For the past several years I have suffered from excruciating hamstring cramps–the kind that make me fall down in a heap of pain and cause my hamstring to be very sore for days after. I’ve tried extra stretching, massages, hydrating until clear urine is coming out of my ears, potassium rich foods and supplements… I am doing my third IM in a week and a half and right now my hamstrings are a mess–sore, tight, cramping too often. I’m desperate. Is there anything I haven’t tried?
Are you cramping up on the bike, on the run after the bike, or during standalone runs? Swimming? All of the above?
Does it happen every workout? Only after high intensity stuff? Long runs/rides? Short runs/rides?
Yes to all! It happened swimming a few weeks ago (it’s pretty scary when one of your legs quits working during an open water swim). It’s happened after runs and bikes (not during, so far). It’s even happened just sitting in a chair or laying in bed. It’s like the proverbial burglar who comes in the night–I never know when it will hit and I can’t figure out a link between the various episodes.
I was kind of hoping you would say it was just on the bike, or when running after the bike. Then, I could have started to ask more questions to potentially offer bike fit suggestions. But, this is obviously something bigger than that. About all I can do is bump this thread up for you, hoping somebody else could have something to offer.
Sorry, and good luck!
Have you tried eating more steak? Even if it doesn’t work for the hamstring issue, steak is delicious.
Any chance you super type A? I bet if you think about it, you were somehow tense, anxious or stressed in most of those cases.
+1. Not for the hamstrings, but steak is really delicious. 
Probably obvious, but have you been to a physiotherapist, and/or tried regular massage therapy visits to get things loosened up? ‘Regular’ as in at least a couple times a week for a while. I know you mentioned ‘massages’, but wasn’t sure how much, or if you were just doing it yourself with a roller, etc. A good massage therapist is gonna hurt you…in a good way…
Also get the physio to teach you how to use a foam roller on your glutes and hamstrings. Aside from that, make sure you aren’t pushing harder than you are in shape for in your workouts.
The calf cramp has been my limiting factor on going faster in races. My cramps are more fitness related.
I had horrible cramps coming out of the water on my last tri, calf and hamstring. I realized on my swims that my right hamstring and left calf are always contracted.
Which reminds me I got some great filets this week…medium rare…charcoal grill. Vodka tonics and finished with some IPA. Great night…great night…
Swim cramps - you are kicking too much.
Bike cramps - your seat’s too high.
Run cramps - your shoes are too heavy.
On a serious note though, it could be many many things….overtraining, under training, form issues, etc. I hope you figure it out one day.