Do a search for a thread about 3 or so months ago. Lots of good info in there.How27spd said:
In a nutshell, no one knows for sure what the cause is. combination of many factors
-hydration
-electrolyte depletion
-inadequate training
cramps in legs ?
Finished a 1 hr 45 min race today and I had a good race ,but was passed by 2 guys
with 50 yards to finish line.There was a long 1/2 mile sprint at the end and my legs started
to cramp on me everytime I tried to stand up and hammer down.It was hot today but they
cramped on me at my last race to.I placed 4th and should have been 2nd #%#@$# me off.
Whats going on ? do I need more endurance training ? I had plenty of water/poweraid.
43yrds
with 50 yards to finish line.There was a long 1/2 mile sprint at the end and my legs started
to cramp on me everytime I tried to stand up and hammer down.It was hot today but they
cramped on me at my last race to.I placed 4th and should have been 2nd #%#@$# me off.
Whats going on ? do I need more endurance training ? I had plenty of water/poweraid.
43yrds
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
In a nutshell, no one knows for sure what the cause is. combination of many factors
-hydration
-electrolyte depletion
-inadequate training
cramps aren't just caused by lack of water. When you sweat you lose steady amounts of not just water, but sodium and other nutrients. Also, potassium's suppose to help prevent the onset of cramps. If you look around on the internet I'm sure you can find some articles on cramps, etc. sorry about your tough break on your race man.
I was advised by a spin class instructor to take Tums (calcium mostly) to ward off cramping. This lady did the Canadian Death Race solo - she says it works...How27spd said:Finished a 1 hr 45 min race today and I had a good race ,but was passed by 2 guys
with 50 yards to finish line.There was a long 1/2 mile sprint at the end and my legs started
to cramp on me everytime I tried to stand up and hammer down.It was hot today but they
cramped on me at my last race to.I placed 4th and should have been 2nd #%#@$# me off.
Whats going on ? do I need more endurance training ? I had plenty of water/poweraid.
43yrds
Cheers
I'd have to agree with ashwinearl
with ashwinearl. The two main reasons for cramping is lack of hydration and/or insufficient training or conditioning.
I once did a 50 mile ride in Ensenada Mexico where I had the same problem. At the end, after riding seated for quite a while, I stood up to pedal and cramped big time in one leg. I knew that coming into the event that I did last minute training and was not completely ready for the ride and only used one large bottle plus drinking at every water station which probly amounted to two large bootles worth of water.
Of course there are tricks like the Tums or eating salty foods like crackers before the ride, but I'm sure those muscles were shocked by the effort being asked of them. There also maybe something in the fitness of muscles to be able to switch from a overly strenuous continuos effort in one position then quickly switching to another position for even more output. I don't think the muscles were ready for that type of effort, but hey mind over body right?!!
with ashwinearl. The two main reasons for cramping is lack of hydration and/or insufficient training or conditioning.
I once did a 50 mile ride in Ensenada Mexico where I had the same problem. At the end, after riding seated for quite a while, I stood up to pedal and cramped big time in one leg. I knew that coming into the event that I did last minute training and was not completely ready for the ride and only used one large bottle plus drinking at every water station which probly amounted to two large bootles worth of water.
Of course there are tricks like the Tums or eating salty foods like crackers before the ride, but I'm sure those muscles were shocked by the effort being asked of them. There also maybe something in the fitness of muscles to be able to switch from a overly strenuous continuos effort in one position then quickly switching to another position for even more output. I don't think the muscles were ready for that type of effort, but hey mind over body right?!!
pickle juice
thats right dill pickle juice. works everytime. try it. aloja.How27spd said:Finished a 1 hr 45 min race today and I had a good race ,but was passed by 2 guys
with 50 yards to finish line.There was a long 1/2 mile sprint at the end and my legs started
to cramp on me everytime I tried to stand up and hammer down.It was hot today but they
cramped on me at my last race to.I placed 4th and should have been 2nd #%#@$# me off.
Whats going on ? do I need more endurance training ? I had plenty of water/poweraid.
43yrds
Mustard
this goes with the pickle juice comment...... this year at the 24hrs of snowshoe, started cramping after my second lap. Usually, this means I'm going to suffer for the remainder of the race. Once the cramps come, they seldom go w/o a day of downtime. Teammate told me about pickle juice and/or mustard as the cure. Since we had no pickles, I ingested a couple of teaspoons of mustard. My cramps went away immediately and did not return. I was completely shocked but it saved my race. I am totally serious about this. They went away instantly, never returned. Normally, I would have suffered through my remaining 3 laps. Obviously - this is not a long term cure and it does not speak to the root cause of your cramping, but for those of us who are prone to cramps, it's a real "gameday" lifesaver. BTW - the mustard did have an adverse effect on my belly.........
this goes with the pickle juice comment...... this year at the 24hrs of snowshoe, started cramping after my second lap. Usually, this means I'm going to suffer for the remainder of the race. Once the cramps come, they seldom go w/o a day of downtime. Teammate told me about pickle juice and/or mustard as the cure. Since we had no pickles, I ingested a couple of teaspoons of mustard. My cramps went away immediately and did not return. I was completely shocked but it saved my race. I am totally serious about this. They went away instantly, never returned. Normally, I would have suffered through my remaining 3 laps. Obviously - this is not a long term cure and it does not speak to the root cause of your cramping, but for those of us who are prone to cramps, it's a real "gameday" lifesaver. BTW - the mustard did have an adverse effect on my belly.........
Thanks guys I'll look into things a little more, That was my 3rd race in 4 weeks.and I have the next 3
off. I'll get some endurance mile in and watch my sodium intake.I have 4 races in August + 24hr race
to get ready for. Maybe I'll keep a couple mustard packets with me !!!!!!!!!!! Thanks
off. I'll get some endurance mile in and watch my sodium intake.I have 4 races in August + 24hr race
to get ready for. Maybe I'll keep a couple mustard packets with me !!!!!!!!!!! Thanks
pickle juice ha ha!
we do 10 hour rides 6000 feet climbs & swear by it. no cramps! no joke. aloja.How27spd said:Thanks guys I'll look into things a little more, That was my 3rd race in 4 weeks.and I have the next 3
off. I'll get some endurance mile in and watch my sodium intake.I have 4 races in August + 24hr race
to get ready for. Maybe I'll keep a couple mustard packets with me !!!!!!!!!!! Thanks
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Top Contributors this Month
View All
ilmfat
800 Replies
DIRTJUNKIE
445 Replies
Sparticus
362 Replies
Recommended Communities
