the Core Diet philosophy of "drink no water" but I'm finding the calories I'm consuming are too much based on my expenditure.  (I like strong flavor)  If I'm drinking a stronger mix, do you think some plain water would be OK?  I'm trying to drop some weight so burning 1,000 and drinking 1,200 in Infinit/Gatorade/Perform is less than optimal....

But based on my performance at last week's HIM and possible dehydration, I want to get this right for training and IMFL in Nov.

Thanks!

Comments

  • Kim,

    I made this spreadsheet so I (a) didn't have to do math, and (b) could keep an historical record. In addition to the sweat rate, I also record starting and ending temp/humidity/heat index so I could look to see how those three items affect my rate.

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnROJZ4wXMC8dFJtM01QR21fLWFnNVVKUzRUVWdid1E#gid=0

    I plugged your numbers into the calculator and got a sweat rate of ~19.5 oz/hr. Question -- did you weight yourself both before and after in your Birthday Suit? If not, then your numbers are a bit suspect since your kit will hold water and thereby throw off the calculation.

    Can't help you with the "Core Diet" thing...I keep my nutrition and hydration separate. I sweat at 50-60+ per hour, so I can't imagine trying to drink that much sport drink.
  • Thanks joe. Yup, weighed in sans kit both times.
  •  Kim, I also keep nutrition and hydration separate and use Nuun tablets ( or one could use Gu Brew, Fizz, etc) and the tabs are like 5 cals each so I put two in a water bottle for stronger flavor. That way I get the taste I like and plenty of sodium. Then I do my cals separately as I said with gels and Power Bars. If you gained weight, it could be lack of sodium, or not enough fluid as the body will retain it if it feels it isn't getting enough, which is common when it is humid. We heavy sweaters don't hate you :-)

  • Deb- Got some Nuun tabs yesterday. I'll do another sweat test just for kicks to see if I get similar results...
  • @Kim, keep us posted....re-test is needed!
  • Kim: the formula doesn't work if you gain weight. If you are gaining weight you are taking in too much which could be a problem. Keep us posted.
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