Training & Nutrition - calf cramps

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ninjaRoller
10-03-05, 11:07 AM
hey,
Just about every mountain bike race I do, my calf just seem to cramp up. I still feel it a few days later. During my training rides, they are fine.. Any ideas what are the casues of cramps? I am drinking water and some gatorade. I even ate a banana before the race. The races are around 15-20 miles and in 80-90 degree weather.

Machka
10-03-05, 02:31 PM
The leading cause of cramping is dehydration

You need to be drinking one 750 ml (3 cup) bottle of water and/or gatorade every 1 to 1.5 hours while you ride.

If you are racing, you should have been drinking about that much every 1 to 1.5 hours in the few hours leading up to the race. Stop drinking at least half an hour before you race though.

The next cause is lack of electrolytes. Because it is fairly warm where you are, you might consider eating a small bag of potato chips or salted almonds an hour or so before the ride. Do drink some gatorade, and the banana was a good idea.

Lack of some of the other minerals such as calcium and magnesium can also be a problem. Go for a TUMS or Rolaid half an hour or an hour before the race.

Also, don't forget to stretch. When you get to the race, go for your warmup ride, then stretch a bit, and then do the race.

All the best! :)