Cramp and pain
jimmyt-11
Posts: 119
I haven't done much cycling over the past few years but over the last couple of months I've started training for the London to Paris cycle.
the last 2 times I've been out I have tried to increase my average speed.
doing so I have noticed I get pain and cramping in my calf muscles. I'm wondering whether is normal and it takes training to get rid of it, whether I need to do some stretching, or whether I need to change some part of my bike set up.
any help would be much appreciated.
the last 2 times I've been out I have tried to increase my average speed.
doing so I have noticed I get pain and cramping in my calf muscles. I'm wondering whether is normal and it takes training to get rid of it, whether I need to do some stretching, or whether I need to change some part of my bike set up.
any help would be much appreciated.
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Comments
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Stretching will definitely help prevent them. Stretch the calves every day and every time before and after you get on and off the bike.
Hydration could be another factor. Start drinking plenty of fluids the day before a big ride and then drink regularly throughout the ride. I drink 750ml per hour on a long ride and double that when doing intervals. Also try electrolyte & magnesium capsules (something like High5 Zero) dissolved in your drinks bottle. Again start this the day before the ride with 2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.
I normally get cramps if I’ve done a hard session, then cooled down and start to ride again without warming up, so try to keep warm when stopped, stretch before you get back on and start off slow and ease back into cycle to warm back up. I’m also more prone to cramps if I’ve done a couple of hard days in a row so if they start it’s best to end the hard session, drink more, stretch regularly by standing on the pedals and lowering your heal, and just spin an easier gear.0
