I suffer the same issue although I cramp everywhere…I get 30 second tetanic contraction in both the quads and the hamstrings alternating…not fun…Just did the l’etape and cramped in both legs, cramped in my forearms, cramped in my triceps, cramped in my lats. I am experimenting with different oral rehydration solution and came upon drip drop hydration powder in my hospitals pharmacy (I am an anesthesiologist). Tried it this weekend on the santa cruz mountain challenge 100 miler, 11K of climbing. Only had one 5 second twinge of the hamstring otherwise I was good. Not sure if this will work but it is encouraging. The big difference is that there is magnesium in the reconstituted solution. I know that magnesium leads to pretty potent muscle relaxation when you go mag toxic in preeclamptic patients so who knows…
A colleague told me about magnesium oil…i guess you absorb mag transdermally if this drip drop doesn’t work I’ll try that…
The only advice I have is that when it fires off try to activate the opposite muscle group to break the cramp. That’s all I got. I feel for you…
I have the same issues, have for years. I’ve tried everything. Different amounts of liquids and electrolytes, pickle juice, hot shots, extra magnesium (including daily supplementation of various types of magnesium), epsom salt baths (which is just more magnesium), etc etc. Nothing works, and I firmly believe, based on lots of studies, and my own personal experience, that it has absolutely nothing to do with shortages of any minerals etc in your system.
Well, I say I’ve tried everything…the one thing I haven’t tried/accepted, is that for a given distance where I normally cramp near the end, I have to force myself to ride way easier. Cramping generally means you over-cooked it. Its frustrating I know, because I often feel like I haven’t pushed hard at -all-, yet come the 70-80km mark in a 70.3, my legs/brain just decide ‘thats enough!’ and they start firing off, and then the run is a total shit show of massive leg cramps.
Nothing sucks more than when you are starting the 21km run, feel like you have tons of energy left, and your legs go into horrible spasms…
hamstring cramping on the run is my nemesis…experimented with salt tabs for a couple years with some success, but never 100% effective. Out of desperation, I ordered a supply of Hotshot and have never looked back…it works for me. Initially I was taking the whole bottle (1.5oz) when cramps threatened and it was nauseating me. Now I take a sip at the first sign of a cramp , and that keeps it at bay for about 15-20 minutes. Some think it’s snake oil, but I swear by it. It’s expensive,tastes horrible, but it works.
I got some free samples of hot shot and decided to take it with me to an olympic race and ended up using it on the run. I didnt take enough in on the bike and then once I got onto the run at about mile 2 I could feel my calves cramping. I took the hotshot at the start of mile 2 and after having to almost walk for 1/10 of a mile from the burning sensation in my throat that accompanied the shot then I was able to finally settle down and get back into a groove and by mile 3 I had no more issues with any cramps. The taste and sensation is weird. I recommend trying it out before you race just so you are use to the taste.
1.it was muskoka 70.3
2. I train and trained mostly in my basement. With my strict schedule kickr and perfpro work best for me along with my treadmill.
3. In the run I noticed that my hamstrings linger around mid tempo so like 3k into tempo I feel them but this was not the case in race day. Its mostly my quads. Then my vastus medialis cramps after I spent 50mins at 285w which is about my ftp.
4. More on the bike and carry on the run
5.I averaged 14hrs before my race
6. No not at all. Just have no time with kids and family hard to slot in strenth training.
My issue also is I can consume a large amount of liquid and not have the urge to pee.
Hi
My power was 15w lower than my goal. So I was conservative. My training was also spent a lot in higher intensity. So I think I was prepared for the spike that comes with the steep hills.
My Vastus Medialis are usually the ones to go on me too.
And, the fact that it happens to both legs, same muscle, at the exact same time…to me that only lends more proof that its a signal from the brain that is saying ‘enough’, not a shortage of anything.
Hot shots, supplements, etc. Anyone ever wonder how in the 80’s and 90’s anyone ever made it through a triathlon without horrible leg cramps while just using water and bananas or fig newtons? Anyone ever wonder why the guys who are in great shape can perform no matter what they eat or drink?
Strongest biker I train with eats rice crispy squares on the bike and drinks water…
As much as it totally sucks - the answer is likely to bike easier. If you thought you were already biking ‘easier’, and your legs still cramped, you didn’t bike easy enough. I’ve had a really hard time accepting this!!
