Re: [The pre-race sodium levels were 139.8 (+/-1.8) in the non-crampers and 139.8 (+/-1.5) in the crampers, so there was no difference in pre-race sodium levels].
Alex, thanks for the clarification on this, as I brought up the question as a possibility that the cramping group may have had lower pre-race sodium levels than the non-crampers. Is it possible that, if sodium levels are related to cramping, that the cramping group, as individuals, require a higher level of sodium than "average".
I appreciate that these measurements are averages and that individuals may need to be assessed as such. As others have discussed and in Rappstars Ironman nutrition plan (noted elsewhere on the forum) clearly demonstrates, experimentation to determine what works for an individual may be what's really required. I doubt most people would have access to the tools to adequately measure sodium levels in training and it's going to be more of a trial and error process.
My concern initially, is what I see as the tendency to look at electrolyte supplements (over and above what's in the on-course energy drink, for example) as an essential part of every Ironman athlete's nutrition plan, when either; they don't have any specific issues that may require extra supplementation, or they do have cramping issues that may be caused by a combination of (lack of) conditioning and/or a race intensity that's simply too high.
What are your thoughts on Ironman race intensity, with respect to cramping?
Regardless of whether or not it can be proven (or disproven) that there is any possibility that electrolytes influence muscle cramps (in Ironman), I think a study that looked at a similar group of athletes and their respective race intensities and the incidents of cramping would be very interesting. Maybe theres been one done....Anyone?
Thanks
KC
**********************
Alex, thanks for the clarification on this, as I brought up the question as a possibility that the cramping group may have had lower pre-race sodium levels than the non-crampers. Is it possible that, if sodium levels are related to cramping, that the cramping group, as individuals, require a higher level of sodium than "average".
I appreciate that these measurements are averages and that individuals may need to be assessed as such. As others have discussed and in Rappstars Ironman nutrition plan (noted elsewhere on the forum) clearly demonstrates, experimentation to determine what works for an individual may be what's really required. I doubt most people would have access to the tools to adequately measure sodium levels in training and it's going to be more of a trial and error process.
My concern initially, is what I see as the tendency to look at electrolyte supplements (over and above what's in the on-course energy drink, for example) as an essential part of every Ironman athlete's nutrition plan, when either; they don't have any specific issues that may require extra supplementation, or they do have cramping issues that may be caused by a combination of (lack of) conditioning and/or a race intensity that's simply too high.
What are your thoughts on Ironman race intensity, with respect to cramping?
Regardless of whether or not it can be proven (or disproven) that there is any possibility that electrolytes influence muscle cramps (in Ironman), I think a study that looked at a similar group of athletes and their respective race intensities and the incidents of cramping would be very interesting. Maybe theres been one done....Anyone?
Thanks
KC
**********************