Cramp
pjh
Posts: 204
Last couple of rides I've been clobbered by cramp in my quads in particular.
Today I did a 40 miler and the last 5 it was a job to keep pedalling!
I've been off the bike for a couple of weeks cos of the wonderful weather of late so I knew it'd be bit tougher than usual, and it was a tad windy in parts (2455 cals burned).
Anyone any experience of cramp in the quads in particular and what might cause it?
Paul.
Today I did a 40 miler and the last 5 it was a job to keep pedalling!
I've been off the bike for a couple of weeks cos of the wonderful weather of late so I knew it'd be bit tougher than usual, and it was a tad windy in parts (2455 cals burned).
Anyone any experience of cramp in the quads in particular and what might cause it?
Paul.
It's great to be .....
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Comments
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Eat more bananas!
Cramp occurs when your muscles run out of fuel... the fuel is a potassium compound called ATP, and bananas contain lots of potassium! Obviously it is important to drink plenty of fluids, but too much water and these minerals salts will become diluted.
It is a challenge to keep everything in balance... but always listen to your body, it always knows what it needs - if you feel thirsty you need water, if you you get that craving for crisps you need more salts.
Nic0 -
lack of salt can be a contributory factor- did you/do you sweat quite heavily?We are born with the dead:
See, they return, and bring us with them.0 -
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Thanks guys for the info.
I think what is concerning me is that I didn't used to get cramp at all, and the last two rides it has suddenly become an issue.
I'll definitely take on more bananas as they seem to be universally recognised for providing the right kind of fuel
As for sweating ... I *think* I do sweat a lot but it's kinda difficult to tell as it gets blown away by the speed
(I wish).
My face is usually covered in salt crystals at the end of my normal 40 mile loop so that's a bit of a giveaway.
Hopefully the bananas will sort of for me :-)
It's great to be .....0 -
How about cramp in the back of my thighs several hours after I've done a long ride.0
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quinine is supposed to be good for cramps after a ride. You can get tablets but I just drink tonic water when I'm bothered by it and it seems to work for me.0
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John C. wrote:How about cramp in the back of my thighs several hours after I've done a long ride.
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cyber ... /cramp.htmCajun0 -
pjh wrote:Thanks guys for the info.
My face is usually covered in salt crystals at the end of my normal 40 mile loop so that's a bit of a giveaway.
Hopefully the bananas will sort of for me :-)
More often than not, if I don't add some Baking Soda to my water, generally I'll get leg cramps in the quads or hamstrings....but if I take an 'Ounce of Prevention' by drinking a teaspoon of baking soda in 4-5oz of cold water when I first get home, I'll have only a 5% chance of getting a light cramp....works for me Cajun0 -
Cajun wrote:John C. wrote:How about cramp in the back of my thighs several hours after I've done a long ride.
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cyber ... /cramp.htm
Many thanks.
putting this in English, more carbs, drink and a bag of crisps. 0 -
...also it's not a bad idea to get yourself one of these (if you don't want a pocket full of mashed banana!)
http://www.safebanana.com/buy.htm
Nic0 -
John C. wrote:Cajun wrote:John C. wrote:How about cramp in the back of my thighs several hours after I've done a long ride.
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cyber ... /cramp.htm
Many thanks.
putting this in English, more carbs, drink and a bag of crisps.
Ah, just the excuse I need for a bag of pork scratchings & a pint.0
