Fighting off thigh cramp

unixnerd

My cycling has been going pretty well so far this year, really on top of my game and fitter than I've ever been. Only prob is that after a while I get the first warning of cramp in my left thigh and have to back off a bit, happens on the road bike and tourer so may not be bike position.

I'm 43, yesterday I did Aviemore to Tomatin and back which is 35 miles and twice over Slochd summit - averaged over 20mph. I remember when I used to struggle to get up there on the granny gear.

I've been doing a lot of pretty big hills and putting in a lot of effort all the time. But I tend to cycle one day and rest the next. After about 20-25 miles is when it tends to strike. Then if I feel it creeping in I have to ease off a bit. Is it just a case of MTFU and train more or is this normal? I've never had this before, maybe I'm trying too hard.

slunker

Maybe your in too low a gear....try spinning a higher gear.

unixnerd

You may be right, I have a constant battle with myself to maintain a decent cadence. I generally go along about 70-75 but it can fall to 65 on hills. I really struggle to hold a cadence above 80-85 even downhill.

jocksyboy

cramp is one of those things which nobody can be completely sure of it's causes and how to prevent it.

However usually due to either dehydration, lack of salts and or muscles doing more than they are used to. You can plan for the first two but will only improve with the third one when the muscles get used to it.