Cramping - Triathlon Week

moabrunner · 08-28-2006, 09:16 AM

I have been cramping during races. I think I am drinking plenty and I am using gatorade endurance. I also take gels and other food. I am trying to figure out what could be causing these cramps in my legs. The last half iron I did I got a cramp during the swim. I have never had a cramp during any of my training swims. My 3 ideas are that maybe my nerves are getting to me or that I am not flexible enough. I am more like plywood than a slinky. Or maybe I just need to drink more than I am. Most of the bad cramping comes on the run portion. Has anyone had these same problems. If so I need help. Thanks.

sfricks · 08-28-2006, 01:08 PM

WOW... My responses would be a total shot in the dark. First, flexibility or lack there of doesn't cause cramping. I can't touch my knees, let alone my toes and I dont' cramp. It could be improper running form, it could be lack of potassium, or possibly even over hydration (hypontramia - which is actually low blood sodium). Whatever the case it's likely chemical related. Have you had a blood workup recently. Most medical insurance providers have a wellness clause where they pay 100% for a physical every year including blood work. That's where I'd begin. Otherwise you may need to seek out a sports medicine specialist for a more personalized analysis. Please keep us posted on how you come with this.

ddguier · 08-28-2006, 06:17 PM

Hey! I have the same problem. Back on 8-14-06 I wrote a thread with the same problem. I get leg cramps on the bike once in a while and on the run in the Tri's (sprints) that I did this year. Frist of all I did go to a Dr. and had a blood test done, everything looked ok. I checked online and didn't get too far. I have started taking more fluids, I have started taking some suplements, calcium with vitamin D, magnesium, and potassium. I am doing a Olympic Tri on Sept 9 at Lake Gevena. Will let you know how it goes.

DOUBLE DOWN · 08-28-2006, 07:42 PM

I'm curious about the over hydration asspect of this issue. I had bad cramps this week in a sprint tri during the run portion. I drank lots of fluids before race day including gatorade endurance and OJ. I think my food intake was real good as well, so I'm at a loss about the cramps.

Could it be that all those fluids I was pushing in my body three days ahead of the race might have hurt me?

moabrunner · 08-28-2006, 09:47 PM

I had my blood tested recently and it was fine. I am at a loss. The thing that gets me is the cramp during the swim. It was out of nowhere. I am going to try some stuff in training and try to get this ironed out. I want to do a half iron in the spring and want to get a better time but won't be able to with these cramps. I thought that hyponatremia wouldn't be an issue because I was drinking GA Endurance. I also have the gatorade sports institute about 20 minutes from my house. I may head over there and see if they can put me through some tests.

sfricks · 08-29-2006, 04:59 AM

Hyponttamia is a complex subject that I can't fully address. Try doing a google search on the subject for more info.

jwier92 · 08-29-2006, 07:10 AM

Getting in pelenty of water days before a race and for that matter, training your body to take in fluids is very important. I usually will drink close to a gallon or more of water a day. I have no issues with hydration durring a race and do not require much intake durring a race. Usually a little durring the bike or if I am doing a run, water to rinse my mouth and pour on my head. I am not sure about a marathon distance, but in my half marathon, that was the case.