For the past two training races, I have suffered from calf cramps. That's a real bummer, because otherwise I feel ok. The first time two weeks ago, it was so bad I had to stop peddling all together, yesterday I was able to slightly change my cadence and luckily the pace was such that I was not stressed too badly. I encourage anyone to go check the internet on what causes cramps while cycling as I did. There is an overwhelming amount of information and at the same time an equal amount of misinformation. I've reread every cycling book I own or have borrowed (sorry for not returning them), and I've concluded the state of sports medicine is practically in the dark ages. I guess if I was suffering from the common cold and tried to find a remedy I would feel the same way. We can cure some cancer types, determine ones VO2 max, yet can't fix the common cold or calf cramps. I guess there is no money in it.
So far I've heard an array of potential diet faux pas such as (dehydrated, not enough bananas, not enough quinine, not enough salt (actually that is worth investigating since I diagnosed with hypertension I tend not to eat much salt) Note: Hypertension has gone away since cycling began though. Then there is the whole issue with cleat position, and of course the improbable that I am actually just not fit enough and I am stressing myself more than normal. Oh yea and another potential issue is that I am uptight prior/during racing which acts like additional stress.
I've concluded its not cleat position, as I've gone back to the old cleats, and I'm pretty sure I am hydrated enough. Next up, relaxation techniques, and more salt... (Margaritas?)
I won't mention the suggestion that I massage in honey, garlic and lemon juice. I guess with the left over sauce I could marinate a pork loin or something.
Posts
2 comments:
For me it was caffeine. As you say, there doesn't seem to be much real science. I went trial and error for a half a season and eliminating caffeine before a race or hard ride eliminated most cramps. In fact caffeine is still a theory, but I haven't come up with a test to disprove it, nor a better hypothesis. A dose of calcium, like a n antacid tablet seemed to help as well, but not clearly enough that I've made it routine.
I didn't know calf cramps could be so complicated. For me, when I'm distance cycling or running, the calves are always the first to go (i.e cramp up). Next are (believe it or not) my forearm flexors.
I've never had it lab tested, but I always believed the cramping was a result of dehydration &/or depletion of glycogen. In my experience, cramps would onset after over at least an hour or more of continuous riding or running... AND failure to rehydrate... AND failure to replace burned energy stores. Whenever I carry sufficient water, energy gel packs, & energy bars, and ingest them periodically during exercise, then I'm fine.
Post a Comment