Hi all
I have just did another tri on the weekend at raby bay and once again I got cramps in both calfs when starting the run(In the first 300-400m) they are that bad I have no choice but to stop and stretch them for about a minute each (not good for my times) :angry: . Once I get going after the stretch I have a slight tingle there and have to really be careful about the way and speed I run at and then after about the 1.5-2km mark good as gold. :D
I do train the transition from bike to run but dont seem to get the cramps then and I also drink endura for the magnisium.
I am getting to be a better swimmer-rider and runner but the cramps are grinding me to a hult :unsure:
anyone else get them or used to get them???
will they go away if I keep training and racing???
I have never been a strong runner so I am ramping up my runnig to try and over come it.
Full Version: Calf Cramps
CoolRunning Messageboards > Specific Running Categories > Triathlon, Cycling, Swimming, CrossTraining etc
I used to get them really bad.
Not anymore though.
Do you use a high cadence on the ride?
If you peddle in an easier gear for the last bit of a ride at high cadence it will help.
You said you don't get the problem when you train your transitions, is this after a 30km ride of pushing at race pace?
More training and racing will help as will regular massage. You may have pre-existing calve issues which a remedial massage will help.
Bike setup may need reviewing also as you may be stressing muscles unnecessarily ie. seat height.
Matt.
Not anymore though.
Do you use a high cadence on the ride?
If you peddle in an easier gear for the last bit of a ride at high cadence it will help.
You said you don't get the problem when you train your transitions, is this after a 30km ride of pushing at race pace?
More training and racing will help as will regular massage. You may have pre-existing calve issues which a remedial massage will help.
Bike setup may need reviewing also as you may be stressing muscles unnecessarily ie. seat height.
Matt.
QUOTE (mattjen1977 @ Apr 24 2006, 11:11 AM) 
I used to get them really bad.
Not anymore though.
Do you use a high cadence on the ride?
If you peddle in an easier gear for the last bit of a ride at high cadence it will help.
You said you don't get the problem when you train your transitions, is this after a 30km ride of pushing at race pace?
More training and racing will help as will regular massage. You may have pre-existing calve issues which a remedial massage will help.
Bike setup may need reviewing also as you may be stressing muscles unnecessarily ie. seat height.
Matt.
Not anymore though.
Do you use a high cadence on the ride?
If you peddle in an easier gear for the last bit of a ride at high cadence it will help.
You said you don't get the problem when you train your transitions, is this after a 30km ride of pushing at race pace?
More training and racing will help as will regular massage. You may have pre-existing calve issues which a remedial massage will help.
Bike setup may need reviewing also as you may be stressing muscles unnecessarily ie. seat height.
Matt.
Hi bda20
Heres a tip to get rid of your cramps .Start taking a daily Calcium & Magnesium suppliment.(1 pill combined)
I suffered from cramps and a friend gave me this info,started suppliments,cramps GONE.Apparently it the salts that you are lacking after a lot of sweating that causes the cramps.Hope it works for you.
Cheers
Hi bda20,
I've had similar issues and it's more likely to be a range of motion issue than electrolyte prob.
When you ride, your ankles never go past 90degrees (if even that), and then suddenly you hop off the bike and need around 20 degrees of dorsiflexion (toes towards shins) for running.
Analogy: Imagine doing arm bicep curls for 60mins with a barbell, not straightening your arms past 90degress ,then suddenly straightening them and trying to continue thecurls. Result = cramp/muscle spasm.
In the last few k's of the bike, try spinning at a higher cadence, but also try to stretch each calf (with your downpedal leg fully straight) on the downhills while not pedaling for a few seconds and dropping the heel lower than the pedal.
This worked for me. Hope this helps.
I've had similar issues and it's more likely to be a range of motion issue than electrolyte prob.
When you ride, your ankles never go past 90degrees (if even that), and then suddenly you hop off the bike and need around 20 degrees of dorsiflexion (toes towards shins) for running.
Analogy: Imagine doing arm bicep curls for 60mins with a barbell, not straightening your arms past 90degress ,then suddenly straightening them and trying to continue thecurls. Result = cramp/muscle spasm.
In the last few k's of the bike, try spinning at a higher cadence, but also try to stretch each calf (with your downpedal leg fully straight) on the downhills while not pedaling for a few seconds and dropping the heel lower than the pedal.
This worked for me. Hope this helps.
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