Originally Posted by
79pmooney
I haven't seen anyone here talk of potassium. Sodium, yes but lack or potassium is a known trigger for cramps. Red90, you talk of drinking lots of water, but if potassium replacement isn't happening, you are basically flushing it out of your system.
Two potassium sources I have used many times - the time honored banana and the electrolyte replacement drink Vitalyte (formally E.R.G., Gookinaid and Hydrolyte). I have used both since the 1970s when I raced. I put two scoops of Vitalyte in every water bottle. Easy and the stuff is cheap. (Google Vitalyte. It's about $18/can which will fill about 40 WBs.
Another thought which just came to me. Have you massaged that calf? I wonder if a deep massage before or regularly after would help.
Ben
I haven't tried potassium supplements, but I usually do eat a banana before I ride. Not sure if taking it just before the training helps or if I need to take some during the entire day. I'll see if the vitalyte is available here in Canada. Thanks for the suggestion.