Training & Nutrition - Right calf seizing

Just about a year ago, I went on a canyon ride on an empty stomach and probably dehydrated from festivities the night before. My right calf seized up on me and I learned my lesson! (Sometimes the hard way is the best way since it's more memorable...)

On two recent rides, the same calf sent messages that it was thinking of doing the same thing. I slowed the pace and was able to thwart it both times. I may not have eaten recently, but I wasn't on an empty stomach and I certainly wasn't dehydrated - just pushing myself relatively hard towards the end of my rides when I felt it coming on.

What's the skinny?! How can I avoid this? What am I doing wrong? What's your expert advice?!

You can't get expert medical advice here, in fact you should not even be looking for it online. I think its time you go see your physiotherapist to discuss your problems.

You can't get expert medical advice here, in fact you should not even be looking for it online. I think its time you go see your physiotherapist to discuss your problems.

Oh come on! You'd probably find hundreds of people here who have more experience in a case like this compared to one single physiotherapist. And medical advice online is actually pretty good these days, if you know where to look.

What's the skinny?! How can I avoid this? What am I doing wrong? What's your expert advice?!Watch your gears. Spin easier gears faster, 90rpms+

Also pay attention to your pedal stroke. You may be pushing down on the pedal at the bottom of the pedal-stroke. You end up exerting a lot of muscle-force in trying to stretch the crankarm and none of it goes into pushing you forward. Practice riding one-legged and see how smooth your pedal-stroke is.

This is also a classic symptom of mis-aligned cleats. You may want to jump over to cyclingnews and read through some of the form and fitness articles: http://www.cyclingnews.com/fitness/

In simple terms: if your cleat is too far forward, your calf must do more work to stablize your foot when pushing down. As you move the cleat back closer to where your leg is, your calf plays less of a roll. When adjusting with your cleats, always make small changes (1-2mm at a time), one at a time.

Are your referring to cramping? I never heard of a muscle seizing. If its cramping, I wold suspect electrolyte imbalance. I know that for me, I have certain areas that are more prone to cramping than other areas, but its all helped by using some electrolyte drinks, and tums.

Whats your pedal stroke like? Are you riding with your toes pointed down? Sometimes I find myself riding this way. It seems very natural, but there can be h*ll to pay for it after a really hard effort.
Also, what's your diet like? Are you consuming any sports drinks during these harder efforts? If you are sweating a ton and drinking only water, then that's a recipe for cramping. If your anything like me, the calf is the first muscle that will cramp up.

Yes, cramping = seizing (for me).

I generally drink water on shorter rides (<90min) and 50-50 iht sports drinks on longer rides (>90min).

Yes, I think my right cleat might be too far forward. Seems like my right heel wants to point down from time to time with my toes pointed up. I've inched it back recently. I'll keep an eye on it.

Looks like lots of reading material on the link.

Thanks.

not having enough base miles and or being dehydrated give me really painful cramps in my calfs.