Cramps on 105 mile training ride

Triathlon Forum
1

Felt great up until mile 95. Kicked up the pace about 2-3 mph and at mile 97 both quads & hamys locked up big time. I’m sure many of you have experienced it before. If it weren’t for a slight down hill grade, I would have have been on the pavement - could not pedal a stroke. After coasting for 1/4 mile, I was able to limp home at about 18 - 19mph. I took in about 960 cal (4 E-gels, 1 kit Kat, 1 pack of Peanut butter crackers). In addition, I had about 95 oz of regular gatorade - No salt tabs. I’m 5’11, 172 lbs, 12% body fat. We averaged 21.8 mph (3 guys) until I cramped. I average about 140 miles per week on the bike, and have done two 85 milers building up to todays ride. (It was also about 90 degrees the last 40 miles with high humidity, but that is nothing new around here)

Anyway, do you think the cramps were due to the lack of salt, calories, or fitness?

Thanks

2

whenever I get cramps it is due to dehydration.

3

Anyway, do you think the cramps were due to the lack of salt, calories, or fitness?

Thanks
Probably a little bit of all 3. Good thing it was a training ride, now you can learn from it.

4

fitness
.

5

I would just say not to kick it up 2-3 miles per hour after already doing such a long ride. Plus your nutrition could be an issue. You need to be getting your legs ready for the run the last 30-1 hour of your 112 mile ride anyway.