Cramps

[lemmiwinks]

I think this is the right section for this... This afternoon at the end of our bunch ride, there was a little impromptu sprint for the finish, well, more of a pace increase really. Anyway, I wanted to have a go as I had plenty of energy left, but as soon as I lifted my pace both calves cramped solid. Not painful at all but I couldn't bend my ankles at all which made it awkward to say the least.

About 5-10 seconds after I gave up and started coasting they just came good. This isn't the first time it's happened to me, though normally it's only one leg. Also, often during the ride if I'm pushing hard on a climb I can sometimes feel my calves/hamstrings just on the verge of cramping.

Any suggestions as to what the cause could be? I drink 500ml of gatorade and some water about 1/2 an hour before the ride (though when I've used it up I'll be buying something that contains magnesium). Do I just need more salt?

[Alex Simmons/RST]

It's complex and nobody really knows the answer.

However, the fitter you are and and the better your endurance gets through training, the less cramps occur. Making sure you have sufficient fluid with electrolytes and carbohydrates does help.

[lemmiwinks]

Thanks Alex. I'm calling it a cramp because both calves went rock hard and I couldn't bend my ankles, although there was no pain like you'd normally associate with cramps. But I guess it's still a cramp.

I read an article the other day claming what electrolytes should be in what concentrations in your sports drink so I went and checked the Gatorade (powder) which only had about 1/2 the things and in lower concentrations. I'll try something "better" next time and hopefully that helps too. But as with most things cycling related, I suspect more, faster, harder and longer will probably help most

[JCR]

Try Endurolytes by Hammer Nutrition.

[sogood]

Weird. I have never heard of cramps without pain.

There might be something else in play there. Are you sure you aren't an alien?

[lemmiwinks]

Weird. I have never heard of cramps without pain.

I know, though no pain is a definite plus. My performance is very much down to earth

Will keep an eye out for Endurolytes, thanks JCR.

[Funkymonk]

I used to suffer your symptoms went to a seminar on "night cramps" at UWA , their advise was Magneisum after all their testing

went home and brought MAGNESIUM CHELATE 500mg take 3 a day never had them again that was 1987 ....

[lemmiwinks]

Sweet! Thanks Funkymonk, stupid Gatorade has 0 magnesium. I'll get hold of some before the weekend (my first race!)

[Mulger bill]

Plenty of Mg in a banana.

Shaun

[lemmiwinks]

Plenty of Mg in a banana.

Shaun

In that case - bugger 'cause I normally eat two a day, at least one. On the plus side I didn't have any problems yesterday and I sprinted (for me anyway) like buggery at the end

[Funkymonk]

Thre problem with Mg is it is water soluble and the more you drink the quicker your body flushes it , hence 3x 500mg of Chelated Mg a day .

2 x banana's = buggar all

[tallywhacker]

lemmi, you wouldn't happen to take asthma meds. I was on one that gave me "scream in pain" cramps changed it and my current meds give me painless cramps in my hands if I over use them.

[lemmiwinks]

Nope, no asthma medication at all.

Might still track down some magnesium supplements tomorrow (need a new seat more urgently though!)

[mikesbytes]

I've done some research on cramps and there are many reasons for them.

Often sport'ies are deficient in something and commonly that is Magnesium. So try taking Magenesium and see if that helps.

[lemmiwinks]

Well, got my performance enhancing drugs (magnesium supplement) today. Took one at lunch and no sign of cramps when I went racing at 4 so hopefully that's the end of it.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.