Quick Summary: I got into Triathlons in 2013 training for the Wildflower half with my brother and some friends, then stupidly signed up to do IMLT with the same friends in 2013. My training over 2013 and most of 2014 consisted of an average of about 8-10 hours per week. Starting in the Fall of 2014 I have picked up the intensity and been feeling really good with my races in 2015 (one sprint and two olympics so far). I am signed up for Wildflower Long Course, Vineman 70.3, Silverman 70.3, and IMAZ.
Here is my question: basically every race in the past my left hamstring cramps up really bad at some point during the run. I believe in the past I was not consuming near enough calories during the race. I am trying to fix that this year and I am eating what feels like constantly on the bike and more than usual on the run. I also am one of those guys that sweat and when I sweat it seems to be pure salt! I'll get done with a group ride and I am the only guy with white all over his black jersey. I thought maybe with taking in more calories I might have solved this problem, but in the two Olympic distance races I have done in 2015 my left hamstring has still cramped (its always the left one)! The only other thing I can think it might be is possibly a bike fit issue?
I am 6 feet tall and weight 172 lbs. been consistently losing weight since I started this in 2013 (around 190 lbs). I still have some lbs to lose. I am no superstar, just trying to break the 5 hour mark at Vineman 70.3 this year and the 11 hour mark at IMAZ in November. This hamstring has me nervous that it will cramp up like every other race and end in mild disappointment knowing I had energy left in the tank but couldn't bend my leg for fear of a cramp setting in... so I pretty much run with a straight left leg for the rest of the race or until it goes away.
Go ahead and tell me what I am doing wrong...
Every man for himself!!
Here is my question: basically every race in the past my left hamstring cramps up really bad at some point during the run. I believe in the past I was not consuming near enough calories during the race. I am trying to fix that this year and I am eating what feels like constantly on the bike and more than usual on the run. I also am one of those guys that sweat and when I sweat it seems to be pure salt! I'll get done with a group ride and I am the only guy with white all over his black jersey. I thought maybe with taking in more calories I might have solved this problem, but in the two Olympic distance races I have done in 2015 my left hamstring has still cramped (its always the left one)! The only other thing I can think it might be is possibly a bike fit issue?
I am 6 feet tall and weight 172 lbs. been consistently losing weight since I started this in 2013 (around 190 lbs). I still have some lbs to lose. I am no superstar, just trying to break the 5 hour mark at Vineman 70.3 this year and the 11 hour mark at IMAZ in November. This hamstring has me nervous that it will cramp up like every other race and end in mild disappointment knowing I had energy left in the tank but couldn't bend my leg for fear of a cramp setting in... so I pretty much run with a straight left leg for the rest of the race or until it goes away.
Go ahead and tell me what I am doing wrong...
Every man for himself!!