cramping calves during T2

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2013-03-18 9:46 AM

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Massachusetts
Subject: cramping calves during T2
I'm really cramping bad during this transition. I will say that I am feeling a twinge towards the end of my ride and then when I jump off and into the sneakers and take off my calves just start going crazy. I end up slowing down to like a 9/10 min mi for about 1/4mi. Any advise ?

2013-03-18 9:59 AM
in reply to: #4664189


103
100
Subject: RE: cramping calves during T2
I had the same problem during my first couple of races.  My calves are pretty tight generally anyway so i'm now on a daily streching routine including my hamstrings and calves, sometimes I throw in a tennis ball massage or foam roller to loosen them up. The other thing I now swear by are 2XU calf guards (other calf guards are available).
2013-03-18 11:16 AM
in reply to: #4664189

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Expert
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Detroit, MI. Kinda.
Subject: RE: cramping calves during T2
Aside from regular calf stretching, it helps me if I stand up and stretch them a bit during the last few miles on the bike.
2013-03-18 11:21 AM
in reply to: #4664189


137
10025
Subject: RE: cramping calves during T2
More fluids. Cramping is a result of dehydration.
2013-03-18 11:26 AM
in reply to: #4664388


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Subject: RE: cramping calves during T2

Alphamale - 2013-03-19 5:21 AM More fluids. Cramping is a result of dehydration.

Or overhydration, or hydrating with the wrong fluids or fluid concentrations.

2013-03-18 12:04 PM
in reply to: #4664189

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Not a Coach
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Media, PA
Subject: RE: cramping calves during T2
While exact causes are unknown, most often, cramping is related to straining muscles too hard relative to their current fitness level.  Keep training and working on your pacing.  You can also have your bike fit checked, as an improper fit could put extra stress on certain muscle groups (causing them to fatigue faster and, thus, cramp).

2013-03-18 12:15 PM
in reply to: #4664189

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Subject: RE: cramping calves during T2
I never cramp during training yet have cramped several times during races which leads me to believe that the more likely cause is overexertion.  I rarely go in training on the pain meter where I always go during a race.  This was a real problem in my last couple of race swims with calves cramping as I exited the water.  I think I need to either train harder or back off my race effort.
2013-03-18 12:25 PM
in reply to: #4664501


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Subject: RE: cramping calves during T2

popsracer - 2013-03-19 6:15 AM I never cramp during training yet have cramped several times during races which leads me to believe that the more likely cause is overexertion.  I rarely go in training on the pain meter where I always go during a race.  This was a real problem in my last couple of race swims with calves cramping as I exited the water.  I think I need to either train harder or back off my race effort.[/QUOTE]

Surely that isn't an option!!

2013-03-18 4:04 PM
in reply to: #4664501

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Extreme Veteran
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West Michigan
Subject: RE: cramping calves during T2

popsracer - 2013-03-18 1:15 PM I never cramp during training yet have cramped several times during races which leads me to believe that the more likely cause is overexertion.  I rarely go in training on the pain meter where I always go during a race.  This was a real problem in my last couple of race swims with calves cramping as I exited the water.  I think I need to either train harder or back off my race effort.

Dang near impossible...

Yet training at race intensity isn't easy either...Structured tempo workouts but at only X % of the race distance..

 

2013-03-18 4:16 PM
in reply to: #4664474

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: cramping calves during T2

JohnnyKay - 2013-03-18 10:04 AM While exact causes are unknown, most often, cramping is related to straining muscles too hard relative to their current fitness level.  Keep training and working on your pacing.  You can also have your bike fit checked, as an improper fit could put extra stress on certain muscle groups (causing them to fatigue faster and, thus, cramp).

This

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