calf cramping -- cause?

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2013-06-17 9:31 AM

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Master
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Subject: calf cramping -- cause?
Not sure if this is largely person specific, but on my 70.3 on Saturday, I suffered from some really harsh calf muscle cramping. Is there some race nutrition deficiency which would trigger this? it was both calves, and was most pronounced in the second half of the 'run'. I'm just trying to find possible cuases and address it for my next race. Thanks!

2013-06-17 9:36 AM
in reply to: Mike_D

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Master
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Subject: RE: calf cramping -- cause?
For me, it was lack of nutrition. I took in a gel and some gatorade with a little water and the cramp went away within a minute or two. Not sure if its different for everyone or not. One thing I try to do from bike to run is stretch my calves during the last mile of the bike, it has helped me before.
2013-06-17 9:52 AM
in reply to: Mike_D

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Subject: RE: calf cramping -- cause?
Very likely a pacing/fitness issue.

Shane
2013-06-17 10:02 AM
in reply to: Mike_D

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Subject: RE: calf cramping -- cause?
Im thinking nutrition for sure.. I had this issue a couple weeks ago at a grand fondo.. my quads were cramping like crazy. i couldn't get fluids in fast enough to keep up with effort. once you get behind with fluid loss its a bear to get back on top of it.

you have to get an interval of taking in fluids of ingesting nutrition.. the body absorbs faster thru fluids. training with this mentality helps
2013-06-17 10:08 AM
in reply to: gsmacleod

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Subject: RE: calf cramping -- cause?
I agree with Shane, 90% of the time for me pacing is why, as I try to take hills at too long or fast a pace. However, one time - a very painful one time - I got some wicked cramps in my upper calves, just down from my knee on the inside, that was 100% due to the fact that I didn't drink anything for about 10 miles, which is flat out stupid. In retrospect, I'm surprised that was the only thing that went wrong. So, if you can eliminate poor hydration, then yes, it's probably pacing.
2013-06-17 11:28 AM
in reply to: momo

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Subject: RE: calf cramping -- cause?
Originally posted by momo

Im thinking nutrition for sure..


I'm thinking neither the OP's nor your issue were primarily nutrition.

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