[ph0enix]

Every time I do a faster ride, I smell ammonia (sweat) while showering after. I did a quick Google search and from what I've read it's a sign that my body has used all the available carbs and started burning protein from the muscle tissue. The problem is that this happens regardless of my carb intake. I've tried carbo-loading the day before and on the day of the rides as well but that didn't help.
I'm 5'9" and usually weigh around 175lbs. I can't seem to be able to get lower than that during cycling season. In the winter time, I can get down to about 165 just doing cardio 6 days a week at a local gym. 15 years of on and off weight lifting has left me with a lot of muscle mass so I'm not exactly fat.
What am I doing wrong?

 

[Cinelli 82220]

How much do you eat during the ride itself?

 

[ph0enix]

How much do you eat during the ride itself?

My rides so far this season have been short (20-25 miles) so I don't eat during. I usually have a granola bar shortly before. The intensity of the ride seems to make a difference though. I don't smell ammonia after lighter workouts.

BTW. This isn't a new issue. It's always been this way. I just never bothered looking into it before.

 

[Alfonsina]

Why do you think you are doing anything wrong?

 

[ph0enix]

Why do you think you are doing anything wrong?

Good question. I just always assumed that there was something wrong with my diet and that I shouldn't be burning muscle but perhaps it is normal.

*confuzzled*

 

[DMH2979]

I have the same problem - it's really bad so my coach sent me this:
From the Forum - What's that Ammonia Smell?

 

[Cinelli 82220]

I don't think it is normal and you should not be burning muscle.

Do you manage your macros? ie what is your protein/carb/fat split.

 

[mikerp]

I usually have a granola bar shortly before.

Define shortly before, and what is mixed in with the bar? If it has fats it will slow the rate is digested and makes it available.

 

[JCavilia]

I'm not a expert, but from what I've read it does NOT necessarily mean you're breaking down muscle tissue. It does mean you're getting energy from amino acids from protein, but that could be recently ingested protein, not necessarily protein in muscle mass. The only remedies I've heard of are more carbs and more water. But I've also heard it's not that big a deal, and smelling that after a hard effort does not necessarily mean anything's wrong.

 

[ph0enix]

Define shortly before, and what is mixed in with the bar? If it has fats it will slow the rate is digested and makes it available.

Usually just one of these 10-15mins before getting on the bike:

 

[ph0enix]

Thanks for the replies guys! I guess I'll just keep ignoring the smell.

 

[tlg]

Are you sure you're not eating asparagus then peeing in the shower? :skep:

 

[mikerp]

Usually just one of these 10-15mins before getting on the bike:

Chances are you won't see a benefit from the bar until an hour into the ride (depending on your system), the fat will slow things down.

 

[Kristatos]

I've noticed the same smell sometimes over the years after a particularly hard ride. Best I can tell it happens when your metabolism gets going at a rate faster than your system can clear the nitrogen in the form of urea (urine). There may be a component like the asparagus thing mentioned, where some people may be more sensitive to it and smell it more readily.

 

[ph0enix]

Are you sure you're not eating asparagus then peeing in the shower? :skep:

Don't remember the last time I had asparagus. It's good stuff though. I'll pick some up this weekend.

 

[cxwrench]

make absolutely certain your cat (if you have one) isn't peeing on your or in your shower. or on your shower towel. or your bath matt. be thorough, they're sneaky bastards.

 

[Frankinnj]

Had the same problem, turns out it is whey protein, in the protein bars I was eating.

 

[ph0enix]

make absolutely certain your cat (if you have one) isn't peeing on your or in your shower. or on your shower towel. or your bath matt. be thorough, they're sneaky bastards.

Not the case. No cats in this household. It's definitely me.

 

[c.rod]

Chances are you won't see a benefit from the bar until an hour into the ride (depending on your system), the fat will slow things down.

either riding, weight lifting etc. try to get it closer to an hour before the ride. me personally i eat a chobani yogurt with added granola for the carbo kick. usually an hour before. weight lifting or cycling, spin class etc.

also, i try to eat small protein meals all day long so im never actually "hungry".