General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First 1/2 IM done - Cramping Rss Feed  
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2007-07-17 11:36 AM

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Ft. Wayne, IN
Subject: First 1/2 IM done - Cramping
Ok, now that my first 1/2 IM is in the books can anyone give me some good info resources or suggestions on preventing the cramping I went through at the end of the bike and at the end of the run. I have never had quad cramping in training or other tris, I've had calf cramps but those faded months ago and have not returned.

Pre-race taper, hydration and eating were usual. I think I did a good job pacing the swim and bike. I consumed two 20oz. bottles of Infinit on the bike as well as on-course water and a Clifbar. The day was not too warm, maybe 80-85 deg max. In the last 2 miles on the bike I felt cramps coming but not too bad. On the run, the cramps went away by mile 2, pacing was good to the 1/2 mark, I had hopes of raising the pace after the turn but around mile 10 I started to crash. I alternated sport drink and water at each aide station (every mile). The next two aide stations I walked through and jogged to the end with bad cramps - ofcourse the last 200 yards no pain was felt and the excitement of finishing chased it all away. I've done some long bricks and never ran into this issue so your thoughts would be appreciated.


2007-07-17 12:06 PM
in reply to: #889203

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Subject: RE: First 1/2 IM done - Cramping
I had almost the exact same problem. 1st 1/ iron, cramped just at the very end of the bike and again badly on the run.

I was told it was one of two things. Either not enough electrolytes, or pushed to hard on the bike. I ended up pretty much walking the run. Managed to turn a 5:20 finish time into 6:30.
2007-07-17 12:08 PM
in reply to: #889203

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Subject: RE: First 1/2 IM done - Cramping
How much plain water did you do if any?  Have you ever done a sweat test to determine your sweat rate and see if you are getting enough fluids?  If you go salt tabs, check out succeed Scaps.  Obnoxious load of sodium and potassium if you are a heavy sweating bastage like yours truly.  I have used ecaps but you have to take tons of em with only 50mg of sodium.  There is trial and error on what will work, but if it was hot, probably want to take something to help with electrolyte loss.
2007-07-17 1:08 PM
in reply to: #889203

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Subject: RE: First 1/2 IM done - Cramping
in short, it could have been due to: poor training, poor pacing, poor fueling/hydration, heat, a combo or all...
2007-07-17 1:40 PM
in reply to: #889266

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Ft. Wayne, IN
Subject: RE: First 1/2 IM done - Cramping
About 20 oz. on the bike, I'd say about 6-7 small cups on the run - I am a heavy sweater. The Infinit I drink is a custom blend for heavy sweating. Looking back, I think I should have had some on the run rather than regular Gatorade. I get the feeling it'll be trial and error again at some point to get it right.
2007-07-17 1:48 PM
in reply to: #889430

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Ft. Wayne, IN
Subject: RE: First 1/2 IM done - Cramping
Well, I want to rule out training and pacing - I followed what I consider a good training plan all spring/summer. I thought the pace goals I set were ok based on brick experience. I guess I was looking for a suggestion on supplements besides intake of Water/Gatorade along with Gu's and energy bars.


2007-07-17 2:09 PM
in reply to: #889565

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Subject: RE: First 1/2 IM done - Cramping
Honestly, I'm sure you want to hear that if you take xyz all will be well.  Electrolytes may help in some circumstances and you might try taking in more sports drink, etc.  But cramping in that situation sounds most like a fitness issue.  You were just working your body hard.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First 1/2 IM done - Cramping Rss Feed