Triathlon - Cramps

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wjbunton
06-18-09, 07:18 PM
Alright so I'm doing my first triathlon on Sunday, it is a sprint. Today I did a short "mock triathlon." I did the full swim distance, then went right to a 5 mile bike and then took off running. The problem I had was that when I started running I could feel my calves beginning to tighten up. I ended up walking for a bit, and then was able to go. I had never had this problem when doing my brick workouts biking and running, but this was the first time that I did all 3 consecutively. Does anyone have any tips to avoid cramps? I am thinking that my only option is going to be to start the run portion of the tri walking and then slowly increase my speed to get going. I am wondering if anyone has any quick stretches I should do to help avoid cramps?

HarlieJ
06-18-09, 09:20 PM
I'm curious to see what kind of answers you'll get from the more experienced people but the guy that I train with has me keep hydrated with Gatoraid and fed with Gu. I haven't had a problem yet. I'm doing my first tri on Saturday - short course like you.
In addition to this site, www.beginnertriathlete.com (http://www.beginnertriathlete.com) is a great site as well. Good luck to you!
caelric
06-19-09, 07:19 AM
I doubt with such a short distance that hydration was the problem.

More likely, you used your legs during the swim in some way that made you cramp up during the run. I would recommend mostly avoiding kicking during the swim.

davidjung
06-23-09, 09:39 AM
I doubt with such a short distance that hydration was the problem.

More likely, you used your legs during the swim in some way that made you cramp up during the run. I would recommend mostly avoiding kicking during the swim.

Ditto...what kind of kick are you using? When I starting doing Tris I switched to a 2 beat kick from a 4 beat kick (typical kick for freestyle swimmers). My swim times slowed a bit but able to save enough legs for faster bike and run times. What I have read and tried regarding swimming in Tris is that you want to save the legs during the swim. Over time I learned to use my kicks to primarily rotate my body and propulsion secondary. Here are some sites that helped me...

- http://www.totalimmersion.net/
- http://www.triswimcoach.com/

Some other pointers...when near the end (say .5 - 1 mi but may vary depending on you) of the cycling event increase your cadence on the bike. I increase to around 110 RPM from 95-100 (my avg.). This will help flush your legs a bit and get them ready for the run.