Leg Cramps!?

[VTinCT]

So, pedaling along this weekend I felt great. I've bee training my legs hard now since December, my cardio is slammin...but around mile 18 my quad rolled up on me!:eek: I mean this $hit hurt! I hopped off the bike (fell over really) and rubbed some life back into it.

What gives!? I wasn't bonked, I was plenty hydrated and had been keeping my enegy stores stocked (rice krispy treats and gu:D ). I was "okay" for the last few miles if a bit slower, but this bugged me. Its never happened before. And I thought it was a joke that you start to fall apart at 30!;) :p

[Tenchiro]

http://media.ign.com/boards/images/icons/other_peanutbutterjellytime.gif

Take a banana with you.

[monkeywench]

Yup, bananas for potassium. Some racers I know carry a small packet of salt to make up what they lose in sweat.

[Serial Midget]

I have to agree - if you are plannin on slammin a lot this summer try picking up some electrolyte tablets at your local running store. They are cheap and effective. Remember... you need more than water to be properly hydrated. :)

[spincrazy]

Wouldn't hurt to get checked by a doc for blood clots too. Remember that journalist who complained of leg cramps over in Iraq? He died dude.

Not to worry you, I'm sure it's nothing, but it couldn't hurt ya know?

[VTinCT]

Originally posted by spincrazy
Wouldn't hurt to get checked by a doc for blood clots too. Remember that journalist who complained of leg cramps over in Iraq? He died dude.

Not to worry you, I'm sure it's nothing, but it couldn't hurt ya know?

Nah, I'm not worriwed about that. The asprin a day thing.;) Seriously though, I see a cardio doc now (I had a little A-fib episode this past winter).

Originally posted by Tenchiro
http://media.ign.com/boards/images/icons/other_peanutbutterjellytime.gif

Take a banana with you.

I can't stomach nanas during exertion....they don't sit well. I was thinking of bringing some chips along for the break. The salt sounds like a goo didea though. I was sweating to bring a flood.

[ARmtnBIKER]

In the past every season I had problems with leg cramps because I sweat so much, especially in the heat of the summer. Last year a friend told me about Endurolyte capsules from E-caps/Hammergel and they work great. You take a couple of caps before the ride, then every hour or so pop a few more, or you can mix them in with your water but it makes it taste funky. I dont use them on every ride, just when I race or am doing an epic or endurance type ride. Go to www.hammergel.com and read up on these things if any of you have troubles with cramps, they will help. Also I have had a time or two where I would be riding hard and start to get a cramp, I can take a few of the caps and the cramp will go away, which in the past at this point I would of normally had to quit riding because the cramps would only get worse, no matter how much water I guzzle.

[Serial Midget]

I've used them - they are often sponsors of my 50K trail races so we get samples in out goodie bags. GU2O is another excellent source of salt and minerals that mixes into a drink.

On the other hand... a handfulof pretzils and a banana will do the same thing - I just don't like pushing hard with food in my stomach.


Originally posted by ARmtnBIKER
In the past every season I had problems with leg cramps because I sweat so much, especially in the heat of the summer. Last year a friend told me about Endurolyte capsules from E-caps/Hammergel and they work great. You take a couple of caps before the ride, then every hour or so pop a few more, or you can mix them in with your water but it makes it taste funky. I dont use them on every ride, just when I race or am doing an epic or endurance type ride. Go to www.hammergel.com and read up on these things if any of you have troubles with cramps, they will help. Also I have had a time or two where I would be riding hard and start to get a cramp, I can take a few of the caps and the cramp will go away, which in the past at this point I would of normally had to quit riding because the cramps would only get worse, no matter how much water I guzzle.

[MtnBikerChk]

Originally posted by VTinCT

I can't stomach nanas during exertion....they don't sit well. I was thinking of bringing some chips along for the break. The salt sounds like a goo didea though. I was sweating to bring a flood.

and bananas generally take more energy to digest than you get from them.

I agree with Serial Guy!

[Lost Coyote]

Endurolytes rock!! I too found out about them from ultramarathon runners. I used to get cramps on epic rides of 4 or more hours, after I started using Endurolytes I've not cramped once.

[East Coast Mojo]

Originally posted by Tenchiro
http://media.ign.com/boards/images/icons/other_peanutbutterjellytime.gif

Take a banana with you.

OK, so you don't stomach bananas - that's OK! Try packing some tums. Yes, I'm serious! The ones with calcium also have a bunch of other trace minerals which get sweated away and are not so easily replaced by Gu or water alone. I have many riding buds who pack 'em - try it!

[suga_stie]

there is new gel out there called "E-Gel". we tried/bought some at Sea Otter..

it contains electrolytes and more water than typical gels.

also contains 50% more in a packet than Gu. it's ALOT to take in at once, but I took some before my race.. The leg cramps held off...

150 calories
several decent flavors...
not as thick as Clif Shots, Gu, etc...

but i still like Gu better!

[VTinCT]

Originally posted by suga_stie
there is new gel out there called "E-Gel". we tried/bought some at Sea Otter..

it contains electrolytes and more water than typical gels.

also contains 50% more in a packet than Gu. it's ALOT to take in at once, but I took some before my race.. The leg cramps held off...

150 calories
several decent flavors...
not as thick as Clif Shots, Gu, etc...

but i still like Gu better!

Is there any caffine? I can't have any...:( I bought a waterbottle for the long rides (i guess the holder for my battery will stay around for a while!) to fill with gatorade. I love my krispie treats and vanilla gu's....we'll see how the next pounder goes with the new artillery.

[suga_stie]

no caffiene in the E-gel.. perfect!

[Skookum]

LEG CRAMPS!!! Just know it's far from your fault. It's not too difficult to discover who's to blame for this!

[indieboy]

Originally posted by Skookum
LEG CRAMPS!!! Just know it's far from your fault. It's not too difficult to discover who's to blame for this!

omg man that is HORRIBLE. now how am i to blame for leg cramps :confused: :D

[VTinCT]

Originally posted by indieboy
omg man that is HORRIBLE. now how am i to blame for leg cramps :confused: :D

I don't know..but I DO know who I'll be blaming next time!!!;)

[Deyv]

Sorry everyone but I AM the king of leg cramps!

I know that if I am hydrated enough, drink gatorade instead of water on the ride and eat very often(dates) I can prevent them but I will try these endurolyte pills and let you know

thanks!

btw I can get a cramp taking off my socks on a regular day, try and beat that!

[Raleighwolf]

Tums with xtr calcium, especially the fruity ones!!!!

[Westy]

Does anyone know if it is easy to get too many electrolytes? If so what are the symptoms. I have had some cramping issues and will probably try some extra electrolyte intake, I just don't want to end up taking too much.

[RockTumbler]

Bring banannas yes and TUMS... you will thank me later... that will give you what you need too! Plus they are light!