The C word - Cramps

Cramps. My beloved nemesis!

 

For long rides over 2 hours, cramps are very real problems.

From my intimate experience with the Cs, they strike due to 

- salt and electrolyte imbalance due to heavy perspiration 

- anaerobic state for too long

- tight muscles

- insufficent conditioning

Better genes help, naturally, but we can't do anything about what God endowed us with. So..

Solutions from trial and error, and these vary from person to person:

- s-caps / salt tablets 

- isotonic drink e.g. infinit (recommended by Mark Allen)

- stretch b4, during and after exercise

- monitor HR, determine and adhere to HR zones

- avoid sudden surges

- shift to easier gears

- take more frequent and longer breaks

- sports massage 

- training. motherhood reason :) 

    

Above are my thoughts in response to a recent FOTR discussion on cramp problems in cycling.